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Originally posted by eho832s
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Thanks..!! welding never seems to stop, I'm sanding back the floor pan ready for acid etch and keep discovering pin holes..!!!!! these are the boring jobs but are very satisfying when completed..!!!
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I've spent days sanding the floorpan from boot to bulkhead..!! as expected there were a few rusty areas and pin holes, so more welding. Got a tip from the internet and used white vinegar to convert the rust, worked a treat but you do have to rinse off with water to stop the acid in the vinegar eating away at the good metal. The worst area is in the front passenger footwell, badly pitted but not bad enough to justify a patch panel, I'll skim over the pitts with stopper just to make it look smoother when painted.
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I made a start on fitting the firewall panel today, but like all the other jobs centered around the previous owners work I had to make a bracket to get it to fit. Because the turret infills are different sizes I needed to lift up the firewall so that it ran parallel with the suspension box, only problem was the holes that I had already drilled along the bottom of the firewall now missed the middle area of the suspension box, then whilst trial fitting I noticed that the holes lined up exactly on the bend of the bracket. The only quick solution was to add some weld to fill up this part of the bracket and drill through the welds, not pretty but it works and won't be seen.
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I now have to make some extra infills to match the overhanging firewall at the turrets, cardboard templates already made, just need to transfer them to metal and weld into place.Comment
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I'm afraid it's a massive step backwards for me..!!
Got the shell to Sean at Rally Weld today, BUT as soon as he saw the turrets he knew something looked wrong...!!! Now I've never been happy with them and always suspected that they were not quite right but the news he gave me turned my stomach.
Both have been welded 40mm too low and one facing too far forward, the other too far back. The only solution will be to cut out the turrets and inner arches together with the firewall mounting brackets etc, basically everything around the arch area, 15" tubs and new turrets will then have to be welded in place.
To cap it all I also damaged the front spoiler putting the bloody thing on the trailer.
On the positive side I never did like the way the previous owner had fitted the turrets
Any comments appreciated as I still have time to change my mind and give it a go..!!!!!Comment
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I've thought long and hard over my next move and have decided to start the back end from scratch, including replacing the 4 link boxes, AGAIN..!!!!! as when I replaced them the first time they went back into the same position that the previous owner had fitted them, guess what, just like every other part he fitted they are too close together. I could leave it and just make sure that the axle brackets are welded with the same centers but as I have to replace the turrets and fit new tubs I thought I might as well change the 4 links.
I know it's a waste of money and time but I do want this shell to be right, and all the parts needed cost about the same as it was going to cost me for Sean to do the cage and other odd jobs. It also means I'll be doing those jobs myself now so I spent today practicing and experimenting with my mig welder, and considering I'm self taught and have only welded what I've done up to now on this money pit the results were quite pleasing.
This photo is a bit blurred,
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It was worth using the gas as I feel more confident about what to set the welder at for different thickness material and what method works best for me.
Now looking forward to starting the mega rebuild...!!!Comment
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You weddings looking good mate, it's worth taking the step back in the longtime to make a good job, I've cut the deivers sill off mine tonight in the prep stages as I wasn't happy with how it looked even tho it was an original sill !? It will be nice when you no for sure it's right tho despite the time and expenseComment
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Sorry to hear about the bad news
But I´m sure it will work out right for you in the end. Best luck and keep on your good work!
Regards AlexComment
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Originally posted by 13sport View PostCheers guys,Originally posted by AlexG View PostSorry to hear about the bad news But I´m sure it will work out right for you in the end. Best luck and keep on your good work!
Regards Alex
I was a little pis*ed off and even considered locking it away in the garage but now I'm really motivated and looking forward to starting the work, my neighbours wont be as I've told them I'd finished with the noisy grinding.
The past 2 yrs was the practise, now I'm ready and more knoweldgeable to do it the right way..!!! I HOPE
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It's alwayS better to take ur time
On a project
Good to see more progressdavComment
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I'm certainly taking my time, 2yrs and back to square one..Originally posted by bluevan1 View Post
LOL
Went shopping at Rally Weld..!!!! It's like Toys R Us for GP4 Escorts
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HERE WE GO AGAIN...!!!!!!!!Comment
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do not loose heart you are making a fantastic job and you will have peace of mind every time you look at it
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My run of BAD Luck continues..!!! Bought a tin of 2 PK zinc primer, reversed up my drive to unload into the garage, opened the hatch and out fell the primer, lid came off and spilt the entire 1Ltr contents over my tarmac drive. In panic mode I was just about to add the hardener instead of the thinners, then when I did rinse with thinners the tarmac started to dissolve and crumble. Rushed out with the power washer and spent 2 Hrs continuously rinsing and sweeping.
Not only Have I wasted £18 on the primer but the tarmac drive looks sh*t. Oh well it might look better as it weathers,if not the wife wanted block paving anyway.
I thought I'd better stay away from power tools today but still spending the day in the garage.
Still bought a Loto ticket today, my luck has to change soon.Comment
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Made some fixing brackets for the radiator and welded into position. Then cut out the bulkhead gussets ready to weld in the new GP4 dished type.
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Good luck redoing it, I know having to redo it must be so disheartening but at least this time you know its going to get done right.
I would put a bit of black paint on your tarmac to take your eye off it.Comment
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I've decided to finish off the front end before attempting to replace the Tubs, Turrets and 4 links and get it to zinc primer.
I bought one of those cheap Chinese welding helmets from Ebay, boy what a difference compared to my old one, I can now see what I'm welding without the aid of a light..!!
Welded in the gussets, took longer than expected as there's a lot of shaping, I used a cardboard template to get it right and transfered it onto the gusset. Also did a complete weld along the bottom of the bulkhead plates and tided up the top welds.
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Neat
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