C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

[Brad K.]

The '65 AIM definately shows the staple direction on the rubber shield is from the wheel well through the inner fender/through the shield and then the ends bent over, inside the engine compartment on top of the shield. Is this correct? The staples are inserted the opposite way on my car originally. What's the real scoop? I don't think I've ever seen them come in from the wheel well side before.....

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

All cars that I have replaced the flaps and staples on had the staples inserted from the engine compartment to the outside wheel well.

[William C.]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

Dick is correct, also remember the staples were in place before blackout, so the staples will show blackout paint.

[Brad K.]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

I agree. So the AIM is incorrect as to the actual installation?

[mike mccagh]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

didn't look at aim but have replaced so many shields i'm confident in stating the staples were bent over on the outboard side of the inner skirts.mike

[Alan Drake]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

Just checked mine and confirm they are inserted from the engine side and bent over at the outboard (tire area) side. Mine are all bent towards each other. Note, owned since 1967 and know area has not been touched.

[John H.]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

The plant elected to install the staples opposite to the direction shown in the A.I.M., as it was more convienient to position the parts in the stapler jaws with the inner fender in an inverted bowl position on the anvil and the shield on top where the operator could see it and position it correctly; the A.I.M. was never updated to reflect this.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 - '65 Mud Flaps over Front Swing Arms

We are fortunate to have the John Hinckley, and others that worked on the line during the time that these cars were built. Between the dozen or so posters that were employees, if they do not know the answer no one does.

[Mike McKown]

Haven't seen 'em all of course,

but I don't recall any GM car with the staples the other way. If you think about the shape of the fender apron/inner fender you can imagine how it might be awkward to staple it the other way. Also could be very hazardous to hands and arms when working in the engine compartment.