CMD Body Panels

[Mr. Recovery]

Guy, there is a slight difference in the center lower area, I think the A1 and A2s are the same but the flat area is longer and has more of a rounded transition back down to the tail light area on my 63 151.

This is my 63




This as you can see is an A2

[lpcoating]

The bottom contour on the A1 is different then the A2. Is this the area you're talking about?

[Mr. Recovery]

The bottom contour on the A1 is different then the A2. Is this the area you're talking about?

Yes, the area under the pintle hook.

[lpcoating]

So the 151 and A1 are the same we think?

[Mr. Recovery]

If your A1 don't look like the A2 in the photo then I say yes. I don't have an A1 to look at, just a rust bucket of an A2 and 2 unfinished 60s 151s.

[lpcoating]

So based on what info has been provided to me, the straight 151 rear panel bottom contour is the same as the A1 model. When we run the 2nd A1 style (hopefully this week) we will run a 151 style. I have a customer that is doing a restoration at this time and needs one. That'll confirm if it's the same or not. Any guess as to who is getting the first 151 rear panel?

[lpcoating]

Ran the 151 rear panel today. We have to change the diameter of the tail light cut out but other then that it looks pretty good. We'll form it up and verify dimensions early next week. The rear panel is made in two programs. The first program forms the tail light rings and then all the laser work is done with the exception of the tail light cut outs. The tail light rings are hit with the form tool 750 times each. The picture of the screen is during that process. After the laser work is done the sheet returns "home" and the part is removed from the clamps, flipped over and then the second program cuts the tail light holes and then forms the straight ribs. The excessive sparks that you see when cutting the tail light is because we were cutting into the rib (on an angle). We'll adjust the diameter of the tail light hole to correct this issue. After the 151 version is proved out we'll run the A1 version.

[lpcoating]

We ran (5) each of the seat supports today and started forming them up. I've also included the parts that spot weld to the seat supports (with the exception of the seat hinge bracket). On the passenger side there are the battery hold down brackets, the battery cover latch and on the outside end there are (2) 90 deg brackets that spot weld to the seat support and then the side panel. Driver side has the outside brackets only. My first thought was to make these parts complete with all brackets spot welded on but the more I think about it I might just make it a "kit" with these brackets as "loose" parts. Keep in mind that the seat supports are about 1/4" longer so they will be trim to fit if necessary. I'm concerned with body variation between years and brackets being a little out of location. I don't think it out matter much on the battery hold downs but it would on the battery cover latch. Like I've said in the past, if someone can't plug weld a couple of brackets then they have no business doing a restoration!

[lpcoating]

More progress:

[Hambone]

No more need to patch up that rusty rear panel.

[lpcoating]

Here are some more pictures. The small blown out area on the tail light rib in picture #2 will be taken care of next run.

[rickf]

Does the cut below the light housing get welded? I might really have to rethink just building a trail machine out of the rust bucket I have.

[lpcoating]

Does the cut below the light housing get welded? I might really have to rethink just building a trail machine out of the rust bucket I have.

Yes it does. That is done because the tail light rib is in the area of the bend line and you have to split the bottom dies. Weld and blend afterwards.

[rickf]

That's what I figured. I didn't know if you were doing it or if the buyer was. I pretty much figured you would judging from your other work.

[halftracknut]

Wow, Fantastic.....quality work....A-2 panel in the future?