Neil's Aventador build (Page 10/74)
PaulJK JUL 18, 07:36 PM
Just my 2 cents from what i've seen over the years:


quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

This project has been divided into three parts:

1) Initial engine swap. I just couldn't leave the Iron Duke in this, so I decided to start the project by installing a 4.9L V8. This ensured that I would at least have a little horsepower once the body kit was completed. It actually also helped me learn more about the Fiero since this is the first one I've owned.




Exactly. The best way to start and where most guys make a big mistake.


quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

2) The body kit. This is the main part of the build and the focus of this thread. I am planning on keeping the build as close to the real Aventador as I can, but reserve the right for some artistic license when required.




Now you're starting to scare me. This is a BIG undertaking that most guys (including me) badly underestimate. Forget accuracy and keep things moving along. it's EASY to get wound up in details, the project stalls and before you know it you're out of energy and ambition.


quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

3) Longitudinal engine swap. Once the body kit is finished, I plan on taking advantage of the 12.8" stretch. I plan on building a new cradle for the engine, and getting the entire engine build running before actually installing it. I'm expecting the engine build to take quite a while and I don't want the car out of action longer than it has to be. Once the engine/tranny are up and running then I'll do the install during the winter while the car is parked. Ideally I'll be looking at installing a 760Li V12. Though the exact engine choice will be confirmed once I finish the body kit and can get accurate measurements.




HUGE bad idea. Get it done and enjoy it. Something this exotic is a near guarantee that all the time, effort and expense you put in so far will end up as an unfinished project on Craig's list.
Neils88 JUL 18, 08:30 PM

quote
Originally posted by PaulJK:

Just my 2 cents from what i've seen over the years:


HUGE bad idea. Get it done and enjoy it. Something this exotic is a near guarantee that all the time, effort and expense you put in so far will end up as an unfinished project on Craig's list.



I appreciate your advice. Definitely some good points. But I think you may have misunderstood Phase 3 of the project. When I reach Phase 3, the car will be finished and I will be out having fun with it. I plan on building the engine on a new cradle and getting it to the point where it is up and running, completely independently of the Aventador. I will definitely not be touching the Aventador until the engine/transmission is completely 100% ready to be installed...and then it will go on only during the winter, giving me about 6 months to get it finished before spring (other than tuning, which obviously needs to be done while I can drive it). If for some reason I cannot complete the build of the longitudinal engine (for whatever reason), then this won't impact the Aventador since it already will be on the road.

Another thing....I have severe osteoarthritis in my back. I use projects such as this for therapy. It keeps me active. For me, the process of building something like this is almost more fun than the end result. I don't have any time limit for completing the project. As a mechanical engineer, I am really looking forward to doing the engine build. Have faith.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 07-18-2015).]

Neils88 JUL 18, 09:53 PM
Finished up the windshield framing today, and also got the roof framing lined up (finally) and tack welded in place. I won't completely commit to welding the roof in place just yet I have a little flexibility of alignment with the front fenders, but not much flexibility on the rear fenders. I want the rear fenders framed in and bolted in place before I do the final welding.

The pics below show the lower windshield support welded to the A-pillars, plus the two vertical stiffeners (second pic) that ensure the windshield support stays at the exact location required with respect to the front framing. The last pic shows the lower fiberglass panel and the windshield in place. The windshield fits cleanly with no gaps.






PaulJK JUL 19, 08:44 AM

quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

I appreciate your advice. Definitely some good points. But I think you may have misunderstood Phase 3 of the project. When I reach Phase 3, the car will be finished and I will be out having fun with it. I plan on building the engine on a new cradle and getting it to the point where it is up and running, completely independently of the Aventador. I will definitely not be touching the Aventador until the engine/transmission is completely 100% ready to be installed...and then it will go on only during the winter, giving me about 6 months to get it finished before spring (other than tuning, which obviously needs to be done while I can drive it). If for some reason I cannot complete the build of the longitudinal engine (for whatever reason), then this won't impact the Aventador since it already will be on the road.




oooops. You're right. i didn't get that. Good plan.


quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

Another thing....I have severe osteoarthritis in my back. I use projects such as this for therapy. It keeps me active. For me, the process of building something like this is almost more fun than the end result. I don't have any time limit for completing the project. As a mechanical engineer, I am really looking forward to doing the engine build. Have faith.




very sorry to hear about your back. But if you need another project, i can definitely help you get more therapy .
Neils88 JUL 19, 01:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by PaulJK:

oooops. You're right. i didn't get that. Good plan.




That's ok. You see it all too often that people bite off more than can chew and don't realize the complexity of the work. I'm hoping that by documenting it, people who want to build a kit like this will see how much work it really takes. You definitely need a range of skills, determination and patience. You are also correct about not getting caught up too much in the details. That's why certain parts of the build will be primarily focused on functionality and aesthetics, without duplicating the real car, i.e. poetic licence.


quote
Originally posted by PaulJK:

very sorry to hear about your back. But if you need another project, i can definitely help you get more therapy .




You'll have to get in line. My wife wants a Ferrari....
Chelo Fiero JUL 19, 02:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by Neils88:

Finished up the windshield framing today, and also got the roof framing lined up (finally) and tack welded in place. I won't completely commit to welding the roof in place just yet I have a little flexibility of alignment with the front fenders, but not much flexibility on the rear fenders. I want the rear fenders framed in and bolted in place before I do the final welding.

The pics below show the lower windshield support welded to the A-pillars, plus the two vertical stiffeners (second pic) that ensure the windshield support stays at the exact location required with respect to the front framing. The last pic shows the lower fiberglass panel and the windshield in place. The windshield fits cleanly with no gaps.









Hi! How would you address working with the brake and clutch components down there. By the way nice work!
Neils88 JUL 19, 07:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by Chelo Fiero:

Hi! How would you address working with the brake and clutch components down there. By the way nice work!



I intend on having two removable panels. The first will be one of the "trunk" walls that will be adjacent to (just forward of...) the brake master cylinder. The second will be part of the fiberglass panel directly above the brake master cylinder. This will allow access, but it will still be a little tight. The key things I factored into this were routine maintenance such as opening the reservoirs while topping up fluids and more major repairs such as complete replacement of the brake master cylinder. I also will require another removable panel at the back wall of the trunk should I need access to the HVAC components. I will try to make the panels as inconspicuous as possible.
Neils88 JUL 19, 08:03 PM
Here's a pic showing the alignment of the front fenders and bumper. The support framing is starting to get a little easier as the pieces get lined up. Hopefully I'll make some more progress this week.
Neils88 JUL 20, 08:12 PM
Started to box in the cut sections of the front frame rails. Another part that probably will never be seen by anyone, but I hate leaving things undone.

Neils88 JUL 23, 09:53 PM
Finished boxing in both of the front cut frame rails. Eventually everything will get painted.



I'll be building a nice trunk as soon as I pick up some sheet metal.



The pic shows the fender alignment is getting closer, but I still haven't built the framing under the fenders and the front bumper. Once the framing gets done, I'll be able to bolt these panels in place. I'll try to set them up so that I am able to make fine adjustments to panel positioning.