Aligning the front fiberglass
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Aligning the front fiberglass
I'm trying to make this a "look what I did" project, and other than sending the transmission and differential out to a shop, I'm doing it all myself.
So...
The front fiberglass was a bit messed up and I'm trying to make things better.
Are there any pointers, alignment specifications, general directions for how to make certain that I'm putting it on right?
Anyone want to come over sometime in Spring and help me make it look good?
So...
The front fiberglass was a bit messed up and I'm trying to make things better.
Are there any pointers, alignment specifications, general directions for how to make certain that I'm putting it on right?
Anyone want to come over sometime in Spring and help me make it look good?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 268
From: Central Wisconsin
I'm gonna guess Pennsylvania judging from his screen name and something involving a kettle.
Edit
actually I bought a pair of half shafts from Alan he lives in Utah, just remembered that. Great guy
Edit
actually I bought a pair of half shafts from Alan he lives in Utah, just remembered that. Great guy
Last edited by jr73; Feb 4, 2017 at 01:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Not that Pakettle
I've used the name for a few places since it isn't terribly popular and usually seems available.
How did those half-shafts work out for you? I thought they looked straight and relatively scratch free.
Last edited by The_pakettle; May 5, 2017 at 10:21 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 268
From: Central Wisconsin
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
Install the hood first paying attention to the wipers and windshield, using several shims under the hinges-that way the hood can be lower a bit if needed. The bumper, splash shields and door are next to consider. Don't bond or finish setting any parts until everything is in proper position.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Messed up
I removed the old front end when I pulled the body off the frame.
I took everything off, sandblasted the frame, had it straightened and I've put back the suspension, drive train and now the cage.
My most recent photo is just frame, drive train and suspension. Since then I've added the back half but I don't have a photo of that and it's all put to bed for the winter and wouldn't really show much since it's just an engine in front of the cage. I've put the doors on, but they aren't aligned yet.
I'll be glad to post some photos after the weather warms up and dries out, but for now, the only photos I have are when it first arrived here and most recently from last Summer, just before I put the cage back on.
The top photo is when I just got it home after rescuing it from a barn where it had been waiting for 25 years. I don't know if you can see the crack that's by the front corner of the hood, it goes all the way through and a body shop that I visited said that THAT particular crack was difficult to permanently repair and would keep coming back, so when I came across a parts car I decided to try to use the front clip. The front clip has a few problems too, but I think I can repair them without too much trouble, I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the thought of aligning the front clip.
I took everything off, sandblasted the frame, had it straightened and I've put back the suspension, drive train and now the cage.
My most recent photo is just frame, drive train and suspension. Since then I've added the back half but I don't have a photo of that and it's all put to bed for the winter and wouldn't really show much since it's just an engine in front of the cage. I've put the doors on, but they aren't aligned yet.
I'll be glad to post some photos after the weather warms up and dries out, but for now, the only photos I have are when it first arrived here and most recently from last Summer, just before I put the cage back on.
The top photo is when I just got it home after rescuing it from a barn where it had been waiting for 25 years. I don't know if you can see the crack that's by the front corner of the hood, it goes all the way through and a body shop that I visited said that THAT particular crack was difficult to permanently repair and would keep coming back, so when I came across a parts car I decided to try to use the front clip. The front clip has a few problems too, but I think I can repair them without too much trouble, I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the thought of aligning the front clip.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Install the hood first paying attention to the wipers and windshield, using several shims under the hinges-that way the hood can be lower a bit if needed. The bumper, splash shields and door are next to consider. Don't bond or finish setting any parts until everything is in proper position.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
BTW, I had to remove the body because the frame was bent and there were just too many problems. It's been interesting... and expensive. Sandblasting, frame shop, welding, recoating the frame... removing everything from the frame was definitely the right decision.
But at least I was able to verify that there was no significant corrosion.
But at least I was able to verify that there was no significant corrosion.
Last edited by The_pakettle; Feb 5, 2017 at 01:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
No, install the hood with the hinges and rear catch mechanisms. Then set the surround (the glass that sets against the hood) to meet the hood. The hood is the piece that has the least amount of adjustment because of the hinges and the latches/wipers/windshield. The bumper will control the position of the front of the clip(there are braces that allow some movement) and the splash shields will determine the flare-out behind the front wheels. You'll have the clip on and off many times before it's ready to bond-like the man said "measure twice, cut once".
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Thanks jnb5101, I think I understand. Are there any diagrams available? Since I haven't been through it I can't confidently visualize what your saying.
EDIT
Thanks also for the PM. From your description it still seems like a big hill to climb, but within the realm of possibilities.
I enjoy the problem solving that has been part of this project.
EDIT
Thanks also for the PM. From your description it still seems like a big hill to climb, but within the realm of possibilities.
I enjoy the problem solving that has been part of this project.
Last edited by The_pakettle; Feb 8, 2017 at 11:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 5
From: Salt Lake City Utah
I painted mine black but I saw a pair that were metalic red with bow-tie symbols on them so after I get the old car running I may make a few changes.