Front end Removal of 64-1/2 coupe?

sixty4.5coupe · 02-09-2007

I just got my project coupe about a 2 weeks ago and now im beginning to start on it by removing some parts. Can you folks point me in the direction as far as removing most of the front end. I guess the starting point would be the bumper? I know this sounds like a dumb question but i just want to see if any of you all have any pointers as to what to tackle first.

THanks!

Jay H 237 · 02-09-2007

The first question would be, hoq far do you want to strip it down? Are you just going to replace the damaged parts or totally strip it down and redo it?

Since it was hit I'd start by removing all the damaged parts. Take notes or pics of it as you do it for reference when reassembly time comes, plus you could show people what you started with originally when the car is finished. The bumper is a logical choice as is the grille and other trim before the fenders and hood. Due to bent parts and lack of clearance you may have to go out of order.

I personaly like to save all the parts, even the damaged ones, until the job is done. This way you still have them for reference if needed and if you'll be replacing some of them with repro believe me, you may need the reference.

TOXIC MX · 02-09-2007

I took mine down to the inner strut/shock towers.

Tip: I also bolted or tack welded 1" square tubing across it to keep it square and true, mine was never in any accidents and I measured first. This was done because I am changing the front suspension to a Mustang 2 type (Heidts) with coil overs and rack n pinion. I am cutting out my towers and cleaning it up.

sixty4.5coupe · 02-09-2007

Hey thanks, yeah im going to pretty much remove all the front end, right now i need to move the car around so the right fender is damaged and wont allow the tires to turn that way. For the total project im stripping it down completely, going to dip it and then do a ground up restoration, after the body work is done. So my task right now is to remove the front fender on the passenger side so i can roll this thing around. Figured id start to pull the whole front end off anyway.

Jay H 237 · 02-10-2007

Not sure how long you're planning on keeping the wheels on it and how much you're looking to roll it around but have you considered car dollies? There are dollies that you jack the car up and slide under the wheels plus there are the Go-Jak type that will lift the vehicle by themselves.

I bought Go-Jaks last year and I can't believe how much easier it is to work on the car. You can also just push the car sideways, something that can't be done on it's own wheels. Just don't get the car on an incline, you don't want it getting away from you!

I attached a shot from last July when I was working on my car and one of the Go-Jaks is visible under the back. It's purple colored and has a built in ratchet that you pump with your foot to raise or lower the car.

sixty4.5coupe · 02-11-2007

man those are nice indeed. I might have to get some of those, actually where the car is parked right now, straight off the trailer, the drive way is not at a steep incline but id imagine it will get away from me with the dollys trying to swing the car around. How much are those?

Jay H 237 · 02-11-2007

I got them from the Toolwarehouse http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/ .

Here's a direct link to the Go-Jaks http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAN26.html

The 5000 are currently $263.95 and the 6200 are $375.75. The Toolwarehouse has the best prices on the Go-Jaks from any place I've found so far. I've ordered other tools from them too and have never had any problems with them. They are in New Jersey. The Go-Jaks were shipped with UPS.

I have the 6200 since I've used them on my 1987 Chevy Caprice wagon also. The 5000 are more than enough to support a Mustang though and if that's the heaviest vehicle you plan on picking up then there's no reason to go with the 6200.