37 Ford build--IE: old Header issues thread /37 Ford/5.0/GT40P heads

[406Rich]

My hood is good to go, just my entire group needs to come up an inch I believe..I`m not using the center front support behind the grille, looking for an alternative to it..

[randyr]

My hood is good to go, just my entire group needs to come up an inch I believe..I`m not using the center front support behind the grille, looking for an alternative to it..

Hey Rich, is that a factory grill or aftermarket? Are you running it without the side panels or are they just off in the pic? I always had the connector rod between the fenders but with my new radiator with the AC condensor I won't be able to use the factory connector bar. I'm planning to fabricate something that will replace it and accommodate the AC condensor....

[406Rich]

Hey Rich, is that a factory grill or aftermarket? Are you running it without the side panels or are they just off in the pic? I always had the connector rod between the fenders but with my new radiator with the AC condensor I won't be able to use the factory connector bar. I'm planning to fabricate something that will replace it and accommodate the AC condensor....

Factory grille for the standard model and running without the side panels, ( covered in the garage) for the connector rod I`used a piece of half inch tubing, massaged it to clear the lower portion of my electric fan welded nuts on it and bolted it back on, and also just got thru making a lower air dam on the very bottom of the chin to kick more air into the radiator ( still in the rough stage ), thinking of building new inner fender panels, more in the way of a frame work with no inner panels at all.

[randyr]

Factory grille for the standard model and running without the side panels, ( covered in the garage) for the connector rod I`used a piece of half inch tubing, massaged it to clear the lower portion of my electric fan welded nuts on it and bolted it back on, and also just got thru making a lower air dam on the very bottom of the chin to kick more air into the radiator ( still in the rough stage ), thinking of building new inner fender panels, more in the way of a frame work with no inner panels at all.

My grill is an aftermarket that I bought when my dad first built the car back in the 80's. They are notorious for not being the greatest fit. It was made in Argentina, which is the same place most of the aftermarket grills come from today. My inner fenders have been modified to clear the Mustang II upper A arms. The cut out was beefed up so they're pretty strong. I've never run it without the side panels because my engine compartment was never very attractive before this rebuild, plus I think the side panels add strength and rigidity to the front end. My grill was much more solid with the side panels bolted to it. The lower piece that joins the bottom of the fenders & grill is in tact and strong. I have also fashioned a connector rod out of some tubing but don't quite have it right yet.
My plan is to replace the rubber body mounts before I re-fit the front fenders so I can be sure it's all in the right place. Then I can deal with unsightly gaps as needed.

[406Rich]

My grill is an aftermarket that I bought when my dad first built the car back in the 80's. They are notorious for not being the greatest fit. It was made in Argentina, which is the same place most of the aftermarket grills come from today. My inner fenders have been modified to clear the Mustang II upper A arms. The cut out was beefed up so they're pretty strong. I've never run it without the side panels because my engine compartment was never very attractive before this rebuild, plus I think the side panels add strength and rigidity to the front end. My grill was much more solid with the side panels bolted to it. The lower piece that joins the bottom of the fenders & grill is in tact and strong. I have also fashioned a connector rod out of some tubing but don't quite have it right yet.
My plan is to replace the rubber body mounts before I re-fit the front fenders so I can be sure it's all in the right place. Then I can deal with unsightly gaps as needed.

I`ve seen several Aus grilles at the swap meets, and told that they never look quite right, I found an original last year at the swap meet, slightly tweeked but I think it can be straightened as a spare for $ 80, no rust. I`m only guessing from looking at my `37 that the inner panels and the front support carry the most weight and sinse I`m not running my front support probably why my front group has settled over time.

[randyr]

I`ve seen several Aus grilles at the swap meets, and told that they never look quite right, I found an original last year at the swap meet, slightly tweeked but I think it can be straightened as a spare for $ 80, no rust. I`m only guessing from looking at my `37 that the inner panels and the front support carry the most weight and sinse I`m not running my front support probably why my front group has settled over time.

An original grill for $80? That's awesome. I've seen them on ebay going for $800+ !!!

Who knows, I may end up with a Bob Drake hood myself. There is some bad repair work my dad did to the area where the hood prop bolts on. It just need to be cut out and replaced. There is also a long sweeping crease on the drivers side that is subtle but noticeable. Not sure how to deal with that either. I'll post some pics when I get home and maybe you guys can give me some ideas on what to do with it.

In the meantime, I hope all you guys have a Merry Christmas and may we all have a happy & productive 2012!!! You're all awesome and I'm grateful to a part of this CHR community!!!

[34_40]

In the meantime, I hope all you guys have a Merry Christmas and may we all have a happy & productive 2012!!! You're all awesome and I'm grateful to a part of this CHR community!!!

Right back at ya! "Lil Buddy!" all the best to you and the family!