Side Panel install??

[redfogo]

After reading the directions I see that my side panels should be 5/8 back from the front of the aluminum. If I do this I have a decent amount of fiber glass sticking out past the aluminum panel. I am assuming that body panels have changed since the directions were made since the panel images in the manual look like they have no flat edge like mine do.


Here is the direction has no edge
59427

Here are my panels to be flush with the aluminum they are 7/8th back is this a problem? Or should I install at 5/8 and trim?
59428

[Bob_n_Cincy]

After reading the directions I see that my side panels should be 5/8 back from the front of the aluminum. If I do this I have a decent amount of fiber glass sticking out past the aluminum panel. I am assuming that body panels have changed since the directions were made since the panel images in the manual look like they have no flat edge like mine do.


Here is the direction has no edge
59427

Here are my panels to be flush with the aluminum they are 7/8th back is this a problem? Or should I install at 5/8 and trim?
59428

Before you attach anything, clamp together the side sails to the rear bumper. Then set on the 2 engine covers if roadster.
Tape all the seams as best possible. Then decide where to put it. No need to do the doors at this point as they can be aligned to match the side sails later.
I moved my side sails back a bit so I didn't have to cut as much for hump to roll bar interference.
Bob

[redfogo]

Before you attach anything, clamp together the side sails to the rear bumper. Then set on the 2 engine covers if roadster.
Tape all the seams as best possible. Then decide where to put it. No need to do the doors at this point as they can be aligned to match the side sails later.
I moved my side sails back a bit so I didn't have to cut as much for hump to roll bar interference.
Bob

818C I will get that bumper on then and get it all set thanks for the tip!

[Hindsight]

With the side sails clamped in place, the front edge of the side sail that sticks out to the side (the "pod" part of it), not the front flange, is what should be 5/8" back from the frame. Yes, the flange will not be flush with the frame and you will need to trim it but you can do that much later. Get all the body mounted and aligned before messing with trimming it.

[Frank818]

After reading the directions

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Oh damn, I'm sorry. Seriously, yes fit the bumper and I'll go further, if possible the 2 rear covers with the front fenders and all other panels too. Ensure everything fits without too much stretching or issues. In the end you can trim the pod flange. I had to do it to clear the tires on full lock.

[RM1SepEx]

Make sure to put on the door latch brackets, they dictate how far back you can go, unless you want to cut and reweld them...

It's a big 3D puzzle, you need to play with everything a bit. Don't focus on perfect centering or alignment side to side. Your head will explode. Just keep plaing with alignment and gaps for best fit.

[jcpresto]

I have a coupe, I set the sails 7/8, mounted rear bumper, then doors, doors didn't clear the hard top so I had to lower the sails and doors. Then finished the hardtop, lastly I did the nose. I didn't use any of the holes that the body was originally mounted to either.

[redfogo]

I have a coupe, I set the sails 7/8, mounted rear bumper, then doors, doors didn't clear the hard top so I had to lower the sails and doors. Then finished the hardtop, lastly I did the nose. I didn't use any of the holes that the body was originally mounted to either.

Did you use the top at all for measurement or just get everything on and the place the top on?

Thanks everyone for the info it helps a lot I will get all the other panels installed and then get holes drilled!

[jcpresto]

I just mounted sails, rear bumper, doors, then adjusted to fit the top. Then I did the front last

[j.miller]

I just finished a coupe. 5/8 was a good number. clamp or bolt the bumper together and yes you can use the top to square it up and get pretty close. You'll be moving and adjusting parts all through the build. For the nose....it has to mate with the corners on the pontoons, clamp or bolt grill in place and use the hood to square the nose (not really square but the hood isn't changing so get the best gaps you can.) Doors......what can I say, I've had better luck putting socks on chickens!! The roof and glass add a lot more to getting them to fit and work. BRACKETS, don't be afraid to bend them to get them on plane with your parts. Had to move the inner structure of the door pretty far inboard (latch was almost to the edge of the door shell) so the glass mated with the hardtop... Good luck...da Bat

[Harley818]

check this thread, I posted my installation on post #28 I believe.
Hope it helps.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14325-THE-818-Body-install-thread&p=235737#post235737