Michael Hampson
Supporter
Then I wanted my car to be officially denoted as a Ford.
Michael's GT-R Build
- Thread starter Michael Hampson
- Start date
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Then, a longer project. I didn't know if I could get fog lamp lenses, so I planned ahead. Before I cut out the lens holes, I made a mold of the area with fiberglass, which created a reverse image. I don't know why I didn't just use the plugs I cut out to make the holes, but I do remember cutting up the plugs pretty bad as I cut them out. Anyway, I then made positive images from the negatives, cleaned and sanded them, including gel coating and finish sanding, then thermoformed a few lenses. I must say they turned out terrific. I can make more if anyone is interested. However, they are a pretty specific size, so you'd need to cut the holes using the lenses as templates to make them perfect. I used H's fog lamp buckets.
Reverse-image molds:
Making a positive image mold from the negatives:
Positive images getting cleaned up:
Gel coated and ready for final sanding and hot plastic:
Professional drape thermoforming setup:
Finished product turned out perfect. How in the hell do you take a photo of something clear?!??
Reverse-image molds:
Making a positive image mold from the negatives:
Positive images getting cleaned up:
Gel coated and ready for final sanding and hot plastic:
Professional drape thermoforming setup:
Finished product turned out perfect. How in the hell do you take a photo of something clear?!??
Michael Hampson
Supporter
And my last thermoforming project....
Nice job on the fog light lense
You wife is going to love the new hat you made her.
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Made the doodads that anchor the top of the door to the body. Don't know what those are called...
Anyway, didn't think I would be able to find the real thing. I realized later after looking at photos that I was supposed to put three mounting holes in it instead of just two. I'll probably leave as-is unless I decide later to fill and re-drill.
Anyway, I thought they turned out pretty good for a hack machinist.
Anyway, didn't think I would be able to find the real thing. I realized later after looking at photos that I was supposed to put three mounting holes in it instead of just two. I'll probably leave as-is unless I decide later to fill and re-drill.
Anyway, I thought they turned out pretty good for a hack machinist.
Mike do you want me to snap a picture of my original pieces so your exact they look good
Michael Hampson
Supporter
No thanks, Larry but thanks for the offer!
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Hi guys!
Just thought I'd send out an update real quick. I have made the headliner and installed it, and am working on the a-pillar covers now. Should be done this week.
Just thought I'd send out an update real quick. I have made the headliner and installed it, and am working on the a-pillar covers now. Should be done this week.
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Also, I bought some hard sculpting foam, and created inserts for the open areas on the sides of the dash. I hardened them with polyester resin, and covered them with vinyl.
Ron McCall
Supporter
Great work on the dash pieces. I used aluminum on the last one that I did. It worked well but I like your solution much better.
Ron
Ron
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Really nice workmanship!
I highly encourage you and anyone else with a roll cage to consider purchasing high density SFI spec foam padding for the areas you may come in contact with in the interior. We’ve lost at least one other member to head injury / years long coma / death due to contact with the cage in a violent crash.
We want to keep you good folks around!
I highly encourage you and anyone else with a roll cage to consider purchasing high density SFI spec foam padding for the areas you may come in contact with in the interior. We’ve lost at least one other member to head injury / years long coma / death due to contact with the cage in a violent crash.
We want to keep you good folks around!
Great job Mike it’s all the little things that add the right touch I am still fine tuning my car one because am anal and what everything perfect which sometimes creates a lot of extra work
Michael Hampson
Supporter
Michael Hampson
Supporter
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday!
I finally finished the last piece of interior trim. These last two were lower trim pieces, driver and passenger side, between the door and the dash. I made basic forms with welding wire and aluminum tape, then made paper templates for the different aluminum pieces, bent and welded the aluminum, then covered it with 4-way stretch vinyl.
I am getting the car inspected on Dec 14th, and to the tuner on Dec 16th. I did successfully get a pretty dang good tune in the car. I am waiting for Saturday to test it out!
I finally finished the last piece of interior trim. These last two were lower trim pieces, driver and passenger side, between the door and the dash. I made basic forms with welding wire and aluminum tape, then made paper templates for the different aluminum pieces, bent and welded the aluminum, then covered it with 4-way stretch vinyl.
I am getting the car inspected on Dec 14th, and to the tuner on Dec 16th. I did successfully get a pretty dang good tune in the car. I am waiting for Saturday to test it out!
Michael Hampson
Supporter
I officially have a real car. I passed inspection this morning!! Now, I have to get it registered (which I hear is a bear in Georgia due to delays). Off to the tuner on Thursday.
Getting close to body work and paint!!
Note to self. I need a trailer.
Getting close to body work and paint!!
Note to self. I need a trailer.
Michael I dont know what its worth because these are kit cars. However vermont will register anything with wheels and motor super quick without an inspection. I just registered my 260z that has not been on the road for the last 30 years super easy. It took about 6 week, it could help you expedite getting titled if GA is taking too long.