ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Processes, Products & Techniques => Topic started by: kcodecoupe on April 24, 2013, 07:27:34 AM

Title: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: kcodecoupe on April 24, 2013, 07:27:34 AM
is there a hand tool die/cutter instead of drilling or cutting with a saw to correctly cut out the holes for mustang upper fender bolts and retainer clips in nos fender aprons ,did ford dealer body shops use one, does any one make one.thanks
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: CharlesTurner on April 24, 2013, 08:15:38 AM
Those were part of the forming process for each particular piece as it was made.  Unfortunately, service parts aren't always exact copies of originals.  You'll probably need to copy an original pattern and use a small metal saw to make the holes.  Any die/cutter is going to be expensive for what you need it for.  Consider that it's an area that is covered up once the fenders are installed and most times also covered from the bottom when sound deadener applied. 
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: Turnbacktheclock on April 24, 2013, 09:00:57 PM
You might try a Dremel with a small cut off disc. If you don't already have a Dremel you might find a lot of additional uses for it to warrant purchasing one. I have found mine to be very handy.
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: midlife on April 24, 2013, 09:48:50 PM
Quote from: kcodecoupe on April 24, 2013, 07:27:34 AM
is there a hand tool die/cutter instead of drilling or cutting with a saw to correctly cut out the holes for mustang upper fender bolts and retainer clips in nos fender aprons ,did ford dealer body shops use one, does any one make one.thanks

I'm somewhat puzzled by your question, as I would presume every NOS fender apron would come with these holes already cut out.  Is that an incorrect assumption?
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: specialed on April 24, 2013, 10:54:20 PM
no the service replacement ford aprons werenot cut out for bolt clips.
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: jwc66k on April 25, 2013, 12:55:48 AM
Look for a Greenlee square punch. I found a 5/8inch and a 1/2 inch square on e-bay, under $30. It may take more than one pass to make a rectangular hole but you can make it work.
Jim
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: outlawincorporated on April 25, 2013, 04:04:34 AM
Quote from: specialed on April 24, 2013, 10:54:20 PM
no the service replacement ford aprons werenot cut out for bolt clips.

+1 image attached

regards.

PHILL BERESFORD.
MELBOURNE.
AUSTRALIA.
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: midlife on April 25, 2013, 09:02:38 PM
Wow.

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks was wrong...
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: CharlesTurner on April 26, 2013, 12:08:10 AM
Quote from: midlife on April 25, 2013, 09:02:38 PM
Wow.

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks was wrong...

Hmm, either that or the old dog is losing his memory!
Title: Re: FENDER APRON UPPER HOLE CUT OUT DIE/CUTTER
Post by: outlawincorporated on April 26, 2013, 02:59:05 AM
just another one of the many differences between assembly line parts and NOS service parts. the NOS battery apron from the image provide was dated 1975 on the part and the ford shipping label.....

and just for the record the NOS non battery side inner fender aprons I have in stock are also missing the cut-outs as well.

regards.

PHILL BERESFORD.
MELBOURNE.
AUSTRALIA.