How good are those reproduction D17 fenders?

Anyone used these reproduction fenders for a D17 or D19?  Description in the listing below says "not restoration quality but serviceable".  Any feedback is appreciated.

 

That's a tough call when it comes to repro parts. I always look at it as which way am I better going with for my money, and whether I keep original components? If your original fenders aren't in real bad shape, the way to go may be to repair them yourself if you dabbled with doing body work, or have a body guy repair them if it's the cheaper way to go. It's a cost factor thing of do I spend the money with the body man and fix my originals for say $450.-$500. bucks or do I go with the repops for $800.?  Over the years, I've found that some repro sheetmetal fits "okay" and some don't even come close to fitting. (that's usually the cheaper stuff)  I've found this more in the Antique Car world  then in the Tractor world.  Again, it's totally up to the individual. Some people gotta' have OEM stuff on their Cars, Trucks, Tractors. That's fine. Others don't care if whatever they're installing is original or not as long as it fits or comes close to fitting and making the vehicle look good, or replacing something it didn't have to start off with. Then you have the problem of trying to restore an original part only to find there isn't anything offed in the aftermarket, and some particular parts are next to impossible to find.  I ran into that problem a couple times. Once when I was looking for fenders for my IB and once looking for a patch panel on our shop van. The fenders on my IB were in real bad shape. On top of that, the back half of em' was cut off as well. A few of the fellers on here said the WD fender is pretty close to the IB fenders, but there are quite a few changes to make. Well, I wound up going with a set to repro WD fenders and then taking all the fenders to my body man to do the changeover deed. They came out nice as alway with my body man, but I had a ton of money into those things because i don't do body work. That's an art in itself. Anyway, sorry for the long post, but like I said, it's a tough call depending on the circumstances involved with each individual problem...... 

Steve@B&B

When the vendor themselves tell you that they are "serviceable" and "not restoration quality", that should raise red flags right there!  They are made in China, what do you expect?

Instead of spending money buying those, you can use that money to fix your old ones.  Take them to a local body shop and the end result will be much better.  I have done that with all of mine

I'd call around first to the various 'used' Allis people and see what you can get.  Like Bill Deppe/AC Salvag  He'd be about the closest I think.  Otherwise advertise "WTB" in the classifieds to see what you can get.  There were a lot of D-17s made and a bunch sitting in the weeds.  You might find something good.

As other have said, look around for good original fenders. if not 'ok', perhaps use pieces for 2 or 3 to have yours repaired by a GOOD 'metalman' NOT a 'bodyman'. There's a huge difference. A 'bodyman' will got though gallons of 'bondo filler' every year, my 'metalman' onlu use 1 can every 3-4 YEARS.He cuts out he rust,welds in new steel,cut,grind,weld,then a very,very light skim.

Would have to see pictures of your fenders but it's a 'good' rust(no SALT ) unlike loaded rims. The 'ribs' aren't hard to fix, if you break it down into sections, and locate 'donor' steel pieces.The straight section can be 'repurposed' tubing. Is it a challenge, yes, but think 'outside the box' to find pieces that can be modified to weld in.

That offshore 'usuable' fender would be $800 CDN, + shipping so for sure , I'd be repairing not replacing.

Maybe you'll get lucky with some of the vendors here and pick up a nice used set. I would go with that first. There's a lot more to a "D" series fender than the old "clam shell" type fenders. Bill Deppe, Tony C, A&W, Lonn, etc.  Good luck!

Steve@B&B

Contacted ASAP about used fenders, they had nothing.   Tried a place in NY, he said he had a pair but they were in bad shape and didn't feel good about shipping them to me halfway across the country.  Have posted in the classifieds, see what I find.

Fender update!  Went with the "not restoration quality" fenders, did have to do a little skimming with some bondo to cover ripples in the curved parts and fill in dimples from the welds holding the reinforcing ribs to the sheet metal.  One fender was actually pretty good, the other is the one I had to spend most of the effort on.  Turned out just fine for me.  Was hoping for a minimum of a "20 footer", I think she'll be a solid "5 footer" thanks to a lot of help from my son behind the $19.99 Harbor Freight paint gun.

When we've got her all back together will post more pics.