Nose support rod

[charlesorosz]

Hi all,

Just bought a nose support rod for my 75’ since it didn’t have one when I bought it. The nose of the car sits slightly lower than the hood so I was thinking that by putting the rod and adding some shims I could raise it to be level. Well, my vette had other plans because as you can see from the pics the rod won’t fit!

Has anyone ever had this problem? I’ve checked over and over again for frame or rad support damage but it’s clean as can be. What are my options? I’d rather not unbond the front clip because it’s about ready to be painted, hoping there’s someone that can suggest another solution. Thanks!

 

[Cadder61]

My 75 is still in hibernation but I will have a look this weekend and see how it compares...

 

[Jr. Corvette]

Yes, I just had this problem a month ago as I'm doing a ton of body work and modifications on my car.

The front of my hood sat 1/8" higher than the nose of the car so I tried to shim the rod to close this gap. Mine would even budge a little bit and I ended up have to sand down the front of the hood to correct this gap.

These cars have absolutely terrible gaps and panel issues and most can only be corrected with body work.

 

[nascar03]

On our ‘75 that brace fits just fine.
The gap fit on these cars was not perfect as mentioned by @Jr. Corvette
I have had mine on-off a few times for painting and other upkeep.
That brace/Rod has to lean more towards the front to line-up with the bolt.
Does leaning forward get it to fit.
You may have to shorten the rod to get it to fit your application.

graham

 

[Cadder61]

Have to agree with Graham, my brace fits well under the lip of the front panel. Given the long adjustment slot, significant variances were expected in factory - would appear that yours is at one of the extremes of those.

 

[charlesorosz]

On our ‘75 that brace fits just fine.
The gap fit on these cars was not perfect as mentioned by @Jr. Corvette
I have had mine on-off a few times for painting and other upkeep.
That brace/Rod has to lean more towards the front to line-up with the bolt.
Does leaning forward get it to fit.
You may have to shorten the rod to get it to fit your application.

graham

The rod still doesn’t seem to fit, no matter how I try and put it in. I’ve been at it for hours, but how would you suggest shortening the rod?

 

[nascar03]

Shortening could be done many ways.

Cut & Weld back together.....

The top has been flattened so a slot can be in the end.
Maybe flatten some more with heat and a hammer and extend the slot until it fits.
Then cut-off the excess at the top.

good luck

graham