How to Evaluate Custom Fender Flares on a GMC Motorhome
Custom fender flares can change the entire side profile of a restored 1970s GMC Motorhome. Yet a photograph that shows a smooth painted arch says little about the mounting underneath it. Searches for GMC fender flares often lead to modern pickup accessories; here we mean custom bodywork on the original 1973–1978 coach. In our historical listings, we treat the description of an alteration as an invitation to check its workmanship, not as proof that a particular kit fits every vehicle.
Read the shape from several angles
Request three exterior views taken with the coach parked on level ground. A front-quarter photograph shows how the flare meets the nose and the front body line. A straight-on side photograph makes it easier to compare the front and rear arch profiles, paint transitions and left-to-right appearance. A rear-quarter view can reveal the return edge and whether the flare follows the rear body contours.
Try to obtain both left- and right-side views under similar lighting. A shadow, camera tilt or wide-angle lens can exaggerate a gap. If the images differ, ask for a second photograph before drawing conclusions.
One archived custom-coach listing recorded front and rear fender flares on a sold 1977 GMC. It identified the alteration, but supplied no material, dimensions or attachment details.
Separate styling from usable wheel clearance
The original GMC Motorhome has a distinctive front-wheel-drive layout and tandem rear wheels, as documented in GMC Motorhomes International's vehicle history. Wheel-opening work therefore needs to be judged on the actual coach rather than against a modern truck accessory photograph.
A flare may look evenly fitted while still sitting too close to a tire during steering, suspension movement or loading. Tire size, wheel offset, the shape of the inner opening and the position of fasteners all affect the inspection. The condition and identification of the fitted tires matter too; NHTSA's tire guidance explains why tire specifications and condition deserve separate attention.
A qualified technician should check clearances under the relevant operating conditions. We cannot establish safe movement, road legality or compatibility from listing photographs alone.
Know what the picture leaves unanswered
Exterior images show surface finish. They rarely reveal the condition of a hidden fixing or the metal and composite surfaces beneath a custom extension. Use this comparison when asking for a closer look:
| Visible clue | What to verify in person |
|---|---|
| Fine crack along a paint edge | Whether movement or a previous repair affected the joint |
| Uneven seam near a fastener | How the flare attaches and whether the mounting remains secure |
| Dark mark at the wheel opening | Whether dirt, moisture or concealed damage lies behind the trim |
| Smooth, freshly painted surface | What repairs, if any, occurred before repainting |
None of these visual clues alone proves damage. They identify useful questions for the restorer or an independent body specialist.
Ask about the actual modification
If available, request dated photographs taken before and during the work, the body shop's work order and any notes on finishing materials. Ask whether the flares can be inspected without damaging paint and who should handle that inspection. The seller may have little paperwork if the work predates their ownership.
Documentation improves traceability; an in-person review still matters. For a motorhome intended for regular road use, confirm that wheel movement and nearby bodywork have been assessed by someone familiar with the coach.
Match appearance to intended use
We have listed individually customized GMC Motorhomes, and their styling choices deserve vehicle-by-vehicle scrutiny. Favor clear photographs, specific repair records and a professional look beneath the visible edge. A tidy arch can be appealing, but the decisive question is what the finished modification allows the coach to do safely.
