Hey guys, I am approaching the assembly of my entire front end after the major front subframe restoration project.

My questions is, what is the best plan of attack on assembling the fenders, radiator support, inner fenders, front valence pieces, etc....?


It seems like it is going to be quite a trip. The engine will be in the car along with the subframe. I assume just build around everything?


Is there something I should do first and in which order?





Thanks for the help guys, I will list some process pictures soon!!!


Justin

First things first, go to the sticky's at the top of body and read SR Martins peice on panel alignment.
Then make damned sure your doors are aligned right.
Assemble fenders to inner fenders and lower fender extensions
install rear supports for inner fenders onto firewall
Install rad support but leave the bolts loose
Install both fender/inner fender assembly's, leave the bolts loose
Install upper and lower valence but leave the bolts loose
square the hood opening
Align the fenders to the doors with shims (see srmartins article)
square the hood opening again
install hood (but not hood latch), rough align hood, resquare hood opening (by moving rad support), align and tighten upper and lower valence
Final align doors to fenders and hood to car
tighten all the bolts and install and align the hood latch

oh, forgot to mention. Cover EVERY edge with "shoebox" grade cardboard held on with blue masking tape, this will help prevent damage and will pull right off when your done with it. Don't forget to cover the rad support where the front fender bolts go.

JimM. Thank you so much. This is such a big help to me.


I will keep everyone informed!


Thanks again

Justin

Good luck hope your not using repo parts they are a real PITA to line up I have been working them all week and finally have it CLOSE ENOUGH!