[x-bird2]

i have a 20 + year old box of the fender wiring retainer straps. aftermarket, but i used them in mine-- (mine were MIA) if someone would please put up a pic of an original, i'd like to compare it to what I have--that way i have an excuse for a drive--running out of fair weather days. )) I also have a lot of original used ones, but they're flat, much wider and the posts for the holes are spaced closer--i think those are A-body application.

[thefirebirdm@n]

Steve, just wanted to verify, what was the final procedure to install the fenders. I know the core support was in place already. Did you install the inner fender whells first and then the fenders or the fenders first and then the inner fender whells last. Sounds like the latter but I'd think that would be a nightmare to do without scratching everything.

I was thinking that most people bolted the inner fenders to the fenders first and then installed them as a set.

[njsteve]

The inner fenders were bolted to the fenders. The whole assembly was then bolted onto the car. Remember to remove the tire and wheel so the fender assembly will slide right into place without having to jockey it up and over the wheel. Also, tape all painted edges of fenders and doors so they don't get ruined during installation and door gap adjustment.

[thefirebirdm@n]

Steve, thanks for the clarification and the reminder on the tires. From your last posts it sounded like you installed fenders first and then inners and I was thinking, "whoo that had to be a pain in the a$$!!".

IIRC the shims are required on the lower rear portion and at the top where the fender bolts to the cowel correct?

[njsteve]

As for shims, it really depends on your car. The driver's side needed several on the bottom but the passenger side didn't need any at the bottom. Both sides had thin shims at top and near hinge area against firewall. There was a thicker stack inside the door jam on both sides, to space the fenders out to align correctly with the door.

[thefirebirdm@n]

Steve, interesting info. Having a hard time visualizing the mounting points in the door jambs. Have to look the over again. What did you use as a starting point? One shim in each location or no shims at all?

[njsteve]

The body man did the initial shimming and fitting and then painted the fenders off the car. The door jam bolt goes in by the lower edge of the windshield, above the upper door hinge. When you open the door you'll see it. A lot of people leave that bolt out...and then wonder why they can't get the fender to line up properly.