I've gotten sick of waiting for the shell to come out....so I've gathered up most of the parts and started assembling myself.

Luckily I have a nice 'vert to take measurements from, a frame rack & jig, and of course a 220V spot weld machine (DiGi S.W.A.T from Titespot Welders ... http://www.titespot.com )

Here are a few of the preliminary pics:

Pic #1 (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/MVC-001S.JPG)

Pic #2 (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/MVC-002S.JPG)

Pic #3 (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/MVC-003S.JPG)

Pic# 4 (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/MVC-004S.JPG)

Pic# 5 (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/MVC-005S.JPG)

Also actively looking for a partner in the Allentown, PA area for my new resto biz... any interest, e-mail me...

Hope you all enjoy the pics.

Just like GM final assembly - without all the people... graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Is the 'Rustang' in the background a "donor car" :D

Vintage -

Nah, the Rustang (67 Fastback GTA) belongs to a buddy of mine. If I cut it up he would be a bit mad! graemlins/clonk.gif ... for a TURD.. oops FURD ... oops FORD.. it's actually a nice car.

Lookin' good!

So, eh... when do you start mass producing the full shells? :D

graemlins/hurray.gif

I guess thats for the Ebay RS? I think you can build the shell yourself for less than the 10k that the new shells cost.Gotta love a daredevil. Keep us posted. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Sure do enjoy the pictures..Looks like you will have yourself a winner graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks Shoddy. That one will be next (the EBay RS smile.gif )

Trying to just build the shell first. There are only about 6 parts not available right now.

Bill, can you post up close pics of spot welds you made with the titespot? I am interested in buying the spot welder, but would like your opinion. Thanks,Roger

pretty cool bill. i would have the guts to do that because if i did, my car would probably be driving sideways. anyway, how is that z11 coming along. i didnt see any updated pics in your website.

angel

Roger,

I will get some pics of the welds. Titespot is made in Wisconsin. The guy ( Paul Wilcox ) who is the owner of the company is a great guy. I pretty much bought everything he offers, but it clocked in at $6500.00 +. Big bucks, but wow, what a welder.

Look for the pics in a day or so.

I want one too Bill!!! Is the order form on your website??? ;) Honestly, what do you think it would cost for a repop ragtop and what parts would you still need (major, not minor ones)?


I would sell my 69 ragtop to make a new repop one. Man the possibilities are endless of what I would do with a repop car..... :D graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Roger,

Here are some links to some pics of the welds:

Pic #1 ( Welds - ECoat removed with roloc pad ) (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/Welds/MVC-001S.JPG)

Pic #2 ( Futher away shot ) (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/Welds/MVC-002S.JPG)

Pic #3 ( Sanded with DA for 1 sec. 80 Grit ) (http://www.cpresto.com/images/BodyProj/Welds/MVC-006S.JPG)

Hope that helps!!!!

( graemlins/hurray.gif My 500th post graemlins/hurray.gif )

Bill, thanks for the pics. Have you tested any welds for strengh on scrap metal? I only see blue heat rings on the spot welds, just wondering if the non-blue area is not welded? Thanks, Roger

The center is heated red hot and melts to the adjoining panel. No heat discoloartion because it is trapped between the copper electrodes and cools fast. The welds are very strong. There is no weld where the blue ring is ... only the center (spot) is welded. The center is about 1/4" across.

[ 07-15-2004, 07:22 PM: Message edited by: 69-Z11Pacer ]

69-Z11Pacer

Well that sure takes the I built it my self to a new level.
Only 6 parts humm
The Magic 8 Ball says,,,,,,,,
a used GM press in in your future. lol

Good luck with her

Very Impressive, What are you using as measurments to be sure that the panels will all line up I would think you would temp all panels together and then weld. I think a tape measure will just lie to you . I would be using the actual pieces(doord ,!/4s, trunk) as a template.

Looks great I am very jealous

DZ

You're using same process I've seen to build the prototype units of any new car model. I saw em build the first '78 Mustang this way.

It looks great so far.
Good luck.

I used to have a spotwelder when I built my Toyota Celica '83 Pro Stocker in 1983. We got the sheetmetal body panels from Toyota and pieced them together with the spotwelder. One every 3/4" was good. The joint is very strong and you can weld it without cleaning away the paint, it will burn away.

Here is how the one we used look.
http://www.colorconsult.se/users/camaro/mine/spotweld.jpg

Here is how the finished car looked:
http://www.colorconsult.se/users/camaro/mine/celica.jpg

Jan