Engine bay holes

Here is the 74

My 73 had both holes, both the one you point out and the large one above it. They are both closed off now, as are some of the other holes in the engine bay. I like a smooth look.

Angelo

As far as I can remember only very late 73 and all 74s the holes were closed off.

My late 74. Looks like enough holes to me! But not the 'little' one you're referring to.

I welded mine up. I also welded up some metal in the back to help it look more finished.

Showoff! snicker, I like that clean look, wish I was a bit better of a metal worker. So how soes that metal sheet look from the underside?

Ang

Gary, the added sheet steel to clean up the back was a nice touch and probably adds some strengthening. What precautions did you take to prevent oxidation on the on the backside of the metal and in the new cavaty that was formed?

The metal I used was coated already. We have a skid load so that helps. Everything I prepped was either zink primed or epoxy primed. The weld areas obviously cleaned before welding.

There is quite a bit of unseen work from the underside. The rear upright was rebuilt. Who ever rebuilt it the last time should be tarred and feathered. I cut it out and completely re-did it:

http://www.rc-tech.net/pantera1/upright/ru.htm


Along the way I cleaned up the bottom rail a little and welded in a flat piece where the arrow it pointing to give a better spot for jacking:




If you look directly left of it where the ZF pokes through, and slightly down from there, there is a piece shaped like a triangle also welded in. You can see the rectangle drain slots.

You can see it here a little as well:

My blog pics show the same thing- holes are there in '71, gone in '74.

Gary - Thanks for the added detail. I've said it before, your work is esquisite. I hope to see that car at the Fun Rally in 2012.

I hope so too, some things have to let up for me to concentrate on it again.

How about you borrowing my car for a couple of weeks?

quote:

Originally posted by IndyDave:
How about you borrowing my car for a couple of weeks?

Dave I would be your co pilot in your car anywhere! Your car is sharp!

Thanks. What i meant was, the last time you drove the car, you said this will get you motivated to getting you car finished. You can pick up my car anytime!(seriously)

I know what you meant. And your car was a great driving car. I just have this thing about driving other peoples cars; unless it is a sponsor so to speak. You are very gracious!

Yes it does motivate me. The Ashville trip motivated me. I am hung on a few things right now. As soon as I can get past the hang I think it will go together quite quickly.

I have new a-arms ready to be laser cut as soon as we can get on top of the customers. When I get the a-arms done this will help break loose the hangup on the front end.

Very nice work on the engine bay. I must admit I copied the idea of filling the 2 areas near the ZF mounts. It smooths out the bay in a big way.

Guys -
I may have missed it, but has anyone confirmed what the holes were originally for? Part of the manufacturing process, or did they have some other purpose? Thanks.

I have heard they were there for easier wrench access from the wheel well, but not nessesary. -Jim Coyne

Looks like a dimpled eye hole for lightness and strength they put in race cars but these aren't exactly round. Oh well