Other than looking in junk yards. Is there any place to find replacement body parts for the 1st generations? I looked at JC Whitney but wanted to see if there is any other options that anyone knows of. Front fenders from JC Whitney will not ship until June I was hoping to get the truck painted by then but I may have to wait.

Thanks
JW

 

Try to find a good one off of a junk truck. I don't think aftermarket parts are the same.

 

I agree just find a good one in a junk yard. Thats what i did, came out looking really nice after a little prep.

 

Most aftermarket fenders are made out of cheaper and thinner sheet metal than the factory fenders and for the most part are not as sturdy and durable as factory ones from my experience on many different vehicles.

I would look for an OEM fender or a nice one out of a junk yard

 

Have you tried napa? My cousin got a pair for his 92, and they seem to be good quality, compared to a lot of replacement fenders, I have seen, and when he got them on they lined up a lot better than most I've seen.

 

Most aftermarket fenders are taiwan and rust in a few years... Like the fenders did on my dad's 87 chevy truck.

I'd go with orginal mopar (junkyard) so you know you'll be getting a good fit/longevity.

Did you try bodymaster?

 

www.rockauto.com has fenders iirc. not sure if they're OEM or aftermarket. maybe someone with more knowledge about them will chime in

 

I looked on car-part found one a little less than a hour away. Sounds like it will be better than the aftermarket stuff.

Thanks

 

Preparation & environment have a huge factor on the life expectancy of body panels. I have seen quite a few cars that came here to PA from places like AZ & TX that within a few years turned into rust buckets. I have also seen properly prepared Chinese fenders used on Ford Tauruses driven on salted roads that have held up without any rust issues for quite a number of years.
In any case the key to longevity is priming & painting BOTH sides of the fender and applying your favorite rust proofing to the part that does not show while keeping all moisture provision drainage open. I have also seen factory replacement panels quickly rot out that were slammed onto a vehicle with only exterior paint. It's was around forty years ago that the first thing I was taught was ninety percent of any body repair is proper preparation.

 

I agree with Trebor on the prep of things 100%. But I also agree with the others on aftermarket body parts, the fit and finish is lacking somewhat on the stuff i've seen. Find a good donor in a wrecking yard and prep n paint it. Good luck on your truck.