Inner guards

[Quentin]

Hi, I am contemplating installing the inner fender/guard arrangement manufactured by Classic Enterprises, and am looking for some feedback from people who have already installed this kit??

http://www.classicent.com/studebaker/coupes-hawks

sold as "1943-64 Studebaker Coupes and Hawks Inner Fender Kit"
Thanks for your help.
Quentin.

[StudeRich]

The Fronts appear to be just Baffles, not an actual Inner Fender like other makes have usually Plastic, that do a better job of protecting.

[Batman]

I have had this kit on my 56 Sky Hawk since 1989 and feel that it is a worthwhile effort. It seals off the headlight area and rear sections of the front fenders quite well, as well as the front and rear of the rear fenders. The kit includes very sticky caulk that fills in gaps where the kit meets the sides of the fenders. Clean the areas where the caulk will go and don't be afraid to "trowel it on".

[swvalcon]

I fail to see how these will help that much as a lot of new cars have the same type system and they still rust. Anywhere sand and water can collect and get air to it sooner or later you will have rust. Best bet it try to keep it as clean in the wheel wells as you can and as dry as possible.

[Batman]

I will be in St. Louis in August and you are welcome to check the inner fender kit out. It's only been 26 years since I installed the kit so maybe I will see some rust soon. During my first trip to York after finishing the car in 1989, I was told repeatedly told that the fiberglass 56 Golden Hawk fins molded onto the steel fenders would quickly crack and separate from the fenders.....still waiting. Point is that if care is taken to do something correctly, it should hold up. The fender kit does a great job of sealing off the area because it is caulked and pop riveted in place. The ones seen on modern cars are not caulked in place and do allow moisture to get past them.

[stude dude]

Hi, I am contemplating installing the inner fender/guard arrangement manufactured by Classic Enterprises, and am looking for some feedback from people who have already installed this kit??

http://www.classicent.com/studebaker/coupes-hawks

sold as "1943-64 Studebaker Coupes and Hawks Inner Fender Kit"
Thanks for your help.
Quentin.

Why???
Are you planning on driving over salt covered roads in snowy Western Australia? You won't need anything like this until our next ice age!

There is already a baffle with a rubber seal behind the rear quarter panels, and the areas under the front fender/guard are fairly well ventilated for the kind of wet weather driving we are likely to encounter in Australia.

But for general maintenance make sure that the vertical seam of the front guard (where it meets the pillar) is clear of dirt. Use an old hacksaw blade to clean out the seam and spray some fisholine in there after. Also make sure the master cylinder splash shield is still under the drivers floor.

Chris.

[Quentin]

Chris, despite the lack of precipitation in these here parts, rust is a major issue. Perhaps it has something to do with being surrounded by salt pans. Whatever protection that is supposed to be under my fenders isn't there, including the cardboard bit that is supposed to be stapled in. There is just a large, open, cavernous area. Headlight, chrome spear light, and master cylinder are all exposed to road rubbish. There is also a " collecto-crud" area in front of the rear wheel that is just begging to go rusty. I would much prefer a cheap, well constructed insert to go rusty than the original panels, and if $200 will do that, then great.
Thanks for the feedback from your very brief roadtest , Batman.

[stude dude]

There is no cardboard stapled under your car! There are rubber splash guards stapled to the inner front fender skirts but these are not likely to offer great protection other than keeping your engine compartment slightly cleaner. If your master cylinder is visible, then an important factory component is missing. A steel or fiberglass panel should cover that area.

Ask me more about my 'brief road test'.....We have had Hawks in our family since 1969.

Chris.

[Quentin]

Chris I started this posting asking for feedback from any members who had purchased a particular product. "Batman" complied with a 26 year road test.

[jimmyg]

Inner Guards......

I fail to see how these will help that much as a lot of new cars have the same type system and they still rust. Anywhere sand and water can collect and get air to it sooner or later you will have rust. Best bet it try to keep it as clean in the wheel wells as you can and as dry as possible.

I'm rebuilding my 56 Flighthawk K7 hardtop, that came from Canada & had major rustworms from the salt. I have the rear guards installed, I can that it will make a BIG difference having the wheel well area enclosed, both for noise control & for keeping road crud from being flung all of the way to the taillamps. I have fitted the front ones & when caulked/undercoated, it should keep the crud out of the collection points there also. I'm totally impressed how they improve the overall design on the underside.Jimbo

[Quentin]

Sounds good, Jimmy, think I'll go ahead and purchase. Cheers.