Front end body repair

[jimlam56]

As some of you know, one of my sons tango-ed with a guard rail.
Thanks to Mills Marauder :beer: my replacement parts are painted and ready to install.
Although Mills patiently walked me through the installation process, I'd like to hear from those of you that have replaced the front header panel.
The header panel, bumper cover and passenger side energy absorber will be replaced.
It looks like I'll have to pull the hood and fenders to replace the header panel..
Any comments/suggestions are appreciated
Thanks, Jim

[fastblackmerc]

Good Luck Jim!

[JMan]

It looks like I'll have to pull the hood and fenders to replace the header panel..


No way! You definately don't have to pull the hood. I can't imagine you having to pull the fenders either. I would think that with the car on jack-stands and each front wheel rotated out of the way, you could unfasten it from the inner fender area as well as from below. Start by opening the hood, removing the headlamps and corners, removing the grill, pulling down the inner fenders and twist away. I'm sure someone that has done this can shed more light. Don't be pulling the fenders just yet!

Bigtime props to Mills!!! :bows: You rock brother!

J

[Pops]

Jman is correct as there is no reason to pull the hood or fenders off. Is the air conditioning condensor damaged? If it is you will need help there. Best not to mess with freon unless you are trained on it. Otherwise this should not be a hard job. Good Luck!

[jimlam56]

Jman is correct as there is no reason to pull the hood or fenders off. Is the air conditioning condensor damaged? If it is you will need help there. Best not to mess with freon unless you are trained on it. Otherwise this should not be a hard job. Good Luck!

The ac condenser is ok, just a few fins bent.
Thanks for the responses so far, please keep 'em coming!

[Mills Marauder]

you don't have to pull the hood. just loosen the fenders so the line-up pins will go into the fenders without scratching them. and be sure to tape areas that you worry about scratching. if you have any questions feel free to call me. best of luck

[snowbird]

Jman is right about fenders and hood. I had a similar incident last year and I'm pretty shure. It is not easy though for some bolts and you have to pull the sidemarker lens if I recall correctly.

If you ever feel like being on a good day, it would be nice to take some close up pictures of the steel bumper and 5 mph shock holding assembly on the car, prior to the 2 plastic cone absorbers and front bumper skin install as some of us are looking for ways to swap the steel bumper and 5 mph shock in aluminum for weight saving. Of course, I would call my next son Jim !! :)

[O's Fan Rich]

Jim, when were you planning on doing this work?

[jimlam56]

Jim, when were you planning on doing this work?
We have it scheduled for this coming Thursday Rich.
Dave's going to take the day off and we will dive in.
I will take pictures of the dissasembled front end.

[O's Fan Rich]

We have it scheduled for this coming Thursday Rich.
Dave's going to take the day off and we will dive in.
I will take pictures of the dissasembled front end.

How far are you from Lake Wales?

[jimlam56]

How far are you from Lake Wales?

About 4 hours Rich.
If you are offering to help, thanks, but it's just too far away from where you're going to be.
I'm 25 miles due west of Jacksonville.

[jimlam56]

Update:

Progress was made today, all we had to do was loosen the front fender bolts, so the header panel fit in.
I have the cleanest core support etc. of any of y'all!!!
A stripped bolt stopped us, for today.
Bumper cover back on tomorrow.
Thanks again to Mills Marauder for his help!!