Side Panels!

 Of all the paneling jobs the side panels were the ones that made me most nervous. Given everything is bonded bar a couple of rivets on the underside, the chance of making a mess was large.

I started by cleaning up the edges of the panel with a file and then removing the laser burnt plastic as well. With the steering rack in place and the rear tub on hand, I then set about positioning the panels and marking limits for where I would apply the black stuff.

There are several places where my numerous clamps could work, but also large regions where clamps simply wouldn't work. For this I used what I had in the garage in the way of large flat things I could clamp to the sides to hold thing together. I also got my ratchet straps out.

Before I went about sticking, I drilled out and deburred the few rivet holes on the bottom of the chassis near the front.

Some straight bits of wood to get an even clap over the top side edge

A ladder platform & ratchet straps were used for the bits where clamping was difficult.

I applied the black stuff (tiger seal this time) and then quickly got the panel in position using the rivet positions to guide. I then went about setting up the clamping as in the above photos. Then out came the cleaning cloths. There was lots of smudge in the most difficult to get to parts (obviously) at the bottom of the engine bay. I used some IPA (not the beer) and this seemed to cut through the still wet black stuff. I left it overnight to cure before tackling the other side.

Pleased with the result! It's possible to do this alone but would recommend a second pair of hands. Since the black stuff goes off quicker when it's warmer, I would suggest to do on a cooler day even if the full curing time is longer.