Front End Descriptions
We offer the largest selections of front ends - Any where!
One piece front end offer many
advantages. Most importantly, Easy Engine Access! They are perfect for header and
spark plug access - engine swaps...etc.... Think about this the next time you are
working on your vehicle - how great it would be if you didn't have to climb over
those fenders to get to your motor. Less weight is an other important factor that
most individuals don't think about. Lightening up your vehicle means better economy
and performance - if you think we are kidding try bolting a spare set of cylinders heads
to your front bumper and you'll see just what front end weight will do to your handling.
With a glass front end you can save anywhere from 50 to 150 pounds. Remember, less
front end weight means better weight transfer, better economy, better gas mileage &
heck that's better for the environment.
In Addition:
NEWS FLASH.....beep...beep...beep....Fiberglass does NOT rust!
One of the best ways to eliminate rusty front end body parts is to simply take them
off - and start fresh with a new fiberglass composite front end.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT:
Tilt Front Ends: come complete with a hinge kit and instructions.
They require some body work experience as well as light welding, drilling and
cutting to insure proper installation.
One Piece Front Ends: are simply the entire one piece unit only, properly braced
and supported for lift off use or a hinge mechanism of your own design. No hinge kit
is supplied with this unit.
Pro Front Ends: generally bolt directly to your existing firewall and radiator support. Heavy Duty models will accept a hinge type hood, light weight models require the use of a lift off hood.
Remember: Light weight front ends are much lighter and are reinforced for racing purposes. Heavy Duty front ends weight between 55 & 85 pounds depending on the size and model of the unit. Be sure to write down the proper part number when ordering.
The following is simply one suggested way of installing your new fiberglass front end. These instructions and ideas may or may not work for you & a secure - safe installation is solely the responsibility of the installer.
Out With the Old
To begin, drain and remove the radiator
and transmission cooler. Disconnect the front wiring harness from the front end
panels. remove all the rusty and/or damaged front end parts..i.e...hoods, hinges,
fender, wheel wells, battery & tray and radiator core support. The front bumper
can remain attached (without grill guard).
Remove the New front end from its' crate (Be sure to remove the lower wood tie in blocks first). Position the Front end assembly on the truck. Some of the models are made 1/4" extra long on the back edge and need sanded down for an accurate fit against the doors and cab. Also, some front ends may require that the factory inner bracing be trimmed down to fit the cowl and inside rear fender areas. Shim the front end to the desired location with wooden blocks. Be sure the front end lines up parallel with the door seams. A door seam gap larger than stock is required (somewhere between 1/4" and 5/16"). On PRE-SPLIT models, alignment must be done with the lower panel clamped to the front end - so that the entire unit can be aligned at one time. Some early truck front ends may need to be notched where the frame horns protrude forward.
