New Fenders

[Viv James TraX Interconnect (Pty.) Ltd]

In my experience, panel beating original fenders (mudguards) is preferable to fitting "new" ones. Rears often differ, one from the other, especially the fit to the body tub and the shape at the rear of the running boards. It is also almost impossible to get two that match from behind - flare, width, shape etc. This means you need to find a matching pair rather than just changing one. Fronts fenders have their own set of problems like shape of the front points, fitting to the existing support struts and the overall shape which can completely change the car's character. The gap below the bonnet (hood) is also a trouble spot. I used 2 brand new Moss UK running boards on my black TC. They were about 1 inch too wide at the front so they also needed cutting resahaping and plenty of panel beating before they fitter and they still don't look too good! I did see new rears in both steel and aluminium at Silverstone last week. I think they were on King's?? stand. They looked quite nice and I seem to remember that they wanted 500 pounds for the pair which I thought was rather pricey!! The only fronts in the market there were used and really grotty. My advice is to find a panel beater from the old school with a good eye who can shrink metal properly and you may get a better result. Rgds Viv