Assembling
Putting your newly painted panels on can be a challenge. You have to be so careful not to scratch anything. Here are some hints to help you along.
1. Start at the back of the car. This allows you to mount the largest pieces first and then align the more adjustable front-end parts last.
2. Buy new speed clips and screws. They are cheap and much easier to work with than the old rusty ones.
3. Instead of plastic rivets, consider using GM radiator shroud fasteners. The local GM dealers don't use the plastic rivets any more because of the high failure rate. They have been substituting the rivets with shroud fasteners.
4. I used the galvanized collapsible wall anchors to replace the large steel rivets on the rocker panels, the fenders and the rear clip. I was able to unscrew and adjust the parts until I was happy with the fit.
5. Install the hood and deck lid last.