Taking off the front upper grill panel that says ford, lower panel and the grille and what a nightmare! SOme of the screws seem "melted" I dout some1 is smart enough to weld them...should I just grind them off? I've been going at this for about 3 hrs and put all the liquid wrench I can...

 

One of the tricks is to tighten them a bit first, helps to break the rust bond. Sounds like they might be pretty rusty though.

 

The easiest way I have found to take the front end sheet metal apart is to remove the entire front clip as one unit. There are only 6-8 bolts holding it the truck. Remove the two bolts holding the radiator to the frame (remover the radiator first) then there is one bolt holding it to the cab and a couple bolted to the running boards. Once removed flip it upside down and start cutting the rusting bolts with an angle grinder or gas wrench. A lot easier than having to bend in every different position and having junk falling in your eyes.

 

What year truck is this?

I groan when I hear total front removal described as "easy" -- those running board bolts could take a couple of hours (if there is any metal left around them!). I always thought you remove the bolts from the radiator saddle/fender supports, and leave the radiator in place?

It also assumes the stock wiring with disconnects are there, and none break when you disconnect them. But yeah, once it's off, you have much better access to the center panel. Then the "while you're in there" stuff starts!

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. Thanks bob didnt thinkbof it...Yea I definitely have to remove the front end to get in there, if it's easy or not we shall see but it's my only choice....albuq it's a 49'

 

if i rem correctly, there are a total of 14 if they are all there. three each side into the radiator support, two into running board (each side) and one at top and bottom of rear edge of the fender (each side). the only ones that came out by wrench for us were the bolts to the radiator support (fine thread). done this way the inner fenders come off with the front clip. it is def easier to get the grill, upper and lower valence apart with it upside down on the floor, but it still wasn't easy for us. dick r

 

Ross,

I checked Kid's profile, checked some of his posts and saw he had a '49. I just assumed since he was talking about rusty bolts the truck was in typical rusty truck condition and the wiring was toast so I just snip it all off. I find it's easier to just remove the two bolts holding the radiator saddle onto the frame. I've done this procedure on all of the trucks I've had, at least the ones after I learned this was the easiest way to do it. I don't think it's that hard, I done this myself. A little awkward but when I'm alone it's the only way I do it.

Dick, there are only 6 or 8 bolts holding the entire front end on, at least the way I do it.

Ross, in the little show below I did leave the radiator saddle on because I was using the radiator saddle from the "new" chassis. It's the way I bought it.

 

^^^^^^^See, it only takes a few seconds!

 

Lol Bob love that clip! How'd u do that....anyways yes def by myself and a little music I get alot done and 5-6 hrs passes by quick. I will def try taking the whole front end off within a couple days.

 

It's just a series of still clips put together. We swap chassis's in about six hours on a Sunday afternoon.

 

bobj49f2, I wish you were my neighbor! lol

 

Reed... I wish alot of these guys on fte were my neighbors! Lol

 

Years ago I attempted (and succeded) in removing a grill from a 49 in a wrecking yard with basic hand tools. Yup, it too most of the day and most of the skin from my knuckles but I got it. If you get lucky most of the bolts will break.
Definately easier to remove the front clip as a unit

Bobby

 

Yea bobby I know exactly want you mean about the knuckles....unlike you I failed lol but yes next step is a unit as a whole...