I am building up an old 1946 Chevy School bus, and want to go to 1/2 ton fenders. I am going to a bit wider front axle, so I may need to widen fenders, but I really like the 1/2 fenders rather than the larger big truck fenders. The fenders in this picture look to fit tighter; can anyone give me some guidance on this style fender and widening it?
If I was widening stock fenders, I try to find the flattest part of the fender and split it at that point lengthwise. Then make up a filler piece of metal the width I wanted to widen it, and tack it in. You'll have to be careful welding the pieces together to widen the fender, so you don't end up with the two sides out of alignment. If you can build a wooden jig to hold the fender in stock position, but also able to spread apart 2"-3" for widening, it will help keep everything in position. Something simple that allows you to use C clamps to clamp the edges of the fender while cutting, and spreading, wouldn't be too hard to build from 2"x4" and some sheetrock screws.
Another idea, use your current bus fenders. Cut out the larger radius lip, and then weld in a smaller radius lip, like 1/2 ton size. That way you don't have the flat spot where fenders are widened.
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