72 rustoration / subaru 6cyl project in Kansas, Mild resto-mod build, my idea of a “true” sportscar Options

[Alain V.]

Went to test fit my carbon trunk panel, and it looks like I’m going to have to learn how to repair carbon fiber. There is a 3/8 gap on the driver side. Way too big. When I flip the trunk over, it looks like the skin was bonded on too far towards the pass side.

I wasn’t expecting a perfect fit,,,,but,,,,dang…….I didn’t think I was going to have to figure out how to add material to the skin.

[Alain V.]

Pass side fits a little tight……which is no big deal as it is far easier to remove material than add it on.

[Alain V.]

Looking from the bottom, it looks like the skin must have shifter towards the pass side when bonded to the framework.

[slowrodent]

Yep. It should not be on you to repair poor craftsmanship. Bummer

[914GTSTI]

Soda blasting ?

Nah, I had some stubborn rust that I had a hard time trying to sand or wire brush, right where the rear firewall and long meet.....
So I modified my harbor freight pressure blaster with a larger hose and more professional type nozzle and am using the “black diamond” stuff from tractor supply. It works pretty good but I should have worn some type of full body suite, because it basically will coat you with black charcoal. I was smart enough to wear a respirator and full hood,,,,but I had short sleeves on and my arms looked like I had been rubbing charcoal all over them.

What grit ?

[Alain V.]

I don’t remember what grit of the black diamond stuff was. I got it from my local tractor supply store. The bag is long gone so I don’t have it for a reference.

[Alain V.]

I decided to finish up all of the metal work first, before messing with the carbon trunk lid.
I temporarily reinstalled both doors so I could set the front gaps and start fitting the sail & quarter panel sections.

[Alain V.]

Also started test fitting the door sill.

[Alain V.]

Ran into a bit of a hiccup at the bottom of the door jam here. Looks like I’m going to have to put a slit in it and narrow it a little. Been staring at it trying to find the best way to approach this.

[Alain V.]

Here you can see how the bottom is hanging out too far. I’m going to try and take a look at another car and see where I need to adjust mine.

[Alain V.]

Did a little twist here and a little tweak there & everything seems to be fitting better now.
Going to start mocking up the flares on this side now and then flare the ends of the rocker panel to fit, before moving on to the driver side.

Haven't had much time to work on it in a while, but looking forward to getting back to it.

[Alain V.]

managed to work a little on the 914 this weekend.
Got this cool "panel prep tool" from eastwood that puts a slight taper on the edge of your panels before welding. Cuts down on the grinding and was excited to try it out.
I managed to test it on a piece of scrap, then wanted to use it on the bottom edge of my new sail panel to quarter panel seam. Plugged in the tool, pulled the trigger, and poof.... the top of the arbor broke clean off and shot across the garage floor.

Oh well, I sent an email to eastwood and will see how well their return policy works.

[Alain V.]

I did manage to get the pass side sail panel to quarter welded to each other,,,,,now just need to do the driver side.

[Craigers17]

Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but where did you get that carbon deck lid? I’ve been considering either a CF or FG one for a while. Just trying to figure out which company has the best fitment. Thanks.

[Alain V.]

The lids came from 914 rubber. The front one seems to fit OK, but the rear one must have shifted when they bonded the skin to the framework. I have pics posted on the thread.

[76-914]

The lids came from 914 rubber. The front one seems to fit OK, but the rear one must have shifted when they bonded the skin to the framework. I have pics posted on the thread.

They are pretty good about standing behind the products that they sell. Give them a call (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Alain V.]

The lids came from 914 rubber. The front one seems to fit OK, but the rear one must have shifted when they bonded the skin to the framework. I have pics posted on the thread.

They are pretty good about standing behind the products that they sell. Give them a call (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Nah, it's been around three years ago that I bought those pieces.
Had I noticed the issue right away, I would have talked to them about it, but the tail panel was not installed at the time so I didn't have a good way to test fit the rear lid.

I'll just have to learn about carbon fiber and figure out how to fix it.

[tygaboy]

I've done some composite work and working with carbon fiber is essentially the same as working with fiberglass. You may want to check w/914 Rubber and ask which resin type they used. I'd assume epoxy but good to be sure.
I've had good luck with West Systems epoxy products and can highly recommend.
You may also want to check out www.fibreglast.com for other supplys you may need.
If I can be of any help, if you'd like to talk in more detail, PM me and we can work out a time to talk.
And because you guys are always: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thisthreadisworthlesswithoutpics.gif) , here's a pic of a carbon / kevlar tank I made for a bike build I did.

[Root_Werks]

That is a lot of metal work, impressive!

[Alain V.]

thanks for the website name, Tygaboy.
I remember looking over that site years ago, but forgot the name.
I may hit you up for some advice when I get to the point of playing with the trunk lid. Right now, my biggest goal is to get the metal work done so I can get the car into primer and at least paint the underside & engine compartment.