Front end repl options - 1 piece vs jig built?

[Timothy B.]

My 67 convertible front end needs work before I get it painted. I am suspecting that the work, parts, and labor to repair the existing fiberglass may be as high as buying a complete jig built front end (existing front end has many out of alignment parts due to poor workmanship many years ago). Anyone done this? How hard is it to cut off the front with the body on the frame, prep it for the new front, and attach it? What do y'all think of the jig built fronts from places like Ecklers, etc. made up from original type parts versus the one-piece hand-laid process. I don't plan on judging my car, but I do want it to appear original.

If I don't go the complete front route, I suspect I would have to replace the entire hood surround, lower front pieces, and possible right fender to get things back the way they should be.

Any experience from the group would be appreciated.

[Mike M.]

Re: Front end repl options - 1 piece vs jig built?

wayne Womble, a frequent poster here and long time ncrs member, has the best c-2 front clips that he bonds on his jig.good luck, mike

[Dick G.]

Re: Front end repl options - 1 piece vs jig built?

I did a hood surround on my 65 convertible 6 months ago. Very putsy job. You will do many hours of fitting and 20 minutes to glueing and screwing it down. I have never done a front clip. After doing the hood surround I wondered how much harder it would have been to change out the front clip. Where your hood surround meets factory glass(side fenders, park lamp,nose between headlights)needs to V-ground down and reglass all seams after the bonding adhesive has cured. This last point may be mute since you may want to glass over all the seams on your new front clip. One big advantage of doing the hood surround is you get to try and perfect the fit and gap on your hood and headlights. I would expect the complete front clip assy. should fit your hood near perfect but don't know for sure. I would not use a one piece nose. When you look underneath, you will see the results of the hand laid fiberglass. I did a front valence on my 57 years ago. It was hand laid underneath like the one piece clip. I attempted to smooth out the hand laid but it will always look wrong. As far as removal of the front clip;it is bonded at the leading edge of the door jamb, windshield edge and vent openings,upper firewall, inner fenders, and the front nose metal support that runs left to right to inner fenders. Maybe you should buy Ecklers book on fiberglass. There are chapters on this very subject. In the choice of bonding adhesives, I have been told to stay away from products like Fusor. Use a product that will give you some time to screw it down after applying advesive. I like Evercoat adhesives. They make one now that gives you 20 minutes before it kicks off. Good Luck!