Im going to attempt to show more of the progression I go thru building a car and not just the good stuff. With this thread.
When I first looked at this car, one of the things I always do is check all the body panels for Vin tags and the Ford markings showing me they are original parts and not aftermarket. Immediately noticed that the front bumper was off if you look in the pics, you’ll see that so I knew it was an aftermarket bumper figuring something hit the front end at some point, but the core support and fenders looked original and in good shape.
So when I took the front bumper off, I saw that it was a Taiwan front bumper. Same with the header panel, crash bar and foam reinforcement. Today I checked the straighteness with my favorite tool and most used tool when I start a car… A tape measure.
I put a good Oem crash bar on and the holes didnt line up. After measuring and comparing to my other 94/8s. The pass side crumple bar is off 1/4 to 5/16 of an inch. Telling me the car was hit in the pass front corner but the bumper and front pieces took the damage and the crumple bar got tweaked. Most would just enlarge the crash bar holes but not me. The car is going to my collision shop and on the frame machine where I will make it perfect.
Next I went ahead and removed the fenders. No previous damage and got them off and ready for my son to strip to metal since he wants to do some work for me.
When I first looked at this car, one of the things I always do is check all the body panels for Vin tags and the Ford markings showing me they are original parts and not aftermarket. Immediately noticed that the front bumper was off if you look in the pics, you’ll see that so I knew it was an aftermarket bumper figuring something hit the front end at some point, but the core support and fenders looked original and in good shape.
So when I took the front bumper off, I saw that it was a Taiwan front bumper. Same with the header panel, crash bar and foam reinforcement. Today I checked the straighteness with my favorite tool and most used tool when I start a car… A tape measure.
I put a good Oem crash bar on and the holes didnt line up. After measuring and comparing to my other 94/8s. The pass side crumple bar is off 1/4 to 5/16 of an inch. Telling me the car was hit in the pass front corner but the bumper and front pieces took the damage and the crumple bar got tweaked. Most would just enlarge the crash bar holes but not me. The car is going to my collision shop and on the frame machine where I will make it perfect.
Next I went ahead and removed the fenders. No previous damage and got them off and ready for my son to strip to metal since he wants to do some work for me.