20 We used one of our Boze wheels to mock-up how deep the wheel would mount in the well, and clamped the floor lip back in place for tack welding. Since we weren't using an aftermarket, premeasured mini-tub kit, it was necessary to use a wheel for checking the measurement of how much we'd need to widen the wheelhouse.20 We used one of our Boze wheels to mock-up how deep the wheel would mount in the well, 21 Everything checked out, so Tommy began welding the floor lip back into place.21 Everything checked out, so Tommy began welding the floor lip back into place. 22 After the welds are cleaned and dressed, this area will be all set. 23 Towards the front of the floor where the lip curves around, we needed some metal mods and custom fabricating. Here, a metal stretcher is used to form and widen a piece we'll be using to finish the lip.23 Towards the front of the floor where the lip curves around, we needed some metal mods 24 To get this part right, a piece of heavy masking paper and some tape are used to mock-up the length and bends.24 To get this part right, a piece of heavy masking paper and some tape are used to mock- 25 Here you can see the correct convertible wheelhouse on the left, and the coupe/sedan wheelhouse on the right. Note the flat spots on the ragtop piece versus the coupe/sedan one. Because of the low number of convertibles built, and low demand for related unique parts, Goodmark hasn't added this part to its catalog yet. In fact, the only source for this part is Dynacorn. A call to Dynacorn's Jim Christina saved the day, and we soon had the correct wheelhouses to keep our installation going. If Goodmark doesn't happen to have the parts you need in their catalog yet, give the folks at Dynacorn a call, or visit www.dynacorn.com.25 Here you can see the correct convertible wheelhouse on the left, and the coupe/sedan w 26 The Dynacorn wheelhouses come preassembled. Here, CARS owner Jim Barber fits the new piece in place for measurement.26 The Dynacorn wheelhouses come preassembled. Here, CARS owner Jim Barber fits the new p 27 To make enough room for the new rear tire/wheel combo, the wheelhouse will need to be widened two inches. So the fitment with the quarter isn't affected, we'll add the metal to the inside half of the assembly. This will have it butted right next to the floorpan.27 To make enough room for the new rear tire/wheel combo, the wheelhouse will need to be 28 First the housing is split down the middle of the inner half using a cutoff wheel.28 First the housing is split down the middle of the inner half using a cutoff wheel. 29 Using a strip of steel, Tommy clamps the expansion piece in place so it can be tack-welded to the house. You want just enough welds to hold the strip firmly in place, but not create more work for yourself if you need to shift things around. For this process we're using a MIG-welder set for the appropriate steel thickness.29 Using a strip of steel, Tommy clamps the expansion piece in place so it can be tack-we 30 Next, the rest of the house is aligned and clamped for welding. Once it's set, we'll use the MIG to tack it in place.30 Next, the rest of the house is aligned and clamped for welding. Once it's set, we'll u 31 Because the hump/curvature of the inner wheelhouse is being shifted over so much, the mounting tab on the brace will need to be shifted upward so it can be properly attached to the house. The spot welds on the back side have already been drilled out, and an air chisel is being used (gently) to separate the two pieces.31 Because the hump/curvature of the inner wheelhouse is being shifted over so much, the 32 With the mounting tab out of the way, the freshly widened wheelhouse is set in place so we can mark where the tab should go, and see if any further mods are needed.32 With the mounting tab out of the way, the freshly widened wheelhouse is set in place s 33 Because the angle the tab will attach at is going to change, this triangular notch will need to be cut out so it can bend to the proper angle.33 Because the angle the tab will attach at is going to change, this triangular notch wil 34 With the slice made, you can see where the tab was bent inward for the necessary angle so it can attach to the wheelhouse.34 With the slice made, you can see where the tab was bent inward for the necessary angle 35 If you're doing this work at home or in a private shop, having plenty of welding clamps will save you time and a lot of frustration. Here you can see the mounting tab clamped back in place on the support, and in full contact with the wheelhouse just like it was originally.35 If you're doing this work at home or in a private shop, having plenty of welding clamp 36 A couple of tacks with the MIG and the tab is secure. After everything with the wheelhouse is double checked and the quarter-panel refitted, we'll tack the wheelhouse in place too.36 A couple of tacks with the MIG and the tab is secure. After everything with the wheelh 37 Here's the whole picture. Once the finish welding and rust cleanup is done, we'll be ready for the new quarter-panel to be welded in place. Once painted this will be a "stealth" mini-tub job, and require closer examination before anyone with less than a trained eye will notice we've added some extra space here.37 Here's the whole picture. Once the finish welding and rust cleanup is done, we'll be r SOURCES Goodmark Industries 625 Old Norcross Road Suite E Lawrenceville GA 30045 877-477-3577 www.goodmarkindustries.com Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. 8235 Nautical Point Drive Belews Creek NC 27009 336-595-3900 www.classicautomotiverestoration.com Dynacorn Classic Bodies 4030 Via Pescador Camarillo CA 93012 805-987-8818 www.dynacornclassicbodies.com « | 1 | 2 | 3 | View Full Article By Patrick Hill Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
