I was told that the 71 fenders have these little bumps along the insides edges along the hood lines. Is that correct for all 71 fenders? I have a 33,000 mile 442 that has smooth edges along both fenders. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

The early 71 models did not have the bumps. It was a safety feature added near or at the start of the 1971 calendar year, probably as the flat fenders were used up. I have a 71 442 built the first of September 1970 and a 71 SX built the first week of December of 70, and both do not have the bumps. When was your 442 built, prior to January of 71?

 

Thanks Brian,
Yes, my build date was Dec 4th week.

 

Just a further note on Brian's post. There was typically a transition time during model year changes. Remember that existing inventories of compatible parts would be carried forward from one model year to the next till the supply was used up, and a LOT of these fenders were overproduced to send to dealers as service replacement parts for body shops. Fenders are multi piece units weld stitched together, so only the horizontal component of them had to be changed for 71/72 production stamping presses. The crumple ridge on most 71 and all 72 fenders was a safety feature that prevented the fender from being forced straight back through the A pillar in the event of a frontal collision.

IF you have 70 style fenders in great shape, they are worth serious coin to a 1970 restorer. Last year one of the guys here did the unthinkable - took existing VG condition fenders and had the flat ridges modified to crumple ridge look. It cost almost as much to modify as the repop fenders (Goodmark etc) cost new.

This is the type of fender you are saying you have? The one in the picture is also on a 71 early production 442.

 

Hi guys, not trying to hijack the thread but I know this topic has come up before. just to add to the information shared I have a 1971 Cutlass wagon with a build date the first week of January that has the 1970 style fenders on it. Here's the trim tag on that car. It might be interesting to create a new thread asking how late of a build date these fenders have been found on. John

P2220292.jpg

 

Cool information John. You wanna start it or should I? Just curious about something - do you know if that car was ever in a wreck and maybe the body shop had a supply of parts? Curiosity on my part more than anything. HEY!! I might be down your way in August this year. I'll get back to you and let you know if it's gonna happen. Seems about 80% at this time though!!

 

Allan, I'll send you a PM

John

 

Allan and John if you start a new thread on this topic it would be even more interesting if it was done by production plant. I think that would include Freemont, Arlington, Lansing and Framingham, Z,R,M and G. I think that's it. Good idea, interesting info for all the data buffs.

 

My 71 W30 convert, built May 11-71 had a smooth fender on pass side and a ridge fender on drivers side, both original when I bought it in 1988. I have seen April built 71's with smooth fenders.
Paul

 

Just out of curiosity, how do you know they were both original? Do you have first-hand knowledge of the car prior to 1988? A lot can happen in 17 years.

 

Bought from first owner.have full history.car had one repaint.all emblems were masked.evidence of original stripe color under W30 emblems.
Paul