Final Fit Bodywork

[crafty]

I am thinking that using a foam tape (for the straight and flat bits) with non-hardening mastic sealant just in case I ever need to take the panels off. Has anyone else done something similar, if so, what did you use.

Im thinking a butyl sealant like this one from Sika.

www.sika.com.au/cmi/pdfs/TDS_SikaLastomer710.pdf

[steve_D]

It may not be true but I would consider the mastic to be a structural element. It may not be regarded that way in terms of chassis torsional strength but more as strengthening the individual GF panels. If they are allowed to move and vibrate they will start to crack.

Steve

[gtrclive]

If you need to take off the body at any time, you will probably have bigger problems than the mastic, as in the reason for taking it off in the first place ????

[crafty]

I was thinking mainly of AC problems, it would be a nightmare to get it out from underneath and I figure once the body is siliconed together it will never come apart without breaking it.

In any case, if I have an accident that requires the body to come off, my self exploding rivets are going to let loose and the body will come off anyway....... just before the tank explodes.

[crafty]

Have done the "final-final" fit of the body on the weekend. Ready to rivet and fix it next weekend... I am really trying to make sure I get everything before I stick it down. Additional wiring etc was one of them.

I got to thinking about why I would ever need to take the roof off again, and I think the only thing that would require this is replacing the tanks or the sender units.

[gtr-gaz]

Sounds like things are going well

The senders should just lift out of the tanks without having to take anything off?? Mine do.

If you need to replace a tank at any time, it will be easier to cut a hole in the end of the sidepod and slide the tank out that way.

[steve_d]

crafty said:

........... I am really trying to make sure I get everything before I stick it down. Additional wiring etc was one of them........

Before you button it up lay a length of the plastic conduit electricians use under the side pod luggage box. This can then be used later to run cables you forgot from front to back. Stuff one or both ends with a lump of foam to stop fumes coming forward from the engine bay.

Steve

[crafty]

Done already!