front clip install questions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
front clip install questions
I have a one piece front ens and 2 new inner fenders I bought from Vanacors. my question is should I bond the inner fenders to the clip first then install it? there are no hoes drilled in the inner fenders where it bolts to the radiator support, so initial alignment might be a little tricky. any advise from someone who has done it before?? 
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: OKC OK
No, do not bond them, just sent the inner fenders in place and just slightly snug the bolts to the radiator. There will be more adjustments later.
The inner fenders help align the top of the surround and the hood, so they actually are the last. If you look at where the inner fender and the upper surround come together that is where you will apply bonding adhesive.
John
The inner fenders help align the top of the surround and the hood, so they actually are the last. If you look at where the inner fender and the upper surround come together that is where you will apply bonding adhesive.
John
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by johns_vette
The inner fenders help align the top of the surround and the hood, so they actually are the last. If you look at where the inner fender and the upper surround come together that is where you will apply bonding adhesive.
John
John
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Johns is correct; do not bond the inner fender panels to the new doghouse until after you have fit the doghouse. They did them all as a unit at St. Louis (fenders, surround panel, inner skirts, etc) but they had an elaborate jig which held everything in place while the bonding compound set up.
Use your old skirts as a reference and cut/drill the holes you will need in the new skirts. Mount the new skirts to the rad support. You will need temporary support under the rear edges of the skirts. Fit the doghouse. Fit the hood. When you have the fit you want, bond the doghouse at the cowl and doors. With the doghouse on, bond the skirts.
Lots of geeing and hawing involved in this entire process.
Use your old skirts as a reference and cut/drill the holes you will need in the new skirts. Mount the new skirts to the rad support. You will need temporary support under the rear edges of the skirts. Fit the doghouse. Fit the hood. When you have the fit you want, bond the doghouse at the cowl and doors. With the doghouse on, bond the skirts.
Lots of geeing and hawing involved in this entire process.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
thanks, I just set it on to get a feel for it a while ago. how do you determine the proper front (nose) height? some say to mount the hood and get it fitted first. some say that the ecklers book is a good reference but they have 2 volumes, wich one? also is there some online reference? thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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The Eckler's book is pretty good. I only have one volume, but it wouldn't hurt to have both. The Glas-Ra series is also good. The assembly instruction manual (AIM) is also handy. It does not give how-to tips, but it provides good-to-know factory information and good illustrations. To my knowledge there is no on-line site.
