Tech Column 1 Fender Rebuild

Front fender #1This is the worst front fender we've been given to repair yet. upon removal of the fender valances, lot of window screen was revealed holding the fender together. After a quick sandblast the fender fell apart, it has other issues as well. Absent is the section where the fender fastens to the rear leg of the Springer.

Front fender #3The valances first step in refinishing will be Self-Etch Primer, This provides adhesion for our second step, the high build Urethane Surfacer, the surfacer is used to fill scratches and waves.

Front Fender #4This fender had been hit numerous times in its life, to ensure the proper fit and alignment of the front tire, we will have the fender braces fastened with #10 screws until the final fit is aceptable. We may have the fender on and off several times, before rivitting takes place.

Front fender #5After years of fighting with twisted fender braces we made these forms. We take the bent brace, center it, then heat the bends and make it fit the die. We made a front and rear half, out of 1 inch steel. It made the job faster and the fit of the fender is good as new.

Front fender #6 Black hides nothing, Here is the finished fender, inside and out. The rivitts stand crisp and clean, not buried in surfacer body filler or paint, braces are true, valances are straight, and a small gap is present between the valance and brace.

Front Fender #7 Al Mathews told me once how much he liked the Chevron H-D stamps in the fenders, I have to agree, covering this up with a fender tip is a shame. Over the years we have made numerous tools for metal work, it helps produce consistant product, and makes efficient use of time. but with the climbing value of properly restored 30's and 40's H-D's it has been time well spent. Besides, I like what I do.