379 hood side panel removal/replacement

Drill them from the outside, being careful to stop when the head spins off. Push them out the back side. A good hood stand, lots of patience and a huck gun are necessary. Anything that gets out of shape is hell to put back in shape. It also looks way easier than it is. That said it’s not exactly rocket science lol. I think my Huck gun was around 1500.00 bucks money well spent though

 

I work at a PB body shop dealer and I use a belt sander . Sand the rivets from the inside with some M3 36 grit

 

I've always use a cut off wheel and cut midway up the the collar and lightly tap the head out from the rear.

 

I was visiting a wrecking yard a few years back, this one guy came in and was asking questions about this panel on the hood not lining up with the holes. I over something about heating or something….. can’t recall what was said. The only thing that stuck in my mind is hopefully I don’t ever go through that.