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We wanted to make the
rear windows removable so as to
achieve a true convertible. This required a flat surface for the
window to sit on.
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As with normal convertible
conversions the B pillars are
reinforced.
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Quite often the body
moves when cutting the roof off, so it
has to be pushed back into position. This is done with a big
piece of timber wedged in.
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When the roof is cut
off you loose a lot of strength. This has
to be replaced by reinforcing the sill. 3mm plate is used and
to tie this into the rest of the body plates were welded at the
ends.
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To further strengthen
the body the corners had radius gussets
welded in. This should increase the torsional (twisting) rigidity.
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The windscreen tends
to be flexible on convertibles, so thick
wall tube was slotted down the pillars and welded in.
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To fit the Fiat engine
the front crossmember must be trimmed
and reboxed. Again radiused corners to increase strength.
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Before a smooth bulk
head can be fitted the existing bulkhead
requires work. Various bulges must be removed and spacers
fitted.
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Here I am fitting the
flat bulkhead. I made an accurate
template and this ensured the steel fitted first time.
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The steel bulkhead is
bonded in place with body filler. It is
also held in with the inner wing panels. The bulk head is held
in position with various wooden batons.
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