"Project Orangepeel" 52 A.D

[lower50's]

Where is the fuse panel from and the headlight buckets?

[reaper71]

lower...the fuse panel is from american auto wire hwy22 series (can get it from summit)
The headlight buckets are from a place called mini mania in Ca.

The fuse panel I've used probably 5 or 6 now and love there kits.
All the wires come separate sections (or bags) and only use what you need vs. A huge bundle coming out of the fuse box.

Mark

[reaper71]

Here is a shot of part #

[joedoh]

nice buckets! I buy VW Golf headlights with the adjusters on them already for the same reason, the stock buckets are always trashed

[reaper71]

Thanks Russ!

Do you get the VW ones used? and how $

[joedoh]

I use new MKI golf assemblies, mine are a special application because I need separate high and low beams, the 98+ s10 electrical switches ground and so you cant use a common ground on a 3 prong light, but you can get new assemblies with plugs and bulbs for less than $100

like this

https://www.classiceuroparts.com/pro...ion-kit-plugs/

rebuilding stock buckets feels like an eternity to the 5 minute job putting the new housings in. you may not need to cut the backs off with that setup I linked, but my new lights are so deep I have to cut the part of the stock bucket that holds the ring and then sandwich it in between the fender and the new adjuster.

[reaper71]

Update:
I've been busy getting the rear panels made and ready to cover.

Pic 1. One of the corners

Pic 2,3 the panels all in and ready for material

Mark.

[joedoh]

nice work mark, I like that you are closing out all the structure like a modern vehicle does

[reaper71]

Thanks Russ, I just wanted to try and keep it clean looking.

[reaper71]

Here are a few shots of the progress of the panels.

Pic 1. Getting the corner piece ready for plastic.

Pic 2. The plastic glued in place.

Pic 3. The corner pieces covered with vinyl and installed.

The plastic I'm using is a extruded type 1/8" thick and takes shape with some heat.
This product was recommended by (Erin Ruddy) from Ruddymade Interiors.
It can be cut with a razor knife if needed. And using contact cement to glue the material to the plastic.

Mark.

[mongocanfly]

Looks good Mark..where you get the plastic from?....I tried googling ruddymade with no luck

[youngrodder]

Very good...I made my rear seat section and corners out of MDF and fiberglass. It was messy. I like you solution better..


Marc

[NorCalGal]

I found a Facebook page ruddy made llc. Look like he does hot rod upholstery.

[reaper71]

Thanks everyone for checking out the build!

Greg you can find him on instagram or Ruddymade 1 @gmail.com
The plastic I got from a place here in Missouri, Ill get the name.


Marc. Yes this is much faster and less mess

norcalgal...yes he does amazing work!!

Mark

[reaper71]

Here is a link to the plastic. (Regal plastics)

it is available in 4x8 sheets, thicknesses etc. a little expensive but really nice product.
I used 1/8" Dad (Oldman3) is also using this same stuff on a friends door panels.


http://www.regalplastic.com/503-sign-grade

[joedoh]

hey look at that! there is a regal plastics in my town, and I have actually been there a lot, I got all my plexiglass for custom amp racks there.

[reaper71]

That works out great for you Russ!
You wont need to pay shipping,like we do

Mark

[reaper71]

Now time for the center panel.

Pic 1. I used 2 layers of the plastic and glued them together using C.A. glue
(aka super glue) and using activator.

Pic 2. I drilled 1/2" holes for the rare earth magnets (N52)
And glued them in place.

Pic 3. The vinyl installed.

Pic 4. Panel in place. So since I'm using magnets and the back panel is metal they hold the panel in place nicely.

The magnets are 1/2 x 1/8 or 12mm x 3mm and got them on Ebay
My CA glue and activator I get from 12volt tools.

Mark

[reaper71]

Here are the items from 12volt tools.

The CA glue I have is the thin Use medium instead.
The epoxy is probably one of the best I've used.

[joedoh]

man what a beauty! really exceptional work.

Originally Posted by reaper71

That works out great for you Russ!
You wont need to pay shipping,like we do

Mark

oh believe me, regal gets their money, hands down one of the MOST expensive places I dealt with back then. maybe they just had different tiers for jobber pricing, but a 36x24x1 piece of plexi with two finger holes and polished edges was $260, and that was over 20 years ago

[reaper71]

Thank You Russ!! I really appreciate that!.

This is my 1st shot at interior work (by myself) always watched Dad do these steps and just trying my best!

The plexi im not surprised on the price considering the size of that sheet!

Mark

[mongocanfly]

That looks good Mark..!!

[reaper71]

Thank you Greg!

[reaper71]

Moving on to the door panels.

Pic 1. Here is a shot of the template.

Pic 2. The template sitting on the door. The tabs will be bent to slide into the door and help hold in place.

Pic 3. After cutting the sheetmetal out and bending the tabs,I marked and cut the slots in the door.

Pic 4. A shot of the panel in place.

Pic 5. Here, simply showing the door pull and upper panel.

Mark.

[NorCalGal]

That looks nice