PUTTING A FRONT END TOGETHER

[Swifster]

The Commander will need new fenders and inner fender due to rust. With these panels being welded to each other, is there a trick to lining everything up before welding it up?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Mulberry, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona - 289 4V, 4-Speed (Cost To Date: $2125.60)

[Tom Bredehoft]

I replaced the outer fenders and air deflectors (behind the side grills [parking lights]) on my 55, drilled out the old spot welds, mounted the inner fenders on the frame/body and positioned the NOS outer fenders where they looked like they fit. I Vise-Gripped them together and pop riveted everything together. I had a little trouble with the NOS air deflectors, they were apparently made for a Hawk, not a sedan, but everything went together and is really solid now.

Just leave everything loose when you start bolting things together, and snug up all the screws when it all fits together.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Avatar.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
(Under Construction) 363 hrs.
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[Warren Webb]

You could also use 1/8" screws to assemble the parts & check for alignment, then if everything looks good, its easy to unscrew one at a time & plug weld. If done correctly, the plug welds will look very close to the original spot welds. I use the 1/8" screws that have a drill bit end on them to make it one step easier.

60 Lark convertible
61 Champ
62 Daytona convertible
63 G.T. R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2)
66 Daytona Sport Sedan