Body trimming?

[Fred Yarema]

After taking a few hot laps around the block (go cart style) for the first time last week, we set the body on for the first time yesterday. First thing I noticed is that the curled under part of the cockpit rim (Mark IV body) needs to be trimmed way back (front & back). Currently it's preventing the body from sitting down on the frame. Looks like it needs to be trimmed back to a half circle (180 degrees) in the middle. Anyone have any photos showing how far they trimmed their's?

[3kcarbon]

I don't have a photo that will show anything of value but I did trim mine both frt and rear to about a 180 degree section. The back is still tight on the carpet due to the insulation under it. I could have trimmed back the insulation but didn't. It worked out but it is tight against the body. Some of it has to do with your body postion.

[Fred Yarema]

Looking at it again tonight - looks like the 180 degree cuts will make things work out - will pull off the body again this week and start cutting. Looks like we're building the same car! - same engine, trans, intake and ignition. Put an independent rear in and power steering though.

[PaulW]

I put the body on my Mark 4 last month and also had to trim the cockpit roll back so that it ended at the 180 degree roll and not with the additional turn down portion.

That is 3 of us with near identical set-ups. Mine is a Fortin Engines 302 (385hp) but other than that same everything else with the exception of the Brembos.

[3kcarbon]

It wouldn't hurt to trim a little extra and smooth the edge very well. The insulation was a bit thicker than I planned for but perhaps the snug fit could be a positve to some degree.

[Fred Yarema]

Thanks guys - will be cutting this weekend.

[MPTech]

I'm not at this point yet, but hope to be next summer.
Can you provide some before and after pictures of the trimming and what is rubbing?

[AC Bill]

Yeah, pictures would be good!
Never having seen a MKIV body up close, I have no idea what your issues are..:confused:

[Dean]

Same problem. What are you using to trim the lip back? Sanding is way slow!

[3kcarbon]

Same problem. What are you using to trim the lip back? Sanding is way slow!

We did mine rolled upside down before rolling on the bedliner coating. For the first body fit the cockpit edge as supplied by FFR was not very even so not knowing what to expect we cut it back even to the lowest point with a tape line and a 3" 80 grit angle grinder that will throw more dust than you will imagine! Then we started fitting the body. Even with raw metal it just fit so a second thrim was in order. I'll take a photo but all you will see is carpet against the body...

[Fred Yarema]

Flipped the body up-side down on some cardboard sheets and propped it with some boxes. Marked a line parallel to the edge with a popsicle stick taped to a Sharpie, shimmed with cardboard to mark a 180 degree roll. Sliced it with a thin 4 inch wheel on an air cut-off tool and then finished it with 50 grit on a 4 inch air sander. Only took an hour - turned out real nice - and to my suprise, fit perfectly the first time!

[3kcarbon]

Makes some fine quality dust doesn't it? And lots of it....

[Fred Yarema]

Yeah, big mess. I was "pink" by the time I was done. I think I'm going to make a "grinding tent" out of plastic drop cloths before my whole garage is pink!