Is this fender original or aftermarket?

[Toad455]

It's really not that big of a deal, but a friend gave me a drivers side fender over 20 years ago and I stored it away. It "appeared" to be an original since I blasted what seemed like the original paint off down to the metal and sprayed it with epoxy. I'm just now getting around to fitting it on and it seems like an aftermarket. The pic on the left is the one in question, the nuts are welded on the inside. The pic on the right is from an NOS pass side fender I just bought, these nuts match the nuts on the original fenders exact. So does anyone know if these nuts can be used to identify original GM fenders? Or do some look like the pic on the left? These holes are on the fenders inner panel. If aftermarket I will keep looking for another original. Thanks.

 

[legopnuematic]

Yes the one on the left is aftermarket.

GM replacement fenders should also have GM stamped on the rear of the fender that faces the door.

 

[legopnuematic]

Stamp for reference

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Also I have this old thread that details some of the differences.

 

[Toad455]

Thanks, I was figuring it was aftermarket. I wish I knew that before I blasted and primed it but oh well. I've heard of the GM stamp but even my originals don't have it unless I'm just not seeing it. We've had the truck since new so I do know they are original. Where do I find the thread you mentioned? Thanks again.

 

[legopnuematic]

My understanding is only the GM replacement fenders have the GM stamp, the original fenders I have had in my hands have not had the stamp.

If you click the blue text in my post above, or there is a link down in my signature that will take you to that thread.

 

[Toad455]

My understanding is only the GM replacement fenders have the GM stamp, the original fenders I have had in my hands have not had the stamp.

If you click the blue text in my post above, or there is a link down in my signature that will take you to that thread.

Do you know how to identify an OEM hood from aftermarket? I don't see any info on this. I see they are reproducing the smooth front 73-78 hood now, which is what I'm looking for. I saw and like your write-up regarding fenders, just wondering if you know how to distinguish the hoods. Thanks.

 

[legopnuematic]

As far as the hoods go, and the 73-78 hoods in particular I am not sure of any earmarks to differentiate OE vs aftermarket. However they only have been making them for maybe five years or so, so I'd doubt there are a ton of aftermarket ones out there. At least compared to 79-80 (both OEM and aftermarket) and OE 73-78 hoods.

Andy @bucket I think can shed some light on some of the differences between the 73-78 hoods. I believe its something to do with the latches (and latch holes) and I think the early (like 73-74) hoods lack an extra relief to help the hood fold in a wreck.