Fitting Front Nose Wall Panels

[SCFFR]

In the process of test fitting the two nose wall panels prior to getting them powder coated. Noticed that the flange that covers the radiator tank is significantly different on the two panels (part #10907 and 10908). The flange on the RH panel completely covers the radiator tank (I’m using the FFR aluminum radiator) but the flange on the LH panel is much smaller and maybe covers a third of the tank. I’m wondering why these panels don’t have the same size flange that covers the radiator tank. It definitely isn’t going to look “right” when the are installed. I did double check the radiator to make sure it was centered. When finished, I would expect that when you looked in the nose of the car, you would see the radiator core and the tanks on the side would be covered by the nose wall panels.


Thanks

[skullandbones]

Hi SCFFR,

I went through exactly the same process you are describing (mabye worse!). I don't know how much time I spent measuring, fitting, comparing, etc. I called FFR and asked them. I looked in two different assembly manuals. I have the 4.6 and 5.0 versions (long story). So I finally just test fitted the panels after mounting the radiator. I mounted mine top and bottom with a DIY mount on the bottom to fix it in place unlike the suggestions in the manual. When we put the body on, it didn't look as bad as I thought it would. It's really hard to tell the fit even with the body on. I've seen a one peice version that you can get from one of the venders on this forum and I know one guy who actually installed that kit (AZPete). I bet if you PM him, he would give you the lowdown on his experience with it. It looks great in the few cases I've seen. Back to the issue. Mine fits exactly as you described with the radiator centered. That is the way it was designed. I think it will look fine but that's up to you to decide. I mean, I think you will know but most people wouldn't even notice the assymetry. The car has other assymetric features such as the headers and foot boxes. So I hope that helps because you are on the right track! Good luck, WEK.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I think the nonsymmetrical side panels are leftover from originally being designed around a Mustang donor radiator. It bothers me too...

On the Mk4 I built I made some new pieces to equalize the reveal side to side. You can kind of see it here (on the red car):

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2656.jpg

With my Mk3 the framework and stone screen I made pretty much hides it (please excuse the bugs!):

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/100_1473.jpg

Mike Everson makes a nice one piece surround:

http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm

Cheers,
Jeff

[SCFFR]

Thanks for the input.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who has run into this issue. I think Jeff is right in his comment that the panels were made for a donor Mustang radiator and not the aluminum one. The RH side panel fits great and the flange covers the tank all the way to the welding bead. On the LH panel, there is a gap at the top where the panel doesn't even make it to the radiator tank. I've looked at the one piece unit and its very nice but kind of like the more original looking style. I wonder if I could get FFR to make anothe RH panel but bend the flange in the opposite direction?

Many thanks,

Ron

[skullandbones]

Good luck on FFR doing that (no seriously!). However, have you considered fabing the panel yourself. I found that after a little practice, I am feeling much more comfortable fabing simple sheet metal for the build. This would be a peice of cake, so to speak. The only thing you need besides some tin snipes and a sanding wheel on a small grinder to smoothe the edges is a break. I got one at Harbor Freight for about 35 bucks. It will bend flat stock up to 30.5 in (your rad panel is <20 in). It has already paid for itself over and over again. I made a battery box cover for the trunk and will fab some "filler panels" for the fire wall area. Now I'm actually looking for other possible ways to use it. Oh, I forgot. I made a support panel to mount my expansion tank on. So I was able to put to rolled edges on two sides for stiffness and then the two 90s for installing. Try it out. You will be surprised how much you get out of it. See ya, WEK.

[rich grsc]

Once the body is on, NO ONE will ever notice. Remember, the originals weren't symmetrical either.

[randykyra]

SCFFR,
I just had a piece made up to match the drivers side aluminum. it looks way better then the smaller original passenger side piece. I've never gooten a straight answer why they are different but I guess now it really doen't matter.

[SCFFR]

Thanks to everyone for their input and feedback.

Randy - who did you get to make a new LH panel? Would be interested in getting one made also.

[Neptune's Snorkel]

sheet metal break, eh? Why is it everytime I read a random thread here I decide I need another tool from Harbor Freight? lol.