Questuin for Kube

[twostickmutt]

Kube i'm getting ready to put the front end back on my 39 Deluxe coupe. I've read the write up you posted on putting the front end on and the lining up. You posted that you put the front fenders and inner fenders together and put them on as a unit. I'm just wondering the reason for installing them this way and not one piece at a time but I'm sure you have a great reason for doing it this way. I'm just being curious.....or probably nosey. Thanks.....again.

[Kube]

I hope I'm able to explain this clearly... I'll try.
It is first and perhaps foremost that there are no points where the sheet metal must be "forced" into position. You know, pulling, pushing, etc. to get a bolt in. NO, NEVER.
Okay, the inner pans... they only fit to the fenders one way. I'm always certain they attach to the fender (again) with no force applied. This often means I must elongate a hole or two or more.
If you attempt to install the pan to the frame / body first, then you are left with attempting to make the fender not only align with the pan, but the body as well. Kind of introducing yet another hurdle.
Moving ahead with the front metal installation...when I install each fender, they too must not be forced. I do not recall a single time when I did not have to elongate holes.
Keep in mind, I'm kind of a "nut" when it comes to perfect alignment. I'd seen too many otherwise nice restorations with the hoods askew, etc.
To me that's akin to baking a perfect cake and slopping on the frosting.

Oh, one other thing that goes directly to your inquiry... much easier to install the inner pan to each fender while on the bench than while the inner pan is installed.
Don't forget that strip of anti-squeak material that must be installed between the pan and fender.

[leon bee]

An illuminating post ^^

[twostickmutt]

Originally Posted by Kube

I hope I'm able to explain this clearly... I'll try.
It is first and perhaps foremost that there are no points where the sheet metal must be "forced" into position. You know, pulling, pushing, etc. to get a bolt in. NO, NEVER.
Okay, the inner pans... they only fit to the fenders one way. I'm always certain they attach to the fender (again) with no force applied. This often means I must elongate a hole or two or more.
If you attempt to install the pan to the frame / body first, then you are left with attempting to make the fender not only align with the pan, but the body as well. Kind of introducing yet another hurdle.
Moving ahead with the front metal installation...when I install each fender, they too must not be forced. I do not recall a single time when I did not have to elongate holes.
Keep in mind, I'm kind of a "nut" when it comes to perfect alignment. I'd seen too many otherwise nice restorations with the hoods askew, etc.
To me that's akin to baking a perfect cake and slopping on the frosting.

Oh, one other thing that goes directly to your inquiry... much easier to install the inner pan to each fender while on the bench than while the inner pan is installed.
Don't forget that strip of anti-squeak material that must be installed between the pan and fender.

Kube thank you very much for your reply. An excellent reply from the master himself. I'm glad now I asked the question. You steered me in the right direction, and I appreciate it. You're always so helpful on here. Thanks again.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by twostickmutt

Kube thank you very much for your reply. An excellent reply from the master himself. I'm glad now I asked the question. You steered me in the right direction, and I appreciate it. You're always so helpful on here. Thanks again.

You are way too kind to me. Thanks. I don't feel deserving of your thoughtfulness, but again, thank you.

Kinda "funny" I suppose but I recall two "old men" that were so patient with me when I was a young guy. Why they didn't punch me, I have no clue. I'd ask question after question and they both just kept teaching me how these old Fords worked.
"Old men" that were no doubt considerably younger than I am now.
Funny how our perspectives change huh?
They are both (sadly) gone now. I miss them both and remain thankful to both.

[rockfla]

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To Kube and others that have posted here, I sell machined taper pins.....I have gotten myself several diameters and lengths that I have found to be very useful in putting the front ends on these Early Ford V8's....especially the 33/34/35/36's around the grill area where you have the inner grill pan, the grill, the inner fender panel and the fender ALL using 4 or 6 holes together, as well as get the fender welting installed......Its easy to slide a taper pin or two into a couple few of those holes to help keep them somewhat aligned AND being tapered you can "vary" the degree of alignment to get bolts loosely started into some of the "other"offending holes!!!!

[Conrad Rossi]

This is a great tip, Kube! Thank you for passing it along.