Pigeon-Rat - Opel gambler build

[ashman]

The problem with just pulling it out is that I still have a fixed position at the front and back. The front of the panel has to stay attached to the door frame, and the back is attached to the hatch frame.

That will keep me from being able to pull it out very far, but I will give it a try before cutting.

 

[skunked]

I'd be cutting more of the pathfinder before I make those cuts on the quarters.

 

[72gmck5]

There's still a lot of pathfinder that hasn't been cut body wise. You can cut back the inner wheel wells on the pathy and get the opel down onto floor before determining what needs to trimmed, sectioned or flared.

 

[ashman]

Been doing a lot of grinding so this was bound to happen eventually:


Luckily no damage when it let go.

I got the opel quarter panels cleared off.

None of the braces you can see in the pic are attached to the skin. It does look like I can pull the skin out an inch or 2, so maybe it will be enough.

Also got to work clearing more of the pathfinder.

If possible I'd like to keep that brace attached to the front of the wheel well, but it could go if it has to.


Gonna take some thinking in this area. I'll try cutting it free, then moving it inboard a bit. Hopefully that will work. I dont want to have to completely cut it out and rebuild the area if I dont have to, but we'll see.

 

[ashman]

Made some promising progress today.





Everything looks pretty good, but looks can be deceiving. It's all the way down in the back, and very close to all the way in the front (got a few little things that need trimming).
Unfortunately the whole body needs to move forward 4-5".


It's not a huge deal, but it means the rear fenders aren't going to line up with the pathfinder axle. Probably going to have to cut them out and move them back.

 

[ashman]

I trimmed off about 5" from the back of the pathfinder:


Then cleaned up the A-pillars:


Got the opel body into it's final position.




Time to start welding this thing back together!

 

[ashman]

just adding a few links. There are actually a few parts available for the Rekord. It appears that mine is a 1966 "Rekord B"

window regulators:
https://www.copeparts.nl/en/shop/classic-opels/rekord-abc

steering wheel:
https://mm-opelparts.com/suspension...arm/steering-wheel/1960080562/steering-wheel/

windshield rubber:
https://mm-opelparts.com/exterior/w...ber-with-space-for-filler-strip-except-coupé/

front turn signals:
https://www.opel-classic-parts.com/en/cart/A1112_Signal_lamp_complete_left_Rekord_A_B_1963-66.html

 

[ashman]

Pulled the body off one last time so that I can weld up the gap that will be under the windshield.


Cardboard template.


Filler piece:


It's been awhile since I welded on sheet metal so rather than jump in and get it welded up, I spent some time practicing on some scrap. No pics, but I think I got it dialed in. I'll get it welded up tomorrow, then drop the body back on for the final time.

 

[mrk5]

That'll be a big milestone!

 

[Blazooki]

you know this is gonna turn into your main wheeling rig

 

[mrk5]

Next stop, Truck Night in America!

 

[ashman]

Next stop, Truck Night in America!

Then I can look super disappointed when I lose the first race.

 

[ashman]

I got the body back down for the final time.

Just had to hang a door to take a look.

There is still a gap under the windshield that I plan to mostly fill with something flexible. Paintable caulk most likely.

I'm still deciding on if I'll add any more metal in the area. I'm scared to death to weld on the metal contacting the windshield. It's not replaceable, and I'd likely crack it if I weld too close or try to remove it.

 

[ZooMad75]

Looks killer.

Panel bond. Use it to attach the metal you wanted to weld under the window. Ain't going to be pretty, but it would work.

 

[ashman]

I got a fair amount done today.

Started here:


Ended here:


Total of 7 pieces went into the A-pillar. Some fairly complicated patches near the bottom.


In:


I got a few pieces welded in on the passenger side before I ran out of time. Should be able to finish that after work tomorrow.

Also, I bought a new welding helmet!


I was using a harbor freight helmet before and the difference is startling. Its amazing just how much better I can see with this helmet. Definitely improved my welds. Thanks @blazinzuk @kgblazerfive @Blazooki for the recommendation.

 

[kgblazerfive]

Thing is awesome

 

[mrk5]

I got a fair amount done today.

Started here:
View attachment 304626

Ended here:
View attachment 304627

Total of 7 pieces went into the A-pillar. Some fairly complicated patches near the bottom.
View attachment 304628

In:
View attachment 304629

I got a few pieces welded in on the passenger side before I ran out of time. Should be able to finish that after work tomorrow.

Also, I bought a new welding helmet!
View attachment 304625

I was using a harbor freight helmet before and the difference is startling. Its amazing just how much better I can see with this helmet. Definitely improved my welds. Thanks @blazinzuk @kgblazerfive @Blazooki for the recommendation.

Still would like to get one of those helmets.

 

[ashman]

I was messing around with the drivers door a bit last night and realized there is no window regulator. The door is empty other than the latch mechanism. The window itself is just tied up with some wire. I'm going to have to source some sort of aftermarket universal regulators. Anybody have any experience with this? Preferably relatively cheap.

 

[kgblazerfive]

Seat belt is how the old school racer guys did it to save weight.

 

[ashman]

Seat belt is how the old school racer guys did it to save weight.

I didn't toss the A/C, don't think I'll be tossing the windows. :P