Scuttle Width

[skov]

Just wondered if anyone else had trouble with the scuttle width?
I'm using a ye olde fabby scuttle (which I believe is the same as the saturn one) with ali panels, and the scuttle seems to be a bit on the wide side. Maybe 3/4" too wide.
If I clamp one side flush the the body, it takes quite a lot of force to push the other side flush too.
Is the pent up tension in it going to cause problems? Or will the fibreglass 'settle' if I leave it clamped for a while?

[Luke2842]

I had a similar problem with my bodywork I left some of it in the conservatory so it heated up and moved out of shape. If you leave the scuttle near a radiator for half hour or so, it should soften up the resins and then clamping it in place should allow the scuttle to resettle in its new postion.

Luke

[MarkB]

Clamp the scuttle to something the same width as the car and ask a local spray shop if you can leave it in the "oven" over night after they shut it down for the day.

[skov]

Thanks guys, sounds like heat is the solution!
I've already fitted the side panels, so no need to add any extra width.

I think I'll try clamping it to the chassis and warming it with fan heaters and/or working it over with a hot air gun

[MarkB]

Panels like the bonnet and sides can prove to be a nightmare if stored in such a way they are not supported or allowed to sit twisted, they will stay like it.

Laminating isn't rocket science but you do have to know what is going on and be on the ball, it's the difference between a really nice part and an average/scrap one.

[skov]

Don't talk to me about the bonnet. Mine's sagged more than a pensioner's chest.
In hindsight storing it unsupported in the back of a car for a few months may have been a mistake...
On the upside it's not nearly as stiff as the scuttle and a bit easier to persuade into position.

[skov]

While I'm on the subject of scuttles is it ok to rivet it to the chassis?
Am I ever likely to need to remove it?