What do you think?

[Al_C]

Ok, it's been a while since I've posted anything on my build log, primarily because life got in the way. That said, I finally got the body off, finished inventory and can get to work. First order of business - according to the manual, is to mount the F panels. Here's the dilemma: I'm seriously considering powder coating all the panels visible in the engine bay. I know there are going to be changes to panels for one reason or another and it doesn't really make sense to send out the panels now, but they should all be done at the same time. But, the book says F panels before front suspension.

MPTech posted a comment not too long ago about trial fitting everything before final riveting on anything (I paraphrased). He also commented about taking the F panels on and off more than once. Hmmm - sounds like a good idea: hold off on the F panels and get to work! Your thoughts?

I agree that it makes sense to paint/ powder coat prior to final panel fitment- the question is whether to drill 1/8 inch or larger. What's your experience?

Recap: a) can I rivet an F panel with suspension and brakes in the way? b) shall I drill 1/8 inch or larger on the panels?

[bil1024]

You can predrill the panel and reinstall after installing the front suspension and brakes, that's how I did it just last week

[rmiller64]

I powder coated all my panels silver all at once then marked, drilled and installed after the front suspension was installed. I had 1 rivet hole down on bottom I couldn't access. If you hold them up you'll see what can be acessed and what can't with your rivet setting tool.

Enjoy your build

[Jeff Kleiner]

What Rick said. Mock it up loosely and you will be able to see what is accessible with the suspension installed and drill accordingly. None of the cars I've done have had the F panels installed permanently prior to the front suspension.

Jeff

[68GT500MAN]

Proceed as if you were going to install the F panels (drill all of the holes). Use clecko's or screws to hold the panel in place while you work on the suspension. Continue in this way for the rest of the build, then disassemble enough to get the panels you want to powder coat off. Send them to get coated and then re-assemble for the final time.
Doug

[edwardb]

Agreed with the other comments. If you don't want to permanently mount the F panel before installing the front suspension, mock it up and you'll see where the interference is. I just completed this step a couple weeks ago on my newest build. The panel is already coated, so I permanently installed it. You can see in this picture where the interference is. Right behind the rear UCA mounting. If you can't reach the couple rivets needed there, you could either temporarily remove the UCA, or maybe use sheet metal screws for those last couple places? For your other question, most recommend a #30 drill bit (0.1285) for the rivets. Just enough over 1/8 inch to work well.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Front%20Suspension/IMG_3304_zpsokiiukmv.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Front%20Suspension/IMG_3304_zpsokiiukmv.jpg.html)

[Al_C]

Thanks for the input! The photo was particularly helpful. I like Edward's idea of using a couple of sheet metal screws on that single row.

[Jazzman]

Edward: I too appreciate the photo. One quick question: is the blue painters tape all over the frame simply to protect the powder coat from a dropped wrench or other tool? Or does it have another purpose that I have not yet figured out. Thanks!

[edwardb]

Edward: I too appreciate the photo. One quick question: is the blue painters tape all over the frame simply to protect the powder coat from a dropped wrench or other tool? Or does it have another purpose that I have not yet figured out. Thanks!

Yes, the tape is purely for protection. From the regular (for me anyway) dropped parts and tools, and just general shop rash. I dinged up my last build a bit, and trying to prevent this time around.

[RogerB]

That sounds like a good idea...

[stevenburgess]

Jeff at Whitby motor shorts said to wait to rivit them in place until you mount the body and adjust the hood.