68 front end removal

[Evolution69]

Hi trying to strip the front end down to the rad support, Have few questions.

I removed the bonnet easily enough, Man that thing weighs a ton,

The black panel/cover that the bonnet catch is attached too, I removed the 5 bolts from it, 1 on each corner, and one in the middle where the catch is, What else do I have to remove to get this off?

I also removed the 4 bolts going down each side off the top of each front fender, Are there any more bolts on the fenders to remove?.

Lastly how does the front bumper/grill/valance come off?

Thank you for your time.

[JB400]

There are 4 bolts back behind the lights that go through the fenders.  They can be accessed in the wheelwell.  There is also a bracket on each end of the grill support on the bottom that also bolts to the fenders.  You'll have to remove the bumper.  It's just 4 bolts that hold it on at the framerails.  There's also bolts going from the bumper going into the fenders.  The valance is also bolted on at the fenders.  Don't forget to unplug your lights.  Also, bag and tag all of your bolts.  Makes reassembly easier.  Good luck

[Evolution69]

Great info thank you

[Evolution69]

I got the front valance off and the small bumperette things, So getting there, will tackle the rest tomorrow, I noticed that the frame rails come all the way to the bumper, Do they come off or not?, I was hopping to have it stripped down to the rad support as i have space issues right now.

Thank you

[JB400]

Yes, they come off.  2 big bolts on each framerail.  There is also bolts that go from bumper into the fender.

[Ghoste]

Unless you mean the front framerails themselves, those don't come off.

[Evolution69]

Thanks guys

Bit confused, I wanted to strip the front end down to like this picture, The picture doesn't show the frame rails!?.

I hope the fellow member of the picture does not mind me borrowing their picture.



Thanks

[JB400]

Look at the whte bolt on the framerail in the picture.  That bolt holds on the bumper brackets. There's 2 bolts per side.  The bumper bracket is not called the framerail.  We were just using your terminology.  Bumper bracket or bumper brace is the correct term.  The framerail itself is part of the front subframe.

[Evolution69]

Right, I see
thanks buddy for all your help much obliged

[JB400]

That's what we're all here for.  One thing to remember.  Have fun

[Evolution69]

Thanks buddy
So If i remove the 2 big bolts bolting the bumper brackets, They and the front bumper should come off?, I removed the front lower valance and the bolts attaching the bumper to either side of the fender.

I been working on european cars for years, Working on this beast is a entire diff kettle of fish, the bolts are on so tight on the bumper essembley, hardly any rust on them either, I should invest in some new tools, what do you guys use, air tools?, The trusty old run of the mill snap on socket set I got last year just isn't up for the job for these beasts.

Thank you

[JB400]

You are correct, if you remove the 2 big bolts per side, the bumper should come off.  I don't know what ratchet you have, but you'll need at least a 1/2" drive or 3/4" drive ratchet.  An air ratchet or impact works as well.  Good luck

[Evolution69]

Thank you again

[tan top]

   

[tan top]

 

[Ghoste]

No worrying about the framerails.  When you first posed the question I was worried you might have been thinking you could strip the front stubframe off like a Chevy but I see now that you have it figured where you are going with all of this.  

[Evolution69]

oh wow, you guys are great.

I managed to get the front bumper off today, Tomorrow its the grill .

Thank you guys, Each and everyone of you, thank you for taking the time to help me out, I wouldn't of been able to done it with out you guys.

[Evolution69]

Should I remove the grill first, Or fenders then grill?

Thanks

[JB400]

Definitely the grill first.  Then you have splash shields in the fenders.  I do hope your bagging and tagging all your bolts.  Somebody didn't do that on mine and put every nut, bolt, and screw in cappachino boxes.  I ended up buying a bolt kit with everything marked.  Fender bolt kit= $130.

[Evolution69]

Thanks buddy


I been working on the girll, The top bit seems nice and lose ready to come out, But not quite at the bottom, I removed the 4 bolt bracket on each bottom corner, That is right isn't it?, Also removed one of the metal covers under the head light to see if it will loosen up but still not moving, do these have to be undone too? I'm guessing there are some more bolts to undo?!..

I have started to bag and tag them now, First I thought I would remember, but now I can see why people say bag n tag

Thank you

[JB400]

Did you get the bolts that go from the grill support into the fenders?  They're accessed throw the wheel well

[Evolution69]

Oh yeah, those must be it, ill give it a go, Thank you

[kab69440]

There are two more in a center brace the attach to the bottom of the core support.

[Evolution69]

Yes got those, im sure its the one in the fenders just left now, Will try in the morning, Thanks guys

[Evolution69]

I got the grill off,  Only problem I had was because I undone the bolts on one of the metal parts, while the grill was in place and forgot about that on removal, the bit that fits under the headlight, When the grill came out, It didn't want to line up to the holes, I didnt fiddle with it much as I was tired, But I really hope I didn't damage anything!?




Just the fenders left now, Ive undone all the bolts going along the top,  Are there any more hidden bolts to undo?, If so please tell me where they are, And then will the fenders just  come off?..

Nearly there, Thank you