Exterior Modifications

31 August 2008: I was debating if I should go with fabricated box flares or larger versions of the originals to cover the larger tire/wheel combination that will be going on the car. I have decided that I could flare the stock fenders just enough to clear the tires.

Both rear quarters have had the clearance light holes plugged by a PO and it was done with some type of mesh and goo, there is other damage as well and the gas filler door hole needs closed up.

I can see that there will be a lot of sheet metal work to be done inside the trunk to accommodate the fuel cell and roll bar so I will definitely need a bead roller. I found a bench mount English wheel at Harbor Freight for under $100 so I'll pick that up soon.

Aug 15 2009:

I guess I'll put the engine compartment stuff here as it seems to be the best fit. I spent much of today pulling stuff out of the engine compartment in preparation for cleaning/hole filling/painting. I pulled the wiring harness, brake booster/master cylinder, pedal box and clutch master cylinder. I also dropped the steering rack and crossmember out for cleaning and paint. Here's a before pic of the engine compartment:



I pulled the heater core and blower motor out as well as the windshield. I was a little surprised that there was no rust under the windshield gasket. I'll sand the gasket locking bead and paint it semi-gloss black and clean the red paint overspray off the gasket so they are ready to re-install when the bodywork and paint is complete. The windshield actually came out quite easily but it's got a couple small chips so I will get a new one for the final installation.

July 22 2010:

I have the 245-50-16 tires mounted up and installed.

Here's a couple shots of the front and rear tire/wheel combination. I THINK the fenders need flared just a little!

Jan. 27 2012:

I have the single headlights installed as well as new mounts for the amber Euro turn signals. All this area was crushed in the crash so I had to rebuild it all from the fenders forward. I suppose I could have used a replacement radiator support and made life a little easier but it would have had to be cut up considerably to fit the s50 and it's radiator, air intake and other misc. parts.

I have decided that this bumper is too thin and it will be replaced with one about an inch thicker.

Here's the ultimate rear bumper tuck:

The grove for the rubber piece will be filled in with aluminum, the bumper will be tucked all the way to the body panel. The ends will be fabricated in aluminum to match the body work.

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