I might try cutting more glass. I heard some people had more success with older glass-maybe more substantial construction versus modern glass?

 

Roof progress!

 

The roof skin is from a late model Chevy pickup. I've flanged the front part of the truck roof skin to slide under the stock roof. My plan is to attach this edge using a panel adhesive, 3M 8115.

I'm using the panel adhesive in order to avoid welding the roof which I'm worried will warp it. I do plan to weld the the roof skin to the side window frame.

 

 

 

Andy
Lovely project, really interesting construction. Out of interest, how are you going about getting rigidity into the structure?

Greg

 

A couple of ways thus far. When I cut the roof off and welded in the new side window channel extension the rear of the car was extremely flimsy. If I tried to lift up the quarter panel behind the rear wheel it would simply bend and twist the entire quarter panel.

But if you look at page one pics (post #9), I welded a c-channel (upside down, or "C" facing down) under the side window edge (top of quarter panel) and this tied into the wheel well. I also added a couple of stitching plates where the c-channel met the wheel well. After this addition I could "pick up" one side of the car without quarter panel bending (but opposite side of car would not move indicating some flex still).

For the roof/side window junction top rail I slid the square tubing into the stock roof reinforcement and welded it several places. Then I cut a section of the stock roof reinforcement into a triangle (gusset maybe?) and welded it to side window top rail to bridge them together (post #14).

Also, but not seen, at the vertical bar that forms the back of the side window, where it meets the quarter panel, there is a "slug" or sleeve of square tubing slid into, and welded into the window frame. This "punctures" through the quarter panel into trunk and will connect to some sort of reinforcement in the floor.

There are also two roof bows welded in, one between B-pillar and one midway down side window.

With all of these modifications thus far (and more to come) I can now "pick up" one side of the car and the entire car moves in unison.

Next plan is to install hatch which will require another cross brace at the top back corners of side windows which will further triangulate the roof structure.

 

Also, when roof skin is bonded into place this will add even more stiffness. Right now when the quarter panel is lifted the stock roof section flexes a tiny bit which I consider pretty stiff (even without additional roof skin bonded and welded).

 

This is from this months XJSClub.org club magazine (as an aside I'd recommend joining to all XJS owners) the website below may be useful for you:

Anyway, Pascal is the all seeing, all knowing person for all matters: Eventer and seems to just keep buying them up and selling one occasionally. I don't know how he does it! His website is brilliant, detailing what he knows of the 68 cars: Lynx Eventer. It's best viewed on the French language page and allow Google to translate. By his own admission, it hasn't been updated for a while (Pascal, it'll be worth your while updating following Eventer 30th!).

 

I have actually corresponded with him but we got off to a bad start because my efforts to make a XJS shooting brake were not appreciated. (I asked if he would sell me side windows from an Eventer).

But the website is amazing and it is clear he knows all there is to know!

 

260Z hatch preliminarily installed:

 

That's a bugger about the animosity. The article in the xjs club mag talks about xjs hatches it is quite interesting.

 

Great progress, this is an awesome project. I am seriously disappointed in the reception you received, totally and completely unacceptable as you're not doing this to fool anyone, you're simply making one for yourself, which when you think about it, is exactly what Lynx did.. ;-)

I have found those too serious in the car circles, are best avoided anyways.. HA!

Keep up the great work!

Jeff

 

Thats what I thought too!

 

Their harping gets on the nerves.

 

280Z hatch mated with lower panel of stock trunk lid!

 

 

That's looking pretty good!

I'm enjoying seeing your progress.

Mark

 

Brilliant, simply brilliant..

I vote, slate or black over factory red hides / rugs, mit 16" lattice wheels, euro headlights, oh momma!

;-)

Cheers,

Jeff

 

Looking good! I love the originality of this idea. A truly custom car. I'm excited to see more progress!