Should I attempt front clip replacement?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
Should I attempt front clip replacement?
I am not experienced with auto body and am considering whether or not it would be foolish to attempt replacing the front clip myself. I would get the one piece part I think, to save alot of bonding and allignment of the individual parts. I do have lots of experience working with my hands since I am a custom furniture builder and designer and used to doing things well the first time with little experience. I just wonder how difficult this one would be. I know the pro's budget about 40 hours to do this. Where can I get more info on the techniques involved? What questions should I be asking here?
Thanks much,
Marc in Sarasota
Thanks much,
Marc in Sarasota
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
I guess it depends on what you specifically mean...just the plastic/glass etc...or if you have frame damage or rust out problems....it can take lots longer than just 40 hrs given changes in those problems/circumstances....
these cars are a minimum of 20 years old allready, and as such were never really designed to go this far/long....so it's dependant on your car, and without more specific information as to just exactly what is rong with your car, it's a guessing game...and sometimes even you will not know exactly how bad/good something is untill it's all apart....
the materials can be recommended by any GOOD auto body supply shop inyour local area....look around....most of them are recommended for various types of 'glass' that's out there.....from our older style to the modern SMC...seems it varies a bit....much less those pesky urethane bumpers on later sharks....
I think you need to approach this from an indoor RELAXED type project status, not a hurry it up 'I need it NOW' type project.....the latter leads to ulcers, and the former leads to smiles....
GENE
these cars are a minimum of 20 years old allready, and as such were never really designed to go this far/long....so it's dependant on your car, and without more specific information as to just exactly what is rong with your car, it's a guessing game...and sometimes even you will not know exactly how bad/good something is untill it's all apart....
the materials can be recommended by any GOOD auto body supply shop inyour local area....look around....most of them are recommended for various types of 'glass' that's out there.....from our older style to the modern SMC...seems it varies a bit....much less those pesky urethane bumpers on later sharks....
I think you need to approach this from an indoor RELAXED type project status, not a hurry it up 'I need it NOW' type project.....the latter leads to ulcers, and the former leads to smiles....
GENE
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
I am really not in a rush but do want to keep the project moving.
The problem the car has is from a fender bender that separated the front clip from the mounting. It crushed the glass a bit on the end/front of the fender. The bumper and rubber inside needs to be replaced as does a bracket somewhere around the light.
The problem the car has is from a fender bender that separated the front clip from the mounting. It crushed the glass a bit on the end/front of the fender. The bumper and rubber inside needs to be replaced as does a bracket somewhere around the light.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,077
Likes: 27
From: Northeast South Dakota
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
My front end was detached during the wreck that happened before I bought it and I put it back on. I didn't think it was that bad, but I have had extensive experience with fiberglass work before. I think that unless you are really mechanically inclined and **** about attention to detail leave it for somebody else. But if you leave yourself enough time, dry fit it, tune on it and dry fit it again, then repeat, the advice you need is probably right here, and you can do it. It all depends on what kind of person you are. If you're ready for some serious work, eager to learn, not afraid to ask questions, and understand fiberglass work to some extent at all you should be able to tackle this yourself.
Remember I have never installed a new one piece front end, I just reinstalled my old front end. There could be more involved with a new front end that I am not aware of.
-Justin
Remember I have never installed a new one piece front end, I just reinstalled my old front end. There could be more involved with a new front end that I am not aware of.
-Justin
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 545
Likes: 10
From: NY
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
I am in the process of installing an afermarket front clip on my 78. My clip came with pretty detailed instructions on removal and installation. If you want, I can scan the instructions and send them to you.
My suggestion to you would be to try to remove your existing front clip, grind the glue off of all of the bonding areas, and reattach it to the car. Then, if you can't salvage the original parts, go out and buy a quality front clip. If you are good with your hands, it is definitely doable, but be prepared to invest a LOT of time.
This website has the best information I have found to date on installing a front clip: http://vetteworks.tripod.com/70resto.htm
Also, Ecklers' book on corvette fiberglass repair supposedly has a section on this subject. The book is out of print, but I am trying to locate a used copy myself. I have also purchased two corvette body repair books from http://www.glass-ra.com for this project. Both books are excellent.
My suggestion to you would be to try to remove your existing front clip, grind the glue off of all of the bonding areas, and reattach it to the car. Then, if you can't salvage the original parts, go out and buy a quality front clip. If you are good with your hands, it is definitely doable, but be prepared to invest a LOT of time.
This website has the best information I have found to date on installing a front clip: http://vetteworks.tripod.com/70resto.htm
Also, Ecklers' book on corvette fiberglass repair supposedly has a section on this subject. The book is out of print, but I am trying to locate a used copy myself. I have also purchased two corvette body repair books from http://www.glass-ra.com for this project. Both books are excellent.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Falls Pa.
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
I installed an Ecklers front end on my 79. This is my first vette, but I have a fairly extensive autobody background. First, you DO NOT want to rush this project. I can't see 40 hours even if everything goes right. I spent months on my dry fit. A new nose come roughly in the right shape, but it is about an inch long at the doors, and the headlight holes are too small. this is designed so you can do your own cuts to match the wide tolerances in all cars. If you are handy, can follow instructions, are very patient, and love your vette, you can do it. Here is the link that helped me a lot:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=462618
Buy the ecklers book, and ask a lot of questions on the forum. My car is on my latest post called 79yellowlt1 lives. It shows my progress thus far. Good luck, show us before and after pics.
:steering:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=462618
Buy the ecklers book, and ask a lot of questions on the forum. My car is on my latest post called 79yellowlt1 lives. It shows my progress thus far. Good luck, show us before and after pics.
:steering:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (79yellowlt1)
I'm sure I'll be asking and answering many of these questions as I proceed.
I am currently finishing up the reinforcements and header bar on my front
clip. Soon, I will be getting into the dry fit. Look for my posts in the future -
as I'm sure there will be many.
Oh yeah - and like Gene said: Be prepared for an unexpected nightmare
as you tear into her. I hope yours is in better shape than the typical C3.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 12:27 PM 4/29/2003]
I am currently finishing up the reinforcements and header bar on my front
clip. Soon, I will be getting into the dry fit. Look for my posts in the future -
as I'm sure there will be many.
Oh yeah - and like Gene said: Be prepared for an unexpected nightmare
as you tear into her. I hope yours is in better shape than the typical C3.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 12:27 PM 4/29/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 22
From: Oxford CT
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
Go ahead and do it, I did my 71 without any previous experience at all. Get Echlers book and tape on fiberglass repair and take your time. It's not as difficult as it seems.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Muskegon Michigan
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
I will be putting a custom 1 Piece front clip on my 74 this summer. I dont have a choice though the stock clip was almost completely gone when I bought the car in December. Glad to hear that its not as hard as it looks but I only have limited auto body expirience so I may make easy tasks difficult. I guess I will have to take it one step at a time. Currently I just had the front frame and brackets all sandblasted and will be painting them tomorrow. This is my first Vette and I am learning a lot. Plan on putting a 406 small block in it once the frame and brackets are all re-assembled. :steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Roadster71)
:iagree: I replaced my front clip like the factory did with the seperate pieces and bonding strips. Make sure your doors are aligned correctly for proper fit.
The front edge of the door is very important in fitting the front clip. I recommend getting factory panels if you can. They fit the best. I also followed the Ecklers fiberglass repair method. The most tredious part was all the sanding to blend the panel seams. I used guide coats while sanding to find the high and low spots. Take your time. It took me about 6 months before I called it complete.
The front edge of the door is very important in fitting the front clip. I recommend getting factory panels if you can. They fit the best. I also followed the Ecklers fiberglass repair method. The most tredious part was all the sanding to blend the panel seams. I used guide coats while sanding to find the high and low spots. Take your time. It took me about 6 months before I called it complete.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Elyria Ohio
Re: Should I attempt front clip replacement? (Marc80)
It is not too bad. I did might last year on the 76. Just take your time. Getting the lines straight is the hardest. There is a lot of grinding old bonding material off. Do plenty of test fits. Here is a link to mine.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/76red/
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/76red/
