DIY Daytona Nose Cone Removal - Difficultly?

[RSI700VIPER]

I want to install the correct radiator, paint engine, detail compartment, etc. but it sure would be a lot easier if the nose was off.  About how many hours would it take and if anyone can suggest any pointers.  Thx.   

[Dave Kanofsky]

You cannot have too many people to help with that endeavor. 
I had a crew of 7 when we installed the nose on mine.  It's big and awkward and delicate and heavier than you expect.  Lots of blankets and painters tape to protect any possible interaction.

[birdsandbees]

I've taken my Bird nose off and on solo twice. Nobody to blame that way if it gets messed up. So far I haven't scratched a thing. Latch tray out, lower fender extension 2 small bolts and two big frame bolts (what would hold a bumper bracket on a "regular" car) out that hold the nose supports and slide off the entire assembly.

[KurtfromLaQuinta]

I'm getting ready to put mine on soon for the first time... Sorry. no help from me. 

[RSI700VIPER]

I've taken my Bird nose off and on solo twice. Nobody to blame that way if it gets messed up. So far I haven't scratched a thing. Latch tray out, lower fender extension 2 small bolts and two big frame bolts (what would hold a bumper bracket on a "regular" car) out that hold the nose supports and slide off the entire assembly.

Good pictures and advise.  I'm thinking about building a plywood jig and putting it on a dolly or something to that effect. 

[panhead]

Good day sir,
This is what I made for just that reason.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?msg=1728049

Hopefully this gives you an idea

Curt

[RSI700VIPER]

Good day sir,
This is what I made for just that reason.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?msg=1728049

Hopefully this gives you an idea

Curt

A motorcycle jack?  Gosh I hope it's not that heavy.  I was thinking of 2 HF wood dollies with a plywood shaped jig and 2x4s.   

[426HemiChick]

I want to install the correct radiator, paint engine, detail compartment, etc. but it sure would be a lot easier if the nose was off.  About how many hours would it take and if anyone can suggest any pointers.  Thx. 

Hi RSI700VIPER,              04 March 2023

We removed the nose from our Hemi Daytona in November 1979 so it would fit on our trailer that was made to haul 'B' bodies and smaller. The problem was the Daytona would not fit with the nose on, the car was too long. The only way to get it on was to back it on. Problem was there was a large storage box in the front that got in the way of the nose or the nose got in the way of the box.

With it backed on the  front end of the Daytona hung over the back of the trailer which made the tung wieght almost zero. Had to tow it home about 7 miles which was spooky, the car and trailer bobbled along as I slowly drove home. 

Bird's and Bees did exactly what we did. We never put it back on leaving that job to Bob Jennings (taxspeaker) after he bought it and took it home.

When it was taken off, I did it by myself. Lots of blankets, frame jack and a dolly to move it around once off. Not a job for the faint hearted. You also need some muscle. I was 44 years younger then; wouldn't try it today.

Be sure to remove the air dam and license plate bracket first (if either exist). They are easily damaged and could cause serious damage to the nose if left on; handle it like the jewel that it is, it's worth enough to retire on.

EDIT: panhead's solution would make the job much easier than the way I did it 44 years ago.

Good luck.

Best Always
426 Hemi Chicks

[nascarxx29]

I had that daytonas XX29L9B356509 nose off and inside on my pool table fixing vacuum and linkages 

[panhead]

Good day sir,
This is what I made for just that reason.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?msg=1728049

Hopefully this gives you an idea

Curt

A motorcycle jack?  Gosh I hope it's not that heavy.  I was thinking of 2 HF wood dollies with a plywood shaped jig and 2x4s.   

Good day sir,

I used the motorcycle jack because it was handy. The nose isn't that heavy, before I made the attachment for the jack, I used a folding creeper. What you're talking about building will also work just fine. Sorry for the confusion.

Curt

[RSI700VIPER]

Thanks to all contributors to this post.  I'm going to give it a go...