Fiat, Second Time Around

[bob w]

I have the windshield but it was previously mounted in a rubber molding. It fit poorly so this time I want to flush mount it and glue it in place. That means a recessed flange is needed in the opening. The opening was enlarged to be 1/8" larger than the glass all around. I made a buck out of masonite, gluing two pieces to make it a 1/2" thick. That way the windshield will be recessed a bit below the opening.
The edge and inside of the buck were coated with Vaseline to act as a mold release.
I spent a few hours in the tiny, tube filled interior trying to hang fiberglass cloth, fiberglass mat and smear Tiger Hair and Duraglass. It wasn't easy but I made some progress. So far it is unfit for viewing as I don't want to ruin whatever illusion RRR members of my ability.

Mike, Yeah, maybe the trick is to highlight the gas filler. Time will tell...

 

[bob w]

The windshield fits well. Still lots of detail sanding to get the mounting flange looking good. The flange is made from Tiger Hair and Duraglass. It is a quarter inch thick in order for it to be strong enough.
It won't be glued in until the car is almost done.

 

[bob w]

A pic from the inside. It took quite a bit of material to build up the area so it would be thick enough at the right angle of the flange. When the body comes off I'll be able to blend the area above the glass. It's close to the roll bar and hard to reach.

I got a smooth surface on the inside by using pieces of Masonite that I coated with Vaseline. Then I "buttered" the Duraglass on the Masonite and clamped it in place. After hardening, the Masonite was easily removed.

A couple hours of sanding and it's on to the exhaust system. Yipee! Back to metal work.[cl

 

[flatheadgary]

fiat and such

WOW Bob!! What a great job you've done on this car!!! I hadn't even seen this post before today. It's odd how we both seem to like the same kind of cars. I also have two FED's. one is 440 dodge and the other is flathead. This post is kind of funny too, as i have just started to clean up my fiat body. It started out that my nephew built me a super great trailer to haul my flatty bantam around with.(I guess he just couldn't get behind my raggedy ex boat trailer). I have been trying to get him to build an altered for years, but he has always wanted my fiat body to do it with. Me being a cheap sob, I wouldn't give it to him. So, I decided to build a mold from it and make him a body, hence the clean up. I will be a little more observant to your post from now on.

 

[bob w]

Had to widen the headers to get the header mufflers to run parallel to the body rocker panels. It's a little difficult to cut apart a new set of headers.

 

[bob w]

Made some tailpipe/turnouts out of a 2" U-bend. A couple little tabs and a shock absorber bushing makes up the hanger. I want the system easy to remove for drag racing.

Now working on headlight placement.

Flatheadgary, I've seen pics of your Bantam at ANRA races. Have also heard about you from some of your friends out there.There's a couple guys that have Crosleys and run the ANRA series. I have one of those too. Sure would like to get out to Famoso to meet all of you some year.

 

[Flipper_1938]

It's a little difficult to cut apart a new set of headers.

Not really. A sawsall will cut new ones at about the same rate as used ones! [ddev

Looks like you are making good progress.

 

[bob w]

Not a lot of options for headlight location with all the A-Arms and coip over B.S. in the way. I usually like 'em quite low but didn't achieve that in this case.

 

[bob w]

Cut the headlight stands out of 2" by 3" rectangular tubing. Needed the 1/2" rise to leave room for the upper coilover mount.

 

[bob w]

I made some holes to make them look better and to lose weight.

Currently thinking that everything outside will be satin black. Body, tires & wheels, headlight buckets, exhaust, etc., with a couple white "skunk stripes" down the middle. Real stealthy.

P.S. I'm not gonna weld the stands on til I'm satisfied with the location. Still would like a lower position.

 

[bob w]

Thought I might get a better sense of if I like the headlight location by propping a wheel in place. I'm gonna keep the headlights as currently mounted.

 

[hotrod preacher]

looking good bob...i think i'd do something different for a paint scheme
....maybe white with a single big brown racing stripe.....[S

fruit of the loom might even sponsor it that way[ddd


keep up the good work... ill keep the humor(?) to myself...

 

[Snake Farm]

Looking good Bob! I usually like low headlights too but I'm diggin' these where they are

[P[P[P

 

[bob w]

I was in a quandry regarding tail lights. Finally settled on these '41 Willys repops. Very nice units. They fit the slope and curvature of the Fiat body like they were made for it. I do think they are just a bit too large.

HRP, with the paint scheme you suggested I could call it "the Skidmark".

 

[bob w]

This close-up shows the flat part of the lens sitting vertically. This is the same orientation the lights have on a Willys. Should be very visible from directly behind. That was the problem I was having with any flush mount style lights; they would be aiming in the air. The gasket is wedge shaped which positions the light nicely side to side.

 

[rainman]

They would sure look good recessed!!

 

[jfg455]

I think they are just the right size and fit the look of the car as it is now. if it didn't have the bigger wheels and side pipes all sticking out then they would be too big.

 

[sgtpontiac]

If it means anything.....

I rather like them......kind of cool...with that angled lens....

 

[Flipper_1938]

I've been thinking about Willys tail lights for Roofus, but I'd lay them over sideways.

 

[CORPO]

bob, I havent checked in on your build in a while, it is looking great.. stance looks nice

I like the tail lights very unique!