rlbjrcpa

Next month I am going to pull the engine to do a cleanup / restoration of the engine compartment. I want to remove the hood and front quarters also - both for better access and to restore all the fastners, etc. I have never removed and reinstalled body parts - any hints ya'll can offer to make sure they fit back on easily?

AV8ForFun

What I've seen on the shows is the guys drill a 1/8th" hole through the hood hinge and the hood (not all the way through to the top obviously). Then re-alignment is easy....just use an awl or punch to line of the two holes and tighten the bolts. I've never done this, but I've seen it on TV several times.

TexasAxMan

Absolutely, the 1/8" drill works great.

zmetalmilitia

That sounds like the 1/8" method would work great. The fenders should fit right back on to with little trouble. Put the hood on first, then fit the fenders. Shouldn't have any issues with just taking them off and putting them back on.

AV8ForFun

Also, when you take the screws out of the fenders there may or may not be shims underneath.....you should be careful of them and take careful note of which ones went into which location.....bag and tag.....then put them back exactly where they came from.

rlbjrcpa

Drilling a hole is a great idea - thanks! Ihad seen a post advising using a piece of chalk to outline the hinges before removing the hood, but the drilling method seems to be the way to go thanks. Regarding the shims, i'll be sure to bag and tag as soon as i remove. Can't wait to get this project started!

wrenchturner75

dont forget to tape all of the edges with tape to prevent nicks and scratches when removing and installing those body panels. id hate to see that pretty black paint messed up. very nice car by the way!

Art Brock

I have learned to bag the fasteners and shims, make written notes & if possible take some photos.
When you put it back together later it's hard to remember every little detail about what bolt/shim went where. Or maybe my memory is just worse than usual.