BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

I won't have any measurements for windows, but a google image search that I'm comparing shapes of 20XX coupes of for shape is what I'm referring to with the following:

Obviously, the 2011+ CTS coupes
2007+ Audi A5
2003-10 BMW 6 series coupe
Honda Accord Coupes

RecklessV

Ah ****, ive really fucked it up now... 1.5" chop top! , everything is definitely out of wack and nothing is in its final locations. I can't even weld the B pillar in place since I'm still looking for coupe side windows that might fit (going to the junkyaRd next week). I basically cut it all off and it's being held up by wood and whatever else I can find just to show you guys an overall look of it. Oh and I'm also able to use the stock windshield and rear window, just going to have to build new trunk hinges.

Enjoy!

crazy tarzan

Dangit.

This thread makes me miss the classes i took in college - I took hot-rodding courses for 2 years, but then moved into other fields of work - and makes me want to have a well equipped garage

rjoffe

Phenomenal !!!

If you weren't so far away, I'd head over with a few beers to watch you do your magic !

RecklessV

Haha I don't know if it's magic or murder.... but something is happening.

Next week after my junkyard trip (hoping I find a side glass that will work) I'll start welding everything back together. Try to finish the doors, then finally move on to the drivetrain and tube chassis.

If everything goes well, I should have a rolling chassis in the next 2-3 months. (Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself)

rjoffe

Magic or murder is all from your point of view. For the rest of us it's pure entertainment!

Thanks for documenting !!

You really need to set up a web cam and upload to youtube !

isis

iTrader: (1)

Insanity.

RecklessV

Update!

Went to the junkyard today, found the best glass I could get. It's ALMOST perfect. From a mercedes c230 comprEssor. $60 for both.



Now nothing is holding me back from finishing the body. Hopefully it'll be somewhat done in a month or two.

RecklessV

Finally got a chance to start working on the roof again. All 4 roof posts are being put on individually since it narrows towards the top, I had to cut them apart and widen them to match the wider base posts. Basically made the top of the original roof ~3/4" wider, so there's a bigger gap on the factory rear window and windshield but I plan on putting a solid 1/4" steel square rod in that space and form it to the roof for added reinforcement and to close the gap of the windows (don't make much sense trying to explain but ill show pics in the future)

Both rear posts are ready for welding, got these badass sheet metal alignment tools to make sure it's perfect for welding, I'll be adding a reinforcment plate behind every weld piece for added strength and more welding surface.

The front A posts, are going to take a little more time, because I might be slanting the windshield down, but I should have the roof together in next 2-3 weeks realistically (unless life gets in the way lol)

Anyways, check out the sheet metal alignment tools, it not only aligns it all, it holds everything in place tight!

RecklessV

Took 2 solid days, but the drivers side roof line is pretty much done, it's all tacked in place for now. 1.5" was taken off the C pillar and ~2" was taken off the A pillar. The top of the B pillar still need some work, but eventually it'll all look like it came like that from the factory. Hopefully by late next week, I'll have the whole roof line done.

actrite80

iTrader: (2)

Haha that's so badass

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

camar0corey

iTrader: (22)

This is awesome! Looks like you are making tons of forward progress to me! I've never even used a welder, this is way above my paygrade.

Ironhydroxide

I know i'm probably nitpicking now, because this is already pretty damn awesome.

the angle of the back of the door is bothering me...

not particularly the angle itself, more the lack of profile, of curve, of anything but a vertical line.

all coupes I can think of have SOME curve, or angle to the rear of the door profile.

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

Slim rear brake duct/scoop?

RecklessV

I'm basically following the same curve that the original front door has, just adding 6" to it. The reason why I'm keeping it like that, is because this car has sharp lines, not really round or curvy like bmws, audi, etc.

I don't think a rounded door will match the rest of the car.

RecklessV

I was actually thinking of doing that in the small window since it'll be lexan, but it might look better down low on the body.

Ironhydroxide

I'm not saying it needs to be a curve, just that the vertical line looks weird. Sedans often have vertical gaps between front and rear doors, coupes don't.

theorize if you will, taking the shape of the rear door, halving the angles, and halving that on the door instead of the vertical line. Personally I think this would be much more pleasing to the eye. But it would be much more difficult to make happen.

AAIIIC

iTrader: (19)

I see what Ironhydroxide is saying, but I also concur that it would be tough to change it up. If you look at a 2nd gen CTS sedan vs coupe, you can see how the trailing edge of the door is shaped differently, and it does add to the more dynamic look of the coupe.





Anyway, amazing progress so far. I think the ride height is a little low for my taste, though.

RecklessV

Yea I see what your guys are saying. I might try it, maybe a slight curve though nothing too drastic. Ill try it on paint and see how it looks. Doing it won't be too hard really, that would probably be the easiest thing I do to this car lol.

As far as ride height, it's going to be airbagged so it'll be adjustable, but ride height will be ~ 4" off the ground. I just have on 2x4's now so I can get to the roof for easier welding. Roof line is only 46" off the ground!