Running without inner fenders

[lurk]

Im just tryin to get the pro/cons of no inner fenders. I dont drive my truck unless its nice out so rain is not a problem. I remember a few weeks ago on horsepower TV that Roy
Hills conclusion on the nova was making some homemade ones so the front end didnt want to lift so much. This makes sense and I would assume it would also apply to us but maybe im missing something. Has anyone fab'd a set?

 

[MRKING]

Re: Running without inner fenders

It makes for easy access when working on stuff but the engine bay gets mighty dirty real quick . Not a plus IMO .

 

[Ty0279]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I got mine out. No driving in the rain here either, so the only problem is a little bit of road dust here and there. It makes it eleventy billion times easier to change plugs/wires with them removed.

 

[lurk]

Re: Running without inner fenders

yeah plug access was my main reason. I was just thinking of some plain jane ones I could take on/off easily and maybe prevent crap from going anywhere(not that ive honestly noticed a difference since I took'em out)

 

[havin-fun]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I don't know why you couldn't section them and re-install them with 1/4 turn fastners

 

[skata]

Re: Running without inner fenders

just grease or anti-seize the bolts and dont put them in too tight.
then it only takes a few minutes to remove each one the next time.

 

[SeattleSy#1255]

Re: Running without inner fenders

no need to take them out, rip off that old inner fender flapper crap that is no good anyway. leave the inner fender wells in and just jack the truck up a bit on each side when doing plugs. it'll lift the body enough you can get in there no prob.

 

[crashing_sux]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I'll have to try that. I was planning on installing some sort of trap door that I could easily remove without having to pull the whole fender but jacking it up is easier if it gives me enough access.

 

[Stangbeater]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I have had mine out since 98 and will never put them back. No inner fender wells means more air flow.

 

[VermontTy]

Re: Running without inner fenders

Another option I've thought about is to hack out a lot of the fender right above the frame and shock mounts, then find a sheet of that rubber that is plastic riveted to the inner from the factory, and go Martha Stweart style to make a kind of curtain out of it, attached on the bottom with some 90deg. fasterners or something. Very similar to how it was from the factory, but cut out another 6-8" of fender and use the rubber to half keep the dust, etc from getting in. A couple quick release fasterners on the bottom and you could swing the flap up to expose much more of the engine and give better access to plugs and wires.

 

[DOMN8R]

Re: Running without inner fenders

vermontty thats a good idea... I was thinking about making custom fenderwells from nylon or even lexan, something that would remove very easily and weighs less... call me crazy but the idea of steel fenderwells seems really silly to me, since they're just for keeping dirt out you just need something that keeps its shape and steel is overkill.

I've had mine out for a while, but I only drive when its nice out, no salt on the roads, and I wash my engine bay often these days... its not that bad.

 

[Ian Turgeon]

Re: Running without inner fenders

You guys know you dont even have to remove the wheel to get the fender well out? I can even do with with my JS arms that dont drop as far as the stockers. Just jack that corner up so the wheel is as far down as it goes... wheel well will squeeze right around it. ( just gotta be cautious with the cladding)
Dont bother installing those bars that go across the front 3 bolts... hell I dont even put those bolts in.


Easy enough, and works well. I would avoid removing fenderwells if do do anything like wrap the DP, dont want too much stuff getting caught up in there.

 

[VermontTy]

Re: Running without inner fenders

You guys know you dont even have to remove the wheel to get the fender well out?

I found out last night that you can remove damn near anything without removing the wheels.

 

[odium]

Re: Running without inner fenders

^---- What SeattleSy and SyTyArchives said. ----^

Your engine gets real dirty real quick with the fenders out.

 

[lurk]

Re: Running without inner fenders

my truck has been on a diet for about a month now and I guess my goal is increased airflow for underhood temps and plug access minus the weight of steel fenders. I also have access to a machine/sheet metal shop so I was thinking of making some makeshift aluminum inner fenders. Ya know start with a piece of cardboard and start from there. It would be nice to fill in alot of the void but leaving open areas for air and plugs. Just wondering if anyone has fabbed up a set so I can see what happened...or didnt

 

[VermontTy]

Re: Running without inner fenders

Its been done before, and will probably be done again....

-- CLICK --

 

[odium]

Re: Running without inner fenders

ooh, man.. Thanks for that link!

 

[Black Knight]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I have heard that if you run without the inner fenders it creates more of a drag on the vehical, air wise.
Does anyone know if this is true or not? Also if it does, does the weight reduction from not having them counter act the drag in the 1/4 mile?

 

[sy#2716]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I have been running without them for over a year(I do not drive it in the rain though) well that was before i blew the motor.

 

[Black Knight]

Re: Running without inner fenders

I never drive in the rain either, just trying to get an idea if i'm hindering or helping the trucks performance.