Chapter 6 – Body Fixing Holes

Time to mark out and drill all the holes for mounting the body down to the chassis, first the body was squared up on the chassis by taking measurements from string lines at each wheel arch back to a fixed point on the chassis, i used the hubs and parts of the chassis for double checking.

Happy it was as close as it could be (give or take a mm or so) a couple of holes were drilled so the body could be clamped in place with the seatbelt eye bolts. Then the forward 4 x bolt holes were drilled to bolt the steel scuttle hoop (bonded into the body at the factory) down to the chassis this was done by drilling up through tubes welded to the chassis where the bolts would fit into.

Now happy that the body was firmly clamped in place 180 or so holes were marked out and drilled into which the rivets would be put a bit later on (Managed to do all the holes with the same drill bit! – had to resharpen it a few times though!)

Chapter 5 – Body Down

With the Engine panels bonded, its time to drop the body back down again to the chassis ready for the next step which will be attaching the body permanently to the chassis.

Also had a bit of a polish up!

Whilst waiting for a good day to start drilling the chassis fixings i have mounted the engine on the stand so i can swap over a few bits and finish off painting the block.

Chapter 4 – Bonding The Engine Bay Panels

Now that the engine bay panels have been fettled for a better fit, its time to bond them in permanantly.

First the GRP body was keyed for a better bond.

Then with copious amounts of Wurth PU adhesive the 5 panels were bonded into position and clamped up to cure.

Chapter 3 – Overdue Update

Well a lot has happened since the last update so to bring you up to speed…..

1. Rear axle assembled

2. Toe settings set with laser levels and steel rule

3. Brakelines Fitted

4.  Front suspension assembled.

5.First roll-out of the chassis

6. Engine fitted temporarily

7. Gearbox temporarily fitted – Corvette bellhousing + AK Sportscars adapter plate + Jaguar Getrag bearbox

8. Brake calipers fitted.

9. Fuel pump bracket fitted

 

10. Engine stripped back and given a coat of POR-15 Engine Enamel

 

11. Setting the front toe

 

12. Engine & gearbox removed and stored for later

 

13. Rolling chassis completed

 

14. The return of the body

15. Trial fitting the pedal box

16. Body lifted up onto stands

17. Engine panelling

18. Cutting holes for steering & brakes

 

 

Chapter 2 – The build begins!

Having some spare time today the build has started proper!

Firstly the differential was bolted in, followed by the rest of the rear suspension, minus the half shafts , next step is the front suspension, but I will have to wait till I get some missing parts from DAX before I can continue.

Also I found an engine for the cobra, 383ci chevy! 🙂

Chapter 1 – The Collection

Collection day arrives, body and chassis picked up from the previous owner, who never started the kit, so factory fresh but without the lead time!, also has the added advantage as the body has had the flash lines removed and been prepared for paint!

Chassis now in the garage ready to start building up into a rolling chassis and the body put into storage for the time being.