I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can start drilling and riveting some body panels onto the chassis. I am installing insulation for heat and noise abatement prior to installing the panels. Many have wished they did this on their build prior to putting everything together, so I’m planning ahead! It’s nice to start working on interior parts!
Starting with the upper passenger side footbox panel and driver front footbox panel. These hidden places that nobody will see are great places to use scraps because nobody will see them, plus they’ll help keep the footboxes cool as well. Simply cut the template to fit the shape of the panel, then lay that onto the Thermo-Tec and use a sharp razor blade.
I use Thermo-Tec because it’s very similar to Dynamat or Noico that I’ve used previously. Plus, the Thermo-Tec was on sale, and adds more heat protection as well.
I also got to use my TACKLIFE Rivet Nut Tool to setup my Breeze Radiator Fan Shroud so it will be simpler to screw or unscrew the electric fan instead of the nut/bolt method which makes things harder. Simply used my step drill bit to widen the holes a bit, and set the four rivnuts into place. I never tried this tool before, and it’s very much like a rivet gun, I got it right on the first try, and the tool has a great feel. I had to watch a youtube video on how to change out the tool sizes, but now it’s a simple task. These parts are all ready now for powder coating!
I have several more panels to work on to get the passenger footbox setup, but making slow progress! My son stopped by yesterday and we prepared 3 more panels, with insulation. It’s surprising how OCD we both are and try to align things perfectly, it takes a lot of time as well! It was fun to work together and pop in more rivets!
He brought over his 2016 GT350 and had just installed a new intake and Lund tune – dang this is a beast! It’s awesome that he has Avalanche Gray just like my 2017 Raptor 🙂
