#9 

We have made the installation of this Nose Conversion as easy as possible, yet, we do advise you read the entire instruction CAREFULLY. Take your time and use some craftsmanship.  The end results will be worth your effort!

We start by removing the pigtails from your side marker lights, turn signals, running lights and headlights. Once removed you will begin by removing the front bumper, (4 bolts per bumper shock). Remove rubber filler on lower side fenders. Next,  remove your header panel. This consists of 4 to 6 bolts on top of radiator core support: 2 behind the grill, and 2 behind headlight beauty rings per fender. It is also helpful to remove the battery for easier access to fascia side attachment points.  

For protection in front of the vehicle, you may use a piece of tubular steel that measures 2” x 4” x 56”. The reinforcement will fit under the nose if it is attached to the bottom bumper shock holes only, (2 bolts per side). See figure 1.  Lauren Engineering makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, that this product offers any protection what-so-ever, in the event of an accident or crash


To install it is best to drill out the four dimples on top side of the nose, large enough for adjustment. These holes will match the factory holes on top of radiator core support. Look for the holes in the front fender where your header panel was attached. Your nose will have indents and should be drilled out (large enough for adjustment) for attachment to front fender.

Place the nose onto your El Camino, making sure the side fender tabs are inside the front of the front wheel well. Install the 4 top radiator core bolts that were drilled in step 1. From inside the fender check to confirm that these holes line up to holes drilled in the nose, (if not mark with a pen or pencil for re-drilling).

At this time, check the nose fitting up against front fender and hood. If nose is too low you may shim with spacer washer between radiator core and nose, Figure 2. If too high, trim from bottom of the nose or adjust hood. If there are gaps, use a sanding block with 80 grit sand paper and trim for proper fit. For additional fitting please refer to “Special Notes and Adjusting the Fit.”

Once the nose is adjusted and fitted install 1/4 x 20 x 1” Hex bolt, 1/4” and 3/8” washer and lock nuts on top and bottom fender attachment points. Install 1/4  x 20 x 1 1/2” hex bolt, 1/4” washer and lock nut for radiator core attachment. Drill and install two 3/4” sheet metal screws and small washers inside front of front wheel well, both sides.

Now it’s time to attach headlights. With a 3/8“ and 5/16” wrench and socket, loosen L-brackets attached to headlight side brackets.  Install loosely two - 1/4 x 20 x 1” hex bolts, washers and lock nuts from headlight side bracket to radiator core support, (note: side brackets will slide up and down for adjustment).

Headlights are adjusted in or out, up or down by spacer washers on outer headlight brackets, or sliding inner headlight L-brackets in or out on top or bottom. These steps are for major headlight adjustments. The Phillips screw adjusting (for fine adjustments) are located on either side and bottom of bulbs.

When Fascia is fully attached, adjusted, and tightened, it is time to reinstall wiring to headlights and turn signals. Turn signals are factory replacement, the same as the headlights for the 1982 to 1987. On the 1978 to 1981 models, some wiring modifications must be made. Place existing headlights on outside headlight. With a wire connector, splice into the Green and Black wires and place it to a second headlight connector. Plug into inside headlight.

Recheck all mounting points for tightening, and adjust headlights. We have found it helpful to silicone all attachment points to insure vibration will not loosen attachment points and headlights.