HM2017 Build

[Bruce N]

More than one way to skin a cat! Looks great.

[Jeff K]

I used keensert type inserts.  I built up the backside of the panel with a 1/4" or more of fiberglass so there was material to drill and screw into.  I drilled an access hole under the latch to get to the backside of the panel to add the fiberglass.  I'll glue the insert into the panel during final assembly.  It was a lot of work but I like how it turned out and I'm in no rush.  Still waiting on an engine.

[Jeff K]

Like Bruce, I wanted to eliminate the extra space between the front of the rear tires and fenders.  To fix this I made some cuts in the fender and reshaped it to my liking.  The frame limits how far the fender can be altered.  I temporarily held it together with screws and patches and then started adding fiberglass.  I know I created extra bodywork for myself but I'm pleased with the results.

[Bruce N]

Looks great Jeff! Its amazing what a deference just that little bit makes in the overall appearance. Well worth the time spent

[Jeff K]

Like just about everyone else, the hood, doors and trunk panels on my kit were trimmed a little short in a few places by the factory.  After looking at what others were doing on the internet, I decided to use epoxy resin mixed with ground up fiberglass to extend the edges.  This probably isn't as strong as grinding back the edge and adding resin and fiberglass mat but I'm sure it's strong enough and a lot easier to apply.

[Jeff K]

It took me 2 tries to get the hood scoop mounted.  I first used the factory-drilled starter holes in the hood to position the scoop, but after drilling the holes and installing the scoop, I didn't like the position.  I ended up moving the scoop forward an inch and redrilling the holes.  Much better.  I'm using stainless steel 8-32 button head cap screws to attach the scoop.

[Jeff K]

I ended up having to re-bend the hood prop rod to clear the body on my car.  While I was at it, I added some weld to the end of the rod and fabricated a plate that attaches to the hood to prevent the rod from slipping out of the hood accidently.  Now I need a retainer to hold the rod when the hood is closed.  Haven't found anything I like yet.

[Redstang69]

Pretty cool idea with the plate.

[Jeff K]

The driver side hood latch handle did not fit on my car.  The spacing of the bonded-in inserts in the hood was too wide.  I had read of another owner having the same problem.  To fix it I removed the installed insert and bonded in a new one that I had fabricated.  Fixed the problem.

[Bob Worley]

Yep, I had the same problem on one side.  Mine was all wonky.    Same fix.

[Jeff K]

When I temporarily installed the trunk lid support in the location most people use, on the driver's side attached to the body, there was more body flex than I liked.  Maybe I was doing it wrong.  Regardless, I ended up moving the support to the passenger side and attaching the lower mounting point to the trunk liner.  Nice and solid now.

[Jeff K]

After trial fitting the trunk latch in the normal location, I decided to recess the latch inside the trunk lid as other's have done.  This turned out to be quite a bit of work and definitely not required.  As a result, it moves the latch towards the rear of the car which will make installing the corresponding catch more difficult.

[Jeff K]

Next, I decided to eliminate the notch in the trunk lid seal edge, needed to clear the trunk lid latch mount.  I thought eliminating the notch would look better.  I built up the lip with fiberglass, but this meant I'd have to alter the latch mount to make room for the added lip.  This was definitely a questionable modification and has created more bodywork for myself.  Hopefully it looks OK when I'm done.

[Bruce N]

I like it! Think you'll find the extra work well worth it......after its done and you look back on it.

[Jeff K]

I got the holes for the roll bar cut out and roll bar installed.  Instead of using through bolts to secure the roll bar to the frame, I welded nuts to the inside of the mounting tubes and used button head cap screws.