probably a silly question, but I am a desperate man !

[actuary]

Ultima's helpline is closed until 2 Jan, hence email to all you fellow builders.

I got my GTR back on 22 Dec from Ultima with the bodywork pre fitted. It now looks like a car ! But I need to get the panels off to continue work over xmas / new year.

I've figured out the latches at the engine bay side (two side ones without the wire pulls fitted and the top one) but I can't figure our how to open the front latches so I can get to the rad / tack section. The front middle and front sections seem bolted together ? Any ideas how you get the damn thing open ?!?

Many thanks - I am sure I am overlooking something simple (as usual)

Regards and Merry Xmas to you all !!

Tony.

[highflyer]

Yo Tony give me a call may be able to help you out 07801681567 I am in all night Wed 27/12/06 or after 4 most nights.

[actuary]

Hi HighFlyer - many thanks for the offer, but can I check your number please - can't seem to get through.

Alternatively you can try me on my mob on 07753 670227 and I'll call you straight back.

Cheers !

Tony.

[tuxman]

the rear latches are normally unlocked by pulling on the pull knobs in the driver's side box at the rear and the front ones are at the front of the box ???

[steve_d]

If the wire pulls are not fitted it is possible to lay on your back alongside the car with your shoulder beside the rear of the front wheel. Reach up inside the wheel arch, inboard of the wheel to release the latch by hand.

Steve

[actuary]

Cheers Steve, have a long day in the garage planned today and will give your suggestion a go - there are no wires fitted yet.

Tony

[actuary]

Found the releases at last - needed longer arms !

Thanks for your help guys.

Regards

Tony

[DHGTR]

I've tied some nice brown string to the front catches until i run the proper cables through.
I did start by thinking "i will just leave the canopy resting gently in place" but then, you lean across to reach something and 'click' its shut!

dave

[actuary]

Cheers Dave - sounds like a good idea ! And Russell, thanks for the call, great to make contact - will be over to see you in the new year to check out your Can Am

On a related note, does anyone know the name or nickname of a chap I hear is based in or close to Telford (where I am) who is building an Ultima. I hear he also does some customising of dashes and cill covers ...

And finally, the manual isn't 100% clear, but I guess that the next jobs following my pre-fit by Ultima are :

1) remove all the bodywork, including the centre cockpit part which has a few rivets holding it in place
2) remove the dash section (??)
3) spray all the inside of the bodywork with stonechip resistant black paint (??)
4) hammerite the petrol tanks

Any suggestions and hints WELCOME !

Cheers !

Tony.

[gtrsimon]

Might be me i am in Newtown regards Simon

[steve_d]

actuary said:

....
1) remove all the bodywork, including the centre cockpit part which has a few rivets holding it in place
2) remove the dash section (??)
3) spray all the inside of the bodywork with stonechip resistant black paint (??)
4) hammerite the petrol tanks

Any suggestions and hints WELCOME !

Cheers !

Tony.

1) Yes. Guard those rivet holes carefully as they are your datum for accurately refitting the body.
2) The dash is moulded in so does not get removed.
3) The inside of the body mouldings get sprayed with stonechip but the exposed parts of the cockpit inside should be painted with something harder i.e. normal auto paint. I would do all your dash and interior mods first before spraying the interior as you don't want to chip/scratch the paint later. Once the dash is covered there is not much in the cockpit to be sprayed.
4) Hammerite chips to easily. I would use chassis paint. I also covered the exposed parts of the tank with the foil faced glass-fibre insulation normally use under the rear clip. This was not for insulation more to ease maintenance of the tanks as the ali will tarnish and will be difficult to keep clean.

Steve

[crafty]

actuary said:

4) hammerite the petrol tanks

If you're going to paint anything alloy, get hold of a good quality epoxy system. Try a boat chandlers, stuff for painting alloy masts etc. is very good stuff.

[actuary]

Cheers guys, much appreciated.

Regards

Tony.

[k wright]

If I could do it over again: I would look at the bodywork closely and make sure that everything lined up and then drill lots of holes to locate it to the chassis. To get correct hole spacing use a drill guide available from Aircraft Spruce. More locating points of reference will allow greater accuracy when fitting the bodywork permanently.

Also, if you use pop rivets to fasten the panels to the car make sure to place washers under the rivet heads before seating them. Consider fastening it with threaded inserts so that you could remove it later if needed.

ken