removing front clip

[xeasyriderx]

I'm trying to remove the front clip all at one time. Does anyone have a flow chart for what comes off first? I need to replace the front grill, radiator support, both fenders,drivers door, and the hood from an accident.
Do I need to support the body if I take doors, top, front clip off. I heard that the body would fold up on it's self, or is that only if I take it off the frame?

At this time I'm not sure what I'll find once these pieces are off. I know there is rust at the back of fenders and cowl. I'm hoping that these pieces are available for replacement.

I, also, have to take off the drivers side rear corner/tail light assy. How does that come off?

I know that I have a lot of repairs to do, but I think the vehicle is worth the effort. I just want to work smart, not necessarily hard. So, I turn to the experts to help guide me through the process. Thanks in advance!

 

[bronkenn]

You don't have to brace the body as long as it is still bolted to the frame. You will have to cut the tail light housing panel off to remove it. I use a panel cutter on an air chisel and cut around all the panel at the edge and then use a rotobroach to cut the welds. I would take the front end off a piece at a time. Easier to handle that way. Ken

 

[xeasyriderx]

Thank you again....so the tail piece is welded to back quarter panel? I didn't know if it was bolted or welded. Can I get inside with a pop weld cutter? And, when I put it back together where will I spot well it back together? I have a lot of body problems to address and I'm not a body man. I finally found how to post!! can you tell me if I can take the whole front clip off as one piece? And, does it come loose from the radiator support or does it come off with it?? Thanks again for letting me pick your brain..

 

[bronkenn]

It will come apart from the core support. Hard part will be taking the screws out at the fender to door post with the doors on. You'll have to remove all the fasteners inside the fender to core support and along the top of the fender under the hood. Get someone to help you pull the fenders away from the door post while removing the front clip. Just have to look for all the attaching points. You won't be able to get at the tail light housing spot welds without cutting the perimeter of it off. If you plan on replacing the housing, buy it first and you will see how it attaches. Ken

 

[Myllo73]

Just took my front clip off a few weeks ago. it's not that heavy but I would recommend having some help when you go to take it off. It's around 27 bolts, but easier to remove the fenders and grill as one piece than to get to the bolts and clip that hold the grille to the front fenders. Start by soaking everything in PB blast, wd 40 or something like that. Not sure it matters where to start removing bolts. I started at the front at the hood latch, then the tops of each fender, lower braces on fenders, and then the 3 Phillips head holding the the fenders to the door supports. Once all the bolts are out just pull out on the fenders near the door support and walk forward. You may have to hold the clips with pliers while backing them out.