Well, I've made my first mistake building the car. I've been making paper blanks of all the pieces that I cut and fit so that I understand how the pieces go together and how they should be folded.

So, I made a nice one of the firewall - got it to fit well and made all the bends in it. So far so good. But when I was ready to work with the metal piece I somehow flipped my paper template over and started work. I drilled access holes, made cuts for the center channel, folded, and was ready to try it out.

Six hours later it fits perfectly. However, the holes are on the wrong side and since the piece is not symmetric I can't just flip it around.

So, off to the metal fabricators to get a new laser cut blank.

A $43 lesson, but I will now be labeling everything with THIS SIDE UP, TOP, BOTTOM, FRONT, BACK, etc. At least it is fixable and is not permament.

Does the 1000 hours of build time count these happenings?

Ron

Gees! Ron,
How could you do that! I never did anything like that.
Well maybe once, er no twice , yeah three times but
I know better now.
Welcome to the club. Don't feel like the Lone Ranger.

Your Friend,
Hershal

As many things as I've seen you do right ... and as few as I've seen go even sightly wrong ... I was beginning to wonder.

Just want to assure you that "none of us have EVER done this sort of thing before!"

I have a little stash of drilled rivets, remade pieces, and knives that I darned sure would not want in a customer's hand (that were made in the learning process ;>) Some are fond memories ... some just painful.

All part of he game ... and the fond memories that remain from these endeavors.

Hope all is well with you and yours!



mike starling
FFR 1667
Sabre GT40 6210

Well I was able to get a new piece of sheet and I've not got a beautiful firewall. The fit is great and providing I don't mess up any of the through holes it will be complete. I've managed to make a lot of progress over the last three days and have done 90% of the rear sheet metal work.

The Roaring Forties laser-cut pieces line up very well! I was impressed when I took a horizontal panel and a vertical panel that meet at a right angle, relived them for welds, and they lined up perfectly with just enough overlap to make a perfect corner. And each panel is 26" long and must be parallel to the floor for this to work - they did a nice job with their jigs and frame work.

I will try and get some pics up but I'm having too much fun working on the car.

Ron

Ron,
It's great to here you are going along nicely. I better get some pictures to look at though! LOL,
I haven't seen any of Bob Lawrence's photos, that is if he isn't moving too fast and not taking any. I have a picture of Bob's motor and trans. He did a fine job on the detail. If you didn't see Bob's cobra then you missed one unbelievably detailed car so I know this GT40 will probably out shine it. Ron it looks like we got our work cut out for us. Just make sure all the screw heads line up! LOL!!. No mini boo boos excepted. Only perfection will do. We can't have Bob embarassing us with his minute detail wizardry.
Keep it up guys only 22 more days!!!!!YAHOO. I even got the crow bar by the door polished and waiting to open the crate!

Your Friend,
Hershal

Well, might best put the crowbar away. I had mine ready too, but those fellow at RF don't do anything half-assed and the crates were put together with screws. Make sure your electric screwdriver is charged and handy though, I did use that a lot.

Only 22 days huh? That is about how many I have left waiting for the baby. I've got some pictures on the camera of the latest bits and will get them up here shortly. I'm excited because with the firewall in it actually looks like a car. Just imagine with the motor and spyder?

R

I just bought a new battery powered drill. Now you tell me I get to use it on the RF crate! Is this a great day or what New Drill, New car, and all kinds of new stuff coming in the garage and it ain't even Christmas yet!
Ron it's nice anticipating new things and all but it doesn't compare to expecting a new family member.Them youngins grow up fast and if your'e not careful they will be grown and gone before you know it so take the time and do a lot of the little things.You will remember when they do leave.

Your Friend,
Hershal

Ron, I have made the same mistake but it was very minor on a small part so that I didn't have to replace the piece. I have had better luck staying away from paper templates unless it is a very dificult part with many bends. I got an air conditioner so I won't have a heat stroke. Should be able to get some serious work done now.