Fender Shims

[kramttocs]

As anyone who has taken their fenders off knows, the longevity and re-usability of the pressed cardboard-type factory shim is limited.

When searching for what to use for mine I found a couple different ideas. I won't list them here as I am hoping others that have personally used them (and who knows what else) will chime in with photos and experience.

While at a home improvement store this evening I grabbed a few of the vinyl plank samples (slightly disappointed that there wasn't a Rosewood offering...) so I could compare them to the factory shim when I got home.



In comparing them they are a little thicker so they may not work but I also don't know how compressed the factory one has gotten over time. So I went ahead and stacked a couple to run through the jigsaw. If the thickness doesn't cause a problem I think they will work well.




Again, if you have found something that works for the shim, please chime in as it never hurts to have options and if these are too thick I will be looking for alternatives

[ArdWrknTrk]

Peel & stick linoleum tiles have always been a popular alternative.
(They stay in place while you are trying to get the fender bolted on)

I hope the thickness of your vinyl plank works out for you.

[kramttocs]

Ah, that's a great idea. I didn't find that one when searching the forums somehow.

[ArdWrknTrk]

If you really wanted to get it down to a gnat's ass, I suppose you could use a piece of Formica too.

I use the pieces on my Wilsonart chip chain for shims in the shop all the time.

Someone usually has trimmings from a laminate job.
Or you could just buy the counter end finishing cap they sell at box stores.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/VT-Dimensions-7-5-in-W-x-28-in-H-x-0-75-in-D-Formica-Laminate-Kitchen-Countertop-End-Cap/1000427577

There's got to be 7 4" sections in one of those if you count the backsplash part.

[Gary Lewis]

I'll check with my paint/body man to see what he uses.

[Steve83]

I've used hardboard (same as OE), cardboard, steel, Aluminum, & plastic (from shattered dash parts, or antifreeze jugs, etc.).  Whatever it takes to align the fender to the door (AFTER the door is aligned to the cab opening).

[FuzzFace2]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

Peel & stick linoleum tiles have always been a popular alternative.
(They stay in place while you are trying to get the fender bolted on)

I hope the thickness of your vinyl plank works out for you.

Mine were not Peel & Stick tiles but that need glue put down first.
They were easy to trim to size but I found when trying them and if you needed to undo the bolts to add or remove a shim they fell apart.
I made enough that when I had the right number of shims I installed the same number when I did not need to mess to them again.

I think if I had to do it again I would find something that would not fall apart after it was under pressure.
Dave ----