Lincoln Nautilus: Front End Sheet Metal Repairs / Fender Apron Panel Reinforcement. Removal and Installation

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

1. Restore the vehicle to pre-accident dimensions, if required.
   Refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).
   

1. Remove the following items:
   1. Remove the hood.
      Refer to: Hood (501-02) .
      
   2. Remove the headlamp.
      Refer to: Headlamp Assembly (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
      
   3. Remove the battery, LH side only.
      Refer to: Battery Tray (414-01) .
      
   4. Remove the fender.
      Refer to: Fender (501-02) .
      

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

1. Remove the spot welds and seam welds located at rear of the panel.
   Use the General Equipment: Spot Weld Drill Bit
   Use the General Equipment: Grinder

1. Remove the fender apron reinforcement panel.
   Use the General Equipment: Spot Weld Drill Bit

1. NOTE: The inner fender apron reinforcement can be sectioned depending on extent of damage. Cutline indicated is a general guideline, entire reinforcement will be required if damage is more severe.

   Remove the welds and cut through the reinforcement panel.
   Use the General Equipment: Grinder
   Use the General Equipment: Spot Weld Drill Bit

1. Remove the inner apron reinforcement section.
   

Installation

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

1. Cut section from replacement part.
   Use the General Equipment: Spherical Cutter

1. Install the replacement reinforcement panel and seam weld.
   Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment

1. Weld the replacement panel.
   Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment
   Use the General Equipment: Resistance Spotwelding Equipment

1. Install the reinforcement panel and weld.
   Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment
   Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers

1. Resistance spot weld the panel along upper and lower flanges.
   Use the General Equipment: Resistance Spotwelding Equipment

1. Complete all panel sectioning seams using typical metal finishing techniques.
   

1. Prime the repair using a Ford approved paint system.
   

1. Sealing work: All areas must be sealed to production level.
   

1. Refinish using a Ford approved paint system.
   

1. Restore corrosion protection
   Refer to: Corrosion Prevention (501-25 Body Repairs - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Install the following items:
   1. Install the battery, LH side only.
      Refer to: Battery Tray (414-01) .
      
   2. Install the headlamp.
      Refer to: Headlamp Assembly (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
      
   3. Install the fender.
      Refer to: Fender (501-02) .
      
   4. Install the hood.
      Refer to: Hood (501-02) .