Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Is front body panel removable?

  1. #1
    Van Fan
    My Van(s):
    1987 Toyota van 4wd
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    84
    Rep Power
    1

    Is front body panel removable?

    I know you can take the front corner body pieces off, but I was wondering if you can also remove the front body section that goes across under the windshield. Thanks

  2. #2
    Van Obsessed
    My Van(s):
    88 4WD DLX 5spd
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    1,073
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    Not removable

  3. #3
    Van Enthusiast
    My Van(s):
    IG:@dialupthevan 89 - 2WD - 201k 87 - 4WD - 188K
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Posts
    136
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    Name:  IMG_0152.jpg
Views: 1039
Size:  71.9 KBName:  IMG_3764.jpg
Views: 1043
Size:  89.7 KB

    I've seen this way too many times
    That smells like regular! She needs premium DUDE! PREMIUM!

  4. #4
    Van Obsessed
    My Van(s):
    1988 4WD LE auto dual range t-case (the mistress) 1988 4WD LE auto(the donut van)
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Tacoma, Wa
    Posts
    744
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    I would ask, "How badly do you want to remove it?". If you are simply hoping for easier access to components behind the dash you are unfortunately out of luck. On the other hand, if a badly damaged panel needed to be replaced, with the right skills and tools anything is possible. The "hood" panel is a welded component of the unitized body structure and is not simply unbolted. There are weld seams where it could be removed by drilling out the spot welds. This would require windshield removal as one of those seams makes up the lower windshield pinchweld. Prep the new panel, fill the spot welds, apply seam sealer, and repaint the bare metal and the job is complete. Here's a pic of an 84-85 van with the fender removed showing one of the seams.
    Attached Images Attached Images  

  5. #5
    Van Enthusiast VanCo's Avatar
    My Van(s):
    1987 Toyota Van LE 4x4 5spd, on 30x9.50R15s, boosted to 16PSI
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Salt Lake City
    Posts
    186
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    Or you could use this approach...

    Name:  IMG_20191127_123301.jpg
Views: 1040
Size:  96.6 KB

  6. #6
    Van Enthusiast
    My Van(s):
    IG:@dialupthevan 89 - 2WD - 201k 87 - 4WD - 188K
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Posts
    136
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    Glad this topic came up, I do need to replace the front panel (due to a rusted out windshield) good to know theirs welds on the side that can be easily cut, Thanks for the side photo



    I've never seen one successfully ripped open!!
    "pop the hood" you got it man...
    *grabs jaws of life*
    That smells like regular! She needs premium DUDE! PREMIUM!

  7. #7
    Van Obsessed
    My Van(s):
    1988 4WD LE auto dual range t-case (the mistress) 1988 4WD LE auto(the donut van)
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Tacoma, Wa
    Posts
    744
    Rep Power
    1

    Re: Is front body panel removable?

    I had someone at an emissions test station who was having trouble picking up a tach signal outside the vehicle ask me to pop the hood so they could hook up directly to my engine. This was said to me while they were standing in front of the van tapping on the front of it. I laughed and said, "It's not up there. I'm sitting on it." After opening the hood I was handed the wire and asked if I could hook it up for them. LOL

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •