How Structurally Important is Hat Channel on the Fenders?

As my old Platoon Sergeant was wont to say, "Ain't nothin' ever easy."

I am replacing the front fender on my '53 M38A1. As you can see, the replacement fender's hat channel stops well short of the frame and is not located in the same position.

Question: is this hat channel difference substantial? I plan on using the M38A1 on our farm in lieu of a John Deere Gator, so it will be getting some use. Should I leave as it is or fabricate an extension and weld onto the frame?

Personaly, mine doesn't have the braces. Its just the bolts to the body and bolts to the front grill. Mine is the 64, so the grill is mounted by the center bolts as well.

Saberr said:

Personaly, mine doesn't have the braces. Its just the bolts to the body and bolts to the front grill. Mine is the 64, so the grill is mounted by the center bolts as well.

Click to expand...

I think you are right, there doesn't seem to be any play or wobble in the fender without hat channel.