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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 4 | I had to take the front sheetmetal off the front end of my 3800 panel because the flanges on the radiator support had snapped off. When I had my truck painted five years ago, the bodyshop people put the front sheetmetal back on with less than half the fasteners. As a result, the weight of the fenders eventually broke off the flanges.
I took off the front end, had the flanges welded back on, had the radiator support powdered-coated and reinstalled it.
Now I'm ready to reinstall the inner and outer fenders,along with the grill.
My question is: what is the best procedure for reassembly? Should the front sheetmetal be installed as a unit, or separately?
Should I not have installed the radiator support first?
I want to keep the paint scratches to a minimum. So any help will be appreciated. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 324 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 324 | I just put the front fenders back on my '48 panel. It would have been alot easier with a helper. These are old and dented, the screw holes don't line up. I would suggest installing the inner sheets first and adding the outer, work with lighter parts. put all the bolts in but don't tighten any until they're all in and the panels are positioned correctly. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 9 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 9 | installing the rad.support first is the way to start as everything hangs on it. Tape plenty of tape will help prevent those scratches. http://s933.photobucket.com/albums/ad179/OEM54/ | | | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,028 | Keep the radiator support bolts loose as well where it bolts to the frame. This give you a little play for lining up all the parts.
On my 53 it was easier to bolt the inner and outer fenders together and then install as a unit. If you have the year truck with the fender rod supports that connect to the fire wall these are great for lining things up. Exact length adjustments are in the manual.
Good luck
Rich
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