Fender skirts

I have now bought two pair sets of steel fender skirts, and neither set fits! One set is over an inch too long but close to the right shape. The older (cheaper and beat up) set is a good six inches too wide.

Is it boneheaded to think I should have someone modify one set to fit? I don't care how pretty they are as long as they fit. I could re-sell these on ebay and hope for the right ones, but it's getting to be ri-GD-diculous.

The close fitting set is supposed to be for a 54 Olds, but may be a different model (98 instead of my 88). The other one may be a 1953. I would hate to cut up something someone else is scouting for, but am wondering how few might be out there. The beater set is no great loss.

In order to keep the bent parts, I would think it could be cut in half and rejoined. I don't weld but I could call some body shops. I can do the grinding, etc. What might that cost, any ideas? Thanks.

 

'54 Olds 88 skirts are all by themselves, 98 are different, as are all other years and makes. You need to buy '54 Olds 88 skirts specifically for the correct fit.

Are you sure your rear quarter panels haven't been modified? It was common back in the day to fix wheelwell rust by making the quarter panel openings bigger, I've seen that in the past.

 

Thanks for the info. The wheel opening is actually too small for either set. It could be modified. I will try to get a look underneath.

I should post pics just to have them logged in case any other poor SOB wants to see them. I may just mod the $30 set manually, though I have no experience and less tools. Since the panels are way too big, I could fill the opening with a flat lower lip.