View Full Version : Nose cone install question
Autonut
06-03-2025, 12:39 PM
I have an early Gen 1 (#179). Can the nose cone be installed with-out side panels?
I was interested in cutting my side panels in the front at radiator approximately 6" wide +/- from
hood to nose cone as a filler panel to trim out the radiator/grille assembly. I don't want side panels
to enclose the engine bay but thought this would be a good trim out option and also add a mounting
source for the nose cone.
Thoughts? As always, thanks for your suggestions.
Jim
FF33rod
06-03-2025, 02:54 PM
Hi Jim
Lots of guys have done just that. There actually was a recent conversation on the Facebook group about it as well.
Have a look at my build thread, post 166 on page 5
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?30110-1104-(Gen1)-Steve-s-33-Rod-Build-door-panels/page5
Steve
Autonut
06-03-2025, 07:35 PM
Hey Steve,
Thanks for the link. @ AJT ‘33 panel it is close to what I want to achieve for the front section. I just want the front section and I was going to go straight down to the bottom of the panel on the same line @AJT ‘33 has but looking at the picture, I may contour the cut into the lower curve in the panel to add more lower contact surface for attaching the nose cone. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Thanks for sharing.
Jim
FF33rod
06-05-2025, 02:54 PM
Yeah, there's a few different ways to cut it depending on your preference. In this pic, my 33 is on the left and Bob Gardner's is the one with the hood. He's cut his side panels as well but in a slightly different way....
214672
Autonut
06-05-2025, 04:28 PM
Yeah, there's a few different ways to cut it depending on your preference. In this pic, my 33 is on the left and Bob Gardner's is the one with the hood. He's cut his side panels as well but in a slightly different way....
214672
That's exactly what I'm talking about Steve. At least I know I'm not out there on a limb with a goofball idea. I really like the way it trims out the side of the radiator and still have open side panels. Thanks for sharing the pic.
Jim
FF33rod
06-06-2025, 12:18 PM
Jim, you can find more pics at the end of Bob's build thread - https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?28807-Bobs-33-build/page4