Front clip removal - 74
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 33
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Front clip removal - 74
Hello - I recently started a restoration on a 74. I have the engine compartment fairly stripped. I was hoping to remove the front clip. The front is loose, but it appears to be bonded where it meets the mid-section of the car.
Any advise on how to remove it? I want to save the fiberglass if possible. There are no other visible rivets or bolts.
Any advise would be helpful. My chilton manual doesn't show me how to do this.
sasajs@sbcglobal.net
[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\Project Corvette\Pictures\May 2005 - Getting the 74 Parts Car\DSCN0903[/IMG]
Any advise on how to remove it? I want to save the fiberglass if possible. There are no other visible rivets or bolts.
Any advise would be helpful. My chilton manual doesn't show me how to do this.
sasajs@sbcglobal.net
[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\Project Corvette\Pictures\May 2005 - Getting the 74 Parts Car\DSCN0903[/IMG]
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Joined: Sep 2005
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if it was so easy. what your front clip is bonded to is called the "birdcage" and as far as i know there is no way to pull the front clip from the birdcage without any damage. to do this you need to break it off. i will sent my whole body (pulled from frame) to a pro fibergalss shop to pull the front clip and also to bond it back to the birdcage.
goodluck
-Andrew
goodluck
-Andrew
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
it can be easily removed with a long chisel and a heat gun. you will have to remove the doors first so you can access the rear bonds. an easy afternoon project. use the heat gun to help loosen the bonding adhesive.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
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Thanks. What would be easier, to remove the whole body (front clip, birdcage and rear clip from the frame and bring it to an auto body shop to have finished and painted after the chasis is complete or to attempt to remove the front and rear clips from the birdcage and remove it in three pieces?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by sasajs
Thanks. What would be easier, to remove the whole body (front clip, birdcage and rear clip from the frame and bring it to an auto body shop to have finished and painted after the chasis is complete or to attempt to remove the front and rear clips from the birdcage and remove it in three pieces?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by gator79
I am not sure what you are trying to do. why do you want to remove the front clip?
Sasajs -- I am wondering whether you might be doing work you don't need to do.
The body can be removed from the frame in one piece after it's prepped. You and five or six of your friends can lift the body off the frame.
There is usually no need to remove the front and rear clips, then the bird cage as three separate pieces. Just more work for you come reassembly time.
Get a couple of the Corvette reference books dealing with frame off restorations and take a look at how other folks have done it.
