removing front sheet metal from a 50

[gab50]

I am planning on removing the front sheet metal on a completed, painted truck. I want to change the steering to later chev power, redo springs, add dropped front axle, repair a few spots on firewall and repaint all that interior area. My plan is to undo the bolts holding the fenders to the body, rad support, inner fender to body supports, wiring, rad to firewall supports, radiator and trans cooler lines. Then hook my engine hoist to the rad support and adjustable straps to back of inner fenders. It looks to me at that point is should all lift up in one piece and be able to be swung off and set on 2x4 stands. Has anyone done it that way? Does it balance very well? Have I missed anything that you see could cause trouble. thanks

[T Hilde]

Forget the hoist and get a friend. That thing will swing and hurt the paint, sure as $h!t.

[sgtusmc]

Yep, I agree. Get a couple of friends.

[spikey]

Once unbolted, its quite easy to lift on and off with two people

[mr48chev]

The hoist might help hold the weight but a couple of helpers will keep the back end of the fenders away from the paint. It's as much guiding as lifting when you do it with two or three guys doing the lifting.

[Dan Bowles]

Yep, if you don't have a friend, I'd suggest making one or two just for this job. And keep them until it is time to put it back on. You have to go forward, tilt, up, over tires, clear stuff, back forward and then off to one side or the other if you don't want it right in front.

[BBEEP]

Once the rear of the fenders are unbolted, apply 'blue painters tape' to the cowl and the fenders to help avoid scratches. Also, take the wheels off & everyone is correct--don't use the picker.

[gab50]

My biggest problem is I live on a small island and car friends couldn't come until the weekend but I paid heed to your warnings and made a solid crossbar on the hoist to steady the fenders side to side. Then wrapped all the possible scratch area with old towels and had my wife guide the rear of the fenders. Worked really slick -- thanks for your input.

[Laid_Out_50]

My brother removed the front clip to my truck in one piece by himself

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by gab50

...I paid heed to your warnings and made a solid crossbar on the hoist to steady the fenders side to side. Then wrapped all the possible scratch area with old towels and had my wife guide the rear of the fenders. Worked really slick -- thanks for your input.

:

.....OR, do all that schit!

Congratulations on getting it off without Effing up the paint. (Wait for the friends to put it back on)

[nickp51chevy]

I just saw this, wish I would have seen it before I would have come up to help ya out.

[Dan Bowles]

Nice save. And a great wife to help! Better than just a friend because had it all gone wrong, she'd have been able to remind you for the rest of your life!! (Mine would NEVER do that...)