Ramps?

[Jporter]

Alright guys, I'm on vacation this week and want to do some work on my car. A question or two if you don't mind. I don't have jack stands anymore due to using them once upon a time to do some work on an 87 Ramcharger I had once and they buckled under the weight (even though they were listed for something like 2 1/2 tons) so I don't really trust them. Instead I have a set of ramps that have held every car I ever put on them. What I want to know is if I put the car on the ramps do I still have to turn off the air ride? Also, I finally ordered the head light mount or header panel or what ever it's called so I can FINALLY get off my lazy ass and fix the damage from that accident back in March, how tough is it to take the front end off? bumper, grill, everything, and to straighten out the passenger side bumper isolator? I'm also thinking of trying to straighten the area inside of the fender I'm not sure what it's called, the only word I can think of to describe it is: " bracket". It's the area behind the cornering light and if the fender were straight it would look like thin support posts(again I don't know what to call it). Hopefully it won't be all that bad to do. Then I can get it to a paint shop and get all the little imperfections taken care of and a new paint job. Anyone try MAACO? Or should I wait to get the money and get all the work done by a pro body
shop and not go through the aggravation and therefore words that will probably come out of my mouth that the neighbors kids shouldn't hear trying to fix it myself? Any input, as usual, is, and would be, greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jamie
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feedback

 

[formerknown]

What I want to know is if I put the car on the ramps do I still have to turn off the air ride?

I would, as a precaution. Don't trust the air ride.

how tough is it to take the front end off?

Not very difficult, just a PITA and time-consuming. I had a friends help/ do it for me when I installd my tranny cooler. It's all screws/ bolts. First you remove the headlights, then the screws/bolts under those, then under the car, then the wheelwell cover, the bolts behind that, etc, etc. As a tip, get some plastic baggies and for the removed hardware and label them for what goes where. That way, reinstallation will be easier.

Anyone try MAACO? Or should I wait to get the money and get all the work done by a pro body
shop

You get what you pay for. Take it to a professional shop, not a shop that hires trade school failures stright out of high school. Maaco jobs are cheap; in price and quality.

 

[scott9050]

It's maybe an hour to take off the front end at most if you know what you are doing. I replaced the drivers side fender and grill on my 94 and it was pretty straight forward.

Maaco has different levels of paint service, stay away from the lower levels as they are total crap. The upper levels can be good for a daily driver but will never win any awards:

http://www.mytowne.com/maaco.htm

 

[Jporter]

It's maybe an hour to take off the front end at most if you know what you are doing. I replaced the drivers side fender and grill on my 94 and it was pretty straight forward.

Maaco has different levels of paint service, stay away from the lower levels as they are total crap. The upper levels can be good for a daily driver but will never win any awards:

http://www.mytowne.com/maaco.htm

Thanx. I always wondered about MAACO. maybe I'll just wait for the cash and get it done right the first time. I've been driving it like this since the accident, how much worse can it be? I got a quote from one place for $1056. But, that's if they got the parts. What a PITA it's been trying to find the header/headlight mount thing. Finally got it from one of Ebays buy it now listings for $42.50(+$20 for shipping). Now what do you think of the car being painted in metallic purple/baltic blue instead of Fords factory baltic blue/purple? Or should I go with an entirely different color? Suggestions anyone? Except black. Black is nice, don't get me wrong, but too common.
Hey Scott didn't you have almost the same type of damage as mine but on the drivers side?
:feedback

 

[Lincolnpimpin]

What I want to know is if I put the car on the ramps do I still have to turn off the air ride?

I sure hell say you would, but I'm not sure,I know I would turn it off all you have to do is flip a swich, beter safe than sorry as my Gramma told me.

 

[scott9050]

I did have similar damage, I replaced the drivers side fender and grill. If you are looking for a fender I have a near perfect passenger side fender.

 

[big ed]

Now you have the air ride off, car on the ramps, one or two jack stands, the heavy duty cast ones not the thin sheet metal ones that will hold weight if it is directly verticle while on a flat surface, and finally chocks for each side of at least one rear wheel. Without some simple & sensable precautions your heirs could be selling your car. As for a paint job go to a few cruise nights & ask. Yes, some will be outragious but there is usually someone who is both excellent & price the same or less than the shop where you walk in cold. And Yes I am serious about safety, those ramps also have the potential to fail. Good Luck, Ed

 

[Jporter]

I did have similar damage, I replaced the drivers side fender and grill. If you are looking for a fender I have a near perfect passenger side fender.

Really? How much do you want? It's kinda dry around here for parts. There's one place here that I know of(128Auto) that once in awhile gets Marks. My brother and a friend of ours both work part time with the son of the guy that owns the place. He told my brother that when Marks come in he puts them in the restricted area of the yard and strips 'em for the parts he needs to rebuild the 4 that he owns. I've seen two of them that he's driven at different times when I picked my brother up when his car was in the shop. Both of them looked like they just came off the floor. One is a really nice dark grey and the other is an even nicer pearl white.

 

[scott9050]

How about $40 + shipping? I am not trying to make a killing on parts, just trying to get them out of my garage. I can snap a few pics if you like, it has no dents or rust.

 

[Jporter]

How about $40 + shipping? I am not trying to make a killing on parts, just trying to get them out of my garage. I can snap a few pics if you like, it has no dents or rust.

I don't need pix, I trust ya. If you can give me an idea how you'd like me to pay you, I'll take care of it on the 15th. I'd do it now but, house taxes are due first. I like my car, but not enough to live in it.

 

[scott9050]

I don't need pix, I trust ya. If you can give me an idea how you'd like me to pay you, I'll take care of it on the 15th. I'd do it now but, house taxes are due first. I like my car, but not enough to live in it.

I generally do check or money order. I stay away from Paypal. You can check out my Ebay feedback also under the same username. If you can e-mail me (scott9050@charter.net) with your address I will get a shipping quote. I am removing the compressor for a guy coming to pick it up tomorrow so it will be more than likely on Friday.

 

[Jporter]

I generally do check or money order. I stay away from Paypal. You can check out my Ebay feedback also under the same username. If you can e-mail me (scott9050@charter.net) with your address I will get a shipping quote. I am removing the compressor for a guy coming to pick it up tomorrow so it will be more than likely on Friday.

Thanks. I sent you a PM with the info. Let me know if there's anything else you need to get rid of. :invasion:
My storage area is empty except for a broken lawn mower,and it get's lonely by itself.

 

[scott9050]

Thanks. I sent you a PM with the info. Let me know if there's anything else you need to get rid of. :invasion:
My storage area is empty except for a broken lawn mower,and it get's lonely by itself.

I got quite a bit left, let me know if you need anything, I will see if I have it.

 

[formerknown]

I should have mentioned that while you have the front of the vehicle off, you should take a minute to install a transmission fluid cooler. It will be easy to install with the front off...

 

[Jporter]

I should have mentioned that while you have the front of the vehicle off, you should take a minute to install a transmission fluid cooler. It will be easy to install with the front off...

HAH! Already thought of that after reading your first reply. I figured the same thing.