[RWG75]

putting in a couple patches, filling a crack filled from the back side

a couple drops of bright green mixed in really helped check the flow / fill

deepish crack on slope kept draining while setting up so I took a scrap, turned it in to grinder dust, used it to thicken up the fill.

 

[RWG75]

It was kinda like peeling a coconut, but I've got a workable piece

cut it back to sharpie outline above and I'd call it a patch panel starter

only problem is that I'm trying to fix the other end of the flair

 

[RWG75]

1st pass at blending it in, other 2 patches done.

right: first patch attempt after a few passes. left: same spot on other side after first pass. Think I'm getting the hang of it.

 

[RWG75]

Really wish I had thought of this to store them in between working on them instead of when was getting ready to paint one.

Light coming through where a few holes were patched and a little excess poured in the back to stiffen them up.

This one was the worst of the bunch.

 

[RWG75]

Decided to work front to back and got way too obsessive about getting it tucked up under the floor vents.

Heat gun to soften it up and sand bags to hold the form.

Dead of winter, even in a heated garage, not the best time for this. Would go a lot faster parked in the hot sun.

 

[RWG75]

Went to see my body guy the other day, he says he hates them. Something about covering all the body work he did. Don't think pointing out that the wheel openings where pretty good to start with will help. I dig em and they'll go great with side pipes.

 

[RWG75]

Finally got around to doing something with my roof

Could have done with out him painting over the w/s but caught some of it with a d/a too and a $35 fix. ESI super cap xl. Put on 5-6 years ago, worked great, came off clean when unbolting. Would like to update the FAQ but ya know. Fun part is supply house mixed the color way wrong.

Patch panel used for spray outs way back when. Left is late model dodge, right side custom mix that we ended up using. Middle section is early attempt at matching original that was cool but way off. Cool enough that it solved my problem of how to two-tone the thing. Got sprayed the other day and pretty matches the sample on the right. On the upside, supplier is eating the paint and painter is eating the hours.

 

[RWG75]

Started trimming in the front of the rear

Followed the same border as the back because no way it was gonna wrap up the side like OEM.

Actually holding the roll so must be doing something right.

Roll bar back in after painting to match doors / dash

 

[RWG75]

So back to this mess. Installed shifter and boot, started working out.

Crank up the gun to about 1100 F, work about square foot, lay bags, work the next foot. Took several passes from both sides working the hump out from the middle and working it back back.

With all 4 corners folded back heat up the hump, pull the edge toward the door, tuck it in.

 

[mttaff]

You're doing a great job. Looks fantastic!
Eric

 

[mopar65pa]

Looking good.

 

[RWG75]

It's getting there and way too much time invested in figuring out technique. Also way too much time invested in making a crap product work. Pretty sure I could have swapped the motor / trans in less time than this stupid mat is taking up.

 

[RWG75]

I was thinking some kind of roller might be helpful, so I made one.

Scraps are good.

Didn't move material around the way I hoped but almost worth the build. When ya get the mat hot enough to massage the humps, it's kinda hot to the touch never mind reaching in front of the heat gun. Will definitely be useful if I end up reaching for the 3m90.

If I push that hump back a couple inches, should be able to hide it under the console.

 

[mopar65pa]

Good thinking.

 

[RWG75]

Best part of it was spending zero minutes trying to make a paint roller or a baking roller work. I think I might bag it and just wear a welding glove on one hand.

 

[RWG75]

Welding gloves was an idea I should have had a while ago. Massaged the hump in the mat back a couple inches to the hump in the floor.

Console does cover it nicely.

Both seat bases back in, worked the creases a little, start around risers.

 

[mopar65pa]

Looking good Rick

 

[KurtfromLaQuinta]

Looking good.

Lots of work going on here.

 

[RWG75]

Hours spent is straight up nuts. If I ever do this again, just gonna buy a roll of material. Probably 1/2 the price of the "kit".

It laid down pretty nice around the riser and even the transition at the edge of the floor. Reworked area under console a bit. Started moving last wrinkle toward the edge. Need to go back and put a straight edge against the kick panel and take the last out of it. A little head scratching yet on the sill plate.

Intentionally saved this bit for last because gas pedal ball studs. I'm about as good as I'm gonna get at working this so odds are good I'll get them first time.

 

[RWG75]

Other day I did an oil change on her lady jeep. Has a nice steel skid plate under the aluminum motor because Trail Hawk. Almost conveniently there's a couple access holes near both the filter and drain plug. Must be for the other motor because doesn't line up for shit so unbolt the skid plate. Wanna toss this one in the other bay so I can do oil changes on a couple of mine. Trying not to be too annoyed about planning an oil change for the 318 I didn't want to run this summer. I need the trans in this one for my other truck so who knows.

Also think I'll take another run at the mint Best Top I have stashed. Have had the frame mounted but bailed on trying to get the canvas to fit. Wanna see if a heat gun helps because install instructions say do it hot sun.

Does this qualify for the mirror challenge?