Body Damage
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Body Damage
I have a 69 427 tri-power. I crashed the car a couple of days ago. The damage is mainly forward of the radiator. The fiberglass on the front of the car is badly damaged in that the wings/inner skirts on both sides of the car are split and/or torn .
In terms of the future value of the car is it better to get a complete new front end or to try to have the original wings repaired? I live abroad and there isn't much experience of repairing fiberglass let alone corvette's.
I was looking at a Pre-Assembled Press Molded Front End and can't figure out how it is attached to the body ?
All help greatly appreciated
Peter
In terms of the future value of the car is it better to get a complete new front end or to try to have the original wings repaired? I live abroad and there isn't much experience of repairing fiberglass let alone corvette's.
I was looking at a Pre-Assembled Press Molded Front End and can't figure out how it is attached to the body ?
All help greatly appreciated
Peter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
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From: Plano TX
For future value it sounds the damage is bad enough that you should replace with new press molded panels.
The fenders are bonded to the firewall area using a bonding adhesive. The front is mainly held by 6 bolts that go into the radiator support.
The fenders are bonded to the firewall area using a bonding adhesive. The front is mainly held by 6 bolts that go into the radiator support.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Reasonably good references here:
http://www.glas-ra.com/rearhl1968thru1982.html
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Sorry to hear about the damage to your car. Don't know a lot about body work, but hope you get the car repaired soon.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,674
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From: Loveland, CO
Good information posted. For a valuable car like your's, you should go with the press molded stuff. It is more expensive than the other stuff, but will help retain your value.
I had the same issue a number of years ago on my '69, L71. Ordered front clip from Corvette Image up in Oregon. Not sure how many manufacturers there are remaining of press molded replacement parts.
Just don't use the fast set up adhesive. Good for pro's, but not so good for do-it-yourselfers.
Ralph
I had the same issue a number of years ago on my '69, L71. Ordered front clip from Corvette Image up in Oregon. Not sure how many manufacturers there are remaining of press molded replacement parts.
Just don't use the fast set up adhesive. Good for pro's, but not so good for do-it-yourselfers.
Ralph
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,018
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From: Winston Ga.
sounds like we both had a bad weekend. I had a tangle with a tree that jumped out behind me when I backed up. going to the shop tonight for an estimate.
just kills ya dont it. I cant stand to even look at it and no one to blame but my self.
good luck and let us know how it goes!
just kills ya dont it. I cant stand to even look at it and no one to blame but my self.
good luck and let us know how it goes!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
If you cracked up the front end that badly, I would guess you have a bent frame too, I think you need to find someone competant to look over your Vette or post some photos. Where do you live? there are many members on this forum from other countries, maybe they can give a pointer on who to have asses the damage. Sorry to hear about the accident.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Thank you all very much for your replies and commiserations. Mine is a 69 l 71 as well Ralf . I hadn't mentioned it but a women reversed into my car having missed a turn. Never saw me .
I live in Dublin Ireland .
Good luck jnealg with your quote .At least you are fortunate enough to have experts all around you.
I will try to put up a photo .Its just I am not sure how to do it.
Thanks Again
Peter
I live in Dublin Ireland .
Good luck jnealg with your quote .At least you are fortunate enough to have experts all around you.
I will try to put up a photo .Its just I am not sure how to do it.
Thanks Again
Peter
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Plano TX
I agree. The fender has a crease over the wheel, that's the biggest reason for replacement, IMO. Very difficult to repair.
So new driver's side fender and top surround. Did the same thing on my '71. Got the panels from Corvette Image. They use original GM molds and the panels are press molded. The surround & fender were about $1,500. The header bar was already bonded on which was nice. Remember to save the headlight opening reinforcement strips (4 pieces). They are not included with the new surround. You also want a new bonding strip.
Good news is it can all be repaired to where it is as good as new!
So new driver's side fender and top surround. Did the same thing on my '71. Got the panels from Corvette Image. They use original GM molds and the panels are press molded. The surround & fender were about $1,500. The header bar was already bonded on which was nice. Remember to save the headlight opening reinforcement strips (4 pieces). They are not included with the new surround. You also want a new bonding strip.
Good news is it can all be repaired to where it is as good as new!