How to Install Truck Engine Side Covers (also Hot Rod?)

[edwardb]

I’ve hinted at this in my build thread with no takers. I’m installing fiberglass parts on my truck build and ready to fit up the engine side covers. At this point in the build, the chassis is 100% complete including the front suspension. I’ve tried everything I can think of, but I’m unable to get the supplied engine side covers into place working around the suspension parts. Either at ride height or fully drooped. No amount of positioning or rotating allows the panel to get around the various control arms and tie rod end and into place with the cutouts in the supplied covers.

The build manual doesn’t help. Very first sentence is “Tape the engine side covers to the body and the radiator cowl.” Just that easy, right? At that point in the manual build sequence, you would have a finished chassis like mine. One picture is a car under construction. The balance on an apparently completed one. The balance of the instructions are fitting, mount brackets, etc. None show or mention the front suspension.

Later in the build manual for installing the front fenders, there is this picture:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159148&d=1640344715

No front suspension installed. Not sure it matters because this just be a stock picture. But still gives me pause.

I’ve looked through multiple build threads, both truck and hot rod, and don’t see this mentioned. I did see in a hot rod video what looked like 2-piece engine side covers with a joint along the bottom. So apparently there has been another version of this piece?

With the number of hot rods and now trucks that have been built, this has to have come up before. My thoughts are the following:

- There’s no way I’m taking anything apart on the front suspension to place and remove these panels. They will have to go on and off a few times during the build (now, plus later with body work and paint, etc.) and I’m not going to touch the existing completed front suspension.

- I could open up the existing cutouts in the panels enough to position into place over the installed suspension. Not sure what this means exactly. Thinking of starting with a cardboard pattern and see what it would take. Since I’m installing fenders, not particularly worried if the final result isn’t a tight fit around the suspension. Like is important (and looks nice) when fenders aren’t used.

- Or maybe I’m just missing something and the parts can be used as is.

Looking for someone who’s done this and how you solved it. Ideas are also welcomed. Thanks.

[Jeff33Ford]

Maybe the hot rod is different. Funny Street Rod Jim just posted a video of installing these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6z_PcDbSZM
He dropped them right on.

[Namrups]

It looks like his had an open slot on the bottom. If the picture above is correct, Paul's does not.

[edwardb]

Maybe the hot rod is different. Funny Street Rod Jim just posted a video of installing these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6z_PcDbSZM
He dropped them right on.

Watched that video before. If it were that easy, I wouldn't be posting. Yes, that part is different. Open on the bottom. Apparently the hot rod is different. This is my exact part:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159149&d=1640344715

I'm thinking of another possibility. Maybe cut the cover at the bottom to open that section? Like the hot rod one in the video. Then bond a tab to bolt/unbolt the loose piece. Still going to play with a pattern first. Maybe there's an easier way.

[Jeff33Ford]

Yep see that now. See no way that is going on without splitting it.

[progmgr1]

I don't know if it's a Hot Rod vs. Truck difference or a Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 change, but my Gen 1 Hot Rod engine side cover is completely different from yours. And yes, it really does just drop on from above. I've installed it several times while locating brake lines, etc. However, it's not trimmed and ready for real installation yet. Not sure how this helps you, but probably confirmation that the manual never got updated in this area...
Keith HR #894

159161

[edwardb]

I don't know if it's a Hot Rod vs. Truck difference or a Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 change, but my Gen 1 Hot Rod engine side cover is completely different from yours. And yes, it really does just drop on from above. I've installed it several times while locating brake lines, etc. However, it's not trimmed and ready for real installation yet. Not sure how this helps you, but probably confirmation that the manual never got updated in this area...
Keith HR #894

159161

Thanks for your response. Based on yours and others it seems this is only a truck thing, e.g. opening on the engine panel at the front versus at the bottom. Not sure what you mean by manual not being updated though. The picture I put in the first post is from the truck manual and matches the parts I received, e.g. opening in the front. They just don't explain how to get them there with everything assembled...

[edwardb]

So I've been messing with this off and on for several hours. Made a pattern out of cardboard and tried cutting/trimming several different ways that would allow the covers to go on. Took some liberties because it will be behind fenders as I mentioned at first. But even that doesn't really help. The lower front corner matches up with the radiator surround and is visible even with fenders. So don't want to mess that up.

My conclusion? Without any modification(s), these aren't going into place with the suspension installed. Period. Some or all of the suspension needs to be out of the way and my opinion is that what's intended. I could easily be wrong. But just not seeing it any differently. As I said in the first post, taking the suspension apart to install/remove is not going to happen. For multiple reasons.

My solution at this time (which could immediately change with a better idea...) is to cut the panels as shown at the red line. Based on my cardboard pattern, drop in quite easily with that section removed. On the backside of that cut area, build up a bridge or connection of some kind with HSRF and either fiberglass or aluminum that can be taken apart and put back together as needed. The cut line would be neat and basically hidden behind the front wheels. Including any screws that need to be on the surface. I think pretty straightforward and not really difficult. Will think about it some more before cutting. And in case someone has a better idea. Of course always more complications. My HSRF can is basically empty. Has lasted through a couple builds. Now going to buy more, price is way up, limited sources, can't get it for at least a week or two. Always something...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159162&d=1640382200

[Jeff Kleiner]

Have you hit Ron up to see how he dealt with it on the full fendered truck he built?

Jeff

[edwardb]

Have you hit Ron up to see how he dealt with it on the full fendered truck he built?

Jeff

Good suggestion Jeff. Sent him a message.

[Sbda4]

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Attached are photos of how I cut and spliced the panels on my 35 truck. I copied the idea from others on the forum. I cut the front lower section off as you indicated by the red mark in your photo. I then put packing tape on the inner edge of one side so the new fiberglass would not adhere. Then I layed up a few plies of fiberglass about 4” wide across the cut section. After installation on the truck, I match drilled and bolted them together. The approach seems to work pretty well.

[edwardb]

159192159193159194159195

Attached are photos of how I cut and spliced the panels on my 35 truck. I copied the idea from others on the forum. I cut the front lower section off as you indicated by the red mark in your photo. I then put packing tape on the inner edge of one side so the new fiberglass would not adhere. Then I layed up a few plies of fiberglass about 4” wide across the cut section. After installation on the truck, I match drilled and bolted them together. The approach seems to work pretty well.

Very nice work. Thanks for posting. That's exactly along the lines of what I'm thinking. I searched but didn't find other builders reporting the problem or how they solved it. Somehow missed them. But all good.

[Lew]

Has anyone used quarter turn or Dzus fasteners in this situation ? Seems like a good application for them.

Lewis

[FFinisher]

159192159193159194159195

Attached are photos of how I cut and spliced the panels on my 35 truck. I copied the idea from others on the forum. I cut the front lower section off as you indicated by the red mark in your photo. I then put packing tape on the inner edge of one side so the new fiberglass would not adhere. Then I layed up a few plies of fiberglass about 4” wide across the cut section. After installation on the truck, I match drilled and bolted them together. The approach seems to work pretty well.

Great solution, Paul also notice the half moon cut for suspension travel.

[VIRGIN MIKE]

Damn Yankee build thread has good info on this

[edwardb]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Think I have a handle on his now.