Reinstalling Front Clip

[BigSix]

So I took the front clip off in 1 piece. But now I think its best I reassemble it on the frame. That way I can weld in the fender patches and also clean it all up slowly.

Any suggestions on what to mount first? Inner fenders first maybe?

[Vincenthdfan]

Yeah, Ive been kinda wondering the same thing...

I did the same thing (removed it in one piece) and as much as I wrestled with it removing it solo, I don't even want to attempt a solo one piece re-installation!

[joedoh]

I've actually done this on my 65, removed it as one piece and reinstalled it in pieces. my advice is, if the front clip was aligned and looked good when you took it off then leave it together, it was MISERABLE trying to line everything up installed in chunks. get a friend or two to help lift

[1963c-10]

Get the inner fenders in 1st followed by the radiator core support. Make sure they are square and centered. Then install the front fenders and the grill support loosly. Tighten them once you have the alignment right on all the panels.

[BigSix]

Thanks guys!

So I will have to weld in the patch panels on the fenders after installation. Not an issue and I am sure I'll be able to paint behind it somehow.

Now how about that hardware...I don't know if I still have the bolts and shims...

[donthekawguy]

You don't need to have the fenders on to fix them and it will be easier to have them off for repair. Just leave the grill support loose and after fixing the fenders leave them loose and align and tighten as you go.

[Arekusu]

Originally Posted by joedoh

I've actually done this on my 65, removed it as one piece and reinstalled it in pieces. my advice is, if the front clip was aligned and looked good when you took it off then leave it together, it was MISERABLE trying to line everything up installed in chunks. get a friend or two to help lift

I'll say this was 100% true for me as well.. but I used all new parts (minus the hood) If it's together and shimmed correctly, KEEP IT TOGETHER! If you want to pull off one fender, put it all back on, then pull of that one fender, noting shim positions and / or thicknesses. Keeping the gaps right are so key.

Also, if you're painting, fit check it all together in the first coat or second coat of high build (2k) primer. It adds thickness to your parts (as does a few coats of Clear coat), and your gaps will change for sure, don't roll your bad as* awesome paint off like I did because I trusted my old gaps.. that equates to redoing your paint... again.. and adding another $200.00 or so quart of paint to the budget. Good luck!

Alex