miguel
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 462
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Post by miguel on Aug 1, 2008 19:01:14 GMT
Hi,
I´ve just started to dismantle the bonnet, wings and grille (whats left of it). The grille surrond is completely destroyed. When studying the Parts catalogue I assumed that this (grille surrond) was bolted to the valances, but part of it is welded. The same with the valances. Correct? Has the valances are also damaged I was thinking that the best way is to order new valances. Is this practible? Cut and weld? or should I pay a "metal worker specialist"? Weld or repair, I always have to give it to someone else to do the job properly.
Sorry forgot to bring the camera. I´ll post some photos later. The inner wings (at least the RH) looks very solid and rust free.
Thanks
Miguel
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Post by dorsetflyer on Aug 1, 2008 19:34:47 GMT
The grille assy is held by four bolts only, two at the top on the slam panel and two at the bottom. The two bottom ones are normally accessible through the holes in the front valance.
There is no welding involved.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Aug 1, 2008 22:44:55 GMT
The sides and bottom of the surround are welded to the inner wings - these should be left in place if the inner wings have buckled as they will have to be used to anchor the rpes/cahins to pull it all back out again.The top panel ought be bolted back on again. Then if they have been distorted they will have to be removed by drilling out the spot weld sand replaced by good secondhand ones
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Aug 2, 2008 17:37:20 GMT
The inner wing/grille side does look distorted on the left top (looking from front)
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Aug 2, 2008 17:56:49 GMT
It looks like the passenger side in Portugal inner wing has gone back as you say Phil I would think to the strengthener that runs from top to bottom backed up by the vacuum tank angle.
Second look a good pull may do it but it will take a bit more than you think Miguel! you will have to find the correct place where the impact is and pull at that point but you will need to panel beat dolly on one side hammer on the other! I can't see how you can do this with the engine in place, don't attack it with a hammer you will only stretch the metal and make things worse. I would as I said in previous posts remove the sub-frame with engine to see what springs plus easier access for hydraulic body pusher/puller.
Miguel can we have a picture of the passenger side inner wing arround the air tank?
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miguel
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 462
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Post by miguel on Aug 2, 2008 19:09:48 GMT
Sure: i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/miguelp5b/L1130075.jpgWhen you talk about inner wing, you are reffering to the whole side from the door to the grille surround? That´s why I was asking about putting on new valances. The one in the RH side (passagenger side in Portugal is distorded but the LH side is much worse. The impact was from the RH side to the LH side. both inner wings are bent to the LH side. Here is one of the bracket of the valance on the LH (Valnce to subframe): i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/miguelp5b/L1130097.jpgand the wing and grille surround: i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/miguelp5b/L1130095.jpgThe strenght of the impact can be seen in the bumper bracket: i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/miguelp5b/L1130081.jpgI´m going to remove the engine, sub-frame, ...., well, everything. Now I´m going to try and measure with the engine on. Then remove engine and sub-frame, and measure all again. John, do you think that after dismantling everything it could happen an "spring relief" effect? And is it whorth to beat the wings back to position? New ones, if possible to remove and purchase wouldnt be better? Thanks for your support. Miguel |
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Aug 2, 2008 20:54:11 GMT
It looks as though the chassis rails are a bit twisted Miguel when you remove the 4 bolts I think things will spring but it has to be done! what you call valences we call inner wings the valance runs under the bumper between the wings. It is a difficult decision wheather to try and get the inner wings some where near square with the subframe on first? using the subframe for support may be the way to go? but for sure it has to be removed and measurements made at some time. In regards to wings a good new/second hand pair will be a good guide in getting the front straight yours will be distorted and the bottom surround will have to be found as well. David Green would be able to help on most things needed  The car looks in good condition ie not a lot of rust Miguel so your dad will be glad of the efforts you are going to and I am sure it will be well worth the effort  |
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Aug 2, 2008 21:22:25 GMT
I agree inner wings/valences are the same - the bottom grille frame and top bonnet slam panel brackets fit to these and are spot welded
Removal will ned very careful measuementts and use the new bonnet as a guide to make sure alignment is OK
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