Just started my build and I have a couple questions?

[JohnP]

Just started my build and I have a couple questions? Have just removed all the aluminum panels that it shipped with and organized the panels I want to get powder coated. This process generated two questions.

1. How do you keep track of the aluminum panels you have powder coated since the part # will be lost in the process... I was just thinking of taking pictures of each one with the part # clearly marked on them and then sorting them out and remarking them once I received them back ? Any other suggestions?

2. I have a panel I am not sure I would use and therefore need to get powder coated... it is part #10904 aluminum Item #49 in the main panel diagram marked as Left footbox Front--- mustang pedals.... is this a extra panel?.. the car shipped with the wilwood panel in place on the car and I am using the wilwood brakes? Is this panel used if you are using mustang brakes?. The reason I am asking is to determine if I need to powder coat it or not?

Thanks for everyone help.

John Pflug

[frankeeski]

STOP!

As much as I love the enthusiasm, one of the first mistakes I see new build make is to rush out and have all of their aluminum panels powder-coated without fitting, drilling and temporarily placing them with clecos. If you powder-coat them first and need to "message" them a bit, they're going to get scratched. First thing I do when a kit gets delivered to the shop (post inventory) is to fit all of the panels and get them where I want them. Drill them all and cleco them in place. Once I'm happy with ALL of them. They get removed and sent to powder-coat.

Trust me, once you fit every panel and become familiar with them you'll know where each and every one go.

To your second issue, yes the secondary panel is for those using a donor pedal box. You can discard it or put it aside just incase you decide to fab up a few small pieces with it. You never know.

[egchewy79]

take pics before disassembly. pay attention to which panels overlap where. drill and cleco everything before PC'ing. you won't want to scratch the PC if you haven't drilled panels yet. save the donor DS footbox panel for fabbing other things.

[JohnP]

STOP!

As much as I love the enthusiasm, one of the first mistakes I see new build make is to rush out and have all of their aluminum panels powder-coated without fitting, drilling and temporarily placing them with clecos. If you powder-coat them first and need to "message" them a bit, they're going to get scratched. First thing I do when a kit gets delivered to the shop (post inventory) is to fit all of the panels and get them where I want them. Drill them all and cleco them in place. Once I'm happy with ALL of them. They get removed and sent to powder-coat.

Trust me, once you fit every panel and become familiar with them you'll know where each and every one go.

To your second issue, yes the secondary panel is for those using a donor pedal box. You can discard it or put it aside just incase you decide to fab up a few small pieces with it. You never know.


OK got it thanks for the advise!!

Thanks
John Pflug

[JohnP]

take pics before disassembly. pay attention to which panels overlap where. drill and cleco everything before PC'ing. you won't want to scratch the PC if you haven't drilled panels yet. save the donor DS footbox panel for fabbing other things.

Great... I did take annotated pictures with each panel marked for overlaps.... all get them in place and drilled and then send them out!!!

Thanks
John Pflug

[wareaglescott]

Good suggestions above. I will add that I was concerned about knowing which panel goes where because there are so many of them. Once you fit them and take them on and off a few times you become pretty familiar and it really isn't that difficult to figure out when it comes time for final install. One of those things that seems intimidating at first but really isn't.

[JohnP]

Good suggestions above. I will add that I was concerned about knowing which panel goes where because there are so many of them. Once you fit them and take them on and off a few times you become pretty familiar and it really isn't that difficult to figure out when it comes time for final install. One of those things that seems intimidating at first but really isn't.

Nice having folks that have done this... take some of the anxiety out :)

[CaptB]

I had my panels powdercoated before the build. No issue with scratching and I've assembled several of the panels together.

Just keep them wrapped until you need them and if it's good powdercoat job is can withstand (so far from what I've seen) the test fit and temp cleco process.

Just take your time.

As for reassembly without the markings, well...it's a bit of a puzzle but not one that is too bad (yet). Just takes time to look at a panel in the book, find the right panel and take your time assembling the panels together. I don't rivet until I'm 100% sure everything fits as it should and matches the book, then I disassemble as required to put the clear silicone and reassemble before final rivet.

Once again, I'm probably 25% done with my panels but I've not found anything that can't be figured out.