Should I remove the front grill and headlight assemblies on a 1968 Cougar for paint. Are there any videos showing how to remove the front grill and head light assy as one or two pieces? Is it better to mask off and keep the mechanisms in place? Any insight or any links to websights wb helpful.
Thanks,
Ric G.
1968 Cougar 390 4 speed
1969 Mustang Mach 1 390 4 speed w AC
2004 Mustang Mach 1 Daily Driver
If I’m doing a full paint job, I remove EVERYTHING, especially on a car I want to turn out nice. Daily drivers and beaters, just mask it all off.
How would you paint the stone panel and the center grille with the headlight assemblies still in place? That would be a real PITA, especially trying to mask them off. It is far easier and quicker to remove them.
Start at the bottom by first removing the valance panel. Next remove the bumper leaving the mounting brackets attached to the bumper. Then remove the stone panel. Then remove the headlight assemblies one side at a time.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
I removed mine. Not very hard to do. I think there may be a video somewhere on WCCC’s website.
Replacing the front bumper on a 1968 XR7 Garage find that sat for 7 years. The bumper extension bracket bolts are rusted and broke of. Does anyone have experience removing the broken stud in the nut that is welded to the frame? The welded nut plate is only welded on the bottom so maybe if I can knock that plate with the broken stud out and put thick / large washers as a replacement that may work?
Thanks
The “stud” screws into a clip nut. It’s not welded to anything. It just slips off. New ones are available here:
Remove all the front down to the fenders. As Randy stated and what I have found to be the easiest way. Start from the bottom and work your way up removing parts. Reassembly do the opposite. Start from the top and work your way down.
When I had my car painted I did my own removal and replacement of trim, bumpers, door hardware, grille and fender extensions. Doing it myself I was able to take the time to fit everything correctly- taking the time especially in the finished assembly really makes a difference in the finished product. Masking things off to save a few hours usually shows with overspray spots.
This might be another advantage to completely removing the grill and headlamp assembly as it will allow for easier component accessibility for doing detailing to making repairs, if necessary.
I removed the grill center, the valance and the stone guard and painted those separately with the fenders, fender extensions and hood off the car. Then I masked from the cowl forward when I painted the rest of the body.