Gentlemen,

Been long time since I posted. Nearing completion after more than 2yrs. of body/sheetmetal work. (and the dreaded family and work obligations) Have few questions prior to paint:

69SS 396 Convertible

1. Can I add the cocktail shakers later, after paint, as I do not have time or $ currently to track down 4 shakers. Fyi, quarters were replaced and different GM front fenders.

2. Need to shift the subframe ever-so-slightly to make the hood gaps perfect. Anyone done this without removal of the front sheet metal? Recommendations? I have had front completely removed, cleaned and re-assembled to align, sand, etc. only need to move slightly and don't want to loose my gaps as they look great. Ultimately, the front comes off (one more time!) to paint. However, would like to make sure all is well with everything prior to final removal.

3. Lastly, my GM hood is lower on one side near the hinge. When I reach under and move, it aligns great. When I open and close again, the problem persists. Think this is a old hinge issue? should I shim the hood or look for another set of hinges. Fyi, it is a GM SS hood.

Thanks very much for your help.

Regards,

Doug

anyone?

I'll try:

1. Yes, definitely. I added the fronts and didn't even have to remove the grille.

2. I'm not sure that repositioning the subframe will have any effect on sheetmetal alignment. The only connection between the SF and the sheetmetal is at the core support.

3. I'd try a new hinge on that side.

I'll try too :)

1. I cannot imagine how my back will feel after bending over the front of the car trying to get that inner bolt on the shaker where the leg meets the lower extension. I would/am taking the grill off to mount those. Rears are easy!

2. as Al says, sub is independant from sheet metal. If you are up against something and need to move it a little, shave some more room in the alignment hole.

3. you might be able to save the hinge by hammering the rivet a little tighter. Test hinge movement after each hit, you do not want it too tight. If that does not help, and the hinge is as far up as you can get it, take some metal off of the bottom of the hinge alignment slot to gain more up.

Luck!

Thanks guys for the advice. The alignment issue and the shaker answer keeps me moving! Have any of you painted the hockey stripe after base/clearing? I have the opportunity to utilize a paint booth to spray the car, however, the guy only will give me enough time to spray the base/clear and I have to decide if I will paint apart, or cut in the jams at my garage and paint assembled. (he even said he would spray it for a few hundred $!) That saves me having to buy another (better) paint gun than my older primer gun. What I am concerned with is the hockey stripe. I purchased a stripe kit for paint from Rick's but would need to align the panels once painted and take my time to locate the stripe. I have not painted a stripe. Any more advice on how you guys did it is GREATLY APPRECIATED>

Regards,

Doug