Front nose replacement

Hey,
I've been reading and learning lots over the past few days.
I came across a thread that suggested replacing the front nose assembly?
Did anyone ever end up doing this?

I have a 69 that had a hit on the front drivers side back in the 70s.
I'm sure that due to lack of panels they decided to pound it out and bondo.
It's incredibly bad, grill seam is entirely filled in, signal lense is out of whack
and the fitment on the drivers door is way off.

I have a good shape front end off my parts van.  I'm going to have a resto guy look at it but he likely has zero experience with these vans. Is it really worth spending the time and money or is it better to find a better van to start with.  The rest of this van is in great shape.  It's been sitting since 83

I repaired the driver's side nose of my Econoline pickup. I think it came out fine and wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. Details in This Thread

If your truck is as nice as you say SAVE at all cost

Have a pro look at it and make the decision.
Cut out and replace a section OR do the whole nose.

Trying to remove and install it in factory sections rather than taking a sazall across the floor and butt welding (weaker) requires serious planning because of the way the nose is connected, especially at the front floor/frame rail area. It's complex and if this area is in good shape would require a LOT more work.

I think you're right. After pulling the front dash/heater assembly, it looks much easier to just replace the nose on the factory seams. I think patching it in with the complexity of it may just be asking for trouble.
There's a pro coming on Saturday to check it out. Thanks for the suggestions!

Welcome to VV Frostyvan.

Replacing the nose section can be done but it is a little pricey. I had it done on my G10 van by a skilled body shop.

Had the body guy out yesterday.
He says to repair as is, can probably roll most of it out.
I'm a little skeptical but, hes the pro.

I'll post some pics of progress this week.

Thanks for all your help!

It's hard to find a good body man that can tackle a nose skin replacement.

With the nose skin off the door hinge side could be pulled back into place. That's what was done with my van.