body panel fitment

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Dec 15, 2005 | 01:14 PM
  #1  
I've got an 89 RS that I saved from the boneyard because it just had the front end ripped off in a collision. I replaced the impact bar and honeycomb plastic stuff, fenders, nose and hood.
So, I go to set the hood on and adjust it...well, it looks like the body still needs some convincing to allow the hood to fit on.
The setup looks decent without the hood, but the hood won't fit on because there isn't enough clearance at the front of the fenders. The back part of the hood fits fine, but it looks like I need to do some "massaging" with the sledgehammer again.
I know pics would help to understand my situation, but all I have now is an overview shot:


The nose is stretched to the max to fit onto the fenders, so it's not an option to adjust the fenders where they mount to the body.
I'm OK with a fair amount of ghetto-rigging to fit everything together. I've already cut off a section of impact bar at the end about 1/2" wide to fit the nose on.
What do you guys think? Cut and bondo my new cowl hood? cut and bondo fender? Drive without hood? not.
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Dec 16, 2005 | 12:50 PM
  #2  
I took some pics last night. They're kinda dark, but you get the hint. The hood will fit fine on one side, but not at all on the other.
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Dec 16, 2005 | 02:14 PM
  #3  
i would get a copy of the measurements and check to make sure the subframe is alright and the fender rails arent bent in.......? did you have to change anything other than sheetmetal or fix it all
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Dec 16, 2005 | 05:24 PM
  #4  
yeah, the passenger fender rail was a little tweaked. I had to enlarge the mounting slot for the front bolt on the fender.

I'm thinking sledgehammer first, then angle grinder if necessary...
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Dec 17, 2005 | 12:59 AM
  #5  
Check to make sure the hood its self isn't tweaked. If it's straight then your sub frame is probably tweaked. That would explain why the hood has the gap on one side and the overlap on the other. Do you know if the car was hit from the side or head on?
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Dec 19, 2005 | 07:59 AM
  #6  
It was hit from the passenger side, directly on the nose.
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Dec 19, 2005 | 09:49 PM
  #7  
I have a copy of the fame measurements if u need them.Theres something more going on u should not have to grind and cut stuff to get your gaps.
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Dec 20, 2005 | 01:41 PM
  #8  
Quote:
I have a copy of the frame measurements if u need them.
Great! Could you post them here?
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Dec 20, 2005 | 06:03 PM
  #9  
here u go I had to get them from when i posted them a long time ago. So I don't know if you will be able to make out the numbers..

body panel fitment-lower.jpg  

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Dec 20, 2005 | 06:04 PM
  #10  
upper..

body panel fitment-upper.jpg  

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Dec 21, 2005 | 08:09 AM
  #11  
Thanks!
I'll have to get out the good 'ol tape measure.
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