Rolling Thunder

thank goodness it's only the back ones. :banghead: When I bought my 15"x10" TT-D wheels a year ago, I did not know that the 15's would not clear the calipers and that wheel adapters would be required. Now with them mounted I have an extra 1" of tread exposed at the top of the rear flares. I know, I know... the smart thing to do is get 17" wheels or drop back to 8-1/2" wide, but that wasn't the look I wanted and besides, that would be too easy! :lol:

So today's project boys and girls, is "Flaring the Flares". It gave me an excuse to buy a rotary saw :hurray: and make this thing look more like a "Hot Wheels" toy. :D
Dave

WARNING
The glass butcher is going back to work. If you have a weak stomach or are offended by the site of augmentation surgery do not follow this thread. Some pictures may be graphic in nature. :lolg:

Link to pictures: ***HERE***




[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 2:01 PM 1/12/2003]

Twin_Turbo

Are you going to clean cut those flares off or are you planning on doing a rip them off job? I've been looking for a set of flares and hey, if I can get something cheap ... ;) :D

Marck <- miser

Rolling Thunder

Sorry Marck, but I'll need to reuse these flares, otherwise you would be welcome to them. The plan now is to cut them about an inch from the wheel opening, reposition them outboard 1" and rebuild the glass surface to fill in the gap. The trick will be to maintain uniform spacing around the opening with adequate clearance to the tire while preserving the contour of the flare. All of that is subject to change as I go. :crazy:

Twin_Turbo

It'd be much easier to get a set of rear quarters. Showcars has them in various sizes... ;) :D

...and I thought I was soo close to getting a pair of cheap ZL-flares :cry





[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 8:27 AM 1/12/2003]

groovyjay

So you're back in business!!! :cheers:

Rolling Thunder

Yea Jay, just hope I haven't lost my nerve. :yesnod: It's about 20 degrees outside, so I'm waiting for the heater to take the chill off the garage. If I'm still shaking then, I'll know it ain't because of the temperature. :lol: I just took some "before" pictures I'll be posting in a little while. :cheers:

Dave



[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 9:23 AM 1/12/2003]

Jughead

I look forward to seeing the pics. Glad to see the Mad Doctor is back at work. Now Rolling Thunder will truely be a "wide-track". :lol:

redvetracr

Dave,
BEFORE you cut, I have 10" wheels with a spacer!! You might consider a longer 1/2" stud and a billet wheel spacer hopefully it will save you some work. ...redvetracr

Rolling Thunder

Len - Mad Doctor? :lol: I kinda like that. Talk about an exagerated coke bottle design, this thing shoulda been named L-1011 for wide body. :D

Red - Good thought, and yes I did consider it. Can't say I had a good reason, other than I preferred adapters over spacers. If your monster will live with the spacers, that would've been good enough for me! :yesnod: However, it's too late now... passenger side is cut. :smash: :crazy:

As soon as I get it into position, I'll post a few pictures. LOVE that new rotary saw. :D Gonna be looking for other stuff to cut. :jester

Dave

Smokehouse69

Damnit Dave! it's good to see you back in the saddle!!! :hurray: I can't wait for the pictures of your art! 'Cause you are a true "artiste" with fiberglass. :D
Good Luck!!!
PS I still like the pictures of your roll your own sidepipes, about once a month I go back and look at the pictures and try and figure out how I can build my own.

The Money Pit

I went through the wheels don't fit saga,even after careful measurements. Ended up with 15x9" with a 5 1/2" backset,and using 1 1/4" wheel adapters.
Why don't the wheel manufactures know about Vettes? :mad :mad

Rolling Thunder

Thanks Steve, you are much too kind. Really I'm just too dumb or crazy to know when to leave well enough alone. :D

Sorry about that guys, but I cant figure out to get them posted. Maybe later. You can see them:

***HERE***




[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 2:01 PM 1/12/2003]

SmokedTires

Dave :eek: !!! Your work always turns out perfect, so I'm not worried about the results ;) . Nice to see you getting back to your ole self :D .

Those are some serious meats for your 502 to exercise when your done :steering: . :cheers:

Rolling Thunder

Hey Mike - Can you teach me how to post pictures with the new software?

SmokedTires

Looks like you figured it out :) . Sometimes the new forum won't allow links to other sites, but the one you sent me worked fine.

http://davesrollingthunder.com/rt/ro...202/albidx.htm


BTW, places just north of me (about 10-15 miles) just got 2-3 feet of snw yesterday, and we'e still getting more today :cry


[Modified by SmokedTires, 12:59 PM 1/12/2003]

A C

I was just thinking about you Dave. I bought a random action 5 inch disc sander today. It sure works better than the sanding block! The car is looking a lot more complete since the last time I saw it. Have fun with the itchy 'glass. :D

AC

Rolling Thunder

Thanks AC, and it really has been awhile. Hopeful to see you at BG this year, and I do plan for the RT project to be there too.

I got the cut made and the pieces aligned just in time for company to show up, so I haven't been back to the garage since the last post. Maybe these pictures will show up.








[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 5:00 PM 1/12/2003]

'79ProwlerOrange

:cool: when i get my 68, im doing ZL-1 Flares. who did you buy those through? they look just like lasse's and i love his car. :cheers:

Rolling Thunder

Hi Ben - Lasse's car has inspired many of us, it is without a doubt one of the nicest Vettes around. My flares are the ZL-1 flares from Ecklers, bought through Gary Gruhala. I believe that Lasse has a slightly different style flare on his. :cheers:

Dave

67HEAVEN

Rolling Thunder,

Great stuff........I'm watching and learning. :thumbs: