Easier engine access/ splash shield

[nc1500]

I had to fix my PS leak a couple of weeks ago and decided to pull the wheel and splash shield, along with the up pipe and battery; made access much easier. Once the job was completed I started bolting everything back up and it went fairly easily-until I tried to put the dang splash shield back in. I got so frustrated I pulled the fender just to get it back in.

I can't understand why it was so difficult to put back in place; should it be this hard? Silver lining: I pulled my first body panel and learned some valuable lessons for the inevitable overhaul. BTW: Though a Minnesota truck, the back and bottom of the fender was clean and 100% rust free so Ford did something right in the design. Now, If I can keep the outside looking as good.