The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Front clip assembly 70' GMC

Test fitting the front end for my 70 1/2 ton GMC before I move to finish work and painting them and wondered how some one else has gone about it. The front clip is all aftermarket parts. I started last night by mounting the radiator support and inner fender wells. Then I tried hanging a fender and what a joy trying to line up the holes to the inner fender well. I was thinking of trying to assemble the inner well and fender as one first and then hang it on the truck?

I haven't tackled my 70 that I received in a million pieces, but I know on my 50 and 53 that it is easier (for me anyway) to install the outer on the inner and then put on the truck. Make sure you have a couple helpers though to avoid dings. Make sure everything is VERY loose. Have a tapered pin to help you line things up by inserting into various bolt holes. It's also a big help to remove the front wheels to give you lots of workspace if installing the fenders as a pair or group.

I had already gone ahead and mounted the fender and inner fender as one. I had to enlarge alot of holes so I could float the aftermarket panels around. I test fit the hood yesterday which is the only factory part of the entire front clip and it's fitting up surprisingly well. Biggest modification was to the fenders. They lined up with the door edge at the top and bottom and rocker panel well. But in the middle of the door they stuck out further. So I had to cut the bracing behind the fender so I could push the center of fender in to match the door contour and then welded the brace back up. Today I will test fit the grill assembly and the bumper. Once it's all worked out, disassemble it all and paint.