Hi Guys,
I have removed the entire front end (nose) of the car and now it is time to put the pieces back together. I have repainted everything inside the engine and in an attempt to reinstall the fenders and the wheelwells (inner fenderwell)without scratching anything, which of the following methods is recommended. Should I attach the wheelwell to the fender and then attach the whole thing as one piece back onto the frame, or should I put the fender on first and then slide in the wheelwell afterwards? If you have any tips or a better idea, I welcome that also. I have never done this before, and I don't have the opportunity to it a second time, so its all or nothing. Really could use your help. Also if you have any tips on how to protect the paint when reinstalling. Thanks guys.

I helped my dad do this to his 70 last year and we put them together separately. Make sure your doors are aligned with the rear quarters first. Then mask off all edges of doors and fenders to prevent nicks. Then mount fenders and align properly. Then you can slip in the outers if you have the wheels off and the frame suspended. It will take two guys to maneuver this stuff in place without scratching anything. Make sure you have all your bolts handy when you set them in place so you can hand start the bolts. Anyone else have any other tips? Hope you are successful!!!

Troy.

I did my inners separately. They are seriously gloss black and so I didn't want to scratch or even scuff them at all. I used an old bed sheet draped over the inner. Once it was in place, I pulled the sheet back enough to get the first couple of bolts started. Yank the sheet out and complete the install.

I've had them out a couple of times since using the same technique and there's not a mark on them. YMMV.