[fosterdl]

Long time since I've been on here. Just picked up the wrenches again. I finally got the front clip for my 65 Impala back on and I'm having Alignment problems. I measured everything up and it appears that my left front fender is about 5/8" shorter (front to back) than the right one. At least the measurement from the cowl grill to the back of the front valance is that much shorter. Both are used fenders I bought off eBay from out west because both of mine were rotted out at the bottom attachment point. As I was installing the chrome before I hung them, I noticed that the left fender was almost 1/2" shorter (top to bottom) than the right, but never thought to check any other measurements. Were there different fenders for the different models in 65? Mines a 2dr. SS sport coupe. Any input would be appreciated.

[deadbodyman]

I have a 65 Impalia wagon coming in on tuesday I'll get you all the measurements you need

[fosterdl]

Great, Thanks !!

[deadbodyman]

Well Tuesday it poured out and the guy wont drive it in the rain so it came in today.I worked my arse off on it and I was going to get those measurements for you at least 10 times then of coarse I plum forgot but I will get them tomorrow ,I promise.
Mike

[66SSImp454]

To answer your last question, no all '65s were the same.

I know (as I am sure you do as well) that the '65 and '66 have a different front clip, where the sheet metal behind the firewall is the same, but different in front of the firewall. I am pretty sure this includes the fenders. By chance does one fender have molding holes and one not? If so, that is your problem for sure as the '66 had molding and the '65 did not. But not all 66s had moldings.

I don't understand what you are measuring. Are you saying that the actual fenders are different in length? If so, it sure sounds like you have one '65 and one '66 fender.

Let me know if you would like me to measure the fenders on my '66 and my father has a '65 but that one is a little harder to get to so it may take me a bit for measurements on that one. If so, please tell me where you want me to measure from and to. Pics may help me understand better your issue.

[deadbodyman]

AWE SHEET...I got the pics and showed how to measure them.then promptly forgot the camera at the shop....I'll go back and get it. I'll get back to ya in 30 min.....sorry

[deadbodyman]

here ya go
Take some masking tape and eyeball aprox. the middle of the bottom of the fender,run the tape straight up from there right over the molding...Mark the top body line and the bottom ,then pull the tape and stick it on something to keep it straight then measure the marks ...Up and down is 30 "...I'm measuring the left fender (drivers side) then transferd the tape over over to the same spot on the right side,,,exactly the same 30"

[deadbodyman]

Lengthwise,running the tape over he top of the bodyline,its hard to get an accurate measurementso I squared it off with a paint paddle and measured to that.From the fender edge to the stick is 61 1/4 "...I transferd the tape to the other fender fender and got exactly the same measure....These are aftermarket fenders....But they fit pretty well....I hope this helps if you have any other measurements or dont understand something just ask and I'll get some more ...The car will be here for one more week...

[Stu D Baker]

Do you have the radiator support mounted "square" to the car, i.e., if you measured a "X" would both measurements be the same? Stu

[deadbodyman]

They should be very close, I set it up square and go from there ,with aftermarket fenders you never know what you'll end up with .I didnt get that measure but I can tomorrow,it could only be used as a starting point for setting yours up though

[66SSImp454]

Thanks for posting that up. This is perfect timing for me as well because I am just starting to put the front clip on.

a 65 with molding, it does look my theory is incorrect. Goes to show, not everything your read on the internet is true.

[deadbodyman]

in your ventures to find parts if you see a 65 Impala wagon,please let me know. I'm trying to find any mojdings I can get.Right now I really need the drip rail moldings.

[66SSImp454]

I will certainly keep my eye open.

[fosterdl]

OK, I have a friend who is a body man and he came over to inspect this. We removed the lower windshield molding and found that the left fender had been mounted too far back and too far inward, thus causing the problem. Also the two fender do measure up to be the same as far as the top line. However it wasn't all our fault as the mounting holes appear to be off. (too far forward pushing the fender back) So, off comes the fender to grind out those holes. I'll post as re-assembly resumes. Also I don't think 65/66 fenders are the same. If you look closely at a 66 you will notice that just above the fender wrap-around the body line takes a 90 degree bend down. The 65 does not have this feature. Otherwise they may be the same, I don't know for sure.

[swvalcon]

The 65 and 66 should be the same. I know the grille and bumper are different. Back in the day when these where just old used cars we would put which ever one we could get from the junk yard on them. I know I put more than one 66 front clip on a 65 and the other way around.