Road Warrior gets a facelift

[GAboySVO]

I finally decided it was time to give the Road Warrior a facelift. After ~17 years of reliable service and fun on the road and track, she's due. Here is what she looked like at the 2004 Reunion after a cross-country trip from California with 210 miles on her.


As you can see, the Ford Ranger that hit me did a number on the front end. The fender was caved in so far that it was cutting my tire when I went over speed bumps. What you see in the photo is a result of the first body work done on it in the parking lot of an Autozone by a guy with a hammer, a pry bar, a come-a-long, and a Mercedes 190E that he used as the anchor for the come-a-long. The holes in the fender are doe to the guy using the hook of the come-a-long to knock a hole in the fender he could get a purchase on it to pull it out. It worked, no more cut tire.

The header panel and outer marker on the driver side did not survive the impact, so in order to hold the new corner marker in, I used the red zip ties and silicone to lock it in place. It was good enough to pass a California inspection.

The car is originally a Florida car and had rot on the driver's door bottom and hatch to prove it. While in Cali, I replaced those too.

[GAboySVO]

The list of damaged parts to be replaced this time are the front bumper cover, the header panel, both fenders, the radiator core support, the fender aprons and the hood;

The front bumper cover was purchased from SVOtrust when he lived in Phoenix.


The header panel had some cracks, but was intake enough to be a good start.


The fenders, apron, and core support are from National Parts Depot and the hood from HO Fibertrend.

[GAboySVO]

The Deconstruction

Here are some photos that reveal the hidden damage.

[GAboySVO]

And more......

[svono50]

Nice work so far Mike, looking forward to the 'new' Warrior look!

[GAboySVO]

and more........

As you can see there was nothing to hold the corner light in except the zip ties.

The bumper only held on by one bolt on this side.

The holes made and used by my parking lot bodyman to "fix" the fender.

[GAboySVO]

Nice work so far Mike, looking forward to the 'new' Warrior look!

Thanks Ted, here is more.... You can see the core support damage.

[GAboySVO]

Although most of the damage was on the driver side, the nose was pushed over by ~1/2 inch according to the frame guy who pulled it straight.

[SVOeric]

I'm have very mixed feelings, but I guess I can deal with you fixing it up

2 bolts (even tho only 1 was in use) vs the 4 bolts it should have is a 50% weight savings!!

[roberto2000]

I want to be on record to say WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!
the road warrior is an iconic machine that inflicts fear and punishment where ever it goes, the look was one of its menacing features that every cobra and shelby owner feared.
What are you going to do with the take off parts?????? I have always wanted to do a road warrior "clone" and these parts would make it very easy

P.S. nice work Mike !!

[GAboySVO]

I want to be on record to say WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!
the road warrior is an iconic machine that inflicts fear and punishment where ever it goes, the look was one of its menacing features that every cobra and shelby owner feared.
What are you going to do with the take off parts?????? I have always wanted to do a road warrior "clone" and these parts would make it very easy

P.S. nice work Mike !!

Rob, unfortunately, the old parts had to give some more of themselves to fix the new(used) items. You will see the sacrifice they made when i post more pics.

[GAboySVO]

As you can see in the photos in the 2nd post, the replacement bumper cover's header panel was missing some pieces. Fortunately, I was able to cut and use pieces from the original one to make it whole,
Here they are in detail.


Here is what I did to fix it.

[Ken Potter]

Congratulations. I know it was cool but I can also see how it would get old looking at it over time. Keep us updated. If you need anything send me a PM.

[roberto2000]

Mike the work looks good
I have scabbed together one header panel from two the same way
what are you doing with the fender? that one is a classic

Keep up the good work.... I know it will turn out nice, although some day walking up to it and seeing it all perfect and knowing it is the road warrior....

[gbeaird]

Mike the work looks good
I have scabbed together one header panel from two the same way
what are you doing with the fender? that one is a classic

Keep up the good work.... I know it will turn out nice, although some day walking up to it and seeing it all perfect and knowing it is the road warrior....

Heh, indeed. Been there, done that! two-part epoxy and Bondo fiberglass patch kits are your friend there. I've enjoyed repairing a header panel on a SVO, and a 79 Cadillac Seville like that.

Nice work, sir!