Remove Front Clip/Sheetmetal?

[JMAD3]

Im in the middle of an engine swap on my 70. After looking at the subframe closely, I would really like to coat it with something like por or some type of protective coating. Im on the fence on whether to (i) remove the front end and drop the subframe to make for an easier application or (ii) drop the subframe but leave the front end on but supported or (iii) coat as much as I can while leaving everything where it is and call it a day. If I had a big shop with lots of room, it would not be an issue but Im short on space…plus Im concerned about damage to the body panels or not being able to align them back properly. Anyone been through this or able to give advice, tips, etc? Thanks in advance!

 

[chevyJeff1]

Just wondering, are you wanting a shiny black finish along with rust protection, or is the rust protection all you’re looking for? I’m only asking because a DIY rust preventative coating like fluid film ‘creeps’ on the surface and is sprayable with a flexible wand. Pretty much allowing you to cover your entire subframe, as is. Might save you a lot of chassis disassembly.

 

[Mitch_Z]

You are setting yourself up for project creep. Just clean it, thin some Rustoleum satin black and brush it on.

 

[FS87LT]

If you remove the body mount bolts at the bottom of the core support, then the rear fender bolts to the cowl, unhook the radiator hoses, atf cooler lines from the radiator, and wiring harnesses at the bulkhead connector, plus probably a few other things I'm not aware of, you can THEN lift the whole front sheet metal off the subframe. It will NOT be light!

Would be better to sequentially disassemble the front end sheet metal. Header panel first, then hood, fenders, core support, and items attached to it. ALL of the mounting bolts should be "flange head" or have a "captive flat washer" on them, so you can use a sharpie to mark their original location in the absence of any "witness marks" where they had been bolted down . . . for reassembly positioning and alignment.

Good luck with your project,
FS87LT

 

[1 TAZZ]

If your car has good paint and you don't want to repaint don't dare take your front end apart. I promise you it will never go back just like it was. Your painted edges will chip and flake when you try to put it back together. I am doing mine now and it's a real pain.

 

[73Z L92]

Since you have the engine out you will have pretty good access to the subframe. Degrease the subframe, inner fenders, firewall and rad support. Then scuff with 3M scuff pad. Primer first and then as said above satin black. I did take my front end apart. I used Rustoleum spray bomb.
One of the risks with with removing the subframe is if the bolts are rusty you may break the "cage" that keep the nut from turning. The only reason I would take that chance is if your subframe bushing are shot.
Pic of my current 80 project with spray bomb paint.

 

[lapedr]

I agree with FS87LT, removing the sub frame is a big project which will lead to other issues as you take everything apart which I discovered with my 72 Camaro, so just be prepared for what you will discover. Taking it apart did however expose things needing to be repaired/rebuilt/replaced etc. like pretty much everything from control arm bushings, ball joints, brake lines, steering linkage, electrical harnesses/connectors, rusted bolts, rusted inner fender wells, coil springs, and shocks. Even with all that nothing could have prepared me for what I discovered when I went to repair some rust on the quarter panels, tail panel, and trunk floor. I ended up having to replace both quarters, outer wheelhouses, trunk drop offs, outer rockers, rear tail panel, extension panel with those small end pieces, trunk lid hinge panel, rain gutters, and most of the trunk floor.

 

[suds788]

I agree with FS87LT, removing the sub frame is a big project which will lead to other issues as you take everything apart which I discovered with my 72 Camaro, so just be prepared for what you will discover. Taking it apart did however expose things needing to be repaired/rebuilt/replaced etc. like pretty much everything from control arm bushings, ball joints, brake lines, steering linkage, electrical harnesses/connectors, rusted bolts, rusted inner fender wells, coil springs, and shocks. Even with all that nothing could have prepared me for what I discovered when I went to repair some rust on the quarter panels, tail panel, and trunk floor. I ended up having to replace both quarters, outer wheelhouses, trunk drop offs, outer rockers, rear tail panel, extension panel with those small end pieces, trunk lid hinge panel, rain gutters, and most of the trunk floor.

You mean like this!!!!!!!

 

[1 TAZZ]

You mean like this!!!!!!!

LOL or like this

 

[1 TAZZ]

You mean like this!!!!!!!

Nice to see that young Man interested in the project !