62 bt6

[neilb]

hi all,

i started this project around 18 months ago now, its a car i have always wanted to own and i had always wanted to build a car from scratch for as long as i can remember, how would i know i would be doing both of these at the same time lol.

this is the start...
http://forum.porsche356registry.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=35582&sid=73064fec17386ff8977e99e06235a84f

this is the gusset panel i started with the help of Justin's pictures

[Don C]

Neil, you're one talented and ambitious guy, great work!

[JTR70]

Hey Neil,

Thanks very much for sharing your progress with us as well! You did a real nice job on that gusset and is very much like everything else you've done so far on this massive undertaking. Again, glad to know that those photos where of some use to you. Looking forward to more updates as you go! Thanks again! Justin

[neilb]

thank you guys much appreciated!

i do have other pictures to share on things I've done...









as you can see i have converted it to rack and pinion rather than the steering box! i know it will take away the 356 feel but it is more direct, oh and i did this...



i had trouble with the top piece so i cut it and got the rear piece to sit much better!

[JTR70]

I like that rack, It tucks up in there beautifully! What's it originally from? WOW, You're wheeling your own quarter panel skins! You're in a league all your own mate. Impressive fabrication skills!
Justin

[neilb]

the rack is a GM part, it was used on Astra's from the early 80's through to the end of the 90's. its a centre load rack as you can see which is ideal for the porker, its still used by Daewoo (which is GM) this one came from a lanos as most of these racks are powered.

the strengthening plate on the bulkhead is 1.6mm along with the channel it mounts to, inside the channel is a piece of 5mm plate drilled and tapped for the bolts. the rack itself is just slightly longer than the width of the gap but only by 30mm or so, divide that by both sides and its negligible protrusion.

thanks for the kind words

[roy mawbey]

Neil,

Like your work very much. The steering modification made me blink!!

It would be very nice to know when you drive the car if there is much difference. As Justin mentioned the forming of that panel is impressive, can understand to run from the bottom radius into the top one in one piece so it actually fits, would be almost impossible. Your method looks good. Of course you obviously can handle distortion as well.

I will now have a look at your registry link, don't visit there normally ( as a dreaded lurker ) to see what is going on.

Well done with that welding and fabrication.

Roy

[JTR70]

I agree the protrusion on either is nothing to worry about and is a nice fit. Yes, center load racks are great for reducing/eliminating bump steer. I like it!
Justin

[Jonesy_356]

Amazing how much fabrication you are doing, you're a master! Why the hell not put a steering rack in there? Well done, keep posting - can't wait to see where it goes.

Jonesy

[roy mawbey]

Neil,

I did take a look at your thread on the Registry. Now I can understand how you are managing to do this work. Only a few would get off the starting blocks with that car. You have really done well I would have been pulling my hair out doing that.

Really nice to have you on this forum. We all appreciate what you are doing on your car.

So nice to hear the term ' panel beater ' get fed up with ' bodywork technician' etc. Give me a hammer and I will hit it, often though in the wrong place

Roy

[neilb]

small update

[neilb]

[neilb]

thanks for the kind words guys, means a lot!

[roy mawbey]

Neil,

It looks too good to put a rear seat on it! Lovely bit of work again. Wheeling that tunnel bit, just a super photo. Wow, you would get on well with Justin like I would also, if he lived nearer.!!

Experience is everything I think in this panel beating job.

Roy

[neilb]

thank you roy

yes how inconsiderate of Justin to live so far away! haha