the reshell has begun

[mrchaz]

I think it might do. When you fit an analog dash in place of a digi one there are quite a few wires left over so these might not be there if its analog already

[mapblue]

Here's a few more pictures to keep you going.

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That's the engine all connected up and running.

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That's her running had to set the Dalis in just for the moment.

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That's the new tailpipes welded on to the rear box had twin DTM tailpipes originally not my cup of tea,that ones are twin 4".

Spent all night cutting down gear lever what a job ,got it about 2" shorter get some pics when i fit it.

Bit more work needed in her yet.

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[Pedro]

It's coming along nicely mate!

I see you too, have that big cable from the instrument area to the tunnel, like the Senator I had for it's interior.

What's that all about then?

[mapblue]

I think its a safety strap to stop the steering column moving in a heavy smash lets hope I never have to find out.

[mapblue]

Here's a quick update on my progress,been busy getting every thing working for the last couple weeks,All the dash now back in and working, had the digi dash working so i know it can be done theirs 2 wires you need that's not there,one is from the oil pressure sender for the oil gauge and the other is a permant live for the memory in the odometer.

One other thing i found is if you earth a brown and red wire from the dash you get the spedo to read the fault codes which could be very handy,but had to fit the analog clocks for the moment as I'm falling way behind schedule and if i want it on the road for the summer I'm going to have to get a move on,fitting the digi dash will give me something to do in the winter when its of the road.

One of the last bits of rot now cut out and gone the top of the drivers sill was holed so cut it out and welded in a new bit from the old shell.

So all that's left now is to fit up the body kit cut out the arches and paint her.

Anybody got any pictures of the rear arches after they have been cut not sure what to do around were the back door shuts,any info would be appreciated.

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[Pedro]

How I fitted my arches.

By Pedro, aged 31 and a bit.

(I fitted arches from Joe Ellis at BTB Exhausts - as genuine Lotus arches.)

1. Hold arch to body and tape in place.
2. Draw round inside of arch onto wing with permanent marker pen.
3. Remove arch.
4. Mark a line about 10mm below the first line - this was my cut line.
5. Measure and drill mounting holes.
6. Cut arch on lower line.
7. Using a peice of card (cornflakes box, etc.), make a template for new steel to join inner and outer arch.
8. Using fresh steel sheet (18 or 20g is about right), mark around the pattern, cut and weld in.
9. Mount arches with approriate bolts and a mastic such as Sikaflex. Sika the arch/body joint and smooth out using panel wipe.
10. Paint.

Sorted!

OK, it might sound a bit daunting, but done in a day.

[mapblue]

The part I'm not sure about is were to cut at the door jam,Do i cut it on the lower part and leave just enough metal for the door seal.

It looks like I'm going to have to cut out the front arches as well with the car sitting so low,did you cut yours out Pedro or did you get away with leaving them in.

Here's a pic of the bit I'm not sure about the arrows are the bit in question.


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[mapblue]

Went for it this afternoon closed the door and drew around the door seal and left a couple of mm.

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[Murph]

Looking good!
Dont forget to go mad with the underseal before you finalise it! lol

[mapblue]

Theres already 8 tins of shutz on the under side and inner wings,still got 4 tins left for the back arches and in under the sills.

[Murph]

Should do it.

[Pedro]

Looks good from here, dude!

[mapblue]

Thats all the welding finished on the drivers side arch .

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[Pedro]

Nice, neat job, Squire! 
Make sure all unwelded (if any) joints are well sealed with Sikaflex or similar (shove it right into the joint with your finger to make sure), and planty of Waxoyl in any enclosed sections.

Again, nice work!

[mapblue]

Seam welded from end to end with no holes makes a change will cover the inside with brush on seam sealer to give it some protection from stones thrown up from the wheels, then a good covering of shutz under seal.

Give the front edge a good couple of coats of hammerite before the arch goes on,then waxoil everything.

[chrismec]

Blimey that looks a damn good job you done there matey well done

[mapblue]

Thanks there lads,sometimes when i get my head straight I even amaze myself lets just hope i can pull it off on the other side

Looking at your car in total vauxhall Pedro,yours looks to be sitting quite low in the front to just wondering if you had to cut any of your front arches too?

[Pedro]

Yeah - same as the rears, about 10mm under the mounting flanges.

Plenty of clearance - good job, cos now it's got a few miles on the clock, the whole lot has dropped another 15mm.

Still doesn't catch the tyres anywhere though. Turn in is superb aswell - great fun!

[mapblue]

That's the drivers side all fitted up and ready for prepping,had it out on the drive tonight will i had a bit of a tidy up in the garage.

Sits very low hope it doesn't settle much more or ill never get it in the garage when the front bumper is on.

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[Pedro]

Sweet mate!

Mine looks a tad lower at the front, but it could be down to the 18's on it.

Have you decided on a colour yet?

[mapblue]

Oh yes taking me six months to pick it must have looked at every paint chip in the paint shop.

I could tell you but then id have to kill you,so I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while yet,one of your suggestions wasn't to far of the mark though Pedro.

[Big Rod]

Looks superb!! Good job fella!!!

Was going to comment that I thought the wheels looked great from the first two pics and wanted to know what they were, but realised from the bottom pics that they're the same as mine!! 

Think I'll go and remove the hub caps from mine!! 

[GSI24VBONES]

lookin good !   do like them wheels

[chrismec]

Looking well cool dude

[jonnybear]

Looking great!! Love the Rims

Jonny