front end

jkb93 · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject: front end

I am 15 so i am new to the Camino world. I bought a 1978 a while back and i am going to put a V8 in it. i know the basics about El Camino's and i know that you can just bolt off the front end but i was wondering, how hard would it be to do it myself?

1BadElky · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

welcome to ECC. I removed my front clip by myself having no previous experience ( I'm 17). it is very straightforward and took me a full day, but again,I took extra time tolook thing over a few times and take pictures. I just disconnected everything ang pulled it as a whole assembly with my dad helping me lift it.

I removed and labeled the wires, vac lines, reserviors, charcoal canister etc...

removed AC condenser and radiator and all associated lines, I already had the freon recovered by shop, you dont want to get sprayed by it... (be sure to tape up AC lines well to prevent atmosphere exposure)

then unbolted the bolts that attach the inner plastic fenders to the firewall. (1 per wheelwell, the rest just hold the plastic fender to the outer steel fender.)

then unbolted the core support to frame mounts

finally unbolted the fender to body bolts, there are 5 per fender (1 on top, 1 on bottom, 2 in the doorjams, and 1 about 6 inches from the firewall.)

loosen the hood hinge to fender bolts to allow the back to spread enough to clear a little metal tab, you'll see what I mean when you get there.

expect the entire assembly to weigh about 200 LBs when you and an assistant go to lift it.
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