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[Ken Stone]

I recently pulled the engine and transmission out of my 4A project.  When we went to remove the front valance, we discovered it was welded in at a few spots.  So it was a bit difficult to pull everthing, but we got it done.  As we get closer to reintalling everything, it would certainly be eaiser if the panel came out.  I am new to restorations and wonder if this panel was meant to be welded in (also had a few bolts to it) or was this something done after the fact?  If it is supposed to come out, anyone have good ideas for cutting it out without doing much damage?  Or am I better off trying to shoehorn the engine and tranny back in the same way it came out? The body was part of a rolling chassis I got out of CA and it is in great shape overall.  BTW:  As a newbie I can't tell you all how glad I am to have this forum and access to the knowledge folks on this site appear to have.   
Ken Stone

[charley fitch]

I can assume that you are referring to the panel that the headlights and grille fit onto.  Yes it is spot welded on the sides and the lower valance is spot welded all of the way across the front to the top piece (it is actually two pieces).  It is not meant to be removed to remove the engine. The engine comes out over the top of this panel.  You will find it harder to remove the engine with the tranny still attached.  But it is often done.  It requires you to change the angle of the engine with the puller or hoist you are using.  The whole unit must come forward a ways and then it needs to angle with the front of the engine upward and the tranny down to make it past the firewall.   I have just learned to remove the transmission from the engine and then it is a lot easier both out and in.  The engine can stay pretty flat if it is not attached to the tranny.
 In fact putting the engine  back in after one has cleaned and painted is very nerve wracking if tried with the engine and trans still together.
Charley Fitch 

[Ken Stone]

Charley:  Thanks again for the great advice.  I really didn't want to do damage to that panel and you just saved me a lot of headaches in that regard.  - Ken