The CF Bedford Rebuild Begins

Part 14: The front and grill

I wanted to keep the original Bedford grill for some reason, for my last custom CF Bedford I used a XC Ford Fairmount grill with rectangle headlights.
So keeping the grill I could add an extra set of lights and still retain the Bedford look.

Well I started to do one side and after tacking it all in I stood back and thought hmmmm. Looking at the two images above I reckon the single headlights may have the better look.

I guess it may look different with the bonnet and front spoiler but am really undecided on this. I really need the front wheels to set the headlight heights so may leave the grill for now.

I've decided I don't like the twin round headlights now, am going to find a XC Fairmont grill.

Updated: I finally found a XC Ford Fairmount grill with rectangle headlights :)

The XC Falcon grill was used a lot in the 80's, it is a nice shape and doesn't require a lot of work to fit in the hole. Cut the headlight panels out, widen the hole, make some mounts ...

I wanted to weld in the panel between the bonnet and grill but if I do I wont be able to get the grill in and out.

I ended up welding the strip between bonnet and grill to the bottom of the bonnet, this way I only get the one gap (above the grill) which I would of had anyways.

I was stuck for a while as I hadn't done the front spoiler, once that was mocked up the grill kind of fell into place. The biggest problem I had was fitting and removing the grill. The headlights are mounted to the grill which I didn't really want to cut. I ended up mounting the headlights seperate and cutting the grill, now it just slides in and out if needed.

Front spoiler

If you've read from the very beginning you might remember me saying the plan was to use fibre glass flares and spoiler in the "4 week build". Even though I'd decided to make a stell front spoiler I thought I'd still be able to use the flares, but they became an issue so would be making them in steel.

The way I got this height was to run angle iron down the side skirts and using the front springs as supports am able to keep the same angle.
I don't want it super low, the side skirts are only 40mm lower than original sills and if possible would like to keep the front spoiler 180mm off the ground. This is all after I squared up the van of course.

You can see in the picture to the right there is a bit of an insert in the middle of the front spoiler, at the moment the idea is to use this shape but am going to leave it till last when I know the real ride height, if it's to low I will cut it out so can get a trolley jack etc under it.
If I use another grill I'll probably put the indicators in the spoiler, if not then maybe some flutes to the front brakes.

I think my biggest problem is trying to go to radical when I want to keep it simple but not boring or flat looking.
I'll get the supports tack welded in then cover it with paper or thin cardboard to see what it will look like, the grill is going to put me off but things can be changed to suit.

Well I did away with the frame work idea and just cut, bent and welded on some panel steel. I want to do something in the middle of the spoiler, like an air scoop or something but nothing has jumped into my mind yet. I try not to think about it, rather just let it happen otherwise it gets confusing and ends up being hard work.

As you can see I've made a middle bit, tried several things like hinging the center bit but simple ended up being this. These photos don't really do the spoiler justice. Like the rest of the van it's just EA12 (PA10 stuff) over bare metal to stop it rusting.
The Chevy bowtie wont be seen of course as the number plate will cover it.
Still might put spot lights in the spoiler yet, but want to get the van outside and see if it needs them or if they might be to much for the front.

One thing I am not going is super low or even low, two reasons, the first being lowered suspension is really uncomfortable to drive around in and second having the V8 engine mid mounted the sump would be a big target for curbs, drive ways and things.