1990 country squire resto/lowrider in UK

[1987cp]

Fun stuff. I think removing inner fenders is a PITA, but after having the frame off and back on it probably doesn't seem bad to you.

Speaking of which, boy does that look weird to see nice new body mount bushings under there!!!!

[andyfanshawe]

Fun stuff. I think removing inner fenders is a PITA, but after having the frame off and back on it probably doesn't seem bad to you.

Speaking of which, boy does that look weird to see nice new body mount bushings under there!!!!

It wasn't too bad removing the inner fender, but I actually managed it without taking the wheel off or raising it up! One or two fasteners sheared but stainless is going back anyway.

Those body mounts sure look good down there though - but will be coming out again as soon as the body prep is done

Anyway, short rest for a meal with the family, and its out with the welder to fill up the holes in the fender. That rhymes!



Got too late at about 9 pm to grind steel, so removed the hood trim. Looks loads better now.





May be fender removal tomorrow to start prepping it for paint and a spot of media blasting.

Andy.

[grandwagon]

looking good andy as always, still following the build and cant wait to see the end results !!!!!!!

[andyfanshawe]

looking good andy as always, still following the build and cant wait to see the end results !!!!!!!

Sometimes I wish I was just following the build!

Nows the time to dismantle the front end so the fender can come off for repairs/mods. And to start to design and build the new headlight and grille arrangement.
Here's a simple sequence of photos. Needless to say the centre grille screws had to be drilled out because they were seized in, but other than that, a simple dismantle.









Time will tell exactly what goes back!!

Andy.

[johnunit]

Needs more jackstand.

[sly]

Needs more jackstand.

*insert pic of Will Ferrel banging on a jackstand ala "more cowbell"*

[87gtVIC]

haha

Nice Andy. How did the header panel bolts come off for you..the ones in the corners attaching the fenders to the header panel? Any end up cracking the fiberglass?

[andyfanshawe]

haha

Nice Andy. How did the header panel bolts come off for you..the ones in the corners attaching the fenders to the header panel? Any end up cracking the fiberglass?

Hi.
No cracking of anything - luckily. It all came off surprisingly easy, apart from the very top of the fenders to header panel. You know, the one on each side that are right up in the corners I actually had to swear at them both to get them loose

I had forgotten the front bumper was aluminium - that will cause me a problem when modifying it! I now have to buy a TIG welder and learn how to use it!!

Andy.

[gadget73]

The sedan ones are steel, though many are badly rotted.

[andyfanshawe]

Finally finished welding up all the trim holes in the front drivers side fender, and there were 22 of the stinkin' things!! Ford could have saved all that money on machines that stamped those holes out!

Time to weld in a patch to replace the light that was at the bottom of the fender, but I saw some rust behind there a while ago, so lets have a look





And here's a view of the lip that has been skimmed over by my grinder. The white stuff is bondo...





So its time for rust repair again! No panels available, so its back to the fabrication again. This car's got more rust than a rusty oil rig....

I'm going to reduce the fender lip by about half and separate the 2 skins, just like I did in the rear. i've got to make sure there is no rust lurking between seams to bubble through the new paint.

Better get my media blaster out then...........

Andy.

[79lincolnlover]

Needs more jackstand.

[1990LTD]

I'm jealous of the condition of that frame. Not that mine is rotten, but it would be nice to have essentially a brand new frame to start with.

[andyfanshawe]

I'm jealous of the condition of that frame. Not that mine is rotten, but it would be nice to have essentially a brand new frame to start with.

Don't forget how long it took me to get it like that!! Working outside, on the street, in the winter I'll tell you what, it got damn cold......

Here's a teaser pic then!



Andy.

[johnunit]

Gotta agree with the jealousy. I wish I had the space (or skills, or energy...) to yank the frame and be able to address all the details like you have.

It's essentially stock, just repaired, right? No structural changes for lowering or anything?

[andyfanshawe]

Gotta agree with the jealousy. I wish I had the space (or skills, or energy...) to yank the frame and be able to address all the details like you have.

It's essentially stock, just repaired, right? No structural changes for lowering or anything?

Correct.
The major lowering will be the cutting of the floorpan and lowering the body over the frame. Airsprings will take place of the coil springs front and rear. Shockwaves at the front.
The car will lay frame when slammed, and I don't care how much work that takes. It's do or die

The frame may need notching at the rear, and the upper and lower control arms at the front may need modifying, and even the frame may need Z'ing.....but I won't know until it all goes back together for a mock up, after the exterior bodywork is done. Even the body to frame mounts may need modifying.
I'll post plenty of pics-don't worry.

Andy.