Well. The fiberglass work is done at least.
My last post was all about the importance of taking your time when working with fiberglass. It’s frustrating when your trying to make something out of nothing and it doesn’t go the way it should. I’m sure that goes for any hobbyist when they are starting out.
After stuffing the fiberglass with green foam and SEALING the foam with a layer of glue AND masking tape I sealed up the backs with ‘glass and once that dried enough I got to work on filling all the low spots from where the foam had melted causing the fiberglass to sink in.
While I saved you the horror of having to look at all of those boring picks, let me tell you it was a lot of work!
Filling, letting it cure, filing and sanding, more filling, you get the picture. I finally got them to a point where I am happy.
Right now I am going to keep them in house for a few weeks to let the final cure occur in a warm house. They feel extremely solid, but very light weight.
I’ve been struggling with how I am going to attach them to the fenders. The ends of the fenders have holes where the Royal front-end mounted. For awhile I was thinking of reusing the nuts and bolts by drill holes and bonding them into the pieces I made with resin.
I was worried about so many things, it was crazy! What if they didn’t align, what if the bolts wouldn’t bond, what if they did but became detached! UGH!!!
After searching some auto body forums looking for ideas, I’ve decided on using 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive.
This is a two-part self mixing epoxy that is specifically formulated for bonding steel, aluminum, and various composites to each other. Many of the automobile manufacturers use it at the factory and is widely used in the collision repair industry.
I’ve read stories of technicians bonding quarter panels and years later the same car came back from another accident and the epoxy held together.
If it is good enough for them, it’s sure as hell good enough for me!
Once attached and cured per the instructions I will be filling in the outer seams with Everglass and blending it all together.
Now that the extensions are complete I have a ton of other things I can focus on!
I started knocking off the rust scaling with a wire wheel, nasty nasty job.
Make sure to wear a dust mask or filtered mask when doing this type of work. Once I get it all off I will spray a couple coats of Eastwood’s Rust Paint so it doesn’t come back.
I also started knocking down the 41 year old factory bondo that was under the vinyl top so I can do a skim coat and blend that in as well.
Not to mention all of the holes that need filling.
I will be figuring out how to attach the ’74 specific headlight mounts, installing a passenger side mirror (I know I know, not screen correct but I have a narrow driveway that is 150 feet long!).
I also have the connections and wiring to make my harness for the turn signals and parking lamps! Good thing I have some good heaters in the garage! I have plenty to do during this cooooold winter!
Until next time, keep on motoring!
