'36 Front Sheet Metal Fitting
 

I've been playing with the front sheet metal (fenders, hood, etc.) on my '36 coupe for a couple of weeks, using the procedures listed in other F.B. threads. In order to get a correct 'gig line' between the front edge of the hood side panels and grill, I had to raise the headlight support about 1/4" or so. Looking at the fenders themselves, the headlight bracket mounting surface is raised, kind of dome shaped, whereas the base of the headlight bracket itself is perfectly flat. My question is, shouldn't the fender surface also be flat? Is it common for an old fender to be distorted this way and is flattening it again the right way to go?

The car was apart when I bought it and the various parts may not have been original to the car, although they are original, Ford mfg'd parts.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
-Bob

Re: '36 Front Sheet Metal Fitting
 

I believe all of the support points are sort of dome shaped to match the curve of the brace below the lights. The rubber pad fits on the plate below the light that also is concave to accept the curved brace and fender support.

Re: '36 Front Sheet Metal Fitting
 

Bob,if your hood sides and grille are not parallel,try moving the body forwards or backwards.Loosen the body bolts,remove one on each corner and use a screwdriver in the boltholes to pry the body in the direction needed.This worked for me.

Re: '36 Front Sheet Metal Fitting
 

Thanks, guys. I'll check out your suggestions.
-Bob