On my 84' Z28, i'm starting to concentrate on the paint and body, and there's a couple of issues with both fenders...they both flare out towards the middle (enough to slide my finger in between the door and fender).

It's not a front to back gap, but an outwards flare, identical, on both sides...were there any differences on the fenders from 82-92?

One other issue that makes me think theres a difference is that where there's usually a hole on the passenger side for the antenna mount location, there's not one...it hasn't been filled in or anything, just not there!

On a last note, how possible is it that the previous owner bought cheap fenders that didn't align correctly, and didn't have the antenna hole for the passenger side?

.....any help appreciated!!!

 

Sounds like aftermarket reproduction fenders, that might be of a low quality, causing the gaps.

As for the antenna hole, it wouldn't surprise me. Easier to drill a hole than fill one, like for the customer that wants the shaved look.

 

add some shims to the bottom mounts, drill an antenna hole.... ain't much of this sheet metal that is actually a bolt on anymore, especially the imported junk.

 

sounds like both sides got the jacking in the wrong place treatment. I have it on my right side. PO must have tried to jack it on the seam/ it bends the uniframe upwards, popping out the fender in relation to the door. Others have said it can be hammered back into place, but i would imagine the fender needs to be removed.

 

Agreed. Mine has the same issue. Previous owner did jack it up in the wrong place and could tell by the bent lower fender attachment bolt.

 

Just behind the front wheels, you'll see where the fender bolts up. The flange should be straight up and down and I bet yours is bent parallel with the ground. You cannot remove the fender with the mount bent. Bend it back down carefully and your fender gap will lessen.

 

Yup you're right about it being bent parallel.

 

Scott kudos on this old post man. On walking away from my car yesterday aft I was suddenly aghast to realize my fenders were bowed out on both sides and not flush with the doors anymore. Talk about a way to ruin the lines of the car if anyone looks at it for more than 5 seconds! Put the car up on speed ramps and sure enough mashed pinch welds just in from the rocker panels on both sides - improper jacking points courtesy a stay with a ‘pro’ earlier this summer. Only this parallel/ up-down flange post clued me in on how to fix it. 25 minutes of convincing on both sides with a ball-peen hammer and big flat-head screw driver and the problem is 95% gone. Thanks man!

 

My 1985 Camaro seems to have the same type of gaps. I've only had the car a couple of months. I really didn't notice because the gap is exactly the same on both sides. I attached some pics to show the gap I am talking about. I am getting the feeling there was some body work done at some point. Does this look like it was a botched job?

 

Try look under the fender where the bottom bolt bolts to the car.

I'm willing to bet it's folded voer, as someone probably but the car on a hoist there or jackstands.... if that happens, the fenders get pushed out.

Straightening that out can help push the fender back in place

 

That's great info. I'll check it. Thanks!

 

Tire shop damaged my car and won't own up! - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards


this thread has good pics / info