Front end removal
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Austin TX
Front end removal
I need to know how to remove the front clip from an 82 corvette. Whoever put it on did not do it correctly, because you can see it is slightly twisted. This is of course causing stress cracks. The Haynes manual that I have does not even get into this at all, and I can not find anyplace that has info on this either. Any help would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14,376
Likes: 1
From: Check this riff........
Re: Front end removal (82Powerhouse)
I think your gona need an assembly manual and you are not going to like it. Corvette body front clips are mounted somewhat like drywall. There are areas that are bolted and then the holes are filled with resin. I know that "adhesive strips" are used as well.
To be honest, I would not mind seeing others comments on this as my 68 seems a tad off. I cannot find signs of damage or replacement anywhere on my front, but the right grill is definately about a 1/2 higher then the left as the chrome moldings on the left fit perfectly and the right ones seem about a 1/2 to 1 inch to short. And the mouldings are the same leangth.
To be honest, I would not mind seeing others comments on this as my 68 seems a tad off. I cannot find signs of damage or replacement anywhere on my front, but the right grill is definately about a 1/2 higher then the left as the chrome moldings on the left fit perfectly and the right ones seem about a 1/2 to 1 inch to short. And the mouldings are the same leangth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Front end removal (82Powerhouse)
Buy the Ecklers book on fiberglass repair. It goes into lots of detail on replacing a midyear front clip. Almost everything will apply to your shark regarding how to mount the fenders at the birdcage, etc.
Shannon
Shannon
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: Front end removal (sb69coupe)
First remove all the wiring harnesses, cruise control transducer, coolant reservoir, wiper reservoir, and all other things that bolt to the front clip
Then remove hood and brackets.
Unbolt the radiator frame and the reinforcement brackets that mount to it (they're in the fenders on the front). then remove the front bumper and undo the bolt that goes into the cage nut in the front.
Saw a slot in the bar over the wiepr area on each side of the car.
Start chiseling near the winshield and chisel all the way down as far as you can, NEVER tear, always chisel w/ a putty knife and make sure it's sharp. Take your time, chisel chisel chisel.
Then when done start from the bottom and work your wat up.
Next go inside the fenders and chisel on the front and rear bonding strips.
Work slowly and it should be fine. It's perfectly possible to remove a front clip without damage, I've seen many that were damages only because theyw ere pulled oof in haste or the work was just done very crude.
Marck
Then remove hood and brackets.
Unbolt the radiator frame and the reinforcement brackets that mount to it (they're in the fenders on the front). then remove the front bumper and undo the bolt that goes into the cage nut in the front.
Saw a slot in the bar over the wiepr area on each side of the car.
Start chiseling near the winshield and chisel all the way down as far as you can, NEVER tear, always chisel w/ a putty knife and make sure it's sharp. Take your time, chisel chisel chisel.
Then when done start from the bottom and work your wat up.
Next go inside the fenders and chisel on the front and rear bonding strips.
Work slowly and it should be fine. It's perfectly possible to remove a front clip without damage, I've seen many that were damages only because theyw ere pulled oof in haste or the work was just done very crude.
Marck
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 229
Likes: 7
From: west point ga usa
Re: Front end removal (Twin_Turbo)
I removed the front clip from my 74 and it wasn't bad at all. I would not cut anything as it makes it much harder to reinstall and get everything to line up especially your hood gaps. I had everything out of the engine bay so access was pretty easy. Remove everything Twin Turbo said. I used a wagner heat gun and a putty knife only to remove the front clip. Take your time to not tear the fiberglass. There are two seams on each side that need to be heated to seperate and the strip across the cowl. Heat up the seams and stick the putty knife in you'll know when it is hot enough to seperate. After the seams are seperated it will be easier to remove the front clip by taking off the front tires for clearence. When I put the clip back on I lined up everything and drilled a couple of alignment holes to ensure it was positioned correctly before it was glued in place. I used the Evercoat adhesive for the frontclip and highly recommend it. If you need any pics of the seams let me know and I can email them to you.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 199
From: Loveland, CO
Re: Front end removal (82Powerhouse)
Take a look at http://www.glas-ra.com. He has been a vette body man for 32 years and has some good books by year. I've used them and am very satisfied.
