Front clip---- remove or not----pics
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 3
From: North of Boston Ma
Front clip---- remove or not----pics
I need some advise whether to remove the front clip or cut. If I cut it would be on that black line seen in the first photo on both sides. The usual rust that these vettes get at the bottom of the windshield is on mine
. So do I remove the entire front clip or is it easier to cut out the area that is marked on the first photo.
How bad is it to take the front clip off and replace again?
I want this done right.
Any input or pics is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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. So do I remove the entire front clip or is it easier to cut out the area that is marked on the first photo.How bad is it to take the front clip off and replace again?
I want this done right.
Any input or pics is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Holtwood PA
absolutely remove the clip...do not cut fiberglass if you don't need to...I took my front clip off (it's cracked up from an accident but still in one piece) in a few hours...you'll need a heat gun and a putty knife for where it is glued together, but it is definitely the way to do it. I'll try to get some pics of mine off so you can see it.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: St. John's Newfoundland
I strongly agree. I had the same problem with my '79, and was planning to cut the courner off the fender until I talked to friend of mine and visited his work shop, boy am I glad. I found a lot of rusted out metal that would have been left unchecked. 
Here are a few pics of the repair. Still lots to do, but I'm heading back off shore again tomorrow. deal with it when I get back in.
It takes a lot of time and patience but it's worth it. My 23 year old son removed my front clip and firewall by himself while I was working. Nice suprise when I got home. I have also aquired new rocker channels and full windshield frame.
Lots of luck
Clyde
Here are a few pics of the repair. Still lots to do, but I'm heading back off shore again tomorrow. deal with it when I get back in.
It takes a lot of time and patience but it's worth it. My 23 year old son removed my front clip and firewall by himself while I was working. Nice suprise when I got home. I have also aquired new rocker channels and full windshield frame.
Lots of luck
Clyde
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
absolutely remove the clip...do not cut fiberglass if you don't need to...I took my front clip off (it's cracked up from an accident but still in one piece) in a few hours...you'll need a heat gun and a putty knife for where it is glued together, but it is definitely the way to do it. I'll try to get some pics of mine off so you can see it.
It's easier to remove the intire clip.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The really amazing thread, though, is the one where the poster stripped the birdcage bare, fixed the rust, then had it galvanized. I've never seen a Vette that far apart, even one being cut up and parted down in Gruhala's yard. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Make some lines at the door gap or drill some small holes to line up the front end after the repair. They are not easy to get everything right and have the hood fit when reinstalling the front clip.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Pearlington Mississippi
If someone could post a link to that post i'd like to save those pics.Steve
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 954
Likes: 40
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
You should take it out if you don't want any rust surprises in the future.
Look in that thread and see birdcage before & after.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=avner
Avner
Look in that thread and see birdcage before & after.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=avner
Avner
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 3
From: North of Boston Ma
Thanks for all the advice from all you guys, definitely alot of great input and photos---- looks like the front clip is coming off for me.
If anyone else has more front end clip photos it would be good information for people that are working on there front clips.
Thanks
Lou
If anyone else has more front end clip photos it would be good information for people that are working on there front clips.
Thanks
Lou
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
I removed mine and found more than I bargained for. Bubba had got in there and rivetted it to the bonding strip. He also had a container of kitty hair bondo with him when he was doing bodywork! If I ever find him, well, I am just gonna 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
