Projects Prefect / Willys /Kadett/Thames Gasser Build.

Worked on Kadet yesterday.
Mocked up the wheel tubes and checked for chassis fit. The actual clean up took as long. Looks like I will have clearance.

 

Looking good. The slicks will grow on top end so make sure there is enough at the middle of the slicks, of course that does depend on how fast you intend to go.

 

There’s almost 7 inches in the center. Alway put the wheel tubs in as high as practically possible.
Made under frame cut out and the base card board pattern. As per what I’ve always been told subtract an inch. I have been using body panel epoxy to glue second out board lip and let them over lap. Silicon the over lap so it doesn’t shake everything loose. And still has out board support. I have done them solid and floating and honestly either way works.

 

Will shift everything up 1 1/4 inches on the Kadette. Remeasured for cardboard template. I wanted another inch of clearance. I’ll simply use a 1 1/2 inch bulk head to make up the distance from the floorboards.
Also pulled the cover from the Willy’s and it was both dusty and nasty if that’s possible with a cover on it. I washed it for the first time ever. I haven’t even cut and buffed it yet.
Bucket washed each panel a dried with a towel. Can still see the orange peel in the clear above the belt line and behind the door. About 9 inches square. I gotta get that cut and buff done and get that outta there.

 

Driver side wheel tubs /patterns complete and installed. Gonna work nicely.
Wes was doing inspection today. He’s a slave driver. Lol

 

Picked up a set of Alden American Coil Overs for the front conversion on the Thames this afternoon. I got a deal so maybe just maybe I’ll get lucky.

 

Ok. Finished all interior (as in aluminum ) patterns. Cheaper to work with than aluminum mistakes.

 

Leaves the center panels. ( which will have to be 2 piece).

 

Man you guys do some great work

 

Thanks. Hope it makes Mick smile.

 

Enloe
You Going to BG?/Tri five ?

 

No we are leaving Wednesday for the Hot Rod Reunion

 

Gotcha.

 

Ok. Finished the interior patterns. Other than trans tunnel and driveshaft cover /tunnel. Which is always last.

 

I will be posting pictures on the thread that is linked in my signature and probably posting videos on YouTube

 

Managed to get basic patterns /design for bead rolling on all the panels for the Kadet. Paper is cheaper than aluminum.

 

First panel ( driver-side rear corner ). And to boot flip the pattern and it even worked for the passengers side.

 

Rearmost 3 panels finished. Not clecoed down yet. Will fit them all before. Also need to step and flare the side panels. Used my scallop pliers for clearance around cage bars.

 

just learned a new tool-had no idea what scallop pliers were--trick!

 

I forget the formal term. I am sure someone will chime in. If I remember right Mick found them at Eastwood/maybe Skybolt? I have them from 3/4 to 1 3/4 diameter. We got them for the smooth/ and fast radiuses around roll cages etc.

 

I managed to get the hardest panel done and fitted on the Kadett today. Remember nothing is clecoed in or permanently mounted. I used the level to make sure everything is sitting as it should.
Flip the pattern and do it again. Then the long center pieces. And wheel tub outboard supports.

 

The flip side piece in back right corners and the right rear step/bulkhead for the rear of the pass wheel tub. That leaves the center panels. I am going to have to make it 2 possibly 3 pieces. The throat depth of my bead roller is just under 20 inches. Panel with step is 46. No way to reach the center of the panel if one piece.
I can step and flange or even over lap /under lap with no issues. Will depend on fit and to be honest battery location.
I am one who always centers the battery. Do I may have to do a trap door for battery access.

 

Center panels and back bullhead complete. Also marked where battery will be. Will use a battery tray/top door.

 

Last rear interior panel finished. Wheel tub pattern is perfected. So that’s as good as done also only need to make outboard supports and use body skin adhesive to attach. Battery box and trap door will be it.
Will then turn to MC mount /and hand controls. And for the record I haven’t peeled the plastic off yet So yes the scratches will disappear .

 

Driver side wheel tub assembled and fitted. Clamped into place to check fit. I am pretty pleased. I had considered a bead or two but decided to keep it simple. I have outboard lip to fit and attach. I will use body panel/skin adhesive. Then overlap and seal. The lower bulk head will be closed off as well to clean up the bottom seam. Will cleco and then use transition brace/plates. I am also going to consider using body panel/skin adhesive in place of so many rivets. I want a smooth flowing seam and flow and too many rivets complicate that.
Wes said it passed inspection.
Won’t be long and we will address hand controls ( for him).

 

Passenger side fitted as well. Now the outboard supports for both sides. After they are fitted and confirmed I’ll do battery bad and trap door.

 

Wow, this is looking good

 

Thank You for the compliment. Tunnel and trans cover are next /as well as working on hand controls.

 

Worked on outboard wheel tub supports. Shrinker stretcher got a work out. Got a few more tweaks and then I’ll use the panel adhesive. Also have to copy an exact opposite for driver side.