Fender Welt

Hi Brad, along this same line, what would the correct color be for auburns? black or body color?

I ask Gordon in 1973 what his thoughts were about the size of welting on the Cord. He replied that the rear fenders needed a larger diameter than 1/4 in. because the fenders didn't fit that well to the body. I used 5/16th welting which filled the gap on the top edge of the fender and body. It seemed plausible, since then it seemed standard procedure for me.

On a visit with Howard Wilson Jr in West Palm Beach FL. years ago he
gave me an original sample piece of fender welt, it measures 5/16 ".
I was able to find this size and install on my fenders, it looks correct.

Was there a difference in the diameter of the welting during produation or was it all the same size? I believe I made mine 5/16th. Does it matter?

Brad's 2-word answer is correct. The leatherette covering of the welting was painted to match the body color. Black is incorrect except on a black car.

Thanks For the answer Brad. So am I to assume that when I see the welt not the color of the car paint its wrong and will it be judged lower because of this. What I'm looking for in answers is whats the feeling about this. Case in point there is a Cord I just saw listed for sale and the fender welt is black and the car is cigarette cream. Its a nice looking convertable listed as a supercharged engine but there clearly is no supercharger on the engine. I was not looking at the car to buy but just trying to hone my skills when looking at some of these cars. I understand there is plenty of ways to restore these great cars. True as they drove of the line and the I want my car to look like this because thats what I want.. I understand both ways too. Is it to be a driven car.. Is it to be a trailer queen and judged car or is it to be a museum piece. I personally want a driver. I want people to see and appreicate these fabulous cars of yesteryear.

Body Color

I have seen both painted and unpainted fender welt on Cords. Is there a judgeing issue with this either way. From some of my older pictures I have seen that the welt is painted the color of the cars. What is the judgeing prefered way of doing this....