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

 

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.

 

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

 

I might be able to offer something intelligent if you can tell me what you're referring to by 'inner fenders'.

- 89_IROC

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

The only thing I can think of offhand is that the term 'subframe connectors' is a misnomer - they probably should have been called 'unibody reinforcers'. Maybe ME Leigh can correct me if I'm wrong on this, but they connect the frame rails to the underside of the car, thereby reducing body flex.

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

 

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

 

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!!

 

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.

 

Thanks guys.
I think Ill patch the original panels while front clip will remain on the body..

All replies are greatly appreciated.

Greg

 

anytime, let usw know how it comes out