Hot Rods Had an "OH CRAP!!!) moment today...

Today's task on the roadster was to get the steering column mounted, make some hood props, and get the rumple lid latch and handle on. The first two went fine, I got the striker made for the rumble lid, mounted it on the lip in the center of the tulip panel, and mounted the latch on the underside of the lid. I marked the center of the hole for the handle, and drilled a pilot hole from the inside, 1/4", so I could use a 5/8" hole saw to cut the hole to size from the outside. The the drill bit went through the skin, I knew instantly that something bad happened.
When I looked over the edge of the lid, a huge divot had popped out of the lid where there was (obviously) a depression molded in the 'gl*** skin to mark where the handle would go. It was as big as a silver dollar, and at least a 1/4" deep at the center, slick and smooth filler on the bottom, glossy black paint I'd just shot a week ago on the outside. Glossy black gel-coat at the bottom of the divot on the rumble lid.
35 or 40 years ago when the car was originally built, the spot wasn't sanded well, and when I drilled the hole, it just popped out. I hadn't known there was any filler there, and wouldn't have used as big a drill if I'd thought there was any chance of a problem. Figuring I'd have repair the damage and repaint the lid, I went ahead and trial fitted the rumble latch handle.
Guess what, the handles base was a shade larger, aside from one tiny spot, than the wound. I don't have the rubber pad, but made a quickie pad from some black leather, and mounted the handle. I think that is a good omen, and will "win" the auction for the '61 T'bird horn ring to replace the one I broke on the cars steering wheel yesterday when I stupidly picked up the wheel and column by the horn ring yesterday painting it.
Life is good...

 

everything I do comes out perfect the first time with no errors or "oh ****s".

 

The broken horn ring, and the bottom of the rumble lid, clearly showing something I didn't break, but is still wrong. The Chevy tail light lenses are completely different shades of red, and even have a different pattern in the gl***. I didn't have the heart to take picture of the wound in the black paint under the handle...

 

Sounds a lot like my week (month?) has been going.
Some days you win, some days you loose, a smart man will not keep score. Gene

 

WHEW close one.

 

Isn't it funny how "oh ****", and "oh ****" are such vastly different things?

 

I don't even know why I shared this. I guess misery loves company.

 

Some days you are the hammer, some days the nail. Today was your day to be the nail.

 

" If Only" comes to mind

 

You guys think this was bad ?????? Think about what Ryan just went through !!

 

All better! And, Ryan fixed the HAMB server in an appropriately traditional way. Everybody wins.