Part Two: Keep That Engine Shiny!
1. Driving around in a truck with no inner fenderwells = a dirty engine. Building a custom set like these will set your truck apart from the guys who simply modify a trailer fender to fit. It helps to start with a flat firewall like the one on this '56 Ford. | 
2. This inner fenderwell started life as a flat piece of 16-gauge sheetmetal. After notching it for the control arms and other things along the framerail that were in the way, it was rolled to reach up under the fender. |
3. The compound bend along the top of the fender was made using an English wheel. The inner fender was then bolted to the fender and clamped to the framerail to help maintain its shape during fabrication. | 
4. To give the inner fenders a more finished appearance, the lower portions were cut off and flanged in the bead roller so that they can be bolted to the framerails and the fenderwells (4a & 4b). The section closest to the firewall was welded directly to it. This makes removing the inner fenderwells for paint and reinstalling them much easier. |
4b. | 
5. Finally, the tops of the new fenderwells were notched for the hood hinges using a plasma cutter. |
The Final Word
It took a lot of talent and tools to craft the metal masterpieces you just saw. It's by no means impossible for the average guy to accomplish though. If you don't want to tackle this job yourself, at the very least you now understand what's involved in the process, and these examples just might inspire a few new design ideas.