General Build Procedure

[Ron Earp]

I'm making some progress on my build but am starting to wonder about the procedure or order.

I just done done putting the AC/ventlation and lines in and will be in the next two days installing the wiring and dash.

Already done are:

All panels to the rear of the car
All suspension mounted and installed
All brakes mounted
Radiator and hoses,pipes
Roll bar, dryer, horn, washer, wiper motor, etc.
Lots of panels made permament

After I get the wiring and dash in I plan to mount the spider and then do the fuel system. After that I'm putting the thing on its' own wheels off the dolly and installing the engine.

My question is: at what point does one paint and prep the body of this thing?

In the RF manual and shop pictures I can easily see that some of the cars are painted and are not as far along as I am. Others don't paint until everything is done.

Any comments?

Ron

 

[Ron Earp]

TTT

 

[Gordon Levy]

Wait to paint the car untli after it is finished. That way, if you find yourself having to back track a little, you won't be doing it on a painted car.

 

[ChrisL]

Thats been my thinking too... all but the glass of-coarse.

It means some extra work in disassembly, and reasembly but, hey, it won't be the first time I've sacrificed time to ensure the job is done properly.

 

[Robert Logan]

Ron,

As the manufacturer we KNOW what we are doing (I hope) and can paint the car early and have worked out the most efficient way.

When I built my first car I had the car on the road for many months before I painted it. The car was registered as a gray car (gel coat colour). I am sure that Ken Saunders and others might remember the car at Castle Combe many years ago in the gray.

Which ever way you are most comfortable with IS BEST !!!!

Robert

 

[Brian Magee]

Robert

I remember the car at Castle Combe in gray (grey) and the lean angles with the original soft springs but most of all I remember the smile on your face!

Brian.

 

[Hershal Byrd]

I tend to go with Gordon on this one. I deviated slightly on my build but that was because of time constraints. I fit my body
without the engine and trans which is fine.
Ron, I hope that you have not made the rear
engine compartment panels permenant as it makes it difficult to put in all the fuel lines,pumps and fittings. If you have then it will take a little extra time to fit these items as you must do it from the bottom.

Hersh

 

[Ron Earp]

Nope Hershal, rear panels not permament yet since there is a lot of fuel stuff to work out. My car is really setup for fuel injection as the pumps and fittings are for that model, I'll have to do some work to get it setup for carbs.

And I need to call you today if okay. I got your message the other day but didn't want to call on Thanksgiving and bother you. I'll ring you up maybe later today,

Ron