Help! C3 front clip installation

[golfradict]

Hey newbie here, just wondering if anyone has any pics or information about installing the new clip or removal of the damaged one?

 

[6880 Mike]

My advice is not to remove a front clip if you do not have to. It might be possible to make required repairs with the majority of the clip in place. Post some pics of the damage you have.

These can help:
Glas-Ra Products, Inc. - 1968 to 1982

Good luck.

 

[golfradict]

1981 Front Clip Install

My advice is not to remove a front clip if you do not have to. It might be possible to make required repairs with the majority of the clip in place. Post some pics of the damage you have.

These can help:
Glas-Ra Products, Inc. - 1968 to 1982

Good luck.

Thanks for the reply Mike, here is what I have, the entire (what is left of it) front clip will have to be removed and replaced with new. In the second photo there is a temporary radiator installed just to run the car, all parts will be replaced with new. Any help or advice will be much appreciated. ~Randall

 

[Peer81]

Well, looks like you need a new frontclip!
But seriously, maybe best to remove the doors when you remove what is left or the frontclip.
Now is your change to make the frontclip and the front of the doors a perfect fit so I would say. First reinstall the doors best you can and then prefit the frontclip and look what will be the best fit by moving the doors and the frontclip.
But I think you'll be better of with somebody who has done the same.

Btw, also look at how your hood is going to fit "inside" the frontclip!

Groeten Peter

 

[golfradict]

Well, looks like you need a new frontclip!
But seriously, maybe best to remove the doors when you remove what is left or the frontclip.
Now is your change to make the frontclip and the front of the doors a perfect fit so I would say. First reinstall the doors best you can and then prefit the frontclip and look what will be the best fit by moving the doors and the frontclip.
But I think you'll be better of with somebody who has done the same.

Btw, also look at how your hood is going to fit "inside" the frontclip!

Groeten Peter

Hey, really appreciate the info. Has anyone else tackled this task?

 

[6880 Mike]

Order the Glas-Ra books. You will want the front clip volume for sure, but it wouldn't hurt to have both volumes.

You are also going to need the assembly instruction manual (AIM) to show the front bumper paraphanalia you are going to have to replace. The AIM will also show the factory bonding areas. It helps to know what you're looking at as you start disassembly.

Looks like what remains of the front clip can be removed with the doors on the car. Leaving them on will save a lot of work in the future.

 

[tcxd40]

Well I would agree you need a new front clip.
Something to consider,do you want to replace it in one complete assembly or like the factory in multiple assemblies? A full front clip will run you over $1500.00+ new(aftermarket) and that does not include inner fenders. You will still need some of the factory fillers from what I can see. If you are lucky you may find a nice used front clip, that will set you back at least $800.00 then you have all the prep work to install. This is not something a novice should do on his own. I would work with a body shop for sure. It appears that this was a front end collision? if so I would check all the frame dimensions before starting.

Good Luck, let us know how you make out.

tcxd40

 

[6880 Mike]

...Has anyone else tackled this task?...

I put a front clip on my '68. Based on the pics, you would do well with an 81 salvage yard clip. All of it. Hood and hood surround; fenders and inner skirts; front bumper and the related bracketry; bumper cover; lights; radiator and radiator support; AC condensor, etc. Complete, door to door.

Good luck.

 

[golfradict]

Thanks for the comments guys.

 

[damoroso]

I've got a good hood I don't need anymore if you need one.

 

[golfradict]

I've got a good hood I don't need anymore if you need one.

Thanks, how much shipped to zip code 70818, I will pass it on to the body shop owner.

 

[damoroso]

According to UPS, they want $250 to ship it. The box is 50x68x7 inches and weighs about 40lbs. If you're guy knows a better way to ship it, I'm all ears. I might be willing to meet somewhere in between if it makes sense, I'm in Jacksonville Fl. I'm thinking $200 for the hood?

 

[golfradict]

According to UPS, they want $250 to ship it. The box is 50x68x7 inches and weighs about 40lbs. If you're guy knows a better way to ship it, I'm all ears. I might be willing to meet somewhere in between if it makes sense, I'm in Jacksonville Fl. I'm thinking $200 for the hood?

I will pass this on, thanks a bunch.

 

[cspalding874]

1981 with wrecked front end

I have an 81 that was wrecked in the front end. The front clip is in good shape but the entire front end is knocked out about an inch and a half. The reveals at the doors and the hood is all out of wack. Do I need to remove the entire front clip to fix it?

 

[cspalding874]

I have an 81 that was wrecked in the front end. The front clip is in good shape but the entire front end is knocked out about an inch and a half. The reveals at the doors and the hood is all out of wack. Do I need to remove the entire front clip to fix it?

 

[tcxd40]

I have an 81 that was wrecked in the front end. The front clip is in good shape but the entire front end is knocked out about an inch and a half. The reveals at the doors and the hood is all out of wack. Do I need to remove the entire front clip to fix it?

Have you had the frame checked? If it is out that much and it turns out the frame is tweaked, yep front end will need to come off.