Differences between SWB and LWB front fenders

scootermcrad · 09-18-2012, 07:53 AM

This is probably a stupid noob question, but I searched for the answer and couldn't find it. Which means it might be a REALLY stupid question.

What are the differences between SWB and LWB front fenders for pre-74 911's? Just the wheel opening flair, or are the SWB's actually shorter?

Probably an easy answer, but I didn't see it doing a search. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Lukesportsman · 09-18-2012, 08:01 AM

Light boxes/grill attatchment and flairs on later cars. WB changed from door to TB hole.

scootermcrad · 09-18-2012, 08:18 AM

Okay. That's good info! Thanks! So, in theory, SWB fenders COULD bolt up and be used on a LWB with a few mods.

I have a '70 that needs front fenders, light boxes and grilles, everything. The car will be far from a restoration. I assume the hood and bumper profile would be the same? I would potentially be replacing the battery boxes with lighter, custom mounts, so I sort of have a clean slate on those mounting positions.

I have a line on some SWB fenders for a good price, and are perfect for a little hot rodding.

ossiblue · 09-18-2012, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootermcrad

Okay. That's good info! Thanks! So, in theory, SWB fenders COULD bolt up and be used on a LWB with a few mods.

I have a '70 that needs front fenders, light boxes and grilles, everything. The car will be far from a restoration. I assume the hood and bumper profile would be the same? I would potentially be replacing the battery boxes with lighter, custom mounts, so I sort of have a clean slate on those mounting positions.

I have a line on some SWB fenders for a good price, and are perfect for a little hot rodding.

One thing to note. If you go with the SWB fenders, the light boxes and grilles tend to be more expensive and harder to find than LWB. The lens is part of the light box instead of a separate piece as in LWB cars so having a broken lens can become very costly as a whole new box is required (there may be some later, aftermarket ways to address this without buying a whole new box but I don't know.) The grilles are a bit more easy to deal with and repros are available, I believe.

scootermcrad · 09-18-2012, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossiblue

One thing to note. If you go with the SWB fenders, the light boxes and grilles tend to be more expensive and harder to find than LWB. The lens is part of the light box instead of a separate piece as in LWB cars so having a broken lens can become very costly as a whole new box is required (there may be some later, aftermarket ways to address this without buying a whole new box but I don't know.) The grilles are a bit more easy to deal with and repros are available, I believe.

Very good point! Thanks!

scootermcrad · 09-18-2012, 09:25 AM

Can SWB fenders be converted to USE later signal boxes with a little modification?

Lukesportsman · 09-18-2012, 12:19 PM

A welder, some filler rod and an imagination, what can't be done

. I would think that the SWB fenders if you have a set handy could easily be equal value/ to more than the LWB fenders....so work out a trade?

There are aftermarket solutions for 65-68 lenses, and there are finally some concour level grills now, but neither save money.

Please explain a little more of your desire or mind set. Are you looking for something original/unique? Do you have SWB available and trying to save some coin? Have you ruled out fiberglass? I think if SWB available, your "easiest" solution is to work out a trade on here. For that matter, there is always the conversion of short hood to long hood fender boxes from series 900.

If you answer the "why", we can better answer the "how".

scootermcrad · 09-19-2012, 03:41 AM

Yeah, I thought I had a line on some SWB fenders for pretty cheap that were on the rough side. Since I don't mind a little metal work, and I was going to put a just slightly wider flair on, I thought that would be a good way to save some fenders and get what I need.

It didn't work out, but I thought if nothing else, this would be an educational thread for anyone else wondering.

Ideally it would be better to start with 69-73 fenders. But thought it was worth asking, if for no other reason than to educate myself.

Thanks guys!