Side panels - Wht do you think ?

[Enoch]

I am about to fit my side panels in the next week or so but am in two minds as to how to do it. I have bought the fibre glass ones from Saturn - they are really nice quality but are different to the book design. Now I have seen cars with holes in the panels for the wishbones etc to poke through, I have also seen ones where the panel is finished just behind the lower wishbone rear mounting point. I am concerned that unless I do a really good job of cutting and finishing the holes it could look a bit of a mess. What have you guys done / intending to do? To do the individual holes will require removing the front suspension but I don't see that as being a big deal. I want it to look right but have never worked with fibre glass before so that's why I am a bit nervous. That and the fact that I don't fancy destroying 200 quids worth of panels!!
Thanks in advance,
Enoch

[HandyAndy]

Ahhhh now I remember that feeling........ soooooooooo nervous of cutting my panels, I put it off for ages

But,
I,ve got the side panels going all the way to the front frame , with holes cut for the suspension bracket area,s.

It was a slow process as I started with small holes & gradually made them bigger to ensure nothing touched etc, even ensuring the wishbones didn,t touch the side panel when moving up & down.

The hole that I cut for the front lower suspension bracket........sort of runs into 1 big hole that also has the steering rack running thru it.

I have some pics if it,d help?

cheers
andy

[big_wasa]

Be brave and make a template. just remember you can make the hole bigger but not smaller.

Get a sheet of card and make up the part of the side pannel. If you chop to much out you can tape it back on untill you have it how you like it.

[SeriesLandy]

Andy some pics would be great, I haven't got that far yet as I've done nothing since you dropped my panels off.

[HandyAndy]

Originally Posted by SeriesLandy

Andy some pics would be great, I haven't got that far yet as I've done nothing since you dropped my panels off.

No prob, I,ll sort some pics out & post up on this thread , I,ll have a look thru all my build photos & find some that might help ( may take an hour or 2 )

cheers
andy

[twinturbo]

Perhaps a saturn cutting template could be made up

TT

[Enoch]

Thanks guys, Andy any pictures you have would be very useful. The diagram in the book is no good as the saturn side panels have a 90 degree return rather than a slight bend. Appreciate the input, seems like everyone agrees that cutting teh individual holes is the way to go

[spud69]

Originally Posted by twinturbo

Perhaps a saturn cutting template could be made up

TT

Thats the best plan TT, i've been aiming to get that done for a while just never got round to it. This maybe the kick up the butt required....

Thanks.......AndyH

[Enoch]

TT, I will second that. I am not in a hurry as I still have all my tranny tunnel panels to make and fit. I reckon that gives you 2 weeks Andy
Best and all that,
Enoch

[HandyAndy]

I had a look thru all my build pics but the photos I do have of the side panel fitting don,t show enough detail of the front section ( wheel in the way etc),
so i,ll take some pics today without the wheel on & should hopefully give a more helpful photo, will post up later today.

cheers
andy