58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

I took my truck apart 11 years ago and video taped the process. The cam corder puked so I do not have access to viewing the tapes. The factory manual does not cover 58-59 front clips. So, could someone outline the sequence of assembly for me?

I am assuming it is 1) radiator brace, 2) inner panels, 3) fenders, 4) then associated trim that hangs off the radiator brace and between the fenders. 5) Then lock receiver panel over the radiator.

I also assume the fenders can be hung without the inners to check alignment with the cab since I see guys doing it all the time in the threads. I know once its all bolted together it comes off as a unit, that is now I removed it. Should have taken still photos too! Thanks in advance.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

I would also install hood and align with the cowl before you tighten up the fenders and radiator support bolts.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

Oh yes I am aware of that, for now I just want to get the front metal hung without having to do it two or three times. Thanks.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

Looked at it again tonight, I'm pretty sure I've got the sequence right, trial and error will work ok.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

I hung the front fenders and hood on a 59 burb awhile back. It had been camaro clipped and for mock up i just bolted them to the cab and didnt use the core support or inner fenders. In the front i propped it up with pvc pipe. Looking at my truck i think your sequence is fine. Only thing i can't recall is how the grill surround goes i guess that should be bolted to the fenders before they go on?
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Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

OrrieG, I disassembled mine last Sept. and took these photos to help me remember. The inner fender laps over the outer, seems that I took the inners out before outers came off. So, in reverse it would be outer fenders before inner, but that my cause some difficulties (scratches).
Maybe I missed it in your thread but I have been curios about your body color? same silver as interior? I bet you can't wait to get back together.
Good luck.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

Thanks HS and meter, that is what I needed. I called my kid and she has an old Sony cam corder that is the same model I used to record with. Next trip to Boise she is bringing it so I can hook it up to my recorded and burn a disc of the assembly.

Exterior color for now is Daytona Blue, but I have seen some 2010-11 GM and Dodge blues that are just a little darker that I might lean towards.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

When I took mine apart, the bolts at the corners near the head lights were so bad I had to torch em out. It is very difficult to take the inner fenders out first. I think the proper way is to install the radiator support first, then the inner fenders, then the front parts not including the grill, then the outer fenders, to keep from scratching stuff use padding, card board, and tape, and of course leave all the bolts loose. And the good thing about having 2 trucks is you got one to show you how it all fits.
Oh as a special note, the bolts that held the grill support panel to the fenders were coated with something like a black butel like window sealant or ? and they were easy to get out no rust. I wish all the bolts had that, rusty bolts are not fun.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

Thank dicer, I broke and ground a few when I took mine apart too, it had the same goo. The FAM has a section dedicated to sealant locations and applications. At this point scratching is not a big deal, all the exterior metal is still in primer waiting to get hung, adjusted and blocked.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

whassa FAM?

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

FAM is Factory Assembly Manual.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

Those help a lot if you can find one. I have the repro one for AD trucks and althought it covers every model of the series it has a lot of info.

A similar one for your truck. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-...sQ5fLiterature

Lots of vendors sell them so you might check around a bit. I think that is the same guy I got my AD truck book from.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

I have a nice manual I got from Grumpys Truck parts here in Phx. I just drew a blank on the FAM thing.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

If I could find it I have a how to restore your Chevy truck book around here somewhere that might help but I think it is buried in one of the tubs of books and magazines in storage. I ordered it a few years ago and found out that it covered Task Force trucks rather than AD trucks.

Re: 58-59 Front Clip Install Sequence??
 

I have that book but it only covers up to 57 for front clip and bed sheet metal (except stepside). I am assuming they had a 58-59 supplement like the shop manuals but have never seen an original or reproduction.