Fender insulation

I'm not familiar with what the 70's cars had, but I thought he meant the insulation material that is common in 90's Fords.

I reconstructed a 93 Explorer and had a wind noise from the LF door hinge area. I discovered that looking into the fender from the hinge area, there is a part that is shaped like that space which is barely attached in the fender. It's about an inch thick and I think they were stuck on the fenders when new with the same body seam sealer type product. I dug that part out and back to fit the opening, RTV'd it in place, and the wind noise was greatly reduced. I then found a noise from the mirror, a different used one that didn't fit the door as well. Some RTV along that gap, and it made the truck much quieter.

So it's probably a good thing to have that in all front fenders.

Bingo, they did have those. Are either of your old ones shaped properly? Ideally you have an old one to use as a pattern at least.

I'd find a later model car and see what the material looks like. I doubt a newer car will have a perfect fit part, but making one may not be that hard to do.

I have light blue car and swapped on some cream fenders and hood. All that is coming off this winter to rust bust and paint everything fresh so wanted to replace these guys.

That’s because, as I understand it,the ‘72 fenders have a different contour to the inside.  I guess I probably should actually try putting my ‘73 shields  into my ‘72 fenders to see first-Hand if there really is a difference.

Dfox