30th October 2010 - Bodywork first fit

We started the day by fiinally getting the fuel pump re-positioned.  More troubles with rivnuts saw us change to a bolt through the chassis member - at least it'll be secure.

With that done, we could resist the temptation to start to fit the bodywork no longer.  The older manual says the rear wheelarches need to be fitted first, but the more recent ones and other build diaries seem less precious about this, so we pressed ahead without - we can always take the body tub off again if necessary.  The main section went on easily and seem to position itself naturally with the correct 40cm gap between the back of chassis member at the back of the seats and the back of the "boot" (aka rear glove box) aperture.  We then wasted no time in resting the scuttle and bonnet in place - wow!


Bodywork first fit - starting to look like a car!

The scuttle needed a cut-out about 2cm up the front edge to make it clear the steering column - chain drilled then filed  - and a small cut out on the return edge the other side to clear the wiring loom as it comes up through the bulkhead.  It now fitted perfectly and lined up with the main tub.


Matthew and Grandad look impressed - maybe.

The bonnet went on next, but wouldn't quite sit down correctly on the offside - the air intake was lifting it up by about 6mm.  Hmmm... a call to Westfield on Monday coming up.  Shame - it was going so well.

"Boot" area with clamps on the roll bar area to hold the body tub in place