The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Front clip assembly 1951 3100

Looking for a little guidance on my front clip.
In the vast knowledge of all you truck guys how do you re assemble your front clips?
Do you assemble it on the truck ? Or assemble with radiator support in place and then, set it on the truck?
Everything will be painted.
I'm leaning towards assemble and set it on.
Let me hear your experiences.

Just a guess, but I think you'll need to do it Johnny Cash style - one piece at a time. Getting the hood, cowl and fenders all aligned properly requires leaving everything loosely connected.

I'm probably wrong but that's how it looks to me.

I agree with having to let things loose somewhat to finalize adjustments. But doing all the anti sqeak tape and stuff with inner fenders and grill and fender braces. Might be easier to put together so not to scratch stuff up.

I had my radiator support frame in place, bolted the inner and outer fenders together, then installed it on the truck. I pre-fit all parts first, then after painting I installed it. I had two helpers to handle it and not scratch the fresh paint. One thing I had to do is put a 1/4” x 2” aluminum spacer beside the new grill. You can see it in one of my photos. Once it was painted you would not notice it. I had to do that to get the hood and fenders to fit right. I think the new aftermarket grill is narrow compared to the old one. It fits nice now and sits down on the rubber pads that rest on the fenders.

I had mine all put together as well. Then disassembled it. Hood was sitting a little hi on old bumpers. I believe my grill to be original. I just figured it needed to be fully adjusted and dialed in. I saw a video on Truck TV where they were lifting the front off in one piece. Less the hood of course.
Last picture is from today. Three coats Seacrest Green. Then flat clear coat tomorrow.
Thanks for your help.