Finishing up questions

[fhp1154!]

Can I install the inner panels beside the radiator, body off, or does it need to be on. Confusing pictures in my manual , some showing the inner fender panels while painted body going on. Another huge question, paint body on or off? worried about cracking paint on the install.....thanks in advance

[Usudno]

I was in the same boat on the body off painting. I see it all over the forum. I have had the body on and off several times. Ever time... I mean every time, it gets caught on something. We have had 6 of us being careful and still got it to rub or touch somewhere. This was my determining factor on painting body on. Paint would probably be done by now other wise!! I'm just about finished fitting everything. I may have to ride it around the neighborhood a bit before parting with her!!!

[Bob Cowan]

The F shaped panels can be installed with the body off. But the panels behind the tires (AKA- Elephant Ears) get installed after the body is on, because they get fitted to the body.

It's easier to paint the body while it's on a body buck. As long as it's done correctly, the paint won't crack. Some edges will rub here and there during installation. Cover all lower edges with blue painter's tape, and then a layer or two of gorilla tape.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Can I install the inner panels beside the radiator, body off, or does it need to be on. Confusing pictures in my manual , some showing the inner fender panels while painted body going on. Another huge question, paint body on or off? worried about cracking paint on the install.....thanks in advance

I install the nose aluminum surrounding the radiator with the body on; it's location keys off of the body as much or more than it does the radiator and generally needs a bit of trimming to properly fit the body contours. Splash panels go on after the body as well.

I always paint body off. Most times I reinstall it with one helper, once and a while two and have never had any problems.

Jeff

[FFinisher]

I install the nose aluminum surrounding the radiator with the body on; it's location keys off of the body as much or more than it does the radiator and generally needs a bit of trimming to properly fit the body contours. Splash panels go on after the body as well.

I always paint body off. Most times I reinstall it with one helper, once and a while two and have never had any problems.

Jeff

Never doubt Jeffs advice-

One additional tip. Spend the money and get a Replica Parts
Radiator surround.awesome product can be installed after the body is on. Easy peasy

[DaleG]

Never doubt Jeffs advice-

One additional tip. Spend the money and get a Replica Parts
Radiator surround.awesome product can be installed after the body is on. Easy peasy


X2 on Replica Parts nose aluminum; combine it with Russ' or Breeze's upper radiator shroud for minimal air bypass.

[CalR80]

Never doubt Jeffs advice-

One additional tip. Spend the money and get a Replica Parts
Radiator surround.awesome product can be installed after the body is on. Easy peasy

Any tips on this job? I'd hate to mess up my new paint!

[ThickCobra]

Jeff, PM sent.

[FFinisher]

Any tips on this job? I'd hate to mess up my new paint!

This installs very easily straight though the radiator opening, Put a couple screws in it into the 3/4 tube and its done. No screwing or drilling onto the paint or body and the screws are hidden when completed.

http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm


Send Mike an e-mail from his page, he is super easy to work with.