VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Fleetline stainless fender trim

I'm in the continuing process of trying to get my 48 Fleetline 2 door aerosedan back to original condition and appearance. I have just acquired a set of 18 pieces of stainless trim pieces for the fenders. My problem is that I don't know the exact locations for them. Apparently, the previous owner installed fenders from a non-Fleetline and/or used patch panels on some of the fenders. In any case, there is no trace of holes in the fenders for the trim clips to be inserted into. I need some help to determine where the holes should be. Measurements between the trim pieces (vertically, center to center) and a measurement from the bottom edge of the fenders or from the rocker panel trim would set me up for installation. I've looked in the Shop Manual and the Body Manual to no avail. I've got some good photos of Fleetlines with the trim, but really need the measurements so I can get it right. Can anyone with a Fleetline and a ruler help me out? Thanks

It's hard to imagine that all 4 fenders and both fender extensions have been replaced with parts from a non Fleetline car. Have you looked for evidence that the holes have been filled?
Mike

Mike, I have looked for filled holes and I think I have found some areas where that was done, but can't really get good exact measurements from those areas. That's what happens when you buy someone elses mess and try to fix it, if you know what I mean. Thanks for your suggestion though.

Ken,
I will attempt to get those measurements for you. I'm trying to figure the best method for doing it. I'll get back to ya.

WW

Ken,
I will attempt to get those measurements for you. I'm trying to figure the best method for doing it. I'll get back to ya.

WW

WW,
Thanks for the help Walt. I appreciate it. My car has been somewhat butchered by the previous owner and I'm trying to get it back into original shape. Getting those Fleetline trim pieces back on (in the right places) is really going to help. I'll be watching for the measurements.

Good Morning Ken; Ken I have all my trim off my '46 and getting read to dip my fenders and extensions. Give me a few days and I'll email you pics and measurements. Should have it for you Wednesday evening. Have a great day. Cheers!!

Hey 46Aero,
Thanks a lot for that offer of pics and measurements. They should be extremely helpful. I'll be waiting and watching for them......But don't rush........I can wait. Thanks again.

Hey 46Aero and Walt,
I've been scaling measurements fom some photos of Fleetlines and I've come up with the following measurements for the fender trim:

3" on center from top piece to middle piece; 3" on center from middle piece to bottom piece; this leaves 2" of paint showing between top and middle pieces and between middle and bottom pieces; also 2" of paint showing between bottom piece and top of rocker molding. Can either of you guys confirm these measurements? Wow, kinda hard describing this in words.....a picture is worth.......oh well.

Thanks,
Ken

Good Evening Ken; Sorry, I havn't been able to get those measurements for you. Have been really busy on a couple jobs I had to get done before tomorrow. I'm sure I should be able to get them for you tomorrow along with some pics. I will get back to you after supper tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. Have a good night.Cheers!!!

John

Thanks for the reply John. No problem with the delay. I understand priorities. I will really appreciate the measurements and pics when you get to them. I've been cleaning and buffing the trim pieces and hope to get my 48 aerosedan out of storage within the next week or so if the weather cooperates. I was cleaning up the yard the other day and actually thought about taking the tire chains and snowplow off the tractor..........but April can still be pretty cruel in this part of the country. Thanks again, Ken.

Hi Ken; I've really got to learn to take off outta here first thing in the morning and go over to our shop. Had family stop by and wouldn't leave. Never did get to the shop. I'll be out there tomorrow after work and I WILL get the info and pics for ya. Going to shut the mike and phone off. It's been real nice hear the last 4 or 5 days. Weather is moving in tonite however. I've seen us get some good amounts of snow the first couple weeks of april. The good thing is, it won't last long now. This is supposed to be the sunparlour of Canada. Tell mother nature that though. Talk to you tomorrow. have a great nite. Cheers!!!!! John

Hi John,
No problem, we all know what it's like with visitors and that's ok. I think the same weather system is going to visit Vermont tonight and tomorrow. Mother Nature can be a mean old lady this time of year!!! I'll be waiting for your info when you get a chance. Thanks. I'm still waiting for a catalog from Restoration Specialties so I can choose the clips I need for the Fleetline fender trim anyway and I need to spend a little more time at the buffing wheel with the trim itself. Talk to you soon. Ken

Hey Ken; I have sent you pics and measurements. Hope this helps you out Bud. Do you need some pics of the oem clips. Personally I think they're a pita. Crap, I never thought. Do you need the hole dia. for the trim? I think I'm going to see how the new style xmas tree clips work. JMO of course. Cheers!!

All the best! John

Hey John,
Got your e-mail and photos. Great photos and the measurements are going to work out ok. Guess I wasn't too far off with measurements I took using pictures and a scale, but your measurements will get me in the right place. Yeah, there's going to be a lot of trial and error with taped on trim before I drill that first hole!! I have a few of the oem clips...you're right.....they look like a real pita. I'm waiting for a catalog from Restoration Specialties to choose some new clips. I'm told they have actual size photos or drawings of clips in the catalog so you can measure and match the clip to the trim. Anyway, a ton of gratitude to you for the help you've given me here. I really appreciate it. Yesterday's snow is melting......might get into the mid forties tomorrow. Yippee!!
Thanks, Ken

You'e welcome Ken. I was looking at a couple of pics of my car tonite and I noticed that the trim on the front left fender looks a little off. I know this is not the original fender. Don't take the measurements on that fender as gospel. I'm sure you will make out just find. Gotta love those fat fendered fleetlines eh!! Had a dusting of snow this morning. I hope its the last of it. Supposed to be 65 here tomorrow. Ya HOOOOOO!!! Cheers!!!
John