In process of fitting Headlight and Below section from a donor 59. Problem is that with everything aligned and fitted (radiator spt/headlight bezels/spt rods) and the radiator spt setting approx 1/2" above the third arm mount, I would still have to raise the nose above the third arm mount another 1 1/4"--that puts me close to 2" above the third arm mount to get my bumpers to correctly lineup with my bumper brackets?

I replaced the original nose because of lots of fractures and broken sections. Damage was more neglect and abuse and not due to any front end impact. I am at the point of total frustration and I don't see any corrections which would allow me to install a "normal" radiator support cushion/shims and be able to fit bumpers. Is it reasonable to elongate bumper bracket holes in an attempt to bring things into alignment. My bumper brackets are all repro as this project did not have any when I purchased her.

 

I asked a similar question a while back


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...s-fitment.html

 

Thanks for link. Figured it best to just walk away and come back again later. I am doing this with a new attitude and it seems to help. I am able to tweek the nose a little but have to believe main issue(s) are in the bumper brackets. So, I will try all the tips mentioned in your referenced thread (loosen, elongate, shim).

Struggling with posting photo of front frame rail and fender skirt gaps on each side! Sorry, couldn't get a photo to post yet. I believe when I get the nose and radiator spt adjusted to the third arm mount (1/2" to 3/4"), my fender skirts will gap above my front frame rails (by the stabilizer mounts) about 1/4" to 3/8" higher. Does this track with some of you other folks for THAT GAP? If so, I am comfortable with panel fit and will tinker with the brackets until bumpers fit right.

 

Just wanted to post my results from working all day at fitting the nose and bumpers/brackets. First, if you are nearing a frustration limit when doing similar things, I highly recommend you quit and come back later. Done correctly, the panel dictates where the bracket's bumper attachment holes should be. I finally convinced myself that there are key areas that really have very little wiggle room when fitting the nose panel:
--radiator support to skirts and upper support flanges pretty much a given
--radiator support to third arm mount set so a "normal" cushion/shim set of about 1/2" to 5/8" spacing is achieved. Anything more and the carriage bolts might not be long enough.
--lower baffle, baffle support and attachment holes in lower nose section are aligned.
--vertically trueness of the nose when looking at it from the sides

When I did all this, headlight bezel test fitting was nearly spot on and only very minor adjustment was needed. Wheel well profiles were very good and workable. After all seemed to be fitting exceptionally well, I felt my next task was to make the bumpers/brackets fit to this panel alignment no matter what I had to do to them. I was able to fit bumpers and the brackets by loosening all bolts and slowly tightening and shimming--real methodical effort. Things are so close that maybe a few holes could be elongated to make it that much better. So, I will now take everything back apart and get ready to do the bonding and repeat the process with the bumpers/brackets knowing it does fit if you work at it. Last thing, I follow the old rule of if you have to force it something isn't right.