1973 Swinger restoration question on tearing down

[AEMIKEA]

I was looking at the front clip and engine compartment, there seems to be a lot of “glue” at the seams. I don’t mind putting in the work, but is it a good idea to tear and separate out every piece and I noticed that the front piece that the radiator attaches to is attached by weld to the frame? Looks like it anyway. Anyone completely tear apart the front clip? Advice? Thanks!

 

[Yunick13]

That “glue” is called seam sealer. It helps keep moisture out from in between the joints, in due, preventing rust in most cases.

There is no need in dismantling the front clip unless you’re replacing metal. If you did, you’d want to have a jig made up to keep things square, and put back in it’s original position.

 

[moparmat2000]

Inner fenders and radiator support are welded to the framerails. They are not made to be removed. This is part of the unibody construction.

 

[kursplat]

how deep are you going on this? just pulling apart the easy to get to stuff for a good clean up or a full on restoration? every single piece can be taken apart, even the welded stuff, but probably isn't worth it

 

[AEMIKEA]

My plan was to tear it all apart and paint everything as if it were new, it will be a different color. I have the luxery of a full restoration and the car is in great shape. I just don’t want to remove stuff that will cause me a big headache later when I could hAve left it on and worked on it attached. I hate the interior color and paint

 

[moparmat2000]

If you have never done a resto on one of these cars before, Take lots of pictures as you take it apart. You will need them. Also get s bunch of good ziplock bags for all your hardware and label them well on disassembly

 

[AEMIKEA]

Thanks everyone for the tips, I’ll provide more progress as I go.

 

[Yunick13]

Does the car really need going through? Looks like the engine bay is the only thing that needs detailing.

 

[AEMIKEA]

Does the car really need going through? Looks like the engine bay is the only thing that needs detailing.

Interior is sun faded, rust in some areas and don’t like the interior color or paint color