welding body seams??? - Lateral-g Forums

Roblee67 · #1 09-16-2009, 05:33 PM

Has anyone ever welded together the front header panel / front valence to the fenders to make it one piece on a first gen camaro...Got any pics....looking for advise and opinions!!!

HRBS · #2 09-16-2009, 06:44 PM

Not a 1st gen Camaro, but we did this to a 64 Impala we built a few years ago. We welded every panel seam on this car except the actual operating panels (doors, hood, trunk). The front valance was welded to the fenders, the lower splash panel to the fender, the fenders to the front cowl, the fenders to the rockers and the rear quarters to the trunk filler panel etc etc.
Most people dont notice untill you say something.

Welding and body work:

After final prep:

Finished:

almcbri · #3 09-16-2009, 07:07 PM

Here is a car that has it done. Looks pretty good in my opinion.
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=22416

Roblee67 · #4 09-16-2009, 08:04 PM

That Impala is sweeeet.....Thanks for the pics, I have already done the splash panels to the fenders and I will likely weld the front valence and header panel to them also....Did you build some sort of removable bracket to attach at the upper back of the front fenders by the firewall (for stability) in case you ever have to remove the front end??

ItDoRun · #5 09-16-2009, 08:31 PM

I'm thinking of welding the filler panel to quarter seams on my Camaro, but then grinding the seam so it looks factory. That area is prone to body filler cracking.

awr68 · #6 09-16-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItDoRun

That area is prone to body filler cracking.

And seam sealer checking! That is why mine got welded......

bmacey · #7 09-17-2009, 05:24 PM

We have 4 of these in progress with the front and back all welded solid it looks good
Bryan VIP Custom Cars

bmacey · #8 09-17-2009, 05:52 PM

One more shot before paint of front all welded up
Bryan VIP Custom Cars

Roblee67 · #9 09-17-2009, 06:14 PM

Thanks bmacy, Love the car....I think I will weld the front together but I am not going to weld the fenders to the rocker panels...this will alow me to remove the front end should I ever need to!...I couldnt tell from the pics, but are the fenders welded to the rockers on the ones you are doing?.....also I think I will fabricate a removable support brace that I can bolt in to stabilize the back, should the situation arise that I need to remove it!
Thank you all very much for the pics and advise!!

bmacey · #10 09-17-2009, 06:49 PM

We can remove the front clip in one piece it is not welded to the rockers but it is welded to the radiator support so it comes off with the fenders and cowl panel. THe only problem we have is the front lower stainless piece for the glass. I have not completly figured it out yet because you cannot remove cowl panel sep front the clip it is all welded togather.