Over the last few weeks I've been working on completing the mini-tub, replacing an engine bay apron (battery tray apron) and welded in some jacking plates under the front cross member. Doesn't seem like much but consider that with exception to the engine bay apron, everything else is fully welded.
The mini-tub was more difficult than anticipated. The rear frame rails don't go straight back, rather they bow outward towards each corner (going back towards the rear of the car). If I widen the inner wheel wells 3", then one end of the wheel well will be wider than the other. If I keep them the same width on each end, then a shelf will form on the aft portion of each wheel well. I decided to weld the wheel well to match the lateral rake of the frame rail. It looks clean and there is no shelf. The inner wheel well will be hidden after all the interior components are installed.
Cutting out the rust and thin sheet metal areas left gaping holes. Cutting out small panels from some sheet metal was time consuming.
All of this has been done at the body shop. The owner is kind in letting me do all of this work. I've got some 60 hours in all of this work. Its slow going but solid work. Using the Miller welder has helped me improve my welding skills.
I also got a new camera. Its a Sony NEX-5
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This shot shows the quarter panel patch weld line and the new inner wheel well. The sheet metal added between the inner and outer wheel wells is also visible.
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The Miller welder, I like it more than my Lincoln MIG !
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The drivers side wheel well work has been started and I hope to complete it early next week. This side also needs a quarter panel patch to be installed and floor drop on the trunk side.
The new apron installed. It looks very stock with exception to all the factory holes being being welded up. I may still weld up the cooling holes located next to the stock battery location.
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A wide shot of the new wheel well. The factory spot welded and applied seam sealer. I fully welded inside and out and when applying seam sealer, there will be less of it. For anyone that looks under the car, I think the wheel wells will take on a clean and uninterrupted look.
This is a photo of the steel plates welded under the front cross member. These are to be used as jacking plates that prevent damage to the cross member. I'll weld plates to the sub frame supports at a later date.