VERY UNHAPPY with fender aprons shipped from National Parts Depot (http://www.npdlink

[geeky2]

Hello all,

I just ordered the rear and front inner fender aprons (PS / LH) for my 1968 Mustang coupe from National Parts Depot (NPDLink | National Parts Depot).

If you have an NPD catalog – they are part numbers 227-1ALH and 16055-2A.

When they arrived yesterday – I was super excited thinking that I would be able to work all weekend and get some serious work done on the car.

However – I was SERIOUSLY disappointed when I opened up the box and found that both the rear and front fender aprons HAVE NO HOLES punched for the fender bolts! On a 1968 Mustang coupe – these holes are rectangular punch outs.

After calling the number on the parts invoice (in Michigan) I talked with one of their guys there. He told me that this was NORMAL for these parts!

This is my first restoration project – so I don’t have any previous experience to draw upon. I assumed that when you order a replacement part – you can count on getting a part that has ALL of the appropriate punch outs (in this case they are rectangular punch outs).

I have the following questions for the group.

1) Is this normal and can I expect this going forward when ordering sheet metal parts or is this just specific to National Parts Depot?
2) Can someone suggest another source for the front and rear PS / LH inner fender aprons – where they ship parts with all of the punch outs?
3) Assuming this is normal – how do you create the rectangular punch outs for the fender bolts on these sheet metal parts?

Thank you
mark

 

[mr-fixit]

It is normal. Mustang fender fitment varies so much, If they pre punched the holes, they would not line up for all cars. For the square holes, I use a tool I bought at a plumbing supply house. After drilling a pilot hole, it bolts together and cuts a square hole. I have one for a square, and one for a rectangle. You could also use a die grinder and file.

 

[geeky2]

hello,

thank you for the reply.

what is the name of the tool that you use to punch / cut square / rectangular holes?

i would like to at least see if i can pick one up.

thank you,
mark

 

[mr-fixit]

They are called knockout punches. Commonly used by electricians. You could probably rent them from a tool rental place. Graingers sells them, but you probably can find them cheaper, or if you know an electrician, just borrow them.
Good luck,
Rick D.

 

[geeky2]

hello,

THANK YOU, for this information.

i will start asking around right away about this.

if i cannot come up with anything i will use a die grainder.

thank you,
mark

 

[jackson0215]

You can expect this on any sheet metal part that you purchase for your car. These parts are manufactured for multiple years of cars and nothing fits right. When I did my aprons I used the fenders to mark the holes, drilled the corners and a cutting wheel to finish it.

 

[co6b5ra]

Get used to it buying aftermarket parts. I don't think I bought a part for my entire car I did not have to "massage" in some way. Most of the parts places carry the same stuff. I used NPT alot and was very happy with them. It bascally comes down to customer service and they were awceme with me.

 

[geeky2]

hello all,

thank you everyone for the feedback - this has really helped.

now that i understand how this all works - i am good with just cutting the rectangular holes in myself.

thank you,
mark

 

[PoppyMod]

hello all,

thank you everyone for the feedback - this has really helped.

now that i understand how this all works - i am good with just cutting the rectangular holes in myself.

thank you,
mark

Check with Glazier-Nolan's Mustang Barn in Souderton, PA. They are very knowledgeable.
Good Luck!

 

[NasaGT]

It is normal. Mustang fender fitment varies so much, If they pre punched the holes, they would not line up for all cars. For the square holes, I use a tool I bought at a plumbing supply house. After drilling a pilot hole, it bolts together and cuts a square hole. I have one for a square, and one for a rectangle. You could also use a die grinder and file.

This is so true. I bought my fender aprons from NPD and Mustangs Unlimited. One of them (I think from MU) had the holes pre-punched, but they weren't in the correct place (they weren't even in a straight line). So I had to patch the holes and then drill/punch new holes. Huge waste of time.

Good luck with your project!