Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Well it's getting time to get the front end back on the beast. Problem is when I pulled the parts off, I ran into some clearance problems but I'll be darned if I can remember where. I know I pulled the fenders and fender wells off together. I believe the front core support was still on and made it a beach to get the fenders off. In a perfect world, how should this stuff go on so I'm not scratching what I just painted. Should I put the fender wells on and then the fenders as apposed to as a unit? Figured some of your truck parting pros could help. Thanks guys!

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

My technique: First align doors in cab frame, then set the cab, set bed to line up with cab. Then loosely bolt down core support, fenders. This is where it gets touchy on front clip - set spacers as needed / tighten bolts, but not real tight. Once you get decent fit, mount hood and adjust again. tighten in small increments. Last fender wells.

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

The doors didn't come off. Just firewall forward. Should I just kinda set the fender wells in and then the fenders? I guess my biggest question is if it's a good idea or not to bolt the fenders to the fender wells on the garage floor then try to put them on. That is the way I took them off.

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

x 2 it is not as hard to get it all lined up w/o the inners in there imo good luck and dont scratch it up

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

I agree, install the inners last. You'll scratch the fenders more trying to set them on the truck with the inner flopping around while you're trying to position the fender.

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

How funny is this......I'm not worried about scratching the fenders, I'm worried about the fender wells. My truck is a patina'd truck. I want the engine compartment to look nice but the outside to look more like a "shop truck" or project for now. The fender wells are what I painted. lol

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Sounds like the plan is set - shiny fender wells last! Take some pics as you go. Good luck!

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

If you have my kind of luck, you'll scratch what you are trying not to. :lol:

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Somehow I got the newly ceramic coated headers in without a mark so maybe my luck will hold out. Thanks guys!

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Make sure you heater fan is bolted up before the inners go on...large drift pin punch works well for aligning holes

Make sure your battery tray is bolted up, before radiator, inside bolts are hard to get at

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Heater fan? What's that? Is that what I threw in the scrap pile along with the heater core, box and controls? Son.....This is a pro-street monster. We don't use thing like a heater and A/C! lol

I know you are trying to help and thanks for the recommendations. Can you imagine how many guys probably hang their fenders and then go "oops"?

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

How much was the paint job versus how much time do you have. I would remove the doors if you have to for proper alignment. Everything else aligns from the doors. You should take your time and have a great lookin truck, not a piece of crap that you don't want to admit is yours. JMHO, I just bet you have more time than money like of most of us here.

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

Guess i shoulda checked out your build thread....sorry

Re: Please help me with sequence of front sheet metal install.
 

LOL....look below and tell me how much you think I spent on the paint job! I worked a deal with "Mother Nature's Paint" :lol:

No worries....totally having fun with you!