Is front body panel removable?

[scotty]

I know you can take the front corner body pieces off, but I was wondering if you can also remove the front body section that goes across under the windshield. Thanks

[Burntboot]

Not removable

[Jdelgado]

1079310794

I've seen this way too many times :roflmao:

[originalkwyjibo]

I would ask, "How badly do you want to remove it?". If you are simply hoping for easier access to components behind the dash you are unfortunately out of luck. On the other hand, if a badly damaged panel needed to be replaced, with the right skills and tools anything is possible. The "hood" panel is a welded component of the unitized body structure and is not simply unbolted. There are weld seams where it could be removed by drilling out the spot welds. This would require windshield removal as one of those seams makes up the lower windshield pinchweld. Prep the new panel, fill the spot welds, apply seam sealer, and repaint the bare metal and the job is complete. Here's a pic of an 84-85 van with the fender removed showing one of the seams.

[VanCo]

Or you could use this approach...

10797

[Jdelgado]

Glad this topic came up, I do need to replace the front panel (due to a rusted out windshield) good to know theirs welds on the side that can be easily cut, Thanks for the side photo



I've never seen one successfully ripped open!! :LOL2:
"pop the hood" you got it man...
*grabs jaws of life*

[originalkwyjibo]

I had someone at an emissions test station who was having trouble picking up a tach signal outside the vehicle ask me to pop the hood so they could hook up directly to my engine. This was said to me while they were standing in front of the van tapping on the front of it. I laughed and said, "It's not up there. I'm sitting on it." After opening the hood I was handed the wire and asked if I could hook it up for them. LOL