68notray

Just got a great big box of fun parts from Sermersheim. Working on a '68, have new front clip pcs, both fenders, hood surround, lower valance. My original fenderwells are good, along with my bonding strips. So, with everything currently off the car, how do I get started? Rough position the surround, then the inners, then fit the original hood, then fenders?

I started a mock up assembly, but I am surprised the fitment of the fenders to surround is so poor. The curvature and profile seem like they will need a miracle for them to seam up nicely.

With no fitment starting point how do I avoid assembling the clip too high or low in the front?

DUB

DO you have a AIM???? Using measurements that you should have taken PRIOR to taking any panel off....would give you a starting point. IF NOT...then using the measurements giving for setting the body height can get you close.

Make sure the car is ON THE GROUND...and all tires aired up the same...and I am assuming that your front suspension is GOOD.

I have NO CLUE on what is still attached to your frame which is important to getting the height of the surround so you have air cleaner clearance along with the fan fitting the shroud correctly

You wrote: Rough position the surround, then the inners, then fit the original hood, then fenders?

Actually...get the inner skirts in place...then the top hood surround get fitted...then hood....then fenders and lower valance.

A lot of fitting can checking is going to take place...so....hopefully you took some good measurements BEFORE the old panels were removed.

Get ready for an easy 40-60+ hours to do this. Collision estimating guides give 30 hours for JUST the top hood surround. I have more than I can count. There is a LOT to consider when doing this so when you get it all done....you find that you missed something....depending on year model.

DUB

68notray

Thanks DUB.
No AIM, prob should get one on the way.

This car was purchased with wheels forward cut off from collision so many of the critical measurements were unavailable or not trustworthy. Inners did survive so I guess when you bolt them to the rad support sides it does start to give a reference point. Frame is all verified good, horse shoe and frame extension brackets also good. I kinda figure I'm going to be test fitting for 6 months.....

DUB

YEP....Plan on spending some time on this.

DUB

Ken Sungela

I'm putting a new hood surround and nose from Corvette Image on my '59. The first time I set it in place I was pretty disappointed about the fit. After some trimming and adjustments and 25 hours, its starting to fit pretty good. I figure another 25 hours before everything is bonded in place. Patience, patience.

zwede

We replaced all panels behind the doors as well as front surround and one front fender. One thing that helped was to roll the car out with all the panels mocked up and look at it from every angle from a distance.