The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Removing front end on my 1953 Chevy Panel Truck

Got the hood off,took the headlight and buckets out,removed all wiring out of the way, and tommorrow will remove the radiator and hoses. I was going to remove everything on the front end seperately but after looking at all those bolts up under the fenders im think maybe I should remove the front end as a clip instead of seperatley because it might be easier to get at the fenders and inner fenders and everything once its off the truck ??? what do you guys think ??? If I did remove it as a clip what else do I have to unbolt or take off to remove as a clip ?? Thanks,Mark.

Hi, Garageguy. I've never done it, but from what I've read in other discussions regarding this, removing the front end as a clip is the way to go. Others will surely respond and provide insight and information.

I removed my front clip with an engine hoist. I used a 2x4 strapped to the two brackets that hold the rods going from the fenders to the firewall. I left the radiator in place in the support, and the whole thing balanced nicely. Disconnect the rods at the firewall, unbolt the radiator support from the crossmember, and remove the bolts at the rear of the inner and outer fenders. The rear of my front fenders were rusted away so I didn't need to be that careful, but you might want to put some padding between the cowl and fenders as you lift the front clip off. I even left the hood in place without it causing problems.

I removed my front end piece by piece, had everything painted as separate components. I never second guessed.it.

Thanks Guys for replying. Kihansen id did the same thing only differences i did was I took the hood off first because I have to have everything off the front end,am pulling the motor and transmission so I can weld some panels,and I took my radiator out and my buddy and I just got on each side and lifted the clip right off. Before I saw your reply I had found a good Youtube video that explains in detail how to remove the front clip. It worked very well and I didnt have any problems. So id like to share this video with others that ma want to know how to do this . The title of the Youtube video is : How to remove the front clip on a 1949-53 Chevy 3100,Restoration part 3 , by Volfandt . This really was very good and really helped me out and I hope it will help someone else aslo. Thanks all.

Volfandt is a member of Stovebolt. Although he hasn’t posted since 2019, he has 1,700 posts With very good advice.

Here is a [Link]to his video.