I've got a few small things to finish up as far as metal work and welding and then I can put the subframe back under it and align everything in preparation for the DSE subframe connectors.

Minimal progress since the last update, but it's progress. Been kinda bummed since the fiasco with my Fikse wheels. Since the last update I've accomplished the following.

* Trimmed the quarter lips for the 335's.
* Removed the body filler from the previous body work (that I paid to have done) only to find that the driver side quarter to roof skin seam had not been welded solid. So, I welded it solid. I also found that the roof skin was not welded to the windshield pillars, so I had to fix that too!
* Welded up the seams where the deck lid filler panel and quarter panels meet.
* Welded in the trunk latch bracket in the trunk.
* Installed the weatherstrip gutters.
* Had some major pitting in the passenger side a-pillar, so I had to cut out a section and weld a patch piece in.
* Stripped the shell down to bare metal and sealed it with DP primer.

Here's a few photos.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0233_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0234_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0232_large.jpg

Looking good! It is getting there, keep at it.:cheers:

So you paid for some work to be done and had to strip it all back off? And the guy didn't even weld the roof to the A pillars and the quarter seams were bad too? Major bummer! But now you are past that and getting things done, and done right. Nice work!!

Have you come up with a different wheel yet?

That's right. I dropped my car off to a body man in July of 2007 to have the driver side quarter and outer wheel house, roof skin, deck lid filler panel and DSE tubs installed. He quoted me 3-4 weeks for the work, I gave him 8 weeks in the back of my mind. In January 2008, I had enough and went to pick the car up partially done. He had completed everything except the tubs and it took 6 months.

The funny thing was two weeks ago, when I stripped the primer from his work, I found that the EDP primer had not been removed from the new panels he installed. I specifically asked that it be done too. Once I saw that, I decided to strip the body filler off too. That's when I found the seams not welded. Oh well, it's just money down the drain, I guess. I have learned a new skill since then, though...BODY WORK.

Not sure on wheels yet. I want a step lip design and an 11.5" rear wheel, so that limits my choices to a select few since I have to go with a 3 piece wheel to achieve the 11.5" width for the rear. Maybe Forgeline or HRE. I'm gonna concentrate on the body work, undercarriage, and front suspension, then decide on wheels.

Looks great Chris!! That's one nice rebuilt shell!! Going to ba a great foundation to build off....that's for sure!! Big props for doing it all on your own and taking the needed time to do it correctly!! :thumbsup:

Chris --

That is sad.... really.

You wanna know why I built my "shed"? Because I got sick and tired of taking my cars to people - paying big bills - and then bringing them home and doing the work over... So here was the thought process. IF I'm going to pay big bills for work to be done over... then I'll TRY to do the work myself.. THEN if I can't get it done - I will hire someone to come to MY shed to help out... it has to cost less - since I should be able to do a lot of it "right". I'm having fun learning and building skills... and so far I've only had professional help a couple of times, and received one job offer from the pro that liked my work! :lol:

After doing or re-doing 3 or 4 cars since I built it... and helping out many buddies with their stuff... I've come to the conclusion that A: it isn't hard B: the only reason things don't get done in a reasonable amount of time is because nobody worked on it.

Your car is looking great! You should be proud...:thumbsup:

WOW!! Sorry about the fiasco with that so called "body man". That sucks. At least you know it's done right now and like you said, you just learned a little bit more about body work!
GOOD LUCK!!:thumbsup: :cheers:

Looks great! Wish mine that done to that extent!:thumbsup:

That's what I am talking about, nice work man. I just bought a welder a month ago and am learning to weld at 28 years old. I can't afford to take it to a shop so I am going to learn and do it myself.

What kind of experience did you have when you started?

Ryan

Not sure on wheels yet. I want a step lip design and an 11.5" rear wheel, so that limits my choices to a select few since I have to go with a 3 piece wheel to achieve the 11.5" width for the rear. Maybe Forgeline or HRE. I'm gonna concentrate on the body work, undercarriage, and front suspension, then decide on wheels.[/QUOTE]

Check out the forgeline SP3 or S03. or the Comp 93/ 97 from HRE. These are wheels I have been considering for my car since I can no longer get the Profile 5S from Fikse.
Keep up the good work your car is turning out killer:thumbsup: