Ever installed alum WITH engine in place?

[excelguru]

I'm curious... has anyone ever investigated the possibility of installing aluminum panels in an engine bay WITHOUT removing the engine? I'm gonna try to make some templates to achieve the task, but I don't want it to look like a freaking jigsaw puzzle.

My biggest issue may not be the sheetmetal patterns so much as the actual fastening of the panels, especially locating and drilling the holes.

Am I about to walk down a trail that's already been proven to lead nowhere?

Keith :)
Unique Motorcars (http://www.uniquecobrareplicas.com)
Southern Automotive (http://www.southernautomotiveengines.com)
Bruce Bunn (the painter) (http://www.jodecoautobody.com)

My Photo Album (http://members5.clubphoto.com/keith355593/1141434/owner-429c.phtml)

[Master]

I don't think that possible..;););););)

Scott
4279454
SA 428
3:54

[eliminator]

OK guys, the answer is easy:D.
No, you can't do it. Dosn't matter what tools you have.
Sorry!

Rick
#4279405

[gasman]

Excel, I called Alan Weaver about doing this while my motor was out of the car. He told me to forget about it. As Brian as shown us with the Spence car, this is the first thing you do.

Steve Foushee
Unique #4279389

[ralphscott]

Correct it is the first thing. To get the Al and the insulation under the Al you need the engine out 'cause it ain't easy to get it to fit tight and that is what you want to make it look good.. Further if you have a heater, puke can, your master cylinders, steering shaft, brake and clutch lines -- all that has to come out before you can fit the AL. Since I have done it I can speak with some understanding of the complications. Sorry.
On the plus side we have theorized that the cars with AL run hotter as it reflects the radiant heat back into the engine comparment -- theory only but it may offer you some solace.
Ralph

[excelguru]

Well, there's one less thing to do this winter. :) I may toy with the idea some more, but I was looking under the hood again this evening... it sure is cramped in there... I could pull the body but that would be more work than pulling the engine (electrical, rollbar, windshield, brake lines, radiator, master cylinders, fuel tank......).

Ah, the hell with it... I'll just drive it instead. LOL.

Keith :)
Unique Motorcars (http://www.uniquecobrareplicas.com)
Southern Automotive (http://www.southernautomotiveengines.com)
Bruce Bunn (the painter) (http://www.jodecoautobody.com)

My Photo Album (http://members5.clubphoto.com/keith355593/1141434/owner-429c.phtml)

[brfutbrian]

the only way to install the fenderwell aluminum in one piece is to have the body off the chassis. brian.

[Master]

Keith,

They have spoken, it looks like the answer is no. I think my first post said that didn't it? I love these editing functions you can never be wrong;)


Scott
4279454
SA 428
3:54