ClassicCar

OK Larry here goes. The easiest way to remove the front clip off a stepdown is by first unbolting the front fenders. Remove the three bolts on the inside of the car along the kick panel. I will assume you have removed the cardboard kickpanel first. Then unbolt the fastener at the top rear of the front fender near where the fender, cowl and door come together. Remove the short (approx15" moulding cover at the rear bottom of the front fender. Remove approx 4 screws attaching it to rocker panel. Next, jack up your car and support the front frame on jackstands. Remove front wheels. Next, unfasten the nuts on the inner dust shield that secure it to the frame to firewall brace. Proceed to then unfasten the firewall side of the dustshield. You will loosen several sheetmetal screws. Do both sides in the same manner. At this point you can replace wheels if you choose.Next ,disconnect the radiator hoses from the engine if they are still connected.Disconnect all wiring that goes to the front driver side junction block coming from the firewall. Disconnect hood release. Disconnect hood prop supports from hood side. You may want to place a pole here to prop up hood or simply remove hood. It's easier that way . Disconnect all wiring from the starter to the starter solenoid (if on a 51-54 model) Disconnect wiring from the voltage regulator and generator. Disconnect any and all wiring attached to inner wheel wells coming from engine. Disconnect any and all washer fluid jars etc from the inner wheel wells. Remove radiator. Remove front bumper and brackets. Unbolt the radiator u channel support bolt that bolts to a crossmember tab. Have helper go to one fender and you go to the other . Pull up and remove front clip. On early stepdowns (48-50) you may want to disconnect the emergency brake cable if it interferes with the clip removal.Later models shouldn't have this problem. Now sit down and have a beer.

I'm sure I've seen a photo of stepdowns on the assembly line having the 'front clip' installed.



The front clip in this case was a sub-assembly consisting of the inner and outer wings, the grille assembly and the radiator.



Theoretically at least, disassembly along the same lines should be possible.



Undo the bolt that secures the radiator support frame to the front cross member.

Remove the bolts at the rear of the inner and outer wings where they attach to the body shell.

Get 3 strong helpers and lift the whole thing off