body replacement
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i've done both types of front clips. the one piece needs less glass work (of course) but is harder to align properly to the doors, wiper door(if you have one) and bumper. there's also a lot going on in a short period of time when you bond it to the inner fenders and cowl. the 'piecemeal' type has a lot of joints to bond, but it's easier to align one piece at a time. i think i'd do a 'piecemeal' type if i (hope not) have to do another.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,173
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi w,
The one piece front ends are fine for some cars.
Some people consider that a one piece front clip devalues the car. This is opinion to some degree.
My feeling is that it depends on the rest of the car and what you're doing with/to it.
There's quite difference in price obviously between a hand laid one piece clip and the jig assembled match molded clip.
So.... it really depends on the car....
Regards,
Alan
The one piece front ends are fine for some cars.
Some people consider that a one piece front clip devalues the car. This is opinion to some degree.
My feeling is that it depends on the rest of the car and what you're doing with/to it.
There's quite difference in price obviously between a hand laid one piece clip and the jig assembled match molded clip.
So.... it really depends on the car....
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Both jnb5101 and Alan 71 are correct. One-piece front and rear clips do take more time to get set-up and correctly bonded...but this can be different from car to car and manufacturer to another manufacturer. One-piece front/rear clips do not just "click" on.
DUB
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
All of the points above are well taken. To me it boils down to on what you have to work with, the money you want to spend and the end result you want to obtain. I elected to go the jig assembled press molded route. In it's former life, my car suffered a major tire failure to the left front causing severe body damage. When I took the body off to do the mechanical resto, I discovered that, what initially appeared to be an isolated poor body repair was, in fact, a complete disaster brought about by the hands of a hack body man with exceptional skills of disguise. As mentioned above, the front clips on these cars a made up numerous pieces that are assembled together. In my case, it's cheaper to replace the entire front clip as opposed to repairing it. I just picked up the front end a few days ago and will be starting the paint and body in the near future.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
tom00799,
Not knowing if you have installed a front clip like you pictured...there are several parts that you need to install before you bond the clip on. Trying to install then after is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE!!!!
The "fun" begins.
DUB
Not knowing if you have installed a front clip like you pictured...there are several parts that you need to install before you bond the clip on. Trying to install then after is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE!!!!
The "fun" begins.
DUB
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
DUB, The answer is no, I have not and any wisdom you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I know I will have to install with vacuum tank attached as well as other items but I would appreciate any advise you have to offer.
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