View Full Version : Cockpit Panel Gap
cv2065
11-15-2023, 10:13 PM
Finishing up the panel fitment and the cockpit back wall is tight but fits well around the belt holes and aligns with the side panel on the driver's side. Passenger side fits 'OK' except for a small lip at the top left where it meets the side panel. It's off about 3/16" as you can see in the picture. I've moved it around a few different ways but trying to keep the seat belt holes with 3/4" gap while maintaining driver side alignment. I think that the tab at the bottom of the panel wasn't completely bent evenly as the panel wobbles a bit. Is this a non issue and power on or should I shave it down flush with the side panel?
192361
cdurbin328
11-16-2023, 07:15 AM
Finishing up the panel fitment and the cockpit back wall is tight but fits well around the belt holes and aligns with the side panel on the driver's side. Passenger side fits 'OK' except for a small lip at the top left where it meets the side panel. It's off about 3/16" as you can see in the picture. I've moved it around a few different ways but trying to keep the seat belt holes with 3/4" gap while maintaining driver side alignment. I think that the tab at the bottom of the panel wasn't completely bent evenly as the panel wobbles a bit. Is this a non issue and power on or should I shave it down flush with the side panel?
192361
I had a few gaps in my panels as well. I just pressed on and covered everthing with sound deadening material.
egchewy79
11-16-2023, 07:54 AM
check to see if there are any welds that are keeping that back panel from sitting lower. At the end of the day, I just made sure that the back panel was level to the rear frame. Keep in mind that you should be able to see some of the frame through the cutouts for the seat belts. This is intentional so the aluminum doesn't gnaw through the seat belt material. The body doesn't rest on that rear aluminum panel, so if it's a bit off, it shouldn't affect overall body position.
So far my aluminum panels have been a headache. I haven't got to the back wall yet, and I'm not looking forward to it.
Don't forget to put the edge guard around the seat belt opening prior to riveting.
cc2Arider
11-16-2023, 12:12 PM
Brrt,
"Big time" for me as well. I'll try to present my recommendations to FFR "in a positive way" once I figure out how to do that :)
I found for the sections that are all connected in some way or another in a non-orthogonal way, it is best to try to clamp all the pieces together as best as possible to find out where they "want to be" before closing in on my fastening strategy. For example, I'm mocking up my back panels now, and my large middle back panel seems to be "taller" than the corner panels. I clamped the corner panels at the inflection point (bend line) first, then determined that the corner panels need to be elevated just a little to match. Had I fastened according to the manual, I'd be off (and have read others who found out this to be true). Similarly for the small middle back panel as it connects to the inner corner panels. Had I decided just to fasten that small middle back panel first, all the rest of the panels would have me "chasing" a fit strategy.
Craig C
PS: I'll try to post some pictures on my build thread for guidance and/or "what not to do" :)
Brrt,
"Big time" for me as well. I'll try to present my recommendations to FFR "in a positive way" once I figure out how to do that :)
I found for the sections that are all connected in some way or another in a non-orthogonal way, it is best to try to clamp all the pieces together as best as possible to find out where they "want to be" before closing in on my fastening strategy. For example, I'm mocking up my back panels now, and my large middle back panel seems to be "taller" than the corner panels. I clamped the corner panels at the inflection point (bend line) first, then determined that the corner panels need to be elevated just a little to match. Had I fastened according to the manual, I'd be off (and have read others who found out this to be true). Similarly for the small middle back panel as it connects to the inner corner panels. Had I decided just to fasten that small middle back panel first, all the rest of the panels would have me "chasing" a fit strategy.
Craig C
PS: I'll try to post some pictures on my build thread for guidance and/or "what not to do" :)
I feel your pain....