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These A-Panels Are Driving Me Insane....


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#1 NuFab

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Posted 15 January 2017 - 08:09 PM

Hi everyone,

I've been struggling to get the inner and outer a-panels fitted to my mk1...

I started by trying to do the inner panels first. That went badly, and after advice on here, I changed tack and fitted the outers first. I thought I had them lined up really well, but after starting to weld in the inners, I noticed that the top couple of inches of the outer a-panels on both sides are drifting out from the body.

The bottoms are fine...
Attached File  IMG_7925.JPG   59.39K   44 downloads

The doors line up nicely, although they'll need fitting properly...
Attached File  IMG_7931.JPG   51.78K   52 downloads
Attached File  IMG_7933.JPG   63.85K   51 downloads

But you can see from here that the top section drifts outwards...
Attached File  IMG_7926.JPG   50.8K   67 downloads

Maybe more obvious here...
Attached File  IMG_7927.JPG   47.64K   61 downloads

From most angles it looks ok, and the wings line up well, so I reckon I could go on and fit the remaining panels, it's just that I think I might always notice that the a-panels aren't quite right.

Has anyone else had this issue? Or would you just carry on and fit the front end?

Any ideas etc are most welcome!

Cheers,

Chris

#2 Daz1968

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Posted 15 January 2017 - 09:41 PM

On the 4th pic it looks like it is correct at top of door but is in near door frame by hinge, the hinge doesn't look flat and level,
I have done a couple of early cars and I find fitting outers with the doors in place is best way. I then fit the inner panel and ensure I bolt through the hinge holes before welding inner in place so no gaps between two panels.
You really need to work on the outers a little more before welding inners to inner wings.
The pictures don't make it 100% clear but I would get the outer panel same profile as door before going much further,

#3 NuFab

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Posted 17 January 2017 - 08:21 PM

Thanks Daz. I guess I was hoping there was an easier way to fix it, but I think I'll be drilling out my welds and starting again!

#4 sonikk4

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Posted 17 January 2017 - 08:43 PM

There is another option and involves adding some extra metal to that area of edge. You can build it up using weld if you do not want to take it all off again.

#5 NuFab

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Posted 20 January 2017 - 05:16 PM

Yeah when it comes to the door fit, the edge of the door itself isn't straight... it bulges out a bit near the top hinge. I was going to either add weld or grind and re-weld the edge of the door to get it fitted properly.

The issue is that the top of the a-panel points out from the line of the body. I've started pulling the inner a-panel back off, and I'll see if I can force the outer skin into line.

I think the inner panels are a bit too big, and making them fit has forced the outers outward. I might end up cutting and reselling them to make them a touch smaller. There's only about 3mm in it but it's sending everything out.

#6 Daz1968

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Posted 20 January 2017 - 06:20 PM

I used the m machine outers that are complete with door post, a bit more expensive but worth it, they made the lining up easier.
I also fitted just outers with the door as ref, and then put inners in after everything lined up.

#7 NuFab

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Posted 31 January 2017 - 09:24 PM

Cheers for the replies on this. I've put some time in on the car this week, and got both sides sorted. I ended up cutting a slot along the a-panel where it joins the door post, and I could then work the panel in a touch and re-weld it, without going to the hassle of removing it completely. It looks far, far better and the inners are now fitted. Now on to sorting the scuttle!




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