70 chevelle

[70 Chevelle]

Here she is. I've been trolling around here over a year and decided to post pics of my 70. She has been sitting 15 years since being painted. I was going to do a big block back then and I'm actually glad I never finished . Looking back the car would have been extremely impractical, ridiculous roller , 13:1 compresssion. My direction for the car has changed drastically. LS mock block is on the way along with a 4L80 core once the engine and suspension are mocked I'll get her ripped apart and give her some fresh paint. 15 years of moving from garage to garage has put a few scratches on her. All of the sheet metal is original except the front fenders, I bought the car with a horrible glass clip on it , luckily I bought nos fenders back then. It's a spotless rust free shell. sorry about the quality of the pics it's hard to get a good picture inside my shop with the light. Will post fresh pics as I make progress

[55chevyman]

like the chevelle cant wait to see more updates.

[70 Chevelle]

I have to raise the engine slightly because the centerlink is making slight contact with the pan on full turn, I think I'll just make frame brackets that are slightly higher than the originals. Other than that the 4l80 looks like it's going to fit with some slight clearencing just above the tail housing where it bolts to the back of the trans.

[70 Chevelle]

I managed to get some dash work done. I molded my own dash insert and fabbed a panel for the Vintage air unit. I'm waiting on some mig parts to get the main unit under the dash and I still need to mold some pods to flush mount the gauges. The controller panel is two pieces to allow the controller to sit flush. I have not decided whether to paint the panel black or leave it brushed, leaning toward black.

[70 Chevelle]

Vacuum bagging even got the edges to roll over into the crevice that surrounds the panel.

[Smock67]

Nice project looks like your moving quite fast. The dash panel looks nice.

[TPI Monte SS]

Great work so far, keep us updated please!

[Young Gun]

awsome! keep us updated!

[shortrack]

chevelles rock.......!!!

[70 Chevelle]

Finally got the tie rod clearence right. ATS mounts, short narrow stands , tall narrow mounts. but also used the clamshell plate which comes with the motor mounts the recessed area on the plate will have to be ground flat as the ATS mount already has this recess in it.

[andrewb70]

I would suggest to you that you not raise the engine. In fact, I would urge you to lower it as much as possible and come up with another solution for the tie rod issues. When these cars are lowered driveline angles become a problem. When you raise the front of the engine the problem becomes even worse. Add to that the longer 4L80 transmission and I can guarantee to you that you will have issues. I have always had a high speed driveline vibration in my GTO and I think I am finally getting a good handle on it. I haven't posted anything about it in my build thread yet, but I will.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=369003#post369003

Today I am actually going to see if I can find some narrow/short engine mounts to try and lower my engine. Modify the pan to clear the tie rods.

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

The only thing that raised it were those plates which isn't much. The combination of short stand and tall mount equals that of the tall stand and short mount. I am using a short stand and tall mount which would have been used on this car with a small block anyway. As far as the 4l80 goes I'm thinking about dumping the idea. I'm gonna wait and see how the headers fit with both combinations and make my decision then. The 80 is a tight fit and requires that the engine sit further forward than I'd like to have it which might cause a problem using off the shelf headers. Once I get the headers I'll post pics with both trannies for comparisons sake.

[andrewb70]

The only thing that raised it were those plates which isn't much. The combination of short stand and tall mount equals that of the tall stand and short mount. I am using a short stand and tall mount which would have been used on this car with a small block anyway. As far as the 4l80 goes I'm thinking about dumping the idea. I'm gonna wait and see how the headers fit with both combinations and make my decision then. The 80 is a tight fit and requires that the engine sit further forward than I'd like to have it which might cause a problem using off the shelf headers. Once I get the headers I'll post pics with both trannies for comparisons sake.

Tony,

I raised my tailshaft not even 1/2 inch and it made a huge difference in the angles. Unfortunately, now the front u-joint on my driveshaft is grazing the floor boards. I am using the same frame stands as you are with the tall/narrow mounts. I am going to swap them over to the short and wide ones to bring my engine down.

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

Please correct me if I'm wrong , but switching to the other style of mount will give you the exact same height of combined mount and stand. For example with the short stand tall mount will give you a combined height of 3.25 like my car does. Switching to a taller stand and and shorter mount will still give you a combined height of 3.25. I've seen pictures of the two side by side somewhere on the web I'll try to find them and post a link. I think it was on ls1tech.com.

[The WidowMaker]

70 chevelle - you are correct. the correct combo of mounts will give you the same height. im running the modified tall stand and tall motor mount. this gives me about 1/2" more and it helps the tie rods clear the pan. i installed the tremec yesterday (mock up) and with the tranny down 3* the slip yoke is about 1/4" from the floor. if my trig is correct, i need to raise the rear another 3/4" to get my angle to 1.5* down. i know gokou found this angle to be the best. any more input?

i think i must have gotten a massive mount, because where it sits now is with an unaltered mount or crossmember.

i plan on cutting the driveshaft tunnel up anyways, so i dont see why there should be an issue with the motor being slightly higher. in fact i think it will make for a better cog. i think the headers will be my lowest pt, so by raising them 1/2", i can drop the whole car 1/2". it will end up with the motor the same height off the ground and the car will be 1/2" lower giving me a better cog.

[70 Chevelle]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/DSC02809JPG-1.jpg


This is not my picture someone on ls1tech kindly posted the info

[70 Chevelle]

Andrew,

Thats the picture I was talking about Andrew. The plate that I installed behind my mount is the one that comes in the motor mount box to encapsulate the urethane material and would have to be used on a small or big block to keep the urethane in place . The ATS mounts have a recess machined right into them eliminating the need for the plates in an ls swap but the slight difference in height gave me just enough height to not have tie rod issues.


Widowmaker

What's the total combined height of your mount and stand now?

[The WidowMaker]

ill have to measure, but its the difference in height btwn the two motor mounts. somewhere there is a link to energy suspensions site that has the two listed. it was right at about 1/2", i think.

[The WidowMaker]

just found the link. mines the difference btwn the shorter s/w at 1 3/4 and the t/n at 2 3/16. so mine sits 7/16 higher, if the picture is correct and they are the same height down the the 16th.

[70 Chevelle]

I think you would be better off lowering the engine as much as possible. If it wasn't for tie rod and centerlink clearence I would try to place it lower.

[andrewb70]

I have the combo on the right in the picture above. I tried the wide/short mount with the short stand and the tie rod clearance was too much. Tony if I were you, I would go ahead and modify that pan right now. Mine is already installed, and I am too far into it. It would take a very small notch to give you the room that you need to clear the tie rods and place the engine as low as possible. Believe me, this will make life easier when you go to set all of your angles. Here is an extreme example of what can be done and his results are very good. Smooth as a new car he says:

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213271

After messing around with the driveline angles for the past 3 days I think I have it where I am happy. The ultimate test will be on the road, but I ran the driveshaft to about 5000 RPM and it seems pretty smooth. I did that several times today at various angles and I could definitely sense a harmonic at other settings.

Andrew

[The WidowMaker]

andrew, what angles did you end up with. are they in relation to the frame or level ground at ride height?

thanks, Tim

[70 Chevelle]

Andrew,
I'm waiting for my spindles to come back from anodizing. Once they do I'm going to install my suspension stuff and establish a ride height and go from there. If you don't mind sharing whats your ride height and driveline angles. I know you said your car was sittin a little high in your thread did you end up getting it right yet. How is she running?

[andrewb70]

Andrew,
I'm waiting for my spindles to come back from anodizing. Once they do I'm going to install my suspension stuff and establish a ride height and go from there. If you don't mind sharing whats your ride height and driveline angles. I know you said your car was sittin a little high in your thread did you end up getting it right yet. How is she running?

I updated my thread. I have not driven it yet, but I am hopeful that I am on the right track to getting the vibration smoothed out.

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

Just got them back from ATS today. Had to have the tapers changed so I had them anodized while they were there.

[andrewb70]

Just got them back from ATS today. Had to have the tapers changed so I had them anodized while they were there.

Sexy!!!

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

Thanks man, this thing feels like it's gonna be years at this pace !

[andrewb70]

It took me 4 years to finish my GTO. Just work on it a little at a time. Never forget that it is a hobby for your enjoyment. No need to rush and get burned out on it.

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

I received my seats and belts and some other parts and figured why not try making my own door panels. Started by making a glass panel to replace the cardboard.I picked up some insulation foam and shaped it till I got a shape I liked and I'm in the process of transferring to mdf so I can make a mold and eventually make them completely out of glass

[70 Chevelle]

Foam mock up

[70 Chevelle]

starting mdf .Does anyone know why I can only add one attachment at a time ? If I try to add more than one the window closes?

[70 Chevelle]

A little progress
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01090-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01092-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01093-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01094-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01095-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/DSC01096-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Hey Tony,

Are you using MDF for the door panels?

Andrew

[70 Chevelle]

I'm only using mdf to make a temporary panel. Once the mdf panel is done I'll use it to make a female mold then the end product will be made from that mold in fiberglass, mabye carbon. No mdf in the final product other than very small sub box

[1badchevelle]

When can you start on a set for me.......
looks great

[70 Chevelle]

Had some time this week so I blocked and smoothed and rolled all the edges. I put them in primer tonight and have them at the point where I can pull a mold from it. This is taking a ton of time I thought the dash insert was bad but these are much worse.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC01105-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC01106-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC01108-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC01109-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Awesome job they look great. The way you have them set in the car the black part looks finnished !

[1971CHEVELLE]

Looks very good:1st:

[70 Chevelle]

After an insane amount of work I finally have a mold.
Here is the master mounted to a board and sprayed with pva.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay026-1.jpg
After gelcoat
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay027-1.jpg
Fiberglassed and framed for support
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay035-1.jpg
Finished
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay036-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay037-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/ebay038-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

Hopefully by next weekend I'll be able to pop my panel out of the mold

[jackfrost]

nice work. what's going in the insert?

[1badchevelle]

will you be making extra sets?

[70 Chevelle]

nice work. what's going in the insert?

I think they are just going to be solid black leather like the rest of the panel. I like simple.

[70 Chevelle]

will you be making extra sets?

Doubtfull. The amount of time and money I have invested in this one panel is way more than I expected . I need to find a much less labor intensive way of making the mold.

[70 Chevelle]

Fresh out of the mold
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC011571-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC011561-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC011592-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

I gave it a rough trim and mocked it up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC011601-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC011611-1.jpg

[1badchevelle]

Doubtfull. The amount of time and money I have invested in this one panel is way more than I expected . I need to find a much less labor intensive way of making the mold.
If you decide to make extra sets or change your mind let me know.

[70 Chevelle]

A little progress
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC011651-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC011641-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC011711-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

Finally got back to the door panels. I originally wanted to use BMW handles but the handle body had curves that would not allow it to sit flat. The hunt was on. After looking through fleabay for a few days I decided to hit the local pick n pull hoping to find something I liked that was flat. I finally spotted these in a Mitsubishi Diamante. Since deciding on the handles I also decided to repop this panel so that the recess for the handle and the recess for the speaker would all be moulded as one piece versus bonding them to a finished panel. The end result would be no chance of the recess delaminating from the panel itself. Tomorrow I'll start on the recess for the speaker and grille. In the mean time this panel will serve as a mock up panel.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011761-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011771-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011781-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011801-1.jpg
The white insert will be bonded into the mold I made earlier so the recess will be one piece with the new panel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011791-1.jpg
recess glassed in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011811-1.jpg
Had to throw it back in the car to see how it looks.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC011841-1.jpg

[1badchevelle]

any update?

[70 Chevelle]

I got the speaker recess figured out and a mounting system figured out. The grill cloth isn't pulled tight yet it's just laying in there
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011861-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011851-1.jpg
Backing panels finished and upper rails bonded
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011871-1.jpg
And then there were two. I'll be making a new mold for the passenger side with a much smoother finish that incorporates the door panel recess and the door handle recess so they dont have to be bonded in later. I should have molds for both front panels in the next week. Then I'll get started on the rear.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011901-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011891-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSC011881-1.jpg

[1badchevelle]

:seizure::hail::jawdrop:

Keep up the good work.

[70 Chevelle]

Thanks!

[Motown 454]

Nice work, they look great.

[stmeljes]

you sure you dont want to make extras, you already got the mold done, make some side money!! Id be interested

[70 Chevelle]

you sure you dont want to make extras, you already got the mold done, make some side money!! Id be interested
Quite a few people have asked. Once I get the the rest of the panels done I'll see where I stand. I just would not want to pomises I could not follow through on. I still have to make the rear panels, kick panels and package tray a center console and when all is said and done I'm going to take a good look at the dash and decide if I want to use the insert I've made for the dash or make a completely custom piece. All of this has been very time consuming so the rest of the panels will probably take me a while. If people are still interested when I'm done I may consider it.

[70 Chevelle]

Finally got around to mold 2.0
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01246-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01247-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01250-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01249-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01252-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01258-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/DSC01259-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Nice work.

[CruizinKev]

wow nice!!!!

[70 Chevelle]

Pics from yesterday
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC012601-1.jpg

PVA sprayed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC012631-1.jpg

Ready to roll
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC012641-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC012651-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC012661-1.jpg

[1badchevelle]

When do I get to order my set? Nice work. Keep the pics coming.

[CruizinKev]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/homerdrool-1.gif

wow awesome!!!

[70 Chevelle]

I pulled it from the mold today. I'm really happy I remade the mold. At the last minute I made the decision to add some Nomex honeycomb and I'm really happy I did.The panel is extremely rigid.

Release film
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01271-1.jpg

After the bagging materials were removed Icooked for a day and a half with some flood lamps
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01274-1.jpg
Out of the mold
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01277-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01278-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01272-1.jpg

Trimmed up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01279-1.jpg

[Mr. Anderson]

Wow, excellent work on the door panels! Now make some for a '66 :cool:

[jocko124]

I would like to place a second order for a 66 Cutlass. HAH. Great job.

[pmgm]

Great work on your door panels...

[70 Chevelle]

Slow but steady progress. I did not like the look of the door pull just sitting in a surface hole so I made a pocket for it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC012921-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC012941-1.jpg

1/2 inch aluminum speaker baffles for 8 inch midbass taking shape
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC012901-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC012911-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013141-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013151-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013001-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013011-1.jpg

Made trims for the inner door handle to match the speaker baffle
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013131-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013121-1.jpg

Door pull boxes. I wanted to keep door modifications to a minimum because the original doors are rust free. I also wanted the door pulls to mount directly to the door so there was no stress on the panel itself when using the door pull.I also had to come up with a way to connect the new inner door handles to the latch. I accomplished this only having to cut a one inch square out of the door with this box.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013031-1.jpg

I then started with a one inch piece of bar stock that I threw in the lathe and took 1/2 inch out of the center and machined the ends to accept a 9/16 od roller bearing. The ends of the stock were machined to accept a nylon washer so the arms would not rattle against the body.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013051-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013081-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013101-1.jpg

I then burned in some arms to connect the original door rods to . I left them a little long to make adjustments later if need be. Also drilled for zerk fittings.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013111-1.jpg

Burned them in and made some inner door handle mounts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC013041-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Wow very nice work .

[CruizinKev]

Wow very nice work .
x2 awesome work! :twothumbs

[70 Chevelle]

Some progress. I had to change things around a little because the speakers I was going to use are being discontinued. I could not sit around and hop that something would fit by the time the car was finished so I just added as much depth as the door would allow. The downside being having to cut the door a little. I made molds for internal bracing and speaker depth. After popping the parts out of the molds I got the bracing bonded in. I then machined the base for the base for the lock knob trim. Hopefully by this time next week I will have mounted the base and finally bonded the panel together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/9e040922-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/3673ffb1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/b2dc09ee-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/75e65b8d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/86edce58-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/6cba2d02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/7244ff99-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

Finally. one panel done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/74ab4e02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/a54c1c8f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/cd87e32b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/e451b081-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/7cd6fc1d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/966b5cda-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/683250e9-1.jpg

[protouring70]

Wow, that seems like a lot of work!!!. But the end result is nice!! Good job!

[70 Chevelle]

Drivers side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/46ee4056-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/25f34d67-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/3037d169-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/93ed7163-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/5d28319b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/aa31f1af-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/b351df8e-1.jpg

[YoungbloodK]

I love what ur doing with the door panels. I have a 70 chevelle too. U might aswell make alot of them because thats the move right there. U've got me as a customer.

[INTMD8]

Awesome job, very impressive! Where did you learn how to build molds and do the glass work?

[70 Chevelle]

Thank you guys. I've done my own body work for years and that involved some lite glass work from time to time.This is by far the biggest glass project I've taken on. I am by no means a pro. Actually I'm a grease monkey by trade.

[70 Chevelle]

Out of the mold.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/316f6a4d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/d27107d8-1.jpg

[1badchevelle]

looking great ..... Are you going to be doing a dash?

[70 Chevelle]

looking great ..... Are you going to be doing a dash?

I have already made an insert for the original style dash . There are pictures on the first or second page. I put off finishing the insert until I finish the rest of the interior.

[70 Chevelle]

Slowly but surely.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0132-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0131-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0134-1.jpg

[ramlinman]

if you don't wish to make anymore panels. would you be interested in selling your molds? i would be interested in that. i too can appreciate your accomplishment.

rich

[ramlinman]

double post

[78 Type-LT]

killer work man

[70 Chevelle]

if you don't wish to make anymore panels. would you be interested in selling your molds? i would be interested in that. i too can appreciate your accomplishment.

rich

Thank you for asking but it would be difficult to sell something I do not actually have yet. It's been a pretty long run and I do not have the rear panels , package tray ,kick panels or center console done yet and I'm sure it will be a while before I do. Even when finished they are not a bolt in deal which is what I had originally been shooting for. Speaker options for the original design were very slim and I did not want to get to the end of the project and realise there would be no replacements if one went bad. I then decided to go into the door which requires cutting for clearence. I may consider selling at the end but it's much too early to make promises.

[70 Chevelle]

2 down
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0135-1.jpg

Started on the rear layout
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0139-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

I cut the rear panel pattern and started the layout for the rear deck.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0143-1.jpg

Base for the deck.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0140-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0141-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0146-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0147-1.jpg
.

[The WidowMaker]

is there a way to make the panels from thinner, ultra light mdf and cover in glass to reinforce? it just seems that your first product was very useable, with weight being the only downside i could think of. it would still be heavier, but would be much less time consuming.

will you cover in thin foam and then leather/vinyl/cloth?

still trying to figure out what im going to do. either marquez if they come out with something, fesler door panels with my dash and rear deck, or everything from me.

keep up the good work!

[70 Chevelle]

The rear panels will be very light. The mdf you see is only to make patterns. I just found out about c70 and will be looking into it . The front panels also have no mdf in them. They are completely sealed and hollow to utilise the air space as speaker enclosures. There is approximately .65 cubic feet of air space in each front panel. Yes the entire interior will be done in black leather. The major reason you see everything vacuum bagged is for weight and strength. The front panels do weigh a bit but the glass for them had to be thicker due to it being used as an enclosure. Sorry for running on I'm typing from my phone.

[The WidowMaker]

i guess thats my main question; does everyone use the mdf for the prototype only, or is there a way to use the wood as a final product? they look bitchin as is. if there was a way to just use what you have, your time would end up being 1/10th of what its going to be. your molds are great for multiples, but for one offs it just seems like a lot of work. just trying to figure out what the norm is.

[ramlinman]

where in the chicago area are you? i'm up in mchenry county have a 68 ,70 and 72 in progress at the moment. i would like to drop in and see your process first hand

rich

[70 Chevelle]

i guess thats my main question; does everyone use the mdf for the prototype only, or is there a way to use the wood as a final product? they look bitchin as is. if there was a way to just use what you have, your time would end up being 1/10th of what its going to be. your molds are great for multiples, but for one offs it just seems like a lot of work. just trying to figure out what the norm is.

You can use mdf as a final product , lots of stereo installers do, but the panels are VERY heavy. The masters I use to make the mold from are almost completey mdf and probably weigh around 35 to 40 pounds each. I'm talking about the primer gray panels in some of my earlier posts that are mounted to the sheet of aluminum. I 'm not trying to make the car a feather weight but I also don't want to replace door hinge bushings monthly. The rear panels can be made much differently because they will not serve as a speaker enclosure and can be thinner.

[70 Chevelle]

where in the chicago area are you? i'm up in mchenry county have a 68 ,70 and 72 in progress at the moment. i would like to drop in and see your process first hand

rich I'm near O'hare in Chicago . Any chance you have any interior trim parts for sale?

[70 Chevelle]

Smooth progress lately. Made the last backer panel. Made the armrests. And the sub came in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0151-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0152-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0153-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0154-1.jpg

[ramlinman]

looking good sorry i have nothing for sale right at the moment.

[The WidowMaker]

sorry to keep bugging you for advice, but how did you finish the top and sides? how thick does the panel appear when the door is open? what is the correct way to finish off the tops? did you use the stock metal piece and attach your panel to it, or is it all custom?

i watched a bunch of youtube clips on fiberglassing and making custom panels and i have come up with a few ideas on how to make them light and still incoporate my woodworking "skills". i just dont know how to make it all flow together and finished.

[70 Chevelle]

sorry to keep bugging you for advice, but how did you finish the top and sides? how thick does the panel appear when the door is open? what is the correct way to finish off the tops? did you use the stock metal piece and attach your panel to it, or is it all custom?

i watched a bunch of youtube clips on fiberglassing and making custom panels and i have come up with a few ideas on how to make them light and still incoporate my woodworking "skills". i just dont know how to make it all flow together and finished.

Your not bugging at all. I've been following your car and would be glad to help. The upper half of the panel is 3/4 inch thick give or take. The area toward the middle is about 2 1/2. For the top I disassembled an original door panel and used the original steel upper rail . I bonded the rail to a piece of fiberglass the same shape as the original cardboard with Lord fusor 116. Be careful or what adhesive you use because you are bonding things with completely different expansion rates. Trim the 3/4 mdf below the outer height of the rail (window side). Cover the rail in aluminum duct seal tape and wax. screw the mdf to the fiberglass panel and fill in the top with everglass. Once its filled you can sand it to any shape you like. A few coats of primer, some clear and you are ready to pull a mold off of it. My panel is as thick as it is because I wanted to have a modern thicker door panel look but I also wanted a sealed enclosure. If neither one of these is you goal you can go much thinner. Let me know if I can help.

[70 Chevelle]

Spent some time figuring out how to shape the lower half of the rear panels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/IMAG0159-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/IMAG0157-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/IMAG0158-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/IMAG0162-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/IMAG0163-1.jpg

[70 Chevelle]

I should never have said things were going smooth. The Holidays came and crushed my progress. I need to get the sub box sorted out so I can make the rear deck. Once the deck is finished I can finish off the tops of the rear panels. That required getting my air tank . Everything is currently laid in there with a cardboard box to check for clearences.

Almost all the mud work is done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/IMAG0190-1.jpg

Cardboard mock up sub box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/IMAG0189-1.jpg

[THE TECH]

Great work! I hate working with fiberglass.

[ramlinman]

how are we doing?

[70 Chevelle]

Things came to a temporary halt. I am thinking about changing the set up of the sub and also waiting on some tolls for the sill area. I should be back to progress very soon. Thanks for asking.