Help! I have a '69 Camaro that has a 396. It was originally a SB car, so it has the SB heater box assembly.

So, I am doing a conversion from a SB heater box to a BB heater box. Also, I am installing a CustomAutosound radio system and I want to use a power antenna. So, for both reasons, I need to remove (or at least move) the front inner fender skirt.

Does anybody know the sequence of disassembly for removing the inner fender skirt on a '69? I am having the usual problem of a couple of weld nuts breaking loose, and I have one screw with a head that is so corroded that it can't handle a socket wrench. That one I will have to grind down and then drill out.

But, even with all but maybe 2 of the screws out (unless I missed some), it seems like the inner fender skirt isn't going to budge!!!

What am I missing here? If I take out all the screws, then what? Does the inner fender skirt move in toward the engine so I can put it down and out from the fender well? Or does it come out through the engine compartment? How many bolts (total) are removed? Are there bolts in the area under the battery tray?

Is the inner fender skirt sandwiched between the fender and the lower valence the is mounted below the fender in front of the wheel?

Hopefully, the inner fender skirt doesn't come off after the fender is removed! Please advise: Does someone know if the fender must be removed first?

Thank you very much for any help you can give.

Jim

Is there a good assembly manual to follow for this procedure? I have the GM assembly manual for the '69 Camaro. It is great for details and general assembly, but it does not explain the assembly procedure or give assembly steps.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You MUST remove the outer fender in order to remove the inner fender well. Even if you unbolt all of the bolts, its a tight fit and you won't have much wiggle room.

Agreed.

gheatly:
Thanks for the information. After wrenching until wee hours of this morning, I pretty much figured the outer fender has to come off. Also, I found an article in a CHP insert from a magazine on "resto" tips that described rebuilding the heater box and replacing the core. There was one line in the article that said "the outer fender will need to be removed on early Camaros."

Thanks again for your help.

Jim w/69Camaro was SB now BB

Tape the edges of your door and fender before removing to help prevent chips.

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68SS ZZ4, 4sp T-10, 12 bolt, getting painted

78Z28, 330hp vortec, TH350, 10 bolt (just finished)