I needed to make some small adjustments to the rear bumper molding corner supports. As you can see in the first pic below (passenger side) the support angle doesn't quite match the lower lip of the engine hatch. The second picture shows the support after being adjusted (driver's side). The gap will be adjusted slightly later.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 12-01-2024).]

quote Originally posted by Supercobra: Nice work - will definitely follow this thread.

Thank you!

Welcome to PFF! Don't forget to introduce yourself over in the "General" section and some post pictures of your projects (if you have any)...

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-28-2015).]

Today I corrected the alignment issue on the passenger side rear bumper framing (as mentioned above), then started work on the driver's side rear fender framing. First I measured the dimensions of the the vent panel (using a 1:24 scale model that I have for that exact purpose...hope it's accurate!), marked it, then cut it from the fender. With it off, I was able to get the first part of the fender framing built. The pics below show the framing, the vent being test fit and the fender being fit without the vent. The vent will be hinged on the outer edge and the inner edge (next to the hatch) will rise with the aid of a linear actuator. It's activated when the engine bay temperature exceeds a preset amount. I'll likely build some sort of conveyor to ensure the air flows where it will help the most. I'll also have to reinforce the fiberglass vent panel since right now it is only 4 layers of 1.5oz mat. If a corner is lifted when activated, the force of the air against it will likely rip the panel right off...that would be a little embarrassing...







This is what the vent looks like when it's open. Much nicer than the Murcielago "batwing", in my opinion...

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 12-01-2024).]

I took a look at the base support that holds the radiator and decided that it needed some adjustments. Firstly it was too close to the wheel, which of course would be a real problem once I get the larger rims / tires mounted. Secondly, the cross beams sat at slight angle...which just looked wrong. So I removed that section of the frame and reworked it. Much happier with it now. There is still lots of room for the radiator fan. The next step was to carry on the fender / rocker framing. The new framing helps to hold the rocker in alignment with the fender.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 12-01-2024).]

I decided to cut the next fender vent panel off. Basically the fender in this kit comes integral with 3 vent pieces that normally would be separate. Leaving the pieces attached makes things easier to align and secure, however, the downside with leaving them attached is that it is noticeable that they are attached...which looks cheap and obviously fake. I had already removed the active vent panel, so I removed the next main panel (I don't know what the names are for any of these...). The small inner vent next to the rear glass will come off next. Each of these panels will have to be carefully reinforced and then securely mounted, taking into account the force of the air flow while moving. I've also started to work on the framing that be used to secure each of these vent panels.

(The vent panel is just sitting in place in this pic, I hadn't created any framing below it at that point)



The smaller beam (seen in the next two pics, just tacked) will need to have a curve put into it to match the curvature of the panel. It is made up of 3/4" angle steel. This makes a good panel mounting surface and also a good surface for mounting the grill that will fit inside the vent. It is also a small enough profile that it should be hidden from view.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 12-01-2024).]