After installing my front fenders the last time (and wrenching my shoulder) decided to add some ***embly aides. These are essentially sheet metal hooks so I can hang the fender while I'm starting the fender bolts. Works really well. Also, check out these fender bolt weld nuts from McMaster-Carr. Expensive but handy. Better made than the original factory ones I think. I got these in metric; 8 and 6mm.
Hey Jake, any chance you would consider selling the hood latches of your donor COE? Got a good friend in bad need of a pair. Love the progress and thinking out of the box. Thanks in advance Rob
After finalizing the bumper location in the mock-up (thanks for the feedback guys) I had some serious frame mods to make for mounting the bumper and the core support. The full size core support and radiator from a 2005 2500HD truck will fit with enough frame modifications. Its actually a really good fit and matches up with the grill location. Here is a photo of the front framehorns from the 2004 Expedition donor before any mods; Notice how they extend straight out from crossmember? I had to put an 'S' bend in those to have the appropriate elevation for the bumper and also be low enough to mount the core support without interfering with any of the fender sheetmetal, etc.. Here are a few photos of that process (fun but tedious);
The Jalopy Journal
