Since Monday I've removed the hood, grill and radiator, and removed all the bolts holding the front clip to the truck and firewall, except for those monsters holding the core support to the frame. Boy are they a "biatch" to remove. They will come out eventually, but is taking a lot of PB Blaster and many turns of a socket on a long extension. Wish I had a large 1/2" ratchet.
After removing the battery box to get access to one of the fender to firewall bolts without a J-Bolt episode, I decided to tackle the hood hinges. The drivers said went very smoothly, with the bolts coming out easily. Then over to the passenger side, and not so lucky. THOSE DARNED J-NUTS! Looks like all three have broken loose and just turn. So I seem to have two choices. 1) Reinstall the drivers side hinge and just mask around the hinges to paint the firewall and the mask off the firewall to paint the hinges or 2) Get the sawzall out and cut the bolts off and use a sort of "toggle bolt" contraption I found when I had a similar problem on Little Red. I know, I know, it is possible to snake your arm and hand up through the vent and hold with a vise grip, but I just don't think my arm/hand will make the trip
.
Don't expect a solution, but wanted to give an update and rant a little.
Also, I know my progress pales in comparison to other's projects but it's good progress for me, an old man working by myself.
