C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

[Karl #35089]

Does anyone have any ideas regarding labor time to install a hand laid one-piece front end on a '62 and get it straight? My goal is to compare total M&L costs to that of an assembled PM front. (Hoping to talk a friend down off the ledge.)

Thanks for any input,
Karl

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Since they are both one piece at the time of installation on the car, I'd think the time is nearly identical. The PM with the visible seams may help alignment and shorten that time, but it couldn't be by much.

The difference would be if he tried to take a one-piece, sand the inside smooth, and put bonding strips in to look like a factory front.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Carl: IF the PM or i piece frt clips are both identical in configuration to an original undamaged front clip AND IF the vet firewall /cowl is properly prepaired and undamaged, i'd guess i and another helper could lay and bond either clip in a couple hours. good luck, mike

[Karl #35089]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Mike: Thanks for the reply. Wish it were that easy. My experience, albeit limited, is that the fit/quality/surface of 1-piece fronts forces one to do substantial rework / finish work in order to get anywhere near what the assembled front will be. In fact, the word nightmare comes to mind. I'm thinking by the time one pays somebody to do all that, one could have bought the real deal and ended up with a better end product. Or am I all wet?

Thanks,
Karl

[Karl #35089]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Thanks Mike. "if both are identical" that would be true, but I've never seen a 1-pc that even approached an assembled front in terms of fit. Is there such a thing?

In this particular case, I've looked this POS up & down and I cannot imagine having less than 50 hours in fitting this thing and getting it straight. And then what does he have? For what those 50 hours would cost him he could buy a PM front. (He's paying someone to do this.)

So now he's considering buying ANOTHER 1-pc from a different company. I say bite the bullet and buy the real deal. Or do you think he can find a good 1-piecer?

Maybe my question would be better put - What company, if any, makes a 1-pc front that can be fit and finished in not much more time than a PM front?

Thanks again for the reply,
Karl

[Mike M.]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

if the owner of the vet intends to have it judged, or even if he just wants a good, straight painted driver body, then Press moulded is the way to go. If he just wants something like my ole "Farm Use" 61 ( see the restorer article a coule of years ago) then a one piece will do as i've been racing it and if i trash the front clip, i'm only out a grand or so. I'd never try to get a one piece preped for judging quality paint as i'd have way more $ in preping the one piece than the cost of a PM front clip. Guess is boils down to what the owner wants to do withnthe old vet. mike

[Robert C.]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Karl,

I recently completed a '56 front clip from Corvette Image parts.
If they can supply a good quality one piece front I would definitely
suggest using it and adding the bonding stips.I figure it would require
less than half the time and materials. You also have to grind every joint
for bonding and use some difficult clamping situations. Unless you have
done many of these, you will have a better result with the one piece
considering all the guessing and eye - balling involved with the panels.

Robert Cracower

[Karl #35089]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Mike: Yes. I agree. That is why I asked my original question. I am looking for ammo to try to talk this guy into doing the right thing. Unfortunately it's not my decision and I feel the only thing he will respond to is the "total cost" argument as he is hung up on dollars and blocking out any other factors.

Maybe it's one of those questions that is just not easily answered...

Best regards,
Karl

PS: Love the "farm use" car. Saw it in the Restorer. Very cooool.

[Craig S.]

Re: C1: FR to R&R front clip (1pc vs. real)

Robert - if I understand correctly, Karl is comparing a jig assembled match molded panel pre=assembled front end from Corvette Image or Semmersheims to a one piece front end. For me, the only route would be the matched molded and jig assembled front clip..Craig