Front Clip Reval
#1
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Front Clip Removal
I have an 82 Z28. The inner fenders have some rust damage as well as the lower firewall.
I looked at the front clip and it seems to be welded together. Is this so or can I dismantle it by removal of some bolts and screws. I understand the the subframe can be unbolted and the front fenders can be easily removed but will the entire front clip (inner fenders etc) come off with the subframe?
Thanks
Greg
I looked at the front clip and it seems to be welded together. Is this so or can I dismantle it by removal of some bolts and screws. I understand the the subframe can be unbolted and the front fenders can be easily removed but will the entire front clip (inner fenders etc) come off with the subframe?
Thanks
Greg
Last edited by GregLobb; 08-10-2004 at 09:32 PM.
#2
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Short answer: NO
Long answer: Still NO, but with an explanation;
It is a unibody car, the whole front structrue is boxed in with the radiator support. (Upper and lower rails/Upper and lower tie-bar/and wheelhouses)
A uni-body car CAN be clipped, but is a very involved process, and will require major ammounts of measuring and welding. By no means, structurally, or saftey-wise; a DIY project.
Long answer: Still NO, but with an explanation;
It is a unibody car, the whole front structrue is boxed in with the radiator support. (Upper and lower rails/Upper and lower tie-bar/and wheelhouses)
A uni-body car CAN be clipped, but is a very involved process, and will require major ammounts of measuring and welding. By no means, structurally, or saftey-wise; a DIY project.
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So the front clip is welded to the body of the car?
And bolted to the sub-frame?
So, my best option is to take it into a body shop?
Or try and patch or replace the inner fenders while the front section is on the body of the car?
The firewall might be accessable from the inside of the car as the hole goes right through. The dash will be out of the car so it may be an easy fix there.
Thanks
Greg
And bolted to the sub-frame?
So, my best option is to take it into a body shop?
Or try and patch or replace the inner fenders while the front section is on the body of the car?
The firewall might be accessable from the inside of the car as the hole goes right through. The dash will be out of the car so it may be an easy fix there.
Thanks
Greg
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In the GM PARTS AND ILLUSTRATION CATALOG it is referred to as the motor compartment side and wheelhouse (right and left sides).
At the body end of the fender where it meets the firewall the water can collect and cause rust.
Greg
At the body end of the fender where it meets the firewall the water can collect and cause rust.
Greg
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: Al LT1 headed LG4 305
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi with spacer
There is not frame or sub-frame, it is a unibody. The body is the frame. On top of that are body panels (fenders...) that are bolted on.
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Then why does Hotchkiss offer 1982-92 F-Body Subframe Connectors ?
On the following gif file the item I am talking about is numbered
58. On the right side it connects to the firewall. Here water collects so you can imagine the results up here in Canada
Greg
On the following gif file the item I am talking about is numbered
58. On the right side it connects to the firewall. Here water collects so you can imagine the results up here in Canada
Greg
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#8
Originally posted by GregLobb
Then why does Hotchkiss offer 1982-92 F-Body Subframe Connectors ?
Then why does Hotchkiss offer 1982-92 F-Body Subframe Connectors ?
Frankly, I'm interested in knowing more about this structure too since I'm currently disassembling my Camaro for a restoration.
I know what you mean now by 'inner fenders', but I'm fairly certain that they're welded in at the factory. A body shop may be your best bet on this but, again, don't take my word for it.
- 89_IROC
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So if disassembling the structure and removing from main body of car is to difficult what is the recommended way of repairing rust damage where the inner wheelhouse panel meets the firewall.
I know you can buy this panel from Year 1 or Classic Industries for about 300 bucks US.
So I guess my question is this, since I cant remove the whole clip can I just cut out rot without compromising the front structure as a whole. Rot is about 5 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, seen from behind the front wheel. The hole goes right into the floor under dash inside the car.
Thanks
Greg
I know you can buy this panel from Year 1 or Classic Industries for about 300 bucks US.
So I guess my question is this, since I cant remove the whole clip can I just cut out rot without compromising the front structure as a whole. Rot is about 5 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, seen from behind the front wheel. The hole goes right into the floor under dash inside the car.
Thanks
Greg
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Car: 1991 Firebird GTA
Engine: 350 C.I
Transmission: Auto 700 R for now
Repairing the spot will be a much more cost effective approach, as long as it is done properly, youll never have to worry again, i am going through the same thing on my project right now, and it is not that bad once you get into it. youll want to make direct fit, no overlap replacement panels. Use good steel, 19-18 gauge works excellent in the long run. I would not want to seperate the unibody in any way unless you have to, i have done this a few times before, and only when the body was stripped to its shell and mounted to a containment frame. Just take your time, good welds, clean fibreglass work, no one will ever know you were there!!
#11
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Just depends what kind of job you want to get yourself into...
the strut tower is not a complicated replacement part, May take some measurements before removal, and before you weld in the new part. But overall, it won't mess with the structural integrity of the car, (if your welding skills are up to snuff).
It sounds to me as if patches are in order, though.
the strut tower is not a complicated replacement part, May take some measurements before removal, and before you weld in the new part. But overall, it won't mess with the structural integrity of the car, (if your welding skills are up to snuff).
It sounds to me as if patches are in order, though.
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