47-59 58 GMC fender patch panel using car eyebrow panel?

[Tanner*7]

I am wondering how similar a headlight patch panel made for a 1958 Chevrolet Impala is compared to the fender top on a 1958 GMC truck? I've tried to upload a photo of the patch panel but having difficulties - sorry. I have attached a photo of the truck that I will be purchasing. Thanks.

[_Ogre]

no, the car patch won't fit
but realize that you will need more than just the outer panel
probably need the whole headlight bucket

[mr48chev]

You need a fender, not just a patch panel. From what I am seeing by saving and enlarging the photo to be able to examine it closer (yes, we do that so we can give good answers) there is major damage at the back of the fender both rust out and dents.

As Ogre said (he knows TF trucks as well as anyone on here) there is major work around that headlight bucket along with major work on the lower part.

[dsraven]

fender headlight patch, rear lower patch, rear inner fender brace, repair area of rear upper mount at the cowl bolt, probably home made. then fix the dents and rust etc. compare to a new/different fender . likely also need the headlight bucket.
i suggest to dissassemble to see what else you will need. sometimes a solid looking truck is found to be not that solid once the take apart starts. take pics as you go, reasemble parts taken off with t eir fasteners as they would be so it isn't a guessing game when younget to fixing and assembling. grab an assemblyn manual so you can see how it went together (and comes apart). just google 55-59 factory assembly manual, there is a free download from trifive.

[Tanner*7]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Much appreciated. I understand that there will most likely be a number of other repairs. The eyebrow is the only area where I am concerned as I am confident in my skills in the other areas.

I think I will give the car panel a go. If I need to add, cut or reshape I hope I can make it work. My objective is to keep the 'patina' as is and to blend in the patches as required.

If I had planned on repainting I would most likely find a replacement.

Thanks again for your input.

Skip

[_Ogre]

your dime and time
i'm not seeing it

[dsraven]

I would think that will be a lot of work to graft a car headlight patch panel to the truck fender unless you have that whole area from a donor maybe. that said it is your truck, welder and time. lol. worst case scenario if it doesn't look right is to cut it off and put the truck patch panel in place or get another fender if it gets real ugly.
roof inner patch panel. I haven't seen the outer one but that doesn't mean it isn't out there. On mine I used a good piece from a bent cab.
https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1967-...tinfo/IRPP072/

[dsraven]

roof repairs
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623192

here is a really well built truck and a very informative thread for the 58-59 specific group. lots of metal work and he does a roof
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=440079/

different year but same principle
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=roof+skin

this will show you where the factory spot welds are.
https://www.trifive.com/d1/55-59Assy.pdf

if the roof itself is good but the eyebrow is rusted away on the inside, pinch weld where the windshield rubber goes, and the outside under the eyebrow, then you can get a new inner panel and the outer panel would have to be sourced used unless you if you have the skills to wanna build your own patches. i guess if you have the skills to wanna attempt to do the thing in the first place then that's half the battle. worst case is you gotta buy a new roof panel and have it installed for you but the labour intensive part of getting the old one off and cleaning up the rust would be done. check the assembly manual for how it goes together and watch out for the braces behind the sun visor pivot areas where there is also a bunch of spot welds. there is also gonna be some solder/lead in the corners there so be ready for that too if you are using heat. some lead can get pretty thick in the corners.

[dsraven]

dynacorn roof stuff
http://www.dynacorn.com/catalog.aspx

[NWA58]

Where are you located? I have an extra original left fender with a nice headlight area. There is a kink in the wheel opening and some rust in the lower rear where they all do.

[NWA58]

As a bonus, it has both Apache and GMC emblem holes

[Tanner*7]

Minnesota