BUILD THREAD “The Juggernaut”
- Thread starter Rktpwrd
- Start date
Thanks for the offer Mike, I’ll certainly keep that in mind. I actually just got a message from Jim a few minutes ago saying that everything’s still on track for him to go and pick it up next weekend. If anything changes or he is unable to accommodate for any reason I’ll let you know.
Very much appreciated sir, thank you!
Thanks for the response, you have always been one of my most loyal supporters and have been for a long time. Thank you for that.
This is the kind of interaction that I was talking about, it’s nice to see someone actually engage in relevant conversation about the car and the updates I take the time to write.
It’s nice to know that at least someone is taking an interest. I don’t update this thread for any sort of validation or vindication, just merely to share my progress with other like minded folks. I understand that social media is now the way things are done for the most part, but as you said they often lack the engagement and interaction with others in any sort of meaningful way. That’s what I’ve always loved about this forum, and it’s a shame to see it declining the way it has lately.
Hopefully we all can work together to change that for the better here soon.
Sad but true.
🙁
Not for nothing but I have a bit of a concern on the rear filler panel. You said you were going to weld it in? If so, there is an obvious reason it was made to bolt in, other than cost. The rear glass would be forever off limits to replace unless you cut the panel out. Also, any broken lower trim clips could also never be replaced. There’s also a consideration of body flex that the 455 is certainly going to test the limits of how stiff you make the body.
You may have these bases covered and it’s a tiny chance you’d need access under the panel again once installed. I’m just thinking out loud here.
You may have these bases covered and it’s a tiny chance you’d need access under the panel again once installed. I’m just thinking out loud here.
I'll continue watching & engaging for sure. It would be cool to get some of the people from the site together @ a national show @ some point. I know it's a tough challenge logistically but 'ya never know.
I read that as in 'welding up the end pieces' to maintain the correct Olds fit vs the Buicks diff angles (?).
You bring up some good points, some of which have been taken into account, and others not.
I have actually already consulted with a local glass company about the feasibility of what I want to do, and they said it’s not an issue whatsoever. If I look at how far down inside the glass sits in relation to the filler panel, it’s really not that far. Like, less than an inch. From either an installation or removal standpoint, getting the glass in or out won’t be a problem.
In regards to the torque/twisting point, that’s something I hadn’t considered. So thank you for that. Some sort of reinforcement or stiffening underneath might be called for to eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the likelihood.
At this point, the inability to remove and replace any broken clips is more concerning. I played around with several different methods of attaching different clips to the filler panel this afternoon, and have still not hit upon the perfect solution yet. I will continue to give this a lot of consideration, so thanks for that as well.
And THIS is why I encourage and value input from everyone here. Its thoughts and suggestions that might not have been otherwise considered that end up being immensely helpful.
Unfortunately, no. 69hurstolds has it right, I plan on fully welding the filler panel permanently in place thereby eliminating 2 more unsightly seams and addressing a poorly executed design (IMO) from the factory.
To brace in the rear, would attaching to the inner/outer wheel well weld flange be a good outer point for that bracing to be attached to to help take some flex out. Then tie it into the rear shelf & trunk/back seat divider/firewall? Even adding some additional bracing from the wheel well to a point at the rear panel could help from how I'm viewing it. Just not sure on what gauge metal to use for the weight/strenth balance.
Not a bad idea at all. I’ll keep it in mind and take it into consideration. Thanks!
