RCR's body mods... (Page 49/67)
solotwo JUL 22, 09:28 PM
I like what you are doing and how this car has progressed. I do like the front it looks great.

[This message has been edited by solotwo (edited 07-22-2018).]

RCR AUG 12, 08:00 PM
Hey Steve. Thanx for the support. Been too long for an update, and although it really doesn't look too different, there's been a lot of hard work behind the curtain. And, I have to admit, I've had to drag my butt out there more than once. Seems I'm past the fun part. Now it's work. But, it's always good to see progress.

So, we left off with the rocker panel. Next on the list was door panel. It needed a lot of cleanup: mounts needed to be finalized, the bottom flanges needed repairs, etc. I started with the bottom.

Here are the bottom mounts before the rework


And after


Then I reworked the front edge and the top most panel mount.


Then I tried to make a blockoff plate between the top of the panel and the Fiero door. It didn't work well, but here's a pic.


Turns out the angle was off, so it's not really blocking much. Maybe next time around.

Also, had to find a way to fix this.


Turns out the top portion/edge of the door is more gel coat than fiber glass. When I glue the blockoff panel in, I filled this hole with SMC adhesive. So far, it looks good.

With the door panel in better shape, I moved back to the front clip.
The previous owner had worn off the bottom edges of the fenders. The front portions were missing part of the fender flare and wheel well support. The backs were missing the wheel well support. So, I had to create all new pieces.

This picture show the area ground down and ready for the facelift. The flare had to be added first.


Then the wheel well area.



There were areas between the fender and the light pods that needed to be filled. Cleans it up and adds some strength.


Then, moving back, the wheel well arches needed to be repaired and the fender flanges needed to be repaired. Here, I took a little more care with the pictures to give a better idea on what I did.
Here's the offending area with the red paint ground off,


Then I grind the area back, tapering the edge so that the glass is very thin. I stuck the notes all over as a reminder of all that needed to be done.


Once satisfied with the cleanup, I made a pattern out of heavy stock cardboard. Once the fit was good, I cover it in packing tape.


Then I added the flange template I made a while back to create the flange between the panels. It too is covered in packing tape.


Once the templates are supported (clamps, wedges, tape), 4-5 layers of glass added.


That was enough work last night, so this is what it looked like this morning with the templates removed.




Then, everything is trimmed and rough sanded.



Rinse and repeat (x3).

to be continued...
RCR AUG 12, 08:13 PM
The post was getting long, so I broke it up...Didn't want to lose it. Anyway...

Front fenders placed back on the car. The wheel wells do look better.




Money shot.


Now, the next bit of fun time. The nose. Time to get to that and clean it up.
Front back off. Working on the lights for the "I lost count"'th time.


I had an epiphany a couple days ago, then while looking at it again today, it became clear. But, that's a story for next time...

Thanx for checking in.

Bob

[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 08-13-2018).]

Sage AUG 13, 10:17 AM
Beautiful work!

Coming along very nicely.....the time you've spent actually making improvements/moving forward...I've managed to think about what I'd like to get done......next time I HAVE time..LOL.

Wish we were closer to each other...I think we might work well together....we seem to use similar methods.....the shot of doing the well opening where you have the squeegee, the scrap of glass, the vice clamp and the prop rod.....priceless!....and something I'd do and have done in the past! Got a good chuckle out me!

Door looks great...whole thing is really starting to come together....though you pegged it...it's become "work"....but when you look back after you're driving it...it will ALL have been fun! Bottom line is...you're DOING IT!


Keep up the great progress.......and the updates!


HAGO!
355Fiero AUG 13, 03:20 PM
Looking really good Bob;

Brings back bad old memories of looking at the underside of the front clip and wondering where the heck to start.....

A quick question. How does the door open interference issue look now with the closer front fender gap? I ended up with a slightly larger gap to accommodate the door skin thickness over stock on my 308 replica due to the hinge location versus outer door skin when the door is fully open. I like your fit and finish way better but wonder if you might end up with a bind at full open?

Looks great and keep digging at it. before you know it, you will be way down to only a couple hundred more items to check off the to-do list..... hahaha

Take care
Don
RCR AUG 13, 09:05 PM
Thanx Ted. Working with someone on occasion would be great for motivation. Since were all so far apart, reading old posts helps. Re-reading Boz's thread helped stoke the fires a bit. Neal's is a good read, too. And then there's Don's. Reread that many times.

As for the fender, that wasn't the way it was supposed to go, but the edges were pulling away from each other and I needed something quick and non-sticky to hold it together. Sometimes the quick first thought works out the best.

Hi Don, Thanx for coming by. I had the very same thought, but there is no binding or clearance issues so far. (finger's crossed)

Appreciate the comments, guys.

Bob
355Fiero AUG 19, 02:09 AM
Bob;

Good to hear there is no door interference. Makes me wonder if I could have done some work to make my door gaps better......

I checked my tire sizes again and mine are 265/50/15 and 225/50/15. I think your mods and updates will fit the 18's perfectly.

Keep up the great work and looking forward to updates. Everything in life and work keeping mine from getting that last 10% to completion..... Killing me.

Enjoy and keep the updates coming

Don
RCR AUG 27, 06:52 AM
It was a rough weekend, but the progress looks good. Pics are still on my phone, but I'll get them off and do a proper post.

Bob

PS. Thanx Don for the info.
Dennis LaGrua AUG 27, 02:44 PM
Work looks very nice and unique.. Reminds of Ferrari 355 styling.

------------------
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"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

RCR AUG 27, 07:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

Work looks very nice and unique.. Reminds of Ferrari 355 styling.



Thanx Dennis, and thanx for dropping in.

Bob