Author Topic: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal  (Read 1505 times)

Bottom Feeder

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Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« on: April 12, 2021, 03:52:22 PM »
Need help.  I have a 1970 Formula, non ram air car.  Original motor gone, still have numbers Turbo trans and 12 bolt.  I want to do a T/A clone.  I'm confused on the front clip/nose pieces.  I'm looking to build this car to "appear" as a 1970-73 T/A.  I understand real 70 stuff is expensive.  What's the cheapest way to make this happen.  I read the early fenders have tabs to mount valance?  I need two T/A fenders, T/A hood, snorkel scoop, front nose.  I think 77-81 fenders will work but I have to weld the tabs on?  I know there is a fiberglass nose out there.  I run across 77-81 metal a good bit, but is this the way to go? Thanks 
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nas t eh

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2021, 05:31:52 PM »
You need a 70-76 T/A hood and hood scoop, 70-81 T/A fenders will work, but there are small reasons why getting pre 78 would help and if possible 70-73 fenders even more as then you get the front flare holes in the right spot(Pre 78) and the valence brackets 70-73, 70-72 fenders have the right under the hood look without the brace mount. You need the steel valence(70-72) and a 70 - 72 nose with grills(70-71 are the same, 72 has the hexagon pattern) and mounting hardware or a 73 nose complete with grills and mounting hardware.
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firebirdparts

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2021, 07:43:37 PM »
The 73 styling looks the same as the 70-72 but it's pretty incompatible.  Stick with one or the other.

I think if you have a valance and you have the car assembled with fenders on it, you'll easily see what sort of item you want on there to bolt the valence to.  It's a pretty simple little tab.
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Bottom Feeder

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2021, 04:42:55 AM »
Thanks guys!!!
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Wallington

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2021, 07:49:36 PM »
BF, sent you a PM.

Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2021, 07:49:36 PM »

Bottom Feeder

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2021, 03:34:38 PM »
I see I can buy a new T/A hood/reman for about $500.  I can get a 1975 hood (great shape) for $400 down the street.  Any input? Thanks
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roadking77

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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2021, 05:37:55 PM »
If you can get a factory hood, and its in good shape, not too many dents, straight, and rust free I would def. go that route. Some of the aftermarket sheet metal is bad and takes a bit to make it fit. I dont think hoods are that bad overall but I have heard a few complaints in the past. Always go original if you can. Aftermarket if there is no other choice.
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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2021, 04:55:43 AM »
Thanks.  That's what I thought.
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Re: Confused on front clip 1970 sheet metal
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2021, 04:55:43 AM »
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