57 Camaro

 
With all the major panels in place and the adhesive curing the only tasks left that would not disturb
things were some small details.  The gas filler door needs to be fit in place by grinding the backside so it sits flush with the rear fender.  Its corners also can be modified to make the gap even at the edges.  The filler hinge was opened and duct tape applied across the opening being careful to press it flat  around the opening flange and leaving it a little loose across the opening. 
This allows the hinge to close and be supported by the tape so it isn’t bottomed out in its travel.  This will keep the door firmly closed and not rattle.   A blob of fiber reinforced filler was applied to the back of the door and the door mushed
in place in the opening.  The tape also keeps the filler from sticking to the fender when it squeezes out.  Tape was used to hole the door in place while the filler cured. 
The safety latch for the hood bolts back in place with the original bolts.  The main hood latch will require a modification to clear the edge of the hood.  The arm needs to be cut off and welded back on in a different position before it also goes back on with the original bolts.  The latch can be adjusted side to side to align with catch.
The Camaro ducted air up under the nose then through the radiator.  The kit opens up the front of the car so the remaining ducting can be removed and modified.
 
The part the is behind hood catch mount has to be cut away.  This is best done by removing it from the car first.  Cut the middle off the duct then reinstall the duct.

I got so used to seeing the car without headlights I almost forgot to cut openings for them.  Using the headlight trim ring as a guide to determine where to mount the light a 7 1/8” hole was cut.  I created a tool to guide a 3/16” diameter end mill.  I spun the end mill with my drill.  If I had a air saw I may have used it to cut the opening but my reciprocating saw and jig saw were both too big to use near the headlight brow.


To this point it has taken 34 hours of work.  At some times I had help but this has been factored in.  Deducted from the time was time lost doing work on the Camaro not part of the install, running for supplies or spent looking up procedures in the Camaro service manual.


Next page - Body work