71 cuda fender gills

[AAR71]

Hello out there; I need help with 71 cuda fender gill measurements ( from top of fender to top of each gill and rear of fender to last gill) THANKS. :dontknow:

[buddydog]

I know this is an older thread but I am looking for the same measurements. If there is anyone out there with a 71 fender that has yet to put the chrome gills in, I would love to find out where to plug these patches in.

Thanks

G

[hotrod98]

The following measurements are taken from the actual stamped opening and not from the inside edge of the lip itself.
The measurement from the inside edge of the gill opening to the top of the fender edge is  1 11/16". Thats one and eleven sixteenths.
The rear measurement from the inside edge of the gill opening at the bottom of the rear gill opening to the rear edge of the fender is 5 3/4". That's five and three quarter inches.
These measurements were taken from a real OEM cuda fender.

[buddydog]

God bless you Hotrod98! Thank you so much. Gill patches really don't do you any good without the measurements needed to place them inthe right spot!

G

[hotrod98]

I've installed those panels a few times myself. I always cut them down so that you're not welding out close to the edge or top of the fender. I've also found that it's best to install them with the fender bolted to the car. I actually distorted a fender one time even though I was very careful with the heat from welding. I think the distortion was more from the cutting of such a large hole in the fender itself. The last set that I installed, I cut the opening exact and very carefully and slowly butt welded the panels in. Another thing that I do is after grinding down the welds, I fill in the welded seam with two part JB Weld. Once JB Weld cures, it won't continue to shrink. Just mix the JB Weld, work it into the weld and then tape over with two inch masking tape to keep the JB Weld from drooping. Wait 24 hours and them lightly grind smooth and cover with polyester filler. I started doing this after having some regular body filler shrink after painting the car.
Have fun.