Hand-made GT FLares > Second prototype

[farleyd]

Hi to all, here is my second prototype, in an attempt to build my own GT flares. Based on some Fiberglass set i have. Those prototypes are actual size.

Please see other topics >
my first prototype >
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4383

Malevolentfrog topic >
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57782

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First, a paper template was used over the rear fiberglass flares. For making a dye. The sheet-metal should react the same way as the paper is.

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Second, an attempt was made to do it in only one part. To no success, the compound curve of the flare is too much for the expand/shrink metal forming techniques. So a third part was made, requiring welding/fitting/grinding.

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Then, going back to the paper template, a single piece of metal was created but this time with «slices/wedges». Again, welding/fitting/grinding is required but the flare can be adjusted/fitted quite easily.


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About 20 hours was needed to complete each of the prototypes. Id like your thoughts about using multiple part prototype or the single part one.

Thanks to all, go see my 914/6 conversion page at:
www.farleydw.com/914.html

[scotty914]

2 words

damn good

[Malevolentfrog]

Farley If You are good with a welder the multipiece method would be the best. I would tack every thing in Place and then I would skip weld them. Weld about 3 inches then flatten the weld out with a hammer and dolly. Then skip 3 inches and do it again. untill I was done. And By the way they look great.

[siverson]

Looks good! You've got quite a head start on a set of steel flares. Remember, the real steel flares still take quite a bit of work to get on the car and look right. I spent about $1500 for my flares, and then another $1500 to get them welded on and fit/stretched right for a correct fit. The factory flares themselves are far from done. It looks like you have the skill to do the install as well.

-Steve

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

C'est tres bien, Sabin! I am very impressed!

I'm guessing that Malevolent Frog is right--the sectioned fenders would be the way to go. You'll have to see what kind of shaping you can do after you get them welded together, though, as the seams between the sections are still very visible and the corners where the metal is bent are likewise. If you can smooth them out, they should look stunning.

I'm guessing that getting the two-piece fender put together nicely will be more difficult than smoothing the little bumps in the sectioned one.

--DD

[campbellcj]

Wow. The innovation and determination of you guys is really impressive!

Personally, I would just spend the bux to get the factory parts and be done with it. Time is money, and money is time. Can't ever have enough of either... At 20 hrs/ea IMHO it makes Mittelmotor at $700/set or even US street prices at $1600/set look a deal.

But that's just me I guess...too old, busy and tired to tackle a cool fabrication project of this magnitude! Keep us posted...

[Speedo959]

Hey siverson, have any links to the project in the corner? Now that looks like fun!

[DDS]

how 'bout the one in the middle...

Sabin - amazing!

[rich]

I agree with the frogman, use the method in the 2nd photo, It's may require a little more patients welding, but will prove to be alot less shaping work. Looks good.