Now I have two projects going at the same time. Once the first panel is off the forms I can reverse each form to create a mirror image for the driver’s side. I remove each form and clean off the glue residue.
The each form is put in position in the correct orientation. It’s pretty easy to get confused at this point. Some careful notes help. A straight edge establishes a reference line.
Since I covered the process on the build of the first panel I’ll point out what I’m doing different this time. I’ll still include some progress pictures.
One of the problems I had on the first panel was I put too much hot melt under the first strip. That lifted it up a bit and I had to do some extra sanding to level it out. Unfortunately I figured this out after I installed the first strip – with too much hot melt – again.
So, I tore it off and started over.
After that I can proceed as before.
Once the panel is large, I use a different clamping technique. A piece of bicycle inner tube and a spring clamp work quite well.
This time I use a coping saw to cut the curves for the fender trim instead of a utility knife – much better!
After sanding to 320 grit it is ready for fiberglass and epoxy.
Once the first panel is off the forms I can reverse each form to create a mirror image for the driver’s side. The each form is put in position in the correct orientation. It’s pretty easy to get confused at this point.
I know this situation. Doing anything once and then doing it in reverse order can be hard. Looking good Steve.
"Duck and Bob would be out doin some farming with funny hats on." chrisstef
Ross - I didn't plan it that way, but I was thinking the same thing! I didn't do enough fill coats on the passenger side and my sanding nicked the cloth a bit (I think it will be hard to see, but I'll know). So twice as many fill coats on the driver's side!
Learning as you go Steve, the very nature of woodworking, or any craft for that matter. I still can't believe the immense level of detail required in this project. Astonishing to say the least, but you appear to have it under control though, and doing a great job.
