SHW's Gallery (page 9 of 10 at the moment) Say Cheese!
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I was told to brace the back end well so added an extra bar down to the floor, what there was of it.
Then I found some rust! If you look closely you can just see some rust spots begining to develope.
I needed the spare wheel well out in one piece if possible.
I next cut the lower rear wing just below the swage line.
The bottom of the rear arch tub is shot both sides.
Then, after much soul searching, I cut the back off.
The only bit that flexed was the two lower rear wing sections. They came in slightly.
Then cut out the harder outer arch section.
It wasn't to bad and was adjusted to match the original height of the old one.
Welded on and it looks okay, sort of. I now just need to get the outer part correct!
So I came up with the brainwave of cutting the corners off the original SHW and marking from that.
It made me feel a whole lot better when I just laid it in place.
It looks about right but until I can joddle the edges and cut the rails I won't know for sure.
I also have to put new bracing in place then remove the top one because I can't test it with a boot lid at present.
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This then forms a nice strong triangle effect to help hold up the rear section and act as a template for the new.
It had even crept along to the spare wheel well. Funny, I'd never noticed it before!
This would make fabrication of a new one slightly easier.
This gave me better access to cut the wheel well out.
The top part isn't that bad, well in comparison to the rest.
All the bracing did it's stuff and held the rear section fine and did not sag. This should make the installation better.
Over the next two nights I cut out and repaired a small n/s lower arch section. (Bit to the right).
My first and only attempt at reproduction.
The outer section will need adjustment once it's welded in place.
After using a ruler on my template marks and taking measurements, (never a good idea), I didn't think it matched.
You may just be able to see that the lines don't line up if you blow up the picture. (Remember that I have to add 10mm on to allow for the joddler).
Because I haven't cut the chassis rails yet the top doesn't line up.
It made a change to see a boot floor though.
