Clipping fox body

[mustang_gt88]

Has anyone on here ever replaced the front clip on a fox body before? Think about doing it but not sure if its worth the time that I would spend on it. I will be doing all the work myself so Im also curious as to how hard is it? :confused:

[blown96cobra]

get with charlie (91boost) or bo (347sc) id say they can steer you in the right direction.

[Stangman]

I got your pm, sorry I hadn't responded yet.... but its like a puzzle. Just gotta put back where you took away from. Personally I drill out all the spot welds, and the clip falls right out. And when you put the new one on, it Should line right back up perfectly. I've had them less than an 1/8th of an inch off. Works really well. You have to remove the spot welds and take the pieces of sheetmetal off that re on the outside of the engine bay under the fenders. They are the long pieces that have the large holes, and on the passenger side, it has the vacuum ball bolted to it.

[mustang_gt88]

The spot weld are on the fire wall right? How do you remove the sheet metal pieces? Thanks for info

[setty2706]

It is a job that can cause damage all around your garage... from thrown wrenches and hammers :D


Its not a easy task. You have to be patience and pay attention. Are you trying to replace the entire front clip from the firewall forward due to damage or rust?..

[mustang_gt88]

Yes the whole front clip found some rust and treated it but i know it will come back

[Stangman]

I will post pictures tonight on where to cut. If I remember...

They are cake... prolly could do em in my sleep

[Steves LX]

Yes the whole front clip found some rust and treated it but i know it will come back

Yeah it takes some time and a little bit of knowing what you're doing. But Jesse(Stangman) and I did one on this coupe in a matter of a couple weeks in the evenings. And unless you know what to look for. You would never even know it was clipped. The thing is straight as an arrow and drives straight endlessly. Here's some pics.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/CopyofIMG00092-20100407-2137.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/CopyofIMG00093-20100407-2137.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/CopyofIMG00094-20100407-2148.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/Copy3ofIMG00012-20100705-2131.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/CopyofIMG00119-20100511-2135.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/Copy2ofIMG00007-20100705-1928.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/103_3753-1.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/103_3751-1.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/steveslx/103_3747-1.jpg

[setty2706]

Thanks stangman.... I would like to see these tips also for future reference

[mustang_gt88]

nice post steves lx
I look forward to seeing those pics stangman
Thanks for the help guys

[Stangman]

I also did JUST a frame rail transplant on Steves LX's car... I'm sure you can find that if you searched.

[91boost]

They are cake to do. Just finished one on moodys car. Project duke nukem. It is just like a puzzle and since yours is not wrecked everything should line right back up. What i do is put all my new pieces on with sheet metal screws test fit your parts and take measurements to square everything up. If it needs moved take out a screw move it around. I cant stress this enough, fit all panels several times if it looks good start welding up the spot welds and bounce around from side to side. If you start welding up one side solid and dont move around you will actually start pulling the front end out of square. If you have any more questions just shoot me a pm.

[Stangman]

They are cake to do. Just finished one on moodys car. Project duke nukem. It is just like a puzzle and since yours is not wrecked everything should line right back up. What i do is put all my new pieces on with sheet metal screws test fit your parts and take measurements to square everything up. If it needs moved take out a screw move it around. I cant stress this enough, fit all panels several times if it looks good start welding up the spot welds and bounce around from side to side. If you start welding up one side solid and dont move around you will actually start pulling the front end out of square. If you have any more questions just shoot me a pm.


Agreed!!!!!

[Stangman]

Also, I didn't have time tonight to snap some pics.... had to do some work at home on some things for work. Will try tomorrow

[mustang_gt88]

Where do you get a clip? Buy used or would you recommend a new one?

[Stangman]

New ones are not reproduced.... you gotta find a good clean used one

[NXcoupe]

How's the one on that white vert I have out back? I can't remember how it looks, but I know you checked it out. Did you cut off that one Jesse or the red one?

[Stangman]

I cut the drivers inner fender from the white one... and the passenger side from what was left on the red one

[mustang_gt88]

So the cars you have mike the clips are no good?

[Stangman]

Id like to see how bad your rust is

[mustang_gt88]

I will get some pics and send to you

[mustang_gt88]

I think Im going to patch it this year and plan this next winter to clip the car, that is if I dont change my mind and buy a roller. If its a roller I dont care if it has interior, hood, fenders front and rear bumper, just clean title. I really hate to not fix the t-top as i love that car.

[inferno50]

I put used rails in mine. It looks great now but it was a job to do it. Not a weekend adventure.

[NXcoupe]

He took out the inner fender apron, but the rails are solid I think. Just look at them Saturday when you come over.

[full force]

Wow, I remember the days of having the energy for this... LOL now I say screw it and buy a rust free car and call it a day... you can find good deals if you look hard enough, unless you enjoy the project... I used to...

[mustang_gt88]

I do enjoy the projects and the satifaction when the job is done.