Front Clip Removal

[Thumper]

I was looking at my 76 in the garage sitting on jack stands and noticed the gap between the front fenders and the doors and it is quite large at the top of the fenders and very close at the bottom of the doors and fenders. (I have six jackstands supporting the frame, so it's not from hap hazard jack stand placement) So, it appears that the front clip has sagged. Now when I took the rocker covers off, I did discover that the front clip has come 3/4's of the way loose on the drivers side, and all that is holding it on is where it bonds at the top of the cowl. It appears that the clip is still connected to the cowl on the passenger side.

So, now I'm on the fence about just removing the front clip and reinstalling it, or just trying to adjust/shim the clip to see if the door gaps even out. What is the best way to detatch the bonded section of the fenders from the cowl? I don't want to break/crack the front fender trying to detach the clip.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[paintdaddy]

set it back on the ground.Do you have stands placed in front of the front wheels ?I think if you put it back on the ground it will close the gap.

 

[Thumper]

I do have stands in front of the front wheels, but it seems as if there is very little weight on them. I'll set it back down on the ground and see if the gaps close up. Would the frame flex that much? I've crawled all around underneath it and all of the metal is in great shape with only light surface rust.

 

[paintdaddy]

Yeah the frame flexes quite a bit.I paint alot of c3s and I do it with everything disassembled and on jack stands.When I reassemble ,the car must be back on the ground and rolled around the shop a little before I install doors and body panels.Have you tried to open your doors?Usually they will be in a bind and wont open when theyre on jack stands.

 

[Thumper]

Yep, the doors open. It's a bit tight on the driver's side, but that's the side that the panel has come loose

 

[69MyWay]

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!

If you need inspiration, go back and look at the vettes we have hacked up on my website.

You will thank me later (after you cuss me for all the time and effor this will take), because you will find all kinds of crud down in the cowl on each side, and other areas you can give some attention to now.

If you need help, just email me and I will walk you through it...my way.

 

[Thumper]

Ok Chris,

I'm game. I'll never have it torn down as far as this again, so what the heck. I would like to get all the crud cleaned out of the cowl and reseal all the seams. I'll email you for how to do this....your way.

Jeff

 

[69MyWay]

You've got mail

 

[oxide_blue73]

Front clip removal

69MyWay

Could you please shoot me a copy of that procedure as well?
thanks

 

[69MyWay]

Re: Front clip removal

69MyWay

Could you please shoot me a copy of that procedure as well?
thanks

It is more like a list of tools, and my home phone number!

It goes something like this:

You are going to need a variety of sharp thin wide chisels, a hammer, heat gun, pry bars, reciprocating saw with the longest blade possible, and calm nerves.

You will actually pull the doors from the car. Then, you will put the chisel between the fender lip, and the inner fender structure and dig around until you can find the lip between the two. Now, you chisel easy, and move up a bit, then chisel.

You will use the heat gun to help open up the seams as needed.

After you get a window open into the inner fender, you can jam the saw blade in and let it rip.

The only thing holding the clip on is the front core support and the glue between the cowl and inner fender.

Oh...you will want to call me too. 904-298-3017 when/before you get into it and I will tell you in better verbal descriptive detail what you are going to run into and how to overcome it.

It is better said in words than written out.