Replace panels, front clip, or abandon Ship?

[jaredperry]

I have a 1971 510 that I recently acquired. 

 

After I got the vehicle home, I noticed more damage that initially assessed. As you can see, the front passengers side was hit and has crinkled the portion before the battery tray to include a small crinkle behind the passenger strut tower. I have yet to investigate the reasoning for the drivers side fender caving in near the door, but from what I have inspected it looks to be unrelated.  

 

I have since then obtained a front clip because I feel the only way to properly repair the damage is to remove the radiator core support and right side, or just do the whole front clip.  

 

I have a couple questions regarding the process: 

 

Is this a complete waste of time?

Should I do the whole clip or just the passengers side?

What do I need to look out for? 

What would be the correct procedure / process?

Are the photos of the process on this site? 

 

Any insight and help is greatly appreciated. 

 

 

 

 

 

The front clip I have purchased

 

[Ratwagon1600]

For a how to (some might say how not to) guide, have a look at my new build thread.

 

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/66304-ratwagons-rusty-new-sedan-resurection-binky-inspired/

 

I am going through almost exactly the same repair dilemna at the moment.

 

Start off by pulling off both front guards (fenders), bonnet, front bar, grille, radiator, headlights and headlight buckets and indicators (basically strip everything off from around the radiator support.

 

Purchase a couple of good quality spot weld drills (cobalt if you can afford it) and carefully drill off the front valance and radiator support.

 

Once youve done this youll be in a much better position to see what needs to be repaired or replaced.

 

My opinion is try and leave as much of the original sheet metal in their as possible. Anything, including a front clip replacement is doable, but, a complete front clip is a big! job, and better suited to doing on a chassis aligner.

 

Youll be able to see in my build thread how I am attacking this repair. Have a look and if/when you have any questions, post em up.

 

P.s. wheny you start to lose faith, hop onto Youtube and watch "project binky" for inspiration.

[banzai510(hainz)]

MIne was dont by Frank and Ichehouse.

Its was alot of work and if wasnt the same 510 I have for 25years I would have let it go.

Cheaper to find another 510

[DanielC]

Pull the old metal into shape first.  Then replace what cannot be fixed.  By pulling the damaged stuff, you will fix a lot of damage that is unseen.

[Ratwagon1600]

MIne was dont by Frank and Ichehouse.

Its was alot of work and if wasnt the same 510 I have for 25years I would have let it go.

Cheaper to find another 510

 

 

Geez Hainz, I hope for a lot of peoples sake that you never consider motivational speaking as a career option.

[banzai510(hainz)]

Im naturally lazy. Mine cost about 2500 $ to do with some added upgrades and paying Frank and Jeff about 2$ an hour for labor.

 

car now leaks when it rains. But I still love my car and wont sell it unless I have to.

But just giving the owner a true statement so he can make the best decision depending on his ability.

 

 

Motivation speaker?

Yes I give this to kids.

Go in the Airforce(military). I did and would do it again and dont worry about cars and women. This will come all in do time. And youll find out its over rated.

See much of the world as possible. and save your money!!!!!!!!!

 

get a Roth IRA!!!!!!

 

 

I would do wahat Daniel said pull it first and roll it as a beater for now maybe a better 510 will show up.

[Twodoordime]

Tried to send you a pm, but if you decide not to build this car I would be interested in it. Let me know if that's a possibility.