1976 TrailDuster....fender flares?

[BB71Challenger]

I have asked this question on cuda-challenger and on a ramcharger site but have yet to get an answer. I am looking at a black 76 TrailDuster that appears to have factory fender flares.....fender flares that are actually part of the fender itself. Anyone ever heard of the package that included these? I will get pics in the next couple of days but this thing is in pretty good shape and has a healthy 360. I am thinking of buying it but was trying to find some more information out about it if I can. Thanks for any info.

 

[J.C. Corbett]

Go over to machopowerwagon.com and throw the question out. There's a couple of serious truck gurus there. They should be able to answer that one way or the other for you.

 

[Dr.Jass]

I've never seen 'em in 25 years of shows... but that's not to say they don't exist.

 

[BB71Challenger]

I registered at the machopowerwagon site but have not received the activation email yet. I am pretty much getting the same thing you are saying Jass. Some have heard of it and one claims to have seen them but almost everyone thinks it must be some sort of aftermarket thing. I dont see how but anything is possible I guess. I will post some pics when I get them.

 

[BootHead]

check them over for a Chrysler part number.

 

[Diplomat_Wagon]

Can you say bondo?

 

[BB71Challenger]

I did not knock on them but I swear I saw bare steel where some rock chips had taken away the black paint. I have been trying to get pics but the guy has not been at home and I dont mess around to even take pics while people are away.

 

[Dr.Jass]

They could be very-well-done steel flares. If you look in the thread about Stretch's brother's Jeep and follow the links, it can be done. Sure, there's a little filler to smooth things out, but it's far from a Bondo bucket. Ryan's work is nothing short of amazing, considering he's neither a fabricator or body man... just ask the body guy who painted it. :dance:

 

[BootHead]

are you in a state where the tires can't stick out beyond the factory fenders? maybe they really really wanted that extra inch of width and made the flares look as factory as possible.

 

[Rob R]

There was nothing in any sales brochure about fender flairs on 1/2 tons but there was something like that for the street vans.

 

[BB71Challenger]

Here are some pics. I dont know for sure what to think because the paint and graphics look original but I can see traces of body filler. Maybe it was customized early in its life :huh: The flares are definitely metal though.

 

[Diplomat_Wagon]

That looks awesome though.

 

[Dr.Jass]

It looks to me like at one point, that was a full-on custom. From the wheelhouse standpoint, my opinion is that they're definitely add-ons... maybe a metal flare set that was available at the time that someone decided to make permanent?

I dunno... the front one doesn't have the wheel-opening shape I'd expect from a factory job, and the rear looks very Chevy K10 Blazer.

 

[BB71Challenger]

That looks awesome though.

It does have a tough look to it doesnt it? I think more than anything I would love to have one of the old convertible RC's/TD's they are cool.