Poppa Willie

I have a 68 coupe that has had the hood fly back which pulled out the inner fender nuts holding the hood hinges. I'm goind to start restoration and I'm curious about replacing that panel and the complexity of it. Is there a thread or other resource that walks thru the replacement preferably with pictures as well. Thanks in advance.

Coupe

Well, thats called an "Apron" and there is one in front and one behind the shock tower. The common/typical issue is rust under the battery, replacing the rear aprons is less common,working behind the tower is not a major challenge but can be daunting.

If your motor is out you can use a spot weld cutter and drill out the welds, but you should be certain you know where they all are and that you can see all of them (Think clean everything).

You will be removing a short piece on top of the apron that connects it to the cowl, do a fair job and you can re-use it.

I would also reccomend buying a GOOD export brace, not the thin crappy one but the deep stamped thicker one and installing it before you make any changes. This will hold things in place while you work, monte-carlo bar is also a good idea. I would not count on the factory brace to tell you anything, dont trust it.

You can buy these panels from most of the parts vendors and they are not really expensive, CJpony is having a sale right now and they always have free shipping.


I hope that gives you some help?

Also, check over at http://www.mustangmonthly.com/index.html for articles on the topic.
Good luck.

hightower2011

Coupe pretty much hit the nail on the head. I've replaced both my front fender aprons and it wasn't too hard.

If you need more help/suggestions, feel free to ask.

lucasp

coupe got the answer on that one.