Substitute panel for center rear reflector - Page 8

sand_man · 03-02-2006, 10:40 AM

I think I might hold out for the next batch. I have enough on my plate building this engine. In addition, I'd really like to see your panel installed. I'd also really like instructions on removing the OEM reflector without destroying it. It seems that these things can be a biatch to remove. I dunno, if i get a warm fuzzy that the fit is spot on and the removal isn't a disaster, I might spring for it now.

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by widebody911
Looks like it's working now - strange...

Yea it worked
Paypal sent

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by sand_man
In addition, I'd really like to see your panel installed.

I tried to find someone local to be a guinea pig, but no luck. I sent one to DD74, and I think KP73 is going to prep it and install it for him some time in the near future.

One of the studs on mine is stripped, and it's going to be a major PITA to remove mine without destroying it. Maybe I'll head out to the junkyard and see if they'll let me use one of the cars there.

I'd also really like instructions on removing the OEM reflector without destroying it.

It's actually simple - get in there with a small wrench, remove the fasteners, badda-boom, badda-bing.
If your engine is already out, it's even easier.

cashflyer · 03-02-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by widebody911
As was mentioned before, carbon fiber is hard to get right now.

You have PM.

NoLift911 · 03-02-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sand_man
I think I might hold out for the next batch. I have enough on my plate building this engine. In addition, I'd really like to see your panel installed. I'd also really like instructions on removing the OEM reflector without destroying it. It seems that these things can be a biatch to remove. I dunno, if i get a warm fuzzy that the fit is spot on and the removal isn't a disaster, I might spring for it now.

Removal is fairly easy (muffler off is much easier, not sure that if the engine was out after the muffler was off that it would be any easier)

If you have the press fit (like mine 84) it is simply pressed into metal clips that are one way - as in you push the mounting tabs from the reflector into the metal clips they bit and grab.

So for removal you need to remove the metal filler plate (three sheetmetal screws underneath) and then you have access to the metal clips.

Best way to remove the reflector is to pry back the metal clips from underneath until they release to the tabs on the reflector. Then, using a nylon door trim/pry tool in the crevice between the car body and the reflector back up top to gently work your way from right to left or left to right freeing the tabs from the metal clips. The more they are free on the bottom the easier removal from the top will be.

Patience in the word of the day...and again more paitience. Gently working from underneath and from up top it will eventually free itself.

There should be no reason to crack or ruin one of these unless you are only prying from the top and not the bottom and vice versa.

It may sound daunting but once you are in there it is pretty easy.

-Jeff

cali74 · 03-02-2006, 11:17 AM

paypal worked...sweet

NoLift911 · 03-02-2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nolift911
Removal is fairly easy (muffler off is much easier, not sure that if the engine was out after the muffler was off that it would be any easier)

If you have the press fit (like mine 84) it is simply pressed into metal clips that are one way -- as in you push the mounting tabs from the reflector into the metal clips they bite and grab. Unless the pressure is released you will destroy the reflector by removal from up top. Underneath the car is key.

So for removal you need to remove the metal filler plate (three sheetmetal screws underneath) and then you have access to the metal clips.

Best way to remove the reflector is to pry back the metal clips from underneath until they release to the tabs on the reflector. Then, using a nylon door trim/pry tool in the crevice between the car body and the reflector back up top to gently work your way from right to left or left to right freeing the tabs from the metal clips. The more they are free on the bottom the easier removal from the top will be.

Patience in the word of the day...and again more paitience. Gently working from underneath and from up top it will eventually free itself.

There should be no reason to crack or ruin one of these unless you are only prying from the top and not the bottom and vice versa.

It may sound daunting but once you are in there it is pretty easy.

-Jeff

david.avery · david.avery's Garage

Seems fixed now

Ordered, you da man

Jon Sailer · 03-02-2006, 07:22 PM

You got Paypal! Thanks!

Kroggers · Kroggers's Garage

How easy would the Carbon Fiber one be to cut? I currently have the reflector with the fog lights in it, and would like to incorporate the fog lights into the replacement one from you if I got one - is this possible??

911teo · 03-03-2006, 05:12 AM

Paypal sent for Carbon fber... Thanks!

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Well, I guess I know what I am doing this weekend!

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Kroggers
How easy would the Carbon Fiber one be to cut? I currently have the reflector with the fog lights in it, and would like to incorporate the fog lights into the replacement one from you if I got one - is this possible??

It's pretty easy to cut. For what you're doing, a dremel with a fine, fresh blade would be best. And eye protection!

david.avery · david.avery's Garage

Hey, what are you doing here surfing?

Get out there and lay some glass

Perhaps you undercharged

j/k, I really appreciate you doing this. Some people dream, complain, etc. but you are a mover

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by david.avery
Hey, what are you doing here surfing?

Get out there and lay some glass

I have a day job too, you know. I do the fiberglass stuff in my 'free' time.

Stophos · Stophos's Garage

Been a'lurkin.....Paypal sent for FG Panel.

raceman · 03-08-2006, 02:50 PM

hey Thom,did the CF arrive yet? l`ve got some more coming in a 5.7 0z 2/2 twill that really gives the 3-d look.l`ll send some along when l get it.

Stophos · Stophos's Garage

Thom, You have a PM

david.avery · david.avery's Garage

Got mine today, looks amazing! Thanks Thom!

Surface is very good overall, there are some small dimples where the fasteners are, which will need a little spot putty perhaps, but it's an amazing piece.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by david.avery
Got mine today, looks amazing! Thanks Thom!

Surface is very good overall, there are some small dimples where the fasteners are, which will need a little spot putty perhaps, but it's an amazing piece.

I've been trying different tricks to get rid of that, but the root cause of the problem is the 'column' of resin and fiberglass which makes up the mounting nub shrinks substantially when it cures, creating a low spot. I've tried different resins, additives, and types of cloth with varying results. What's worked best is using a layer of carbon fiber across the mounting points.

RaceMan - I need your address.

Stophos - yours went out yesterday.

I have 4 or 5 left to make to get caught up, and then I'm going to take a break.