Front slam panel on Willy 1

[Red_Dash]

After the trauma of shuffling the engine out on my Willy 1 which doesn't have a removeable slam panel (did this only come in with phase 2 cars due to it being absolute pain to get the engine out otherwise?) I'm tempted to modify the the front of mine to accept a removeable panel. My dilemma is that it's a low mileage car which I want to keep original as possible however I don't want to scrape the paint of my engine bay when the time comes to get the damn thing in again. Or, I'm sure I read on a thread somewhere that the engine and gearbox can be put in from the bottom up so I may see if that's a better option...

What would you guys/girls do in this situation?

[Wobba]

No slam panel? Odd.

You can do the engine and box from the underside, dropping the subframe etc. Means disconnecting the steering, dogbone etc though. Up to you!

Got any pics of the current slam panel?

[Red_Dash]

The one it's got is spot welded in place and is not removeable. It made things an absolute nightmare getting the engine past it. The only thing I can think of is perhaps the design was changed in the phase 2 cars or it may be that, because the car had a minor bump at the front in the first couple of years of it's life, a replacement may have been put on instead (looks very tidy though, like a factory fit :? )

[Red_Dash]

I'll take a pic of it when I get back on Friday and post it up.

[Justin..]

It meant to be removable on all 16v models. Any history of an accident?

[Justin..]

Just read about the accident, it was most likely replaced with the wrong slam panel

[LEIGH-ANNE]

I would say its more than likely been in an accident. My ex had an accident and had to buy a new one get it sprayed up etc.

Id imagaine its been fitted wrong and just been welded...

[MatBrown]

Yeah, i would cut it in the correct place and get a removable slam panel.


Mat.

[Red_Dash]

OK - thanks for all the great information and advice :)
A removeable slam panel it is then! - one more thing for the shopping list :D

[talkingfish]

As already commented.. I have a Willy 1 and the slam panel is fully removable.... yours must have been altered at some point....

[f13ldy]

i'm just removing the engine on my Willy 1 and figured it'd be easier to get it out with the inlet manifold off (?) Lack of a crane meant i thought it'd be easier to dismantle it in situ. Manifold is now completely loose but cant get it to go past the slam panel, its annoying cuz its literally just 1cm more room required to get it off!!

I've had a look to see if the slam panel is removable but it seems to be also spot welded in place with no sign of repair (car allegedly accident free).

Where are the bolts for the slam panel located? Maybe im just being stupid and cant see them?!

[zmaster2k]

front of car next to head lights

[f13ldy]

cheers, i'll have another look when im not so tired and its not so dark!

[northy]

the slam panel is held on with 4 bolts - 2 at either end. If you look at the two brackets holding the radiator up they will be bolted to the slam panel.

[16v_paddy]

You bored or something Northy? :lol:

[northy]

LOL - no why paddy?

[16v_paddy]

Just thought with the reply before your being from nearly 4 months ago you was bored & trawling through old posts :lol:

[northy]

oh eye - no idea mate - it was on my 'new post search'!!!!

Werid one that!

[f13ldy]

engine is out now anyway :grin: