Aftermarket fenders... any good?

[Jeff B]

I've got my 74 in the shop and I'm down to the last 2 weeks to get it ready for paint. Most all the body work is done. We salvaged the passenger side fender but not the driver's side (it's shot!).

Are the aftermarket fenders worth buying? How would it look with one factory and one aftermarket? I could really use some quick feedback as I have to either find a really nice left side stock fender or order the aftermarkets.

TIA!!!

 

[rcmbronc]

The newer aftermarket fender that JBG sells is a nice piece. YOu will not notice the difference from the original.

 

[Brian B]

I bought the OEM fenders from Tom's and was very pleased. I have a buddy that bought some aftermarket for a Ford truck he was restoring and was very disappointed.

 

[byson1]

I wish I could tell you where the fender came from on the Bronco I just bought because it fits like crap. The PO did not remember. All I can say is that there must be some good and not so good one's out their. I've heard that most come from the same supplier but I have not seen anything specific as to who sells what and where it actaully comes from. I've heard that Dennis Carpenter has good stuff but when I went to their website they listed the EB fenders I saw as imports. That may or may not ne a bad thing but it would concern me if I were to buy them without some additon information. I'm looking for a PS fender myself but it's going to be a little while before I get to the body work so I'm keeping my eyes open for a decent OE one. Good luck.

 

[jdrambo]

i heard Dennis carpenter uses an actual ford stamp not sure if that is true or not but probably worth a call.

http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.a...nter.com&TITLE=Dennis_Carpenter_Ford_Products

or

http://www.dennis-carpenter.com/

 

[cakedude]

FYI,
You will probably have to cut out the hole for the side marker light. Not sure where the PO got the replacement part but there was no hole for the light.

Good Luck!

 

[Broncstang]

I boughta set of new JBG fenders and they fit great for me, My stockers were cut up so I didn't really have much to compare them to.

 

[wildbill]

The inports suck they seem to rust a lot faster and not of good steel. The one that was put on my F250 by PO cracked after a couple years. Had rusted holes it 4 years. Go with made in the USA.good luck. the jap crap sucks my 2 cents worth. Bill %) ;D

 

[Jeff B]

Okay guys, here's the deal after doing a lot of research. Of course OEM fenders are going to be best (if you can find them in good shape). DC claimed in the past they used Ford stamps and had "better than factory" fenders. I know this because I called in the past and that is exactly what I was told. This is not true and now DC will only state they are aftermarket fenders.

Now, there are two versions of aftermarket fenders. The original design is crap and there are plenty still out there. Give DC credit for getting on the overseas (Taiwan) company that made the first copies and helping them make the newer better fenders. The second generation fenders are supposed to be thicker, and line up perfect. It's also said the mounting holes are oval instead of round for better travel for lining everthing up just right.

I was assured by Melissa at Bronco Hut they were just as good as the original Fords so I ordered a pair from her yesterday. She's a good gal and hasn't let me down yet.

The bad part of either fenders is they don't come with any cutouts for the side marker light or trim clip holes. They only come with the holes for the Bronco script trim piece.

I'll post some different pics up once they arrive and show them hanging on the EB in the shop as soon as I can.

Anyone want to buy and excellent passenger side fender??? ;D

 

[byson1]

Thanks for the information. So, based on your research all aftermarket EB fenders now being sold by the vendors advertised on this site are now made overseas? That's fine (I guess) as long as the fitment is good. The reason why you said some do/don't fit properly makes sense. I just hope if I have to order another one (vs finding an OE) it's not one of the "early" versions. Update us on yours when you get them. Thanks again.