Rear Hatch Rust Repair - A detailed guide.

[gav240z]

Thanks yes it's strange alright. The hatch I repaired was never on this car. But it must have a taper at the bottom to have a consistent gap.

 

*Edit actually thinking about it more, if you look at these photos of the original frame edges at the bottom of the hatch.

 

You can see it's not as wide at the bottom. Originally I based my skin off the measurements I took from the paper template. But when I welded in the new corners I didn't put the cut-out in those corners because I didn't see the need for them. Since I was already folding on a straight line (the lip of the skin).

But if I added those 'reliefs' I reckon I could have hammered the edge in a bit which would have made the gap more consistent. Too late now I think, but once it's painted I think the gap will be less obvious anyway, especially if I add a rear wing.

 

The other possibility is that there is bog in the rear 1/4 panels. Won't know until I strip them back. But it doesn't look like it.

 

The lower skin I made is slightly thicker gauge steel so that might also be at play. I am actually thinking of using the 432-R ribbed rear spoiler anyway, so the gap at the bottom will be less obvious with the spoiler over the top.

 

Therefore I'm not too worried about getting the gap 100% consistent all the way. I will see what can be done, but I really need to move onto the next section if I'm to get this car done soon!

 

I might source another hatch (with or without vents) and graft the vents into them, so I've got 1 rear hatch with rear spoiler and 1 without. I want to run the vertical defrost glass also. Although not strictly AU spec (optional as far as I can tell).

[FuzzyDropbear]

Nice work Gav, it's come up a treat.

 

You could've bought a better panel, but theres always that moment when you finish a panel and stand back and admire your work that you would miss. Plus you've probably already learnt enough to make the next panel even better!