1044 Build Pics

[Phil Berania]

Thanks Larry,

I thought the same about lowering the rear-end. I wasnt to sure though...I didnt want to lower it too much.

Phil

[LMH]

It's really a matter of opinion on ride height and stance. Personally, I like the rear tire to be up inside the fender slightly and I think it looks best that way.
But it's only my opinion of course and what you think looks good is the best.
Here's an example of the stance I like:
Larry

[Phil Berania]

Thanks for the pic
I'm gonna lower the rear so that it is just to the inside of the fender.
Cool... 8-)

Phil

[66rdster]

Looks good Phil.    I agree, the rear could be a touch lower, but overall the ride height looks pretty good. Nice work.

Mike

[Phil Berania]

Ok Guys,
I've "attempted" the body work. I set all the gaps for my doors, I stopped there because the body work there scares me.
I sanded 90% of the car down. Now I'm working on the Trunk Lid. After a few days of trying to get it linned up, I began the body work. I had to fill the entire gap at the top of the trunk lid to get it straight with the body line and then cut the gap to open the trunk.
I'm posting these pic to get ALLOT of comments, possitive or negative, on the way I'm going about my body work.
I do have a question...How are you all able to get such a nice edge on your panels ( Doors, Trunk and Hood )?..where the 2 peices of fiberglass meet at the edge.

Phil

[Phil Berania]

Pics of the Trunk lid.

[Phil Berania]

Another Pic

[Ryan Cassidy]

It's a lot of work isn't it Phil?  Those are my thoughts when I got to where you are......  Never the less, you are most certainly on the right track.  Try not to go too far through the gel coat and into the fiberglass if you can prevent it.  

With regards to the swinging panels and making them smooth. I ran some tape along the edge to create kind of a damm, then filled with Fiberglass Jelly.  Sanded down to a nice edge, and added some bondo to get it perfect.  

I hate to break it to you, but you've got more sanding to go... :-) I'd reccomend utilizing a block to sand down the remaining "shine" off the gel coat.  That ALL needs to be gone before you shoot the primer as nothing will stick to it (long term atleast). Using a block now will make the blocking later easier.  

It's looking good so far! Keep up the good work.  I can't wait to see it when I'm in Jax for Thanksgiving.  I want a ride in it too :-)

Cheers,

[Alfredo Canalizo]

Phil, for me was very important to determine the exacts points to fix the body to the frame,doing this you will be sure that when you move the body and put it again, your adjustments on the gaps will be the same.
Another thing that I did is to sand with careful the upper part of the front fenders because there was to much waves in the gelcoat.
I like the wheels and tires , it looks very aggressive.

You are doing a great work !!!!

Alfredo

[Tom]

Listen to Alfredo.  I had everything gapped to a nice 3/6" before teardown.  I spent the better part of three hours today trying to get my trunk lid lined up again.  It's STILL not right!  Obviously a bit of screwing around will get it back in place, but I sure wish I would have been more careful in marking and attaching things before I took it apart.

[LMH]

Hey Phil
Not much to add to what has already been said. I notice that all the bright-work has been fitted and that's good, but it should be taken off so as not to scratch it IMO. I would also remove the hood scoop for both prep and final paint. Then re-attach after the paint is finished.
Looking really good!
Larry

[Phil Berania]

Thanks Guys,

Thank you for the great comments. I know I have allot more sanding to do. I started with the doors and worked to the trunk. I havent touched the hood only to knock down the gell coat.
The lower part of the car you see not sanded down yet is because I have a bit of a bad back and its difficult to get that low and sand for much time. I'm thinking of getting the lower have when I get all the panels gapped and linned up so I get the body off the car and get it in the air to see what I'm sanding.

My goal is to have the car DONE by Christmas.
Well, I say Done, It will never ever be DONE.
Phil

[Fuzzy]

Hi Phil,
I've got a back that complains a lot when I have to work down low (years of motocross) and this was what I did as there aren't any ready made ramps for sale here.   I used 2" x 4" and some 2" x 6" and a lot of bolts, 6 penny nails and glue to build a ramp system that fits in my  garage, (sorry, I'm still working on a Hurricane purchase) and this is what I came up with.  Its hard wood, not pine or other soft woods so it supports the car ok.  I do put an extra support under the mid section when I drive up.  Ramps are wider than a 285 tire and can be separated or moved together.  Ramp is approximately 18" high.  It unbolts so I can sorta stack it up when not in use.  I do put wheel chocks under the wheels when it sits there.  Had just driven it up before I took the shot.  This is a good height to do most body work other than the top side.  For you guys Stateside, a Kwiklift would be great.  www.kwiklift.com   a lot more secure than my rig.  Beware of some of the knock off types though.
Ken

[Phil Berania]

Hey Ken,
Thanks for the Back Relieving message and Pic. That would definatley make it easier to get to the lower section of the car.
The body work has been a very, very slow process for me. I just want it right.
Its comming along. I have all the panels lined up and all the gaps set. I'm presently working on the doors which seems to be the difficult of the 4 panels.
I lost motivation for a few weeks. I went to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona last weekend and it started the juices rolling again.
There were allot of kits there. Backdraft, StreetBeast, FFR etc. I'm gonna talk to Mike Arps and see if he may be interested in a booth down here. I actually was asked to leave the Streetbeast booth because I was talking to someone about the Hurricane kit and the difference between the two. That was FUN!!!!!!

Phil

[66rdster]

Hey Phil,
Your right about the body work being a slow process. I've done the same on mine, just taking my time and making sure it turns out nice, or at least hoping it does. Post some progress pics when you get a chance. I always like seing your car.


Thats a good idea to get the car off the ground Ken. It looks like it really does the trick.



Mike