My new digital camera arrived today.

I decided that I would get the nose installed first and worry about making it look pretty later. Below, you see the bottom of the nose, with the splitters and support braces installed. The braces attach to the support structure underneath the radiator, where the stock air dam used to attach.



The support braces are made from 1/2" aluminum tubing. I crushed the ends, to make it easier to drill bolt holes. And since the tubing is already crushed, I don't have to worry about it crushing when I tighten the mounting bolts. Below is a close-up shot.



I also had to install speed-nuts in the sides of the nose (to attach the wheel well liners), and drill new holes in the wheel well liners. I also had to splice in the wiring connectors for the LED turn signals. And I re-used the stock upper fascia support. The seam between the nose and the hood still needs to be tweaked a little. But at least it's installed! See photos below.



Please pardon my sanding dust.



Tomorrow, I get to play with putty.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

Playing with putty:



I use Elmer's brand "fiberglass repair putty". It's epoxy based, so it doesn't stink like Bondo putty. It also has a longer working time (about 20-30 minutes depending on temperature). It spreads smooth. And it doesn't gum up your sandpaper as much as Bondo.

Also, since the new nose has no provisions for side marker lights or side molding, I decided to delete the molding from the fenders, as well. In the photo below, I'm filling the molding channels with fiberglass.



If all goes well, I should be able to sand and primer the nose tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

I hadn't planned to do anything to the side skirts (aside from repainting them). The bottom of the nose is about the same height from the ground as the side skirts. So the lines flow nicely.

BTW, I finished sanding and priming the nose today. See photo below.



I also sanded and primed the fender pieces. Here's something for the fiberglass geeks: I tried a new procedure with the fender pieces. I wanted to "fast track" the fender project, so I could sand and paint them today. So instead of waiting for the fiberglass to completely harden before applying the putty, I did it while the resin was still tacky. Since the putty and the resin are both epoxy based, I was hoping they would bond. And they did. That saved me a lot of time.

I also decided to tweak my hood vent a bit. Since the grille opening in my new nose is bigger than the stock nose, I thought it would be a good idea to enlarge the hood vent. After all, what goes in must come out. Below are before and after shots.



The curve at the back edge of the vent follows the curve of the spare tire compartment. I did that to maximize airflow.



The new nose will be re-installed tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

Alright, here's the "money shot".

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

I probably will, eventually. But for the short term, I'm going to terminate the side molding somewhere along the door panels. I kept the bullet-shaped molding pieces from the stock nose for that purpose.


Edit to add:

Since I'm going on vacation in a couple days, I had to rush the nose project. After I return, there are a few more minor things that will need to be done in order for the nose project to be officially finished. They are:

1) What I just mentioned regarding the side molding on the doors.
2) Install driving lights next to the turn signals.
3) Install European style side marker lights in the fenders.

After all that is done, I can move on to the next project... a custom-built intake manifold.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 08-07-2008).]