57 front fender spear

[Custom72]

Sure would appreciate some advice. I'm having a terrible time trying to reinstall the front fender spears on my 57 wagon. I have all new bolts and clips but that's where the problem is. The last 2 or 3 holes on each side closest to the door .. I can't reach to put a nut on. Is there something I'm missing here? I have ordered some clips that should work from e-Bay that push on (I'll have to enlarge the holes to 3/8") but I'd rather do it right if I can. Anyone else run into this problem?

[chevman57]

I think according to the assembly manual all the clips should be the ones with nuts on the back side. I messed up and installed one of my fenders before installing the spear and had to use a push in clip. It works but doesn`t hold it as tightly against the fender as the others. So the fender spears should be put on before installing the fender.
Terry

[57 sedan delivery]

Originally Posted by Custom72

The last 2 or 3 holes on each side closest to the door .. I can't reach to put a nut on. Is there something I'm missing here? I have ordered some clips that should work from e-Bay that push on (I'll have to enlarge the holes to 3/8")

There are a few ways to go about fixing this. Some people loosen or remove the lower fender bolt then separate the inner and outer fender until they can get their arm in there to attach the nuts, never tried this one myself. I have in the past on a car that was still on the road removed the inner rear fender air duct (a major PITA) and that allowed me to get to the nuts with a little work.

I know that supposedly the spears were bolted on for the entire length but I have taken off unmolested fenders that had the last three holes using push in clips and the holes were not hogged to to make them fit so there is/was a clip that was right. Found this on at least two rust free never wrecked or repaired cars so at some plant somewhere someone decided to use the clips. I still have the clips somewhere but don't know where or I'd dig them out so send a pic to you of them.

[Custom72]

Thanks Mike! I'm still trying to find some push in clips that I won't have to drill out the holes to 3/8" to make them work. Anyone has an idea where I could get some, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[57 sedan delivery]

You could take the hole size and go down to a body/paint supply shop as they usually stock trim clips to a degree or can order a box of a certain type.