This is the page where I will document the work done on the body parts after the molding.

All references to pictures are to those above the relevant text.

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Working on the body

Picture 1 is the roughly trimmed body with previous hood (bonnet) in place. The picture has been doctored slightly to show an enlarged cockpit area. Pictures 2 and 3 show the need for more elbow room (not as much a problem on a seven)

These pictures show the amount of space available for chassis widening. Will I do it now?..... I don't know, time will tell I guess. It may be a change for mk.2.

I decided it was about time I mounted the body in it's correct location. Obviously this is logical step forward in many ways, least obvious is the fact of just how much stiffer it feels. That should make the body paint prep a lot easier. It turned out the front mounts each needed 4.375" extensions and the rears 2.25". I may do some bracing back to the frame and between the mounts for a little extra side impact protection, again, we'll see.

Pictures 1 and 2 show the front cut out and a temporary grille in place (it's a piece of wire mesh sprayed black). Pictures 3 and 4 show the radiator and how it fits with the bodywork. Pictures 5 and 6 are more views under the front wheel arches (fenders),. Pictures 7 and 8 show the beginning of preparation of the rear end. Not shown yet are the hinges which I made ages ago which hope to be able to still use. link

Two different areas of work here. Pics. 1 shows the hinge mount bracket that will be "epoxied" into the rear end pic 2. Pics 3,4 and 5 show the challenge I face deciding what to do with the headlights. The lack of horizontal space along the line of legal height (the heavy line tangential to the top of the wheel opening) is the problem. Sure, they will fit, but clearance at the upper wheel travel will be minimal/non-existent. Previous work and ideas are here.

Pics. 1 and 2 show the hinges mounted, pics 3 and 4 are fairly self-explanatory, with 4 showing the cutouts for grills. Pics 5 and 6 show a front view of the air scoop I'm going to do on the front, 5 is real and 6 is "artists impression" of what it will be like. Similarly, pics 7 and 8 show real and planned views from the side. 

Four pictures of the air scoop plug (for want of a better description) underway. Pic. 1 shows how the finished molding will sit, pic. 2 shows the hood placed on it, but sitting up a bit because the scoop plug is oversized. Pic. 3 shows the start of the clay process, and pic. 4 shows the PVA release agent sprayed on. Notice how I put a clamp on the lower piece to force it to be convex, otherwise it was tending to bend the other way.

Meanwhile......

Ok, the mold is made and PVA'd ready for gel. Meanwhile I temporarily placed my Focus wheels on the car. Oh yeah, and I did the transparent trick in picture 4.

Back to the scoop

Pic. 1 shows the gel on the mold, and pic. 2 shows the layed-up mold. Pic. 3 shows the finished part after trimming and fitted in place, and pic. 4 shows the hood down n the scoop. Pic. 5 shows the clearance between the scoop and suspension. Pic. 6 is my idea for the lights (yes, another idea) it shows the small rectangular lights set inboard (at legal height),  but still gives the chance to use the Hellas mounted low in the fenders (front wings) as extra driving lights.