Aluminum panels - pre drilling?

[ericd]

Hi All
New builder here, I am building an MK5 - and general question about the aluminum panels. I plan on having them powder coated - and it seems that the consensus is to pre-drill the panels prior to sending them out. My plan is to pre-drill the points where it will be riveted into the frame, but how do you handle where they overlap? I am not sure how the holes will line up, without drilling while they overlap and into the frame.
Any suggestions on how you all have done the pre-drilling on your builds would be appreciated. Do I mock them up on the frame, drill through the panels while on the frame and use clecos? Or do I drill the panels off frame? And as mentioned, if off frame - how do I handle the panels that overlap?
Thanks all!
Eric

[Jeff Kleiner]

Use clecos to hold the panels for mock up and drilling all prior to coating.

Jeff

[ericd]

So, drill into frame using clecos to hold it - disassemble, send to paint - then once back, line up to the holes made in frame and rivet? Appreciate the feedback!

[Jeff Kleiner]

So, drill into frame using clecos to hold it - disassemble, send to paint - then once back, line up to the holes made in frame and rivet? Appreciate the feedback!

Yes, drill into frame or overlapping panels.

Jeff

[Wingman06]

That's how I did it on about 90% of my panels. I can tell you for sure I REALLY appreciated having everything predrilled when I got back to that part of the car. Being able to compare having it predrilled vs. not. Predrill wins 100 of 100 times.

[Christopher]

If I remember correctly there are spots on some panels it’s better to use bolts and not rivets when assembly happens. Think one is DS footbox top panel

[Shamilton289]

Yes, drill into frame or overlapping panels.

Jeff
Any guess on how many Cleos a guy should have? I own a couple dozen 1/8” size.

[Smiley]

Any guess on how many Cleos a guy should have? I own a couple dozen 1/8” size.

Like weapons and cars…just a few more…

[Rebostar]

Any guess on how many Cleos a guy should have? I own a couple dozen 1/8” size.

I have over 100 clecos (I'm a retired aircraft mech). When I did my panels as discribed above I had ALL of them installed. NOTE: when you finaly get them rivited on carefully paint the rivit heads. Its a small detail you'll be glad you spent the time on.

good luck

217228217229

[ggunter]

Rebostar, I like your choice of color for your panels as well as the frame. I think it brightens up the engine compartment. I wish I had done that instead of the flat black I used.

[Theshandman]

... when you finally get them riveted on carefully paint the rivet heads. It's a small detail you'll be glad you spent the time on.

Yes indeed- paint the heads. Also- I like the e-power steering you have there. I have the same; love it!