1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Hi Fellas,
I am about to fit up the front sheet metal on my 35 Coupe, and have a couple of questions on which would be the best way to start.
Also this is a early 35 with the long fender braces.

1 - Would it be best to fit the inner fenders and grille first to the chassis, then fit the fenders.
2 - Or would it be better to attach the inner fenders to the fenders and then fit to the chassis, followed by the grille.

Radiator is already fitted

Thanks. - Pete from OZ

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Gidday Pete, Good fitment in my opinion all depends on the radiator; get the grill and hood fitting so that gaps around cowl, grill and inner guards are good, then proceed onto hanging the guards.

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Pete-

I have found the best way to deal with '35 front end metal is to install the grill (with lower inner shield), as a unit, then the side panels. The grill sides on a '35 are slanted and are difficult to install with the fenders on. Then install the long fender braces and leave them loose. Add the fenders and attach the fender braces and tighten things. Note- the lower sides of the grill have a welt (2+ inches wide), between it and the side panels. Many forget to install this welt.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

All good advice here, the only thing I can ad from my experience is leaving as many bolts as you can loose till everything is in it hole. Then you can go back and tighten everything once its all lined up and all bolts are in the holes. I use a #6 X 3" or 4" taper pin to help line up holes and hold them in place while you install bolts on either side of the taper pin.

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Without taper pins, I'd be out of luck when it comes to installing both running boards, front fenders and grilles.

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Hi All.
Thankyou very much for your comments. I will be installing all the front panels in the next couple of weeks. Will let you all know how it goes.

Many Thanks,
Pete from OZ

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

another 2c in this thread... The body to frame alignment does affect the hood to cowl and hood to grille alignment. So dont be afraid to shim the body if needed to get things to fit.

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Are taper pins something you have made or bought? Thanks

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

I sell them. There purpose is for other uses (Machinist & Industrial Machinery) but they work really well for aligning the bolt holes and are tapered so if the holes don't line up exactly you can slip the small end in the hole and "gently" persuade the holes to line up. I keep several diameters and lengths for all sorts of "potential" needs. If you would like a selection PM me or give me a call at (904) 704-3564

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

I have always heard them referred to as drift pins, and I have a drawer full of them, very useful.

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Hi Fellas.
Fitted up front Sheetmetal. I went with the suggestion from BRIAN. Inner Fenders, Grille then Hood. Fitted up real Good. Then loosely fitted Fender brackets and installed Fenders.

Attachment 247139

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Looks nice, did it give you much trouble getting it this good?

Re: 1935 Front Sheet metal Fitment
 

Hi JSeery,
Thanks for the comment.
I spent a lot of time with the fit up before I painted anything. The Fenders and Grill required lots of work. It has taken just over 2 years now, with just weekend work.
It is getting very close to finish.
Pete from OZ