Body Section Questions

[DesertSn8ke]

So I've been go-karting around for a bit now sorting a few minor issues here and there, but mostly just sort of hitting pause on the build for a minute and enjoying the fact that I can drive it (in a limited way anyhow). As I look forward to moving on to the body section, I have a few questions I'd love some input on. Right off the bat, I would like to say I do not plan on painting the car myself, or doing any final body work. That aside, reading through that section of the manual it's clear I'll still be doing a fair bit of cutting, trimming, sanding, etc... just to get the body, hood, and doors mounted up. I haven't seen many here do the FFR headliner, but I did order it, my thought being that it offers a small amount of insulation on the roof to shield the desert heat in the warmer months. I have to admit this is the part of the build I am least looking forward to, and least knowledgeable about.

1) I am planning on Rhino Liner or similar material on the underside of the hood and body (other than headliner area). At what point is this best applied? Seems like after some panel fitting and gaps have been set, but before or after final paint?
2) Anything specific I should look for and/or avoid as I interview paint shops? Questions I should be asking? I've never had a car painted before. Obviously they need to have experience with fiberglass.
3) I'm in AZ feel free to PM me specific experience with any shops in Arizona.
4) It seems like whatever other questions I have about how much work I should do vs the shop is best negotiated after I select a place to work with, but it seems like most builders at least mount the body, nose, and doors themselves before paint. How much work did you do trying to get gaps even, etc...?

[edwardb]

This is my experience with body fitting on the Gen3 Coupe: The main body section is relatively straightforward and mounts just like the manual says. Especially the rear mounts which worked out for me exactly as described. I did the doors next and then the hood. In hindsight, I wish I had done the hood before the doors because once it was fitted my previously properly fitted doors weren't as good. I've mentioned this in several other posts. Your experience may vary. There's quite a bit of work in fitting the doors, e.g. cutting the hinge openings in the body, fitting the frames into the doors, mounting the latches, etc. I expect you should do that before delivering to the body shop. But you may want to just get things mounted and not gap any more than necessary and let them get it just right. But I would highly recommend finding a shop that's done one of these before. Otherwise they're learning on your nickel and maybe don't quite know what they're doing. Ken Pike is in California and IMO would be someone to consider. Also Gordon Levy in your state. I think he has experience with Coupes. As for undercoat, I'm a huge fan of UPOL Raptor. Apply it before paint. For the headliner, I sprayed several coats of Lizard Skin on mine than then Raptor when I did the whole body. It looks decent and has perhaps some insulation value. I doubt the liner from Factory Five has any insulation value and frankly I wasn't confident I could apply it to look decent. Good luck getting yours finished up.

[DesertSn8ke]

Thanks for the input. Time to get at it again. It is getting hot in the garage again though. Might invest in a portable evaporator cooler this year….