Working on front of car now

mrsbojigger

Hi Guys,
Well all the sheet metal of the trunk floor is welded in. Waiting on my new compressor to arrive so I can prime it. The old compressor died after 36 years of continuous use.
Since there is some down time in the rear of the car I decided to work on the front clip. I fabricated the front clip extensions and cross brace for the front bumper and the radiator support. NOTE the clip jig! The jig was originally built back when the OEM clip was in place on the car a couple of years ago. The clip extensions are not finished yet. I need to add a couple of braces and fish plates on both sides. At least I'm making a little more headway. It just seems so darn slow!
Peace,
Chaz

[Deleted User]

Looks good, Chaz!



Since I don't know anything about fabrication, I'm gonna ask a dumb question. Other than the location for the radiator support, what other reference points does your jig provide?



Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming! I might actually learn something from all your hard work. LOL



Kevin

mrsbojigger

Kevin,
If you will notice, the jig sticks out quite a ways to get the correct location of the holes for mounting the bumper. Also notice the long rods running thru the holes for the bumper brackets. This extended outward to where it would match similar holes on the jig. The jig had to be wide to clear the width of the Camaro clip. I first found a couple of solid places on the cowl to work from and welded in some blind mounting nuts (T-nuts) to the surface of the cowl. I then placed placement pins (bolts) where the exact places were for the radiator core support and bumper were on the OEM clip. I then welded square tubing to connect all the points and then dismanteled the jig for future use.
Here are pics of the building of the jig on the original OEM clip. Notice they were nice shiny metal pieces back then. Took 5 years to get to this point today. Compare these pics with the previous pics in the first post.
Hope that helped explain some of it!
Peace,
Chaz

[Deleted User]

Chaz,



NOW I GET IT!!!!!!



Thanks for the explanation. That and the "before" pictures really helped.



See what you mean about the width of the new clip.



Now, about that spiffy new firewall...............



Kevin

Ol racer

Chaz,

All good things take time....

Your project appears well planned and being nicely executed. It is very time consuming to sub a car then fabricate all new critical support mounts... Building the 'jig' rather than just relying on measurements was very professional.

mrsbojigger

Kevin,
Check out Feb. 1, Thread called "Sheet Metal" for firewall and floor work.

Ol Racer,
Thanks I appreciate your input.

Chaz

Ol racer

Chaz,

Just an inspirational thought... I usually could build a fresh Race Car over the winter months; However suprisingly, It took me 4 yrs working pretty diligently nights & wknds to dissemble & restore my first St Rod, a '47 Hudson Trk with a Trans Am clip, Chevy tunnel ram motor, etc. I installed every modern power convenience I could think of inc. remote doors which took lot time. Often I thought I would never be finished with it....



Afterwards, I jumped right into tearing down & building a '37 Terraplane St Rod over another 4yrs finishing last yr.



Guess I am addicted because currently working on another... Stay at it, each one gets easier......

Unknown

Very impressive, Chaz. I'm sure the time you spent upfront planning will pay off in the finished product. Keep the photos of your progress coming.

[Deleted User]

Great work Chaz! Is the width of the Camaro clip going to have the wheels sticking too far out the sides? I know Fatman and maybe others build shorter a-arms to bring them width in a bit.

mrsbojigger

Hi Jay,
Good to hear from you!
Yes I'll probably use the shorter A-arms but for right now I just need to get all the sheet metal on the car. A couple of days ago I set the right fender on with the door and rear panel in place. BOY! This is a long car!
Hope you and the family are doing well.
Peace,
Chaz

mrsbojigger

WHOO-HOO!
More sheet metal on it today.
Peace,
Chaz

faustmb

Looking great. Can't wait to see the rear quarter windows come together.

mrsbojigger

Well this is sort of what I have in mind for the rear panel since it will be a 2-door hardtop.

faustmb

Great choice. That is going to look very sharp.



Matt

RL Chilton

Love the photo magic. It's going to look very cool. Should make the Mercs drool.



Russell

mrsbojigger

Well it's back to working on the Camaro clip AGAIN! I took the front end off after installing the bumper and grill sheet metal to see if everything would fit. All was well so I was able to proceed with permanently welding everything in place on the front bumper brackets and it's stiffener plates.
Peace,
Chaz