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Bodywork Installation Advice
l5tuy - 6/6/16 at 11:17 AM

Afternoon All,

At the stage where I need to start thinking about the best way to install my bodywork. In the absence of detailed guidance from the manual can anyone offer advice or tips, maybe learned from experience?

Thanks in advance.

Stuart


nick205 - 6/6/16 at 11:29 AM

On my MK Indy I fitted the rear tub using rivets down the rear part of the chassis. Side panels were stuck to the chassis rails using black sticky stuff and then had alloy trim riveted around the areas where you get in/out of the car. Nose cone was attached with threaded machine screws and rivnuts into the front of the chassis. Bonnet held in place with two spring catches riveted to the bonnet and side panels per side.

With hindsight the bonding doubled as a water seal preventing water getting in, but also from getting out when caught in a downpour.


l5tuy - 23/6/16 at 02:18 PM

Cheers Nick.

Was making up some templates last night, it really hit me how important a task this is. Fingers crossed it goes well. Can't believe the lack of info out there on the subject, might patent my templates :-)

Stu


40inches - 23/6/16 at 02:24 PM

This is for an MK, but may give some idea. I fitted the scuttle first, then the bonnet and nose cone( with clamps) for a trial fit.


micksalt - 1/7/16 at 08:52 AM

Marc told me to assemble the bodywork onto the chassis with maskign tape, then leave it overnight to settle before permanently attaching. Helps if the garage is warm at the time too.

Cheers,

Mick


Toprivetguns - 1/7/16 at 12:23 PM

Measure twice and cut once. I would always offer up the bodywork and clamp/tape into position. Think of cutouts needed for the exhaust manifold and what panels you'd perhaps like to remove in the future eg rear tub for diff service, fuel tank access etc.

Also think about the panels rubbing on the frame and if possible ensure you pad them with something like foam tape. Don't be scared to trim the GRP, its not perfectly formed.

Good luck.


mark chandler - 1/7/16 at 05:17 PM

Card is also your friend, dummy up the cut outs using card then transfer to the panels.


l5tuy - 18/7/16 at 01:30 PM

Well, started this yesterday and can safely say it was everybit the pain in the a*se I expected it to be. I like a challenge but when your dealing with such an expensive part and logistic head ache to ship it is no fun.

Would be alot better for the tubs to have holes pre-drilled.

Never the less 'fortune favours the brave' and i'm pleased to have the tub cut-outs done, I shall continue the rest over the following week.

Will try and get pics, however uploading to photobucket to then copy over to here is time I don;t really have just now.

Cheers for all the suggestions, in the end cardboard was my 'best' friend

Stu