TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jul 14, 2002 6:49 pm

I was wondering, since it's been really hard for me to find a Drivers side fender for my '59 bug, I was wanting to see if anyone knew how well the aftermarket ones matched the original? I'm getting it painted soon, and I need a fender. Anyone had experience(good/bad) with aftermarket matchings, with the originals. Thanks.

Sun Jul 14, 2002 6:49 pm

AFTER MARKET! MY BAD

Sun Jul 14, 2002 7:08 pm

Good timing. Grab the newest issue of hotvw's and they've got a whole article on this.

Sun Jul 14, 2002 8:30 pm

everyone says that original is better but im telling you that no one will know the difference

Sun Jul 14, 2002 8:42 pm

buy an after market no one will know

Sun Jul 14, 2002 9:37 pm

NO ONE WILL KNOW?(JAKUB). FIND A ORIGINAL FENDER. THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE. THEY DON'T LINE UP RIGHT WITH THE FRONT APRON,THE HORN GRILLE HOLE IS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE,YOUR CAR WILL LOOK LOWER ON ONE SIDE THAN THE OTHER,AND SO ON...STICK WITH ORIGINAL,DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENT. SCUDCRUISER WAS RIGHT SEE THE LASTEST HOT VWS, THEY DO A TECH ARTICAL ON AFTER AMRKET FENDERS..

Sun Jul 14, 2002 9:41 pm

If you have ever tried to replace a fender with a cheap aftermarket fender you KNOW the difference- sheet metal quality is all over the map, with all sorts of variances in fit. A lot of restorers swear they would rather rework a dented original fender than spend the time making a ceap replacement fit and look right- bolt holes in the wrong places, horn grilles out of line, headlight buckets cock-eyed, you name it. This is one part that it is often best to see in person rather than buying by mail-order. Talk to the guys at Wolfsburg West, or BFY, they should be able to give you more good advice- if you can get a repro built in Denmark- they seem to be decent quality, far better than Brazilian or Mexican.

Mon Jul 15, 2002 8:34 am

Thanks Guys...I'm in the current process of Finding an Original one ;) I saw that issue, but was unsure of other brands of fenders, etc. Thanks for the help. Peace.

Mon Jul 15, 2002 9:20 am

I didnt see the article in the mag that you guys are talking about. But if you are replacing just one fender with a repro you will see the difference. The front fenders on a 59 and earlier car are wider and skirt down more and they also have a wire tube for the headlights welder to the headlight bucket. And the rear fenders are dimpled. And aftermarket rear fenders dont fit at the rear apron the way they should. I can spot them a mile away. There is a guy in Canada that is repoping the rear fenders and they are supposed to be really good. Although I havent used them personaly, a freind of mine at KGS Restorations has and he likes them. If your car was 60 or later I would say use aftermarket and be done but 59 and earlier you will definitly notice the difference.

Tue Jul 16, 2002 1:10 am

i have original fenders for my car though family runs a body shop and there are all sorts of brands for after market fenders. basically sure original is original but there isnt much of a difference at all and if you spend the extra time to ajust them they look fine.

Tue Jul 16, 2002 8:07 am

WHAT EVER JAKUB!!!!! THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.

Tue Jul 16, 2002 3:56 pm

Aftermarket early front fenders look wrong. And unless you get the dimple style the rears are different also. No ifs ands or buts. Early Fenders are a totaly different breed. Period.

Tue Jul 16, 2002 5:23 pm

I've seen the difference and original is better in this case. Of course this applies to early VW's. Especially if you're only replacing one fender.