1934 Cadillac

[White Trash Renegade]

Man oh man! I just can't believe this thing! I am in total awe every time I open this thread! you make me want to go find some pile of junk in a riverbed and start welding! Lol! Honestly, I don't have the skills to ever attempt something this awesome! Amazing work Sir!

 

[zzrodder]

Ever since I first put a fender on the Caddy, something's been bugging me - the tires sit too far inside the fenders, even with the 18 x 8 wheels I'm using. When I post pics, I try to pick ones that don't show this flaw, but it just won't go away...
I hate to dive into slicing up the fenders but here goes... taped out the pie cut, 2" at the front tapering to zero at the rear. Got one cut and welded up today [, some slicing and dicing to make the lower front edge line up - still need to sand down the welds and shorten the underside braces.
Besides making the tire placement look better, I think it will trim down the fatness of the front end a bit giving it a bit more of a sleek look.
Once I get the other side done I'll get some more outside pics for comparison.

 

[darkk]

Ever since I first put a fender on the Caddy, something's been bugging me - the tires sit too far inside the fenders, even with the 18 x 8 wheels I'm using.
I hate to dive into slicing up the fenders but here goes... taped out the pie cut, 2" at the front tapering to zero at the rear.
I think it will trim down the fatness of the front end a bit giving it a bit more of a sleek look.
Once I get the other side done I'll get some more outside pics for comparison.

If you felt that bad about the tires being too far in, Why didn't you just machine up a set of spacers? A lot easier and better looking than narrowing those big beautiful fat fenders....in my opinion. Looks great anyways.

 

[ronnysplymouth]

I think it'll lend itself to a bit more streamlined look........as usual great job

 

[DJ3100]

Now that takes real courage! I don't think I could have cut up unreplaceable fenders at this stage of the build.

Nice job as always!

 

[zzrodder]

If you felt that bad about the tires being too far in, Why didn't you just machine up a set of spacers? A lot easier and better looking than narrowing those big beautiful fat fenders....in my opinion. Looks great anyways.

I'd never use spacers on the front, besides, with the 2" I need, that would put too much stress on the wheel bearings and ball joints. Another drawback to spacers is that the wheels would turn in a wider arc, causing interference with the frame and fenders....

Now that takes real courage! I don't think I could have cut up unreplaceable fenders at this stage of the build.

Nice job as always!

I was thinking the same thing, [S but then I thought, hey, I already cut the whole body into little pieces so what's the harm in a couple more cuts?? Once it's done, only those who see it here would even know the alteration that was made anyway.....
One fender done, the other started..

 

[GJunktionMike]

I would of never tried that, But it look sharp[dr

 

[rex1927]

I had never noticed the wheel to fender issue,but I understand now.
I can`t get over what a master metal worker you are.[
It`s incredible!

 

[zzrodder]

I had never noticed the wheel to fender issue,but I understand now.
I can`t get over what a master metal worker you are.[
It`s incredible!

Yeah, if you take a good look at it, you'll see what I mean - too much space between the tires and fenders. I based my measurements for the front suspension on the track of the original front end - those tall skinny original tires don't look so out of place like that. Hindsight is a wonderful thing - I could have used a 70's Camaro clip, they are a little wider.....oh well...

 

[sam the barber]

Nice, what's next

 

[Dirtyrat]

I think you made the right call, looks much better with the fenders narrowed.

 

[zzrodder]

Finished the pie cuts on the fenders and after putting it on the ground, a little time with the tape measure told me something was wrong with the left fender. It had been hit hard long ago and when it was repaired, someone had done some heat shrinking to take out the wrinkle in the middle of the wheel opening but it caused a kink there and the front of the fender to droop - the wheel opening was 1 1/2" shorter than the other side. After tracing the right side opening on cardboard and holding it to the left fender, I could see what was needed. (see chaulk marks) Made a relief cut and stretched it open about 5/8". After tacking in the patch, lots of hammer and dolly work to bring up the dip. Now the opening is a perfect match to the other side.

 

[racer93]

thumbs up!

[cl Damn, you just jump in and cut metal like,....well like the rest of us cut the cheese!

Your work is awsome and this by far is my favorite post to stalk!

 

[Sam_Fear]

Wow! A lot of people would have just decided to ignore the wheel thing.

 

[Old Iron]

Thanks for this post

Wow! A lot of people would have just decided to ignore the wheel thing.

I'd of been one of those people except now, I know how to fix it

Jim

 

[White Trash Renegade]

Wicked cool!

 

[zzrodder]

OK, finished up the front fender mods, first two pics are before and after the pie cuts - I also reconsidered the front bumper size and cut 5 1/2" off each end so it doesn't hang out in the breeze so much. After a little spray bomb work on the weld seams, it's really not obvious any change was made except the front end now looks a little more compact maybe. Now the tires don't look so deep set into the fenders. Put the hood halves together for the first time - up 'till now they've just been clamped in place - made the missing front latch pieces, also need to come up with some sort of hood prop so it doesn't have to rest on the cowl...

 

[LUCKY DEVIL 13]

Man my jaw drops everytime I see new pics of this car!! Absolutely amazing work!! I hope to get to your level someday!!!

 

[deerchooper]

looking good.

idk how it is up north, but here in ohio we have to have a front plate as well. i tried all kinds of places to make the front plate look cool, but in my heart i didnt want to run one. i ended up putting the plate behind the grill. i have not had any problems with the cops with my choise of placement in ohio so far. i did mount it to the very bottom.

head on you can see it clear. but its blended in from the sides. just an option.

 

[darkk]

Irregardless of opinions, mine included, this is one of the nicest *real* transformations I think I've ever seen. It ain't all about the shiney...[cl