[cboy]

I need to fabricate some brackets for cycle type front fenders. There were some "cautions" about bracket construction mentioned in this thread "Old School" Roadster Front Fenders but my searches have not uncovered any actual bracket designs or "how to".

Mikey did provide a good link in that thread for motorcycle fenders which included this shot of a bracket (please excuse the poor picture quality, it was sorta just a thumbnail pic on the site that I had to blow up).



Can I just use that design and cut the outer leg off, like this?



In the thread sited above Fred56 did say he had some brackets made of 3/8" rod which failed so I want to make sure what I make will withstand the vibration and stress yet look half way decent. At the moment I'm thinking of forming the bracket as shown in the picture above out of 3/16 x 1" flat stock. Then, to provide additional strength, I would weld a 3/16 x 3/4" flat stock "backbone" in the center of the back side (the engine side) of the main 1" piece of flat stock. I thought this might look better and be a little stronger than the 1/2" square tubing Fred56 suggested (also easier to bend into the correct shape to fit the inside of the fender curve.)

Anybody have other designs, suggestions, or pictures of something better? I'd rather not get into round tubing if at all possible. (Mikey DID mention that making the brackets was EASY...so I'm expecting he'll have a pair of them in the mail for me tomorrow!!!!!)

[home brew]

I have these pics but none of how they attach to the fender.

[cboy]

Whoa, those look STOUT Brew. Appears to be 1/4 x 1 1/2 flat stock? Do you know if holes were drilled later to attach them to the fenders? If not, I'd really be interested in how they are attached so cleanly...with no bolt heads showing. I suppose you could weld the brackets from the under side...but doesn't leave much room for error (and Lord knows I'm prone to error).

Thanks for the pics. Makes me think I'm on the right track.

[home brew]

I agree that you are on the right track.

Those are on my brother in laws A coupe who lives about 30 miles away. Because they are painted black and bolt to the backing plates they virtually disappear. He is in and out of town for the next week or so and I will talk to him about them when I can get a hold of him. I will post the info then.

[Youngster]

Cboy.... What are you using for brakes? The set I made were for a model A with '47 brakes. I don't have a picture of them and god only knows where the car is now.

A couple of things I found are keep the weight down as much as you can, and if at all possible, use a 3 point mounting on the backing plate. Spread these hole as far apart as you can to help keep the vibrasions down. I just riveted the fender to the brackets.You don't want a bolt hanging down under the fender to catch on the tire. Be sure the prime the spots on the fender under the rivet first. The brackets were fab'd from 3/16 stock with a gusset running from the fender to the mounting hole.

Hope this helps.....Youngster

One more thing...When you are ready for that first test drive, take the fenders off 'til you have the front end alignment right on. We didn't and had to build a new fender after a bad shimmy developed at 45 mph!

[willowbilly3]

I have a couple spare tire covers I plan to whittle up for front fenders. I was thinking I might use spring steel, maybe some old dump rake teeth. I will have to research how to get the metal tempered after I heat and reshape. I also plan to have mine easy to remove.
I may even widen out spare tire covers for the same treatment on the rear.