Light bulb access panel

[l6rth]

Hi all, I am wanting to cut an access panel in the chim wheel wells and thought of using this http://www.toolstation.com/m/part.html?p=44999, good idea? Or I have a multi tool I could make a square panel with, also where abouts should I cut with regard to retaining strength and is there anything in the way the I can't see until I cut through that may cause me to largen the hole and making a mess of it. Thanks

Rob

[Steve_D]

That trepanning tool would need to be used on a flat surface and most likely only in a pillar drill. If it digs in things will go wrong very dramatically.

If you cut out a hole the piece removed will not be large enough to be the cover so your best bet would be to lay up glass fibre over the area before you do any cutting. Remove your layup, which will be the cover, and put aside for later.

Choose where you want your hole and cut a small hole in the middle of your opening. Through this hole you can feel for any obstructions inside. Remember there will be other stuff in there; cables, pipes etc. so don't snag them. With the area clear for a fingers length you can enlarge the hole either by chain drilling or the use of a Dremel style multi tool.

Steve

[l6rth]

Any ideas on thickness of fibreglass in the well?

[shake n bake]

Do you mind if I ask why you want to cut a whole in your car?

[l6rth]

I have the older model with out the access panel and it is a pain to change bulbs but I'm having second thoughts as I'm sure the time I have done the mod I will have done the bulbs

[phazed]

The fibreglass isn't thick there.

Decide and mark an area behind the lights, about 6" square is enough.
Drill 4 neat corner holes and cut the sides with a padsaw.
Use the panels removed as the access panels.
Cut 4 small flat ally plates and rivet to the corners to cover the small holes drilled.

The panels can then be secured with self tappers through the corner plates and sealed with a mastic if desired.

Other methods are available

[l6rth]

Just what I was thinking phased, is it worth doing do you think?

[Chuffmeister]

You could cut the screw section and lid off a couple of these and Sikaflex them onto the wheel arch. Should make life a lot easier second time around....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-12-Large-Clear-Plastic...

Edited by Chuffmeister on Monday 28th July 20:22

[phazed]

l6rth said:

Just what I was thinking phased, is it worth doing do you think?

I did on mine as adjusting the Lupos or MK3 lights is near impossible otherwise.

[Steve_D]

Or these designed for the buoyancy chambers on sailing dinghy’s.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dinghy-Inspection-hatche...



I have these on my Ultima to make use of the side pods for storage when going camping.

[Chuffmeister]

Steve_D said:

Or these designed for the buoyancy chambers on sailing dinghy’s.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dinghy-Inspection-hatche...



I have these on my Ultima to make use of the side pods for storage when going camping.

Good idea!