donpny
03-28-2011, 09:01 PM
Well I have been at it since a week before Christmas.
I can honestly say that this is the most fulfilling part of the build and also unlike any other part of the build. I am doing all of my bodywork at a close friend's body and restoration shop. He specializes in Corvettes and sells fiberglass supplies as well. Fact is I am having the time of my life here, but.........
I work 2-3 hours on Friday, 7-10 hours on Saturday and about 3-4 hours on Sunday afternoon.
As I look down the accomplishments to date, the list is not too long.
For instance my hood scoop way way far off center. I decided as some before me to cut the old scoop off and bolt on a new Mark 4 scoop. While this sounded easy, the hard part was under the hood and the bevelled edge I made on all 4 sides of the opening. This alone took a month of working.
Then on to the trunk.
The passenger side trunk side was sticking up almost 3/8" above the body line. I ground down the bumper bolt sleeves to tighten the body and I was able to correct 1/8" of the 3/8". Then on to grinding and sanding the trunk lid and building up the body. Finally have the height where I want it. While back there, I worked on the seam around the trunk.
Then comes the hood seam. I got that almost perfect then I over sanded the corners of the hood by a little bit. I then needed to use Fiber Filler to thicken the body to get them perfect.
Now comes the doors. The pointed edge of the passenger door was way to low compared to the drivers. even with all the door adjustment, It was still real far off. Again, back to sanding and a little fiber fill.
The goal is to get the doors, trunk and hood to fit perfect, before the body comes off. I also realized that the side pipe opening will need attention. So what is the rule here for this. What have you guys done for clearances on the top and sides. I am about to bolt on the SS pipes and want to make some decisions on those distances. I have a 4.6 DOHC so engine movement does not appear to be significant.
Thanx in advance.
Yours in dust,
DonPNY
I can honestly say that this is the most fulfilling part of the build and also unlike any other part of the build. I am doing all of my bodywork at a close friend's body and restoration shop. He specializes in Corvettes and sells fiberglass supplies as well. Fact is I am having the time of my life here, but.........
I work 2-3 hours on Friday, 7-10 hours on Saturday and about 3-4 hours on Sunday afternoon.
As I look down the accomplishments to date, the list is not too long.
For instance my hood scoop way way far off center. I decided as some before me to cut the old scoop off and bolt on a new Mark 4 scoop. While this sounded easy, the hard part was under the hood and the bevelled edge I made on all 4 sides of the opening. This alone took a month of working.
Then on to the trunk.
The passenger side trunk side was sticking up almost 3/8" above the body line. I ground down the bumper bolt sleeves to tighten the body and I was able to correct 1/8" of the 3/8". Then on to grinding and sanding the trunk lid and building up the body. Finally have the height where I want it. While back there, I worked on the seam around the trunk.
Then comes the hood seam. I got that almost perfect then I over sanded the corners of the hood by a little bit. I then needed to use Fiber Filler to thicken the body to get them perfect.
Now comes the doors. The pointed edge of the passenger door was way to low compared to the drivers. even with all the door adjustment, It was still real far off. Again, back to sanding and a little fiber fill.
The goal is to get the doors, trunk and hood to fit perfect, before the body comes off. I also realized that the side pipe opening will need attention. So what is the rule here for this. What have you guys done for clearances on the top and sides. I am about to bolt on the SS pipes and want to make some decisions on those distances. I have a 4.6 DOHC so engine movement does not appear to be significant.
Thanx in advance.
Yours in dust,
DonPNY