Front Wheelhouse - Chevrolet Corvette 1997 Complete Manual

Front wheelhouse

Fig. 3.6 — Front Wheelhouse Service Assembly
Fig. 3.7 — Service Assembly Can Be Separated
for Outer Wheelhouse Panel Replacement
Fig. 3.8 — Adapter Clamp for Anchoring System
1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette Collision Repair
3-4
Frame Adapter
Clamp
The wheelhouse consists of two pieces, an outer
portion that rivets and bonds to a larger inner
portion (Fig. 3.6). The wheelhouse is the inner
mounting structure for the front fender.
The wheelhouse mounting surfaces vary from left
to right. The left side (driver's side) has more
bonded surface area than the right side, and is
bonded to the cowl. Also, both sides bond and
bolt to the front hinge pillar. The outer
wheelhouse can be separated for partial
installation (Fig. 3.7).
Notice: Do not replace any SMC body panels
until the frame rails have been replaced or
repaired, mounting SMC panels requires the
rails to be positioned accurately.
— REMOVE OR DISCONNECT —
1 Remove all panels and components to gain
access to the front wheelhouse. This may
include removing front wheel, fender, fender
splash panel, bumper cover, battery, and
headlamp mounting brackets.
2 Visually inspect, if any damage to the frame
rails or wheelhouse mounting areas exist,
then restore as much of the damage as
possible to specifications using
three-dimensional measuring procedures.
Notice: Use Kent Moore Tools Frame
Adapter Clamp (P/N J42058) to secure the
vehicle if pulling and straightening is
required (Fig. 3.8).
3 Relocate wiring as necessary to avoid
damage.
4 Remove the four bracket bolts attaching the
wheelhouse to the front hinge pillar (Fig. 3.9).
Heat and pry to remove or dislodge adhesive
beads attaching the wheelhouse to the
vehicle, see Fig. 3.10. Remove the damaged
wheelhouse.