Front Clip install

[69MyWay]

The driver door gap was actually too tight on the front edge, and was missing the upper part next to the winshield and door. So, using a variety of hand shaped tools and methods, we re-create the upper portion of the fender, then open the door gap by using the same paint paddle wrapped in 80 grit. By sliding this in and out of the gap, up and down, the passenger and driver door gaps end up being exactly the same (much less than they did from the factory).

No, to get the perfect as if the front and doors were once once piece, and a gap was simply cut to make the door open, the next phase is to feather fill the two panels, then long block inbetween/across the door gap until both are exactly the same level.

 

[69MyWay]

Now, the next pic you see is of some minor build up needed on the rear quarter to make sure the top rear edge of the door and top of the quarter meet at the same level, again, as if they were cut out of one continuous piece of fiberglass.

I am building it up with the long strand super hard filler, then topping it off with regular "bondo" style filler. I will feather fill the final portion to get out the sanding scratches, bubbles, etc.

 

[Black Thunder]

Bruiser isn't bad
Can you see Killer, Bruiser and Thunder parked side by side at a show. Man thats a statement, and a great posse shot
Someday I hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tom Bryant]

Chris,

You do nice work for an insooorance guy.


Bruiser! Bruiser! Bruiser!!

Tom

 

[TZ Racer]

Heh! The car was black before we started this project. Actually, Sue's the one who caved! She was voting for red.

Bruiser??? I'm not sold on that yet. Names I have had for the car are: Rust Bucket, S..t Box, Exxon Valdez (leaked oil)...you get the picture. I think Budget Buster is the latest.

I guess Chris didn't like my "Torqueamada" idea.

A name has to be earned. We'll see when it's running what kind of personality it assumes.

(that's right, Dave)
Hal 8865.367


:eek

 

[Tom Bryant]

Speaking of personality transplants GM has 2 new crate engines that will infuse a mass amount of personality in any Corvette. Both with a conservative 572 cubic inches. The ZZ572/620 horsepower at 9.6:1 cr and the ZZ572/720 horsepower at 12:1 cr. They have 650 and 685 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm respectively.

Should be enough to earn the Bruiser title for any Corvette.

Tom

 

[69MyWay]

Chris,

Any chance you can get some pictures of the air intake ductwork in the passenger side cowl while you have the fender off this car? I would be very interested in having a better look at this area as I take a go at trying to solve the problem of the introduction of hot air into the HVAC system at the source.

Bob

Okay Bob, it has taken me some time but here you go.

This is the later model firewall I have out behind my shop. It has been raining for like 24 hours here and everything is soaked. I am driving into work a little later this morning so I thought I would take advantage of actually getting to see the sun shine at the house. I really hate winter, I leave for work in the dark, I come home in the dark. Then while I am at work, I am in the dark!

 

[69MyWay]

another angle

 

[69MyWay]

last one

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Thanks Chris. Exactly what I was looking for.

I know what you mean about the day light and the weather. Throw in the cold and flu season and you have the recipe for joy and cheer. I always wished Christmas was in May.

Bob

 

[corvetjerryd]

Hey 69myway,
I just ran across this old post on replacing the front clip on a shark and I am very intrested ... I have a 73 coupe and it has been improperly repaired more than once by the looks of it. I have been stripping it down for a new paint job and I am finding tons of bondo everywhere. I was wondering if it would be easier to just replace the whole front clip? It sounds like you have done it more than once, but the post I have no longer has any of the pics. you refer to. I used the link to your website but I still didn't find these specific pictures. If you still have them or can give me any info. on this subject I would GREATLY appreciate any help with it.

thanx Jerry D.

 

[69MyWay]

changing the front clip is a large job as it requires the removal of many items.

Breaking it free from the cowl will also do damage to the cowl supports and require repair before bonding the new front on.

If you go with a new aftermarket clip, be aware they don't fit right on. They come longer in the door area than needed so that you can trim to fit. You will have hours of hand work at the door opening to get it right.

So, the question comes down...is it easier to replace it, or repair what you have?

The answer would be based on the quality of the current bonding to the cowl/firewall area. If the clip appears to be broken free or there is obvious rust down in the corner of the windshield frame and corner upper cowl support....you need to pull it off.

You can reuse your old clip, and it will fit better the first time since it came off the car. You can pop it off, grind, fill, strengthen it from the backside, then reinstall it.

There is nothing easy about any one of these options.

Picture wise....go to www.tropiczoneracing.com and click on the 71 street vette link. I think I took some good pics of it while it was in my garage with the clip off/on.

I have more of my car, but been way too lazy to upload them to my site.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I thought it looked a lot eaiser than it really was.... I need to reevaluate the original clip a little more before making this decision. It probally is salvageable with some work. It just scared me when I stripped the paint off and found all that 'bondo' lookin' back at me.... Thanx again
Jerry D.
P.S. your cars are absolutely beautiful and bad as hell!!!!!! :BOW