A Question for Everyone

[Steve Cole]

I am going to buy a front clip off a 68 C-10 this week. I have never pulled a front clip before, and i was hoping someone could list the tools I would need and tell me the easiest way to do it. I will be alone or with my wife, so even If I could remove it in one piece, I would have to disassemble for transport. It's about two hours away so I want to make sure I have everything I need before going. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[LNP]

I would bring sockets ratchets and wrenches plus a hammer pry bar and a hacksaw. Main bolt sizes 1/2 & 9/16 rad suport bolts are 5/8 if I remember right. A cordless impact gun would help nicely too. I would just disassemble it as you go rather than pull it as a doghouse then take it apart. But thats me.

[damnyankee36]

Two people can easily pull the whole thing. Removing the hood first is a plus.

As LNP suggested, a 3/8" impact will speed things up. Remove wipers, cowl vent and the 9/16" bolts at the rear of the fenders. I think the core support to frame bolts are 11/16". The two bolts that secure the wheel wells to the cab are 5/8".

Ratcheting wrenches are nice for the hard-to-get bolts, (if you decide to disassemble it first).

[RustyPile]

No matter how carefully you select a "list" of tools, something will always be left behind.. Leaving you 2 hours away from your tool box.. Instead of attempting to bring only what you'll need, either load up your tool box, or dump everything into a box and bring it with you.. Don't forget those long extensions, you may have difficulty holding a "back-up" on those pesky core support mount bolts without one.. A couple cans of penetrating oil should be in there someplace.. And bring along a "blue wrench" (torch) to provide heat for the rusty fasteners.

[LS short box]

The thing that might bite you in the butt is any "clip" nuts that may break. A couple of vise grips of various sizes with really sharp teeth to get a really good bite on what ever.
Also a saws all of sort just in case.
In regards to the hood and your wife. That hood is heavy. I would want one more person to help with the hood.
My .02 I would pick it apart while still on the truck.

[notsolo]

Don't forget the hornet spray, nylon pry bar tool remove wiper arms, 1/2" bolts inside door and under hood and Philips screw driver remove cowl. 9/16 bolts hood hinge, maybe spray paint to mark bolt location ...same with 2 top fender bolts 9/16 ...5/8" socket remove inner fender bolts behind tire...rear fender bolt below door, from under 9/16" I think. Front core support, 2 bolts behind bumper on frame. I would leave fenders and inner fenders as a set.....remove bolts inside grille upper and lower. Then any attachments in th e engine bay. Electrical etc.

[54blackhornet]

My only comment !

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

My only comment !

I was going to say if swearing offends your wife get her some ear plugs :lol

[Killer Bee]

assuming you have a truck this clip is going on, scope it out for locations and sizes of hardware

plot nearest resources to work site in the event you need to go out for something

full tank of gas

safety glasses, gloves, earplugs (not just for sound but to keep crap from falling in your ears) boots, jeans, long sleeves

bug spray and cordless weedeater if you have one

apply copious amounts PB blaster as soon as you get access to it

lightweight floor jack, stands, and sturdy bases

flashlight regardless how bright it is outside

cordless sawsall and good long blades, cut anything that won't turn in tight places with low collateral damage, angle grinders and cut off wheels don't reach well in tight places and damage surroundings, also hard on the body depending where you're cutting

cordless impact and ratched if you have or can borrow

two of each wrench size, sockets, drive tool, extensions, pry bars, hammer, pliers, vise grips, etc.

cups or tins for hardware, boxes for larger parts, tape and sharpie in case you want to label something

moving blankets to protect your vehicle, rope or straps to secure it all

good luck!

[Wikid61]

This.

[Steve Cole]

Thanks for the great replies guys! I never would have thought of half of that stuff. Hornet killer, torch, sawzall, prybar, weed eater, Wow!

[PbFut]

Bring the wife? I have observed few to be realy good at truly helping. Most will sort of take instruction if you are patient and concisely explain what you need. They do so, not because they want to work on a truck, but because they do like the IDEA of supporting you. Most will get board quickly. Keep this in mind as your adrenaline jumps when you are at a point of needing help. Elevated hormones in male speech patterns are not understood nor excepted well by the opposit sex. Good luck.

[Loose Screw]

Safety Glasses for sure!

[cj847]

Most of the bolts are 1/2" or 9/16 or 5/8. I would bring a sawzall for the core support bolts. If the bumper is still on you'll need 3/4" rachet and socket.

If you end up taking it all apart, I found I needed some long extensions for the grill to fender bolts (like 18").

If I were by myself:
-Remove wipers and cowl (small pry bar, 1/2", phillips screwdriver)
-Remove fender with inner fender attached to it (5/8, 9/16, 1/2", long extensions)
-Remove grill support, grill, hood latch assy, and apron (sawzall or torch)
PS> I am not sure about the core support, not sure its that easy to

[Steve Cole]

Thanks for the great advice CJ!