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The reason I am asking is I had known that there had been some previous damage that had been repaired the last time it was painted, but I am currently stripping the vette and found that the repair was quite extensive and was thinking of maybe replacing the panel if it was not to labor intensive. Have been at it for around two days with a razor and it seems to be coming quite well.
The car is not numbers matching and not really interested in a show paint job but want it to look decent.
Also going to install a 200-4r at the same time. Picked up an OZ 200-4r with a D5 convertor. Still need to do my hydroboost also.
I replaced mine with a press molded unit ( Corvette Image ) from Ecklers about 5 years ago. I did the whole front clip replacing the surround and fenders. I used the Ecklers fiberglass repair manual as a guide line.
Bryan
Replacing the upper surround is not a hard job at all. If you have the car stripped then you can see all the seams. I make a very shallow cut with a cut off wheel along the seam. Then just use a hammer and chisle and start tearing the surround off. Once you get it started you can pull the surround off by hand. Putting the new one on is as simple as it could be. Fit it first. When you are sure all is well . Grind all the edges where it will be glued. Glue it and install the new panel. Make sure you fit the hood . Do not drill any holes to hold it in place. Use clamps and alum. tape to hold in place when it is setting up. If you need help Email me and I will give you my phone number and go over it with you. Here is a pic of a mid year I did this past week end. The same basic idea applies to your car.[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]
Didn't say that, LOL
I have mine off now. Took about 4 hrs by myself not knowing what I was doing. You need a long stiff sharp putty knife and a hammer. The fenders and hood surround are bonded together along the top of the fender about 2" or doen from the fender ridge useing a bonding strip. Use an orbital sander with an 80 pad on it and go along there and you will find the seam. Use the hammer and putty knife to seperate them along the seam ans seperate the fender from the firewall seam in front of the door. Go Slowly so you don't crack anything unncessarily. you will figure it out as you go.
But, if the repair is not coming apart, cracking and the fromt clip is not sagging, I would NOT do this. Realligning it takes a lot of time and its critical for the thing to come out right, AND its about $2k in materials.
But if you want to do it, we can help