Posted by Clint Dixon [172.70.178.118] on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 19:47:57 :
In Reply to: Pulling the front clip on a flat fender posted by Bruce in BC [172.71.150.166] on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 18:07:56 :
I did it once way back in 1980. It was a real pain. I learned my lesson and I'll never go back. Since then, I have always removed it piece by piece in this order:
1) Fenders - after disconnecting the wiring harness to the lights
2) Inner fender panels and splash shields
3) Hood
4) Fan blades (remove and lay into the fan shroud against the radiator core) as well as radiator hoses
5) Radiator, cowl, support, shroud and fan as one unit (disassemble on the floor later if needed)
6) Remove the exhaust and transmission from the engine as well as the wiring, temperature sending tube, and oil pressure tube.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it can be done in less than an hour. After doing this several times, you will get quicker at it and be able to shave it down to about 15 to 20 minutes the next time you need to replace the water pump.
You also do not need a helper by doing it this way and you can even pull and lift out the whole radiator, cowl, etc. assembly by hand although an engine hoist is handy.
This method pretty much guarantees that you will not damage anything. You may break off a few bolts attaching the inner fender panels to the fenders, but it is a small price to pay. All of these fasteners need to be coated with Anti-Seize upon reassembly to make it easier the next time.
Junior
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