VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 headlight bar installation

Ok-Things are not lining up- I have about an inch to go for the holes to line up on one side. Should I loosen (not remove) the two fender mounting brackets at the chassis? Maybe this will cause the headlight bar holes to align properly-then tighten the fender bracket bolts to the chassis. I do not think loosening the fender bolts to the chassis as the space between the fender brackets is the problem and the fenders are tight to the brackets. Any help would be appreciated. Also, the headlight bar has twos slots- I am assuming they face forward for license tag bolts?

jmm: I measured my 31 headlight bar, the bar measured 37" on ctr. between the 2 bolts on each fender. I think I have an extra one if you need it. Good luck
Dulty

If I remember correctly you are referring to a 1931 1/2 ton Canopy Express. The trucks used modified '29-'30 front fenders and also a headlight bar with three bolts on each end. If any of the fenders, headlight bar were changed or had extensive body work they likely will not fit.

The best process is to loosely fit the bolts into the fender braces and through the frame rail holes. A couple of turns on the nut will keep the bolt in a hole. If a large adjustment is needed washers may need to be left off for initial fitting. Next put one fender in position resting on the brace and two or three screws into the running board on the back and or a couple of screws into the splash apron. Position the other fender in a similar manner. Loosely install the two screws into the outer end of the brace for each fender. If the fender fits the brace and the three headlight bolt holes in the fender and brace line up you are in tall cotton. If not try to position with a drift, Phillips screwdriver or ??? If you can get the holes to line up then put all three bolts into one end of the headlight bar and put it into position on the fender and bolts into the holes. Do the same on the other fender. If you have problems getting the holes to line up try to put the drift from the bottom toward the top of brace, fender and bar. Move stuff until all the bolts will fit into the proper holes. Once all bolts and screws are in their proper holes start to tighten them up. If they are all straight in the holes tighten them up. If not all straight it is best done in a pattern slowly tightening each bolt/screw a little at a time until tight.

If the holes are too far off something will need to be adjusted (bent). Hopefully not the newly painted fender!

Thank you for your generous offer-that is what makes this a great forum. As chipper state though mine is a three bolt system. I will pass your kindness forward.

Loosened every thing up and at least have the headlight bar bolts installed. The fenders were in alignment withe fender brackets. The light bar came off the car. Never realized it was such a tight fit. Thank you for your detailed description it has proven invaluable.
Thanks

"Loosen everything" is the Number ONE best tip.

The SECOND best tip is "Long bolts are your friend".

Temporarily, replace all of your 1/2", 3/4" or 1" bolts with ones that are 2 or 3 inches long!!!!! Then fill all holes and begin your "love dance" of trying to get it all to mate. Ultimately you'll get it to work. Then you can go back and replace all bolts with the proper size. Don't be in a hurry to replace them.

Don't be afraid to continue to exercise Tip Number One. All the way to the rear fenders if you have too!!!

Good luck.

--Bill B

I agree with CHIP and Bill, loose fit all bolts from stem to stern and port to starboard. My '31 Coach had the additional challenge of having an additional fender brace (only on Canadian models for those winter fender benders?), and as a sidemount model, a 3rd front fender brace securing the fender well with 3 additional 5/16" carriage bolts. So all told about 26 bolts for each front fender&brackets, including the fender to running board/apron 1/4x20's. Patience is a virtue.