Twisted Frontend

[Brady]

Father Larry;
Thanks for the E-mail and new website.
I have a problem with my 73 that you may be able to help with.
The car is in good condition with no evidence of a collision. However the right fender is about 3/8s in. high at the leading edge of the door. In addition the headlights have chipped the paint at the top of the openings. The left fender is aligned correctly. It appears as if the front clip was removed and then not set all the way down upon replacement. As I stated the car has no other evidence of any damage.
What would you suggest? Is it possible to remove the frontend without destroying it? Anyone else? Thanks!

[fatherlarry]

Brady,


There are a few ways to correct this. But, it should be done by an auto body technician. He could determine if the car was in an accident, if there was frame damage, and if it had a replacement nose or quarter section put on , and if so, whether or not it was put on properly. The rear fenders are glued on to the firewall, so its all one piece. Therefore, you can't bring the fenders down, like on a regular car with a chassis to adjust them. There is another procedure to do this on your Corvette, this could be a big and costly job. However, if he determines that the nose looks like it is sitting properly, it may be a realignment of the door that is needed.

One way is by loosening the hinges of the door and bringing it up to the fender, because the factory allows movement for alignment within a half inch, or a little more. After the door is brought up, loosen the top or bottom hinge on the hinge post , depending how wide your gap is between the door and the rocker panel. By bringing the door up and down, within the factory allowance for alignment , he may be able to compensate by bringing the door up to meet the fender, while keeping it aligned with the quarter panel. That means taking the striker out, loosening the hinges, and in some cases realigning the glass.

This may help you ask the right questions when you go to the body shop, and I do suggest that you bring it to someone. It would have to be seen to determine the exact cause. Hope this was of some help. Let me know how you make out.

[Brady]

Larry;
Thanks for the rapid reply! Would one of the repair methods involve a sledge hammer? Seriously, the door aligns quite well with the quarter panel and the car drives excellent. As I think we both believe at some point the car may have been damaged and it was repaired poorly.
What do you think about my headlight situation? As I stated they rub on the front clip at the rear edge of the opening. It is only a slight bit-if I nudge them with my finger they pop right up.
I would rather not sell the car as it would make a great resto candidate in the future. If you feel the body would have to be removed to correct the situation maybe I'll hold off and drive it as it is for now. I really don't have a lot $ invested in the car even the purchase price was low. I was aware that the car had this problem but I didn't realize it was an extensive repair.
Would you happen to know any individuals within driving distance of Binghamton N.Y. that you would recommend? I have done bodywork and painted cars but I think I'll leave this one to much more capable hands.
Lastly, should I set the ride height as my assembly manual states or do you prefer a slight difference? THANKS!!!!!!!

[fatherlarry]

Originally posted by Brady
Larry;
Thanks for the rapid reply! Would one of the repair methods involve a sledge hammer? Seriously, the door aligns quite well with the quarter panel and the car drives excellent. As I think we both believe at some point the car may have been damaged and it was repaired poorly.
What do you think about my headlight situation? As I stated they rub on the front clip at the rear edge of the opening. It is only a slight bit-if I nudge them with my finger they pop right up.
I would rather not sell the car as it would make a great resto candidate in the future. If you feel the body would have to be removed to correct the situation maybe I'll hold off and drive it as it is for now. I really don't have a lot $ invested in the car even the purchase price was low. I was aware that the car had this problem but I didn't realize it was an extensive repair.
Would you happen to know any individuals within driving distance of Binghamton N.Y. that you would recommend? I have done bodywork and painted cars but I think I'll leave this one to much more capable hands.
Lastly, should I set the ride height as my assembly manual states or do you prefer a slight difference? THANKS!!!!!!!

If there was work done in the front and the space really bothers you on the fender, then what I mentioned above about realigning the door may be a way to make it look better for the time being. This is a cosmetic solution. As far as the headlamps, there are adjustments for the headlamp doors. I would invest in buying a shop manual for your year Corvette, which will give you specifics on how the mechanism for the lamps work. As far as the height, I am a purist at heart when it comes to Corvettes. That's a decision you have to make. You said you have done some painting and body work. You sound fairly knowledgable. Maybe you can make some calls to Corvette clubs in your area and find out who does a lot of Corvette work for all years, and has a qualified chassis techician, referred to as a "A" man. There are plenty of Corvette clubs that may be able to help you out. Good luck, and let me know how you make out.