1973-86 Stepside Fenders

[markeb01]

I’m back to thinking about 1973-86 stepside rear fenders again. I’ve been put off on this swap in the past because I don’t like how stubby the truck looks with the 73 & up rear bumper. In looking at this again, I’m wondering if I could get away with the stock 60-66 rear bumper because the gravel pans and Cadillac tail lights on my real truck might help take up the visual gap behind the fenders. Or perhaps a stock 1960-66 front bumper would look better on the back.

Also, has anyone ever added these fenders to the stock 1960-66 bed? I’m wondering how much difficulty there might be dealing with the shorter front stake pockets and later style steps and support brackets.

Here’s a few shots of my 1/25th scale test mule.

Stock 1956-1966 bed:



1973-86 bed/fenders:



This is why I think these fenders should have been released on the 1960 models. The corners of the rear fenders almost matched the indentation in the side of the truck, and combined, they are the width of a 60-66 cab:



The same picture without the markings:



I’d almost certainly have to step up to 10” wide rims with 50 series tires to fill up the larger rear wheel wells.

All opinions welcome!

[jonzcustomshop]

I know this is more work: (maybe a photo shop is in order)
73-87 fenders, but shortened to allow for the 60-66 bed step, then...either 55-66 stepside wheel openings, or 60-66 front, or fleet rear wheel openings.....

imo the 73-87 are too long, and the wheel opening to me says 70's, not stylized 60's, I do agree that the upper shape does go with the truck lines...

that 73-87 bed step I think was pushed out to go around the fuel tank? , they are not very practical- less room for the foot, and slick....

[markeb01]

All good points. One thing that bothers me about the 73 fenders is they look like they are installed backwards, or on the wrong sides with the small part in back instead of in front like on the earlier fenders.

[jonzcustomshop]

yep, looking at your picture again, the 73-87 are more centered on the bed, maybe just pushing them back so the 66 bedstep fits, and then re-shaping the wheel opening...

dino used a fleet opening on his, which without the chrome was a little low, , but I really wonder what reshaped fronts would look like. like on this sub:

[markeb01]

I like that idea!

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I like that idea!

just tryin to create more work for ya!-its always a little easier to brainstorm than it is to cut stuff up.

I have always wondered if there were any rejected artist concepts of 1960 step side fenders, or if gm just thought the 55-59 were good (close) enough, and never considered it?

[Captainfab]

I know it is a lot of work but I think a fleetside wheel opening and skin combined with either stepside fender would look best. The fenders on Dino's dually do look good, but there is something about them that looks unfinished.

[markeb01]

I guess I know what I'll be doing for a while. I do have front fenders and short fleetside beds to chop up for fender lips (at least in 1/25th scale). And I must admit I never really liked the shape of the 73 fender openings even when new. Too big an opening that didn't really match anything. I just liked the width and corners that complimented the cab styling.

From articles I've read, GM never intended to consider new stepside fenders for the 1960 model. All of the styling budget was spent on the new fleetside design. They also had a budget of zero for the 1967 rear fenders, but a stylist was so appalled at the idea of running yet another series with the old fenders, he designed the 67 fenders on his own. According to the article, someone from management stumbled on the design and ordered them into production.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

A friend of mine has a 63 stepside with 73-86 stepside fenders. Wish I had better pictures of it. Will get more pictures when he brings it out in the spring. I actually like the look of the 73-86 fenders.

[markeb01]

Okay, here's a rather pitiful quality photo chop of my real truck and a 73-86 rear fender with the stock wheel opening I found on the internet - keeping my stock rear bumper, Caddy tail lights, and hard bed cover with rails:

[Slow Build]

Here are a few pics that Glos55 posted of his friend's truck.

[ACK]

In my humble opinion, the '73-'86 rear fenders don't compliment the hood curves of the '60-'66 trucks. The lines match up, but the shape of the top radius on the '60-'66 hood and the sharper angles on the '73-'86 fenders is visually jarring to me. In addition, the wheel openings are very unique from each other. The '60-'66 wheel openings and rear fender have a sweeping shape that evokes movement, while the '73-'86 openings and fender has a rugged symmetrical shape. Just sharing my observations, as always, I enjoy watching your build.

[markeb01]

Thanks for the input. Excellent points. You've addressed the main issues that have kept me from seriously pursuing this modification. I like the wider fenders, and I like the upper corners, but I've never been happy with the wheel well openings, nor how the front and rear of the lower edges of the fenders end. I also don't have the sheet metal fabrication skills to correct the inconsistencies. I'm also not a stylist, so I'm not even sure the two designs can be incorporated successfully.

I've always thought the 73 fenders evoked a burly, performance image. I'm also no longer sure this can be blended with the front of the truck. The bumper bullets and Buick portholes are 1950's touches. It may not be possible to mix the two periods and have it come out right.

[aotte1]

Mark,

Very interesting discussion, for me the 73-87 step side bed does have many nice features. Look forward to seeing your wheel opening mods on the newer bed, if you decide to do them on your model.

For me, the rear view of the original fenders, does not match the look of the cab and front fenders.

Les

[joedoh]

do it, your truck is amazing and this would just be another layer in the dip.

Originally Posted by markeb01

was it just me, or did anyone else skimming the post think this was a picture markeb's truck from a second story window in the artisan restaurant part of town? I have a hard enough time working on my truck let alone building a 1/25 doppelganger

[Mjminino]

it didn't fit onto the frame, the PO just cut holes where they needed to be. I ended up selling it and never really messed with it.

[jonzcustomshop]

...another idea... what about 73-87 dually fenders??
they are a little smaller , maybe a better fit?

[markeb01]

Never even thought about those. I didn't realize they are so much different. Another thing to consider. Thanks for sharing.