1961 F100 4wd Fender shenanigans

[Rabidsquirrel]

*Also posted at Ford-truck forums*

My tiny little pea sized brain can't take Googling it any more, so I'm back to the experts. I'm working on the front clip of my truck and I'm trying to figure out the fender and fender apron situation. This post by NumberDummy says that I should have wide radius fenders, but I've seen a few other posts saying that the fender radius on 1961 4wd trucks depended on the factory wheel size. So which set would be correct?

It would appear that on my truck someone replaced the old front clip with one from a '65. That means that I don't have the correct fender aprons. I believe I'm looking for these (left hand and right hand) aprons, correct? I know that the right hand isn't correct for a 4x4, but nobody seems to make the correct one. What is the difference between the 2wd and 4wd aprons? Does it have to do with a battery tray?

Thanks for your much needed help,

Bob

[slick4x4]

Fender openings could be either big or small openings on
4x4 trucks (tire size did indeed decide this)

F350 trucks (only built in 2wd) came with big opening fenders only

[fire704]

15 and 16" wheels used the small opening fender. 17.5 and 19.5" wheels used the large opening. Apron on left is same for 4x2 and 4x4 F100 thru F700. Apron on right side is specific to your 4x4 and the same one used thru F700. Probably because of battery mount. I think your battery should be under the cab floor, just like the larger trucks.

[tomsrod]

By saying fender aprons are you meaning inner fenders? If so, here goes; 1961 to 1966 all 4x4 inner fenders are the rounded type except 1966 f100 4x4 inner fenders which are angular or squared off. For the 4x2s F100-F250 1961-1964, they are the rounded type while 4x2 1965-1966 F100-F250 are angular. All F350s 1961-1966 inner fenders are rounded and came with the larger opening fenders as mentioned. F350s are the best source for the rounded inner fenders and larger opening fenders. The fender opening size does depend on the wheel size as others have mentioned.

One other thing to look at on your front clip is the lower valance. If it was from a F350 or 4x4, the lower valance would be would be flat or flush with the bottom of the grille. If it was from a 4x2, the lower valance would be like a shelf or perpendicular the the bottom of the grille. It sounds like yours may have been from a 1965-1966 F100 or F250. Are there three holes in the fender for the fender emblem? If so they are 1965-1966. If not they are 1961-1964.

The 1961-1966 F350s-F700s and 4x4s (except 1966 F100 4x4) have the battery under the passenger floor so the inner fender on the passenger side doesn't have a flat area for the battery under the hood.

Going strictly from memory here, others may have different info. I haven't come across this topic for a while.

[Rabidsquirrel]

Thanks everyone, that seems to be the consensus. I don't know why I couldn't get a good Google answer, my phrasing must have been off.

[Johnny Canuck]

Numberdummy is right until he is wrong. but, he will never admit being wrong.
Pat Weller told you the correct info on the fender sizes.
The only difference in the round inner fenders from 4x4 to 4x2 is the flat spot for the battery box. They will still fit just fine, regardless.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

rounded inner fenders, do have a pair of NOS ONES For the 4x4 trucks with original yellow painted part #'s

[Anthony]

"rounded inner fenders, do have a pair of NOS ONES For the 4x4 trucks with original yellow painted part #'s"

you have all the cool parts Tom!!