Rear Cordite framework & Spitfire wheel arches - Part 2
This highlighted the next area to foul, which was one of the "ribs" on the arches.
No room to get a grinder / hack saw in there without removing every thing again.
Then I remembered my mate's metal "snips" & cut two slots above & below.
This allowed me to bend the metal out of the way for now.
( Sorry about the poor photo. )
In order to tilt the rear arches, I am fitting original Spitfire chassis mounts underneath.
( The metal wedges were originally used towards the front of the car, not the back. )
Raising the back effectively lifts the hand brake panel higher than the Cordite framework.
( Which needs to be under the panel to be bolted to the chassis. )
As you can see, a much better fit already, with a bit more work to do.
Note: I still need to fit the metal floor pans between the frame & the hand brake panel.
This gives to an idea of how the feet could be welded back into position.
I will add extra bracing in my traditional over-engineered problem solving way.
This was the overall look after this first test fit.
The boxed in "cut outs" in the arches work well with the frame.
In order to tidy up for the day, I had to put the body back on.
Car Cover - RIP
It was a little harder to tidy up with the car cover as it had fallen apart.
When I tried to remove it, it simply came away in strips and is now completely brittle.
Whilst it is only the bonnet area that is effected, it is completely beyond repair.
So I had to use the cover that way on the framework & arches instead.
This is only temporary until I can get a new cover delivered.
Especially as the green cover is meant to be protecting the garden furniture!
Next Steps:
Unfortunately, I need to remove everything from the chassis again.
I need to check the alignment of the frame work and drill holes to mount it.
Obviously I need to put the corresponding holes in the chassis too.
I also need to work out whether I am bolting the floors to the chassis.
( The alternative is to have a holes in the floor that sit over the mounting bolts. )
Only when the frame & floors are in their final positions will I weld the feet back on.
It is also clear, that this is all going to take a lot of time & multiple test fittings.
Until then, take care, Paul.
