Front Latch Panel Alignment
 

I was curious how people who have replaced the front latch panel align it before welding in place (specifically with regard to the shorthood/74-89 latch panel). For instance, as shown in the image below. Is it just a case of marking the inner fenders where the old one was positioned and replicating that, or do you really need to re-fit the hood and fenders to ensure the latch is in exactly the right spot? Or is there really not much room for adjustment and it naturally lies in the right position? Thanks!

[IMG]http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1934ac8e.jpg[/IMG]

I did some refitting and did place the hood back on as a check...but there is enough adjustment latitude to make up for a millimetre or two.

I have not done my final assembly, but from the mocking up process which is in my thread somewhere, it is close enough to work with....all I did was align it to the inner fenders.

Dennis

See if you can get inner fender well width dimensions as well as corner to corner measurements. This will make sure the fender width at the leading edge of the hood is correct and that the panel is square to the cowl.

This is the process I used on an early car latch panel replacement. I don't have a short hood or I would post the measurements.

install the trunk lid back on the car get the gap to the cowl right where it needs to be the install the latch and striker .
because the locking pliers will be in the way to check gaps get some #6 self drilling screws to hold the panel in place for your test fitting .
close the lid to be sure all gaps are right and the latch catches as it should if all good the weld it up and you will be good to go .

Thanks all - great suggestions.