quote Originally posted by GlennGdman: Neil, The radiator fits in there tight but nicely. Did you add a tube inside of the reinforcing tube you modified? If not you are going to want to grind down the welds on at least 2 sides and weld a plate on top of the welded area and onto both tubes. Could you measure the thickness of the grill on the outer edge? I am making a backing plate that will stop the grill from falling behind the inner panel.

Glenn,

I didn't use an internal tube, but I plan on having some extra external braces along the structural beam to help secure the air conveyor(s). I will make them a little larger than required for the conveyors, so they will work as additional structural support.

The edge of the grill is 3/8" thick.



The tabs are 1/8" thick, with a small raised piece that is used to secure the grill. (Of course I'm missing a few tabs, here and there....so I'll have to get a little creative when I secure the grills)

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

[This message has been edited by GlennGdman (edited 09-13-2015).]

I decided to finally get more proactive with the overall alignment of my panels. I am still waiting for the rims to be delivered, so I can used them to get an accurate alignment. Of course I will also need to get the tires (plus TPMS) and the custom suspension before I can use everything to get the final panel alignment. This will still be a while before I have everything, so I decided to go ahead and make a jig that I can use instead. I managed to dig up some 1/2" square thin gauge tubing (used for packing something for shipping). I made a piece that accurately surrounds the Fiero 195/70R14 tires, and has an overall diameter equivalent to the 295/30R20s that I'll likely be using in the rear. I first put the rear tires up on 2x4s to raise them so the center of the 14" rim is close to where the center of the 20" rim will be. The jig sits on the tire tightly and extends out past the panels, so now I can align my panels to it. This should give the most accurate alignment possible.

(The panels aren't yet aligned in the pic...that'll be the next step)

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

My new rims are in! They are staggered. Fronts are 19" x 8.5" (15 offset). Rears are 20" x 10" (35 offset). 5x100 bolt pattern.

I plan to use 245 / 35 R 19 tires on the front and 295 / 30 R 20 in the rear. Most likely Pirelli PZeros. They will of course be used with a wide track suspense designed specifically for them.



Also received my "Lambo" hinges. Hopefully I can make these work in the limited space available. I may be forced to modify them. The good news is that they are only 2" thick, which definitely helps.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

The car looks bare! Stripped it down so I could get the frame alignment fine tuned (again...). I moved the roof / door / rocker framing back about 1/2" . I think it is finally where it needs to be.

I've also been trying to fit the Lambo hinges. I don't believe it will be possible. They are just simply too large to fit in the correct spot under the top of the fender. I've put them aside for now and I'll be trying "Plan A" again. I've dusted off the hinge that I designed and will see if it can be modified to fit. I had expected to spend a couple of months getting the doors to fit and work properly so I don't mind going back and forth a bit to get this working exactly how I want. I told my wife that I would put the lambo hinges on her Ford Focus if I end up not using them...

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

Since I wasn't able to get the Lambo Hinges to work (just not enough room...I'll save them for a future project) I put together a new door hinge design using dual bearings. I have them mounted at an angle to ensure everything moves correctly without rubbing (well mostly...there is one tiny corner of the door shell that touches the frame, but that'll be easy to fix. I checked and it looks like the door skin, glass, etc should be fine as well. I plan on using some of the hardware from the kit (i.e shocks, etc). With the door fully open, there is less than 1/4" play, and it appears to be from the C-Clamp holding the door to the hinge. Once bolted together properly, that should eliminate any play. Also the upper part of the hinge frame will be expanded and welded to some additional fender framing to ensure there is absolutely no movement.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]