So I discovered both of the passenger side lower fender bolts were missing on my ‘70 S. Got things re-attached, now the door is hitting the fender when opened. It appears the fender is now too low, but need some guidance on how to fix it. I’m no body man!

 

You may need some shims where you replaced the missing bolts.

 

Yeah the body shop that last messed with this area had some in there but it seemed like more were needed, so I added 5 or so thin fender washers on each bolt. Would shimming that area affect fender height?

 

I just readjusted my left fender again, I suggest loosening the bolts at the bottom and moving the fender out just a hair, try that first..whatever you do, go slow, one adjustment at a time..

 

Bottom of fender is too far inboard

 

Start by getting the door correctly aligned with the quarter if it is off, then adjust the fender. Replacement oem fenders have a habit of not fitting well on the passenger side.

Pat

 

I tried that. It’s actually sitting a bit too far out at the bottom as it is. I may have to go farther though.


Will definitely check that. The fender has been replaced but it’s an original not a re-pop. Exactly what is the process to adjust the fender?

 

I would get the door where you want it, and then get the upper fender aligned to that, then the lower fender. It is the GM NOS fenders that have the issue.

Pat

 

Is there a published process for aligning the upper fender? Or is it just loosen the bolts and push/pry?

 

There could be in the service manual? I would

1- get the door where it needs to be
2-set the height of the fender at the top aligned to the door
3-set the distance out at the top of the fender
4-adjust the bottom of the fender out/in down/up with shims

It is tough to get a good tight gap at the top of the fender without them hitting when you open the door. At least you paint already needs to be touched up

Pat
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...d-back-169126/

 

Is there a vertical adjustment at the top? Your step 2 makes it sound like there is. And yeah it’s all chipped now! I think it’s always been really close at that spot, there’s been a chip there for decades

 

Yes shims under the brace on top of the cowl.

Pat

 

Don't be surprised if the rear edge of the passenger fender sits higher than the driver's side.

 

Adding shims under the bottom attaching point of the fender tends to pull the fender down and in.

 

Loosen all bolts and add shims on the firewall there should be a quarter inch gap or over between the door and fender oem specs.then check carefully for clearance. It takes time and have extra shims handy. Use 2 paint sticks for rocker gap clearance oem average custom gaps take welding and refinishing

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! Got it adjusted so the door now clears