1972 Granada Mk1 coupe build - Still going... 14-10-2024

[eurogranada]

There were times I thought I'd never be able to say these words but....

THE BODY IS FINISHED!!

I was able to get to the shop and spend quite some time on getting the last bits in order. With doors and wins and bonnet on the car as I desired and with nice panel gaps, I was finally able to attempt to fit the window channels on the doors. That seems an easy job, but with so much room for error in alignment, it was not easy at all. But it was very satisfying.

I chose to help myself by using the chrome trim that wil cover the channel. This helped by a) adding support to the piece as it could now be clamped together and b) making visible how the channel would fit in the door apperture. When I was happy with the fit all round, I had my friend tack the piece in place so all trim and clamps could be removed and the door could be closed. Fine tuning the inward angle of the channel was then possible and the channel was welded permanently in place. I did the same on the other side and have to say I'm quite pleased with the results.

With that out of the way I asked my friend two final questions: would heb have 5 minutes to help with the last two alignment issues and how would he appraoch the paint prep now: remove the panels now for doing their insides or doing that after initial paintprep.

This resulted in him taking a slapper tool and a rubber hammer (the type with grains inside for an extra punch) and spending litteraly no more then 5 minutes to solve both my remaining issues. He used the slapper to pry between the panel edges and pul out the left fender that seemed to be in just a tad to far to follow the door edge when mounted correctly. Then on the other side he hammered the protruding wing edge into shape without it loosing it's general curved shape. Took quite a bit of hammering, but with each stroke you could see the gap improving.

So that meant that.... All welding was done and that all panel gaps were now to my satisfaction!! Quite a happy moment indeed! I cleaned my area, put away the tools, put the car back in it's place and drove in the cars that were being worked on for the night before leaving for home a very happy man.

So what is left now before paint prep?

I have to smooth the welds on the right hand door as there were a bunch of freshly painted Donkervoort parts too close for comfort. I also have to clean the welds on the inside edges on both doors so the window will wind up and down properly. This I'm not really looking forward to as it's a hard to get to area. However we wanted to be sure the welds were strong so there is some work to do there. I have to fit rivnuts to fix two worn out bolt holes. Finally I need to clean and reprime the folded edges on the doors in some spots where the primer got damaged from the doors sitting and being moved several times to prevent rusting. Should be no more then one final afternoon of work.

So friday the arrangements will be made permanent and I'll hopefully have a rough timeframe for the paint prep.

Last couple of images from the body work.















In the last picture the gap seems off, but that is as it was taken after the clamp was taken off. The bolt hole needs to be fixed. I'm putting a rivnut in there on both sides.

Suffice it to say that even three nights of working overtime did not affect my good spirits!!

[mk2cossie]

Looking real good now Eurogranada

The panel gaps are always a nightmare to get just so, as I found out with the non-genuine front wing on my mk2

Good to see the bodywork all sorted and ready for paint though, will be a nerve racking time when it comes to fitting that Cologne lump up front

[eurogranada]

Mar 26, 2014 13:52:51 GMT mk2cossie said:

Looking real good now Eurogranada

The panel gaps are always a nightmare to get just so, as I found out with the non-genuine front wing on my mk2

Good to see the bodywork all sorted and ready for paint though, will be a nerve racking time when it comes to fitting that Cologne lump up front

Thanks!

It was tough to get the gaps all nice and even. God knows what is original and what not after 40 years. I know because of date stamps in the panels that I have at least one original panel, but that also needed most work to fit nice... The other one I couldn't find a stamp, but is was the closest in shape to the known original. I've others that really have different looks. But if you look close to my pictures you might have noticed that the left and right wing have differently shaped inner structures even though the skin is identical. And as hard as I tried, the last two issues I couldn't solve myself. I knew how, but was afraid to make it worse not better. It is an art to know just where to hit, twist and tap to get the panels how you want them without damaging them. But I've learned that sometimes you just have to dare to hit a panel hard.

On fitting the engine: I think that will be easy! No real worries of damaged paint at all. I'm simply going to remove the four bolts of the front subframe, the two connecting the steering shaft and remove the whole lot from underneath the car. Then I'll put the engine on the subframe and reinstall. Simply lifting the engine bay with the engine crane up in the air.

After handing the car over to the paint prep guy, I'm going to focus on making new doorpanels, new rear panels, a new headliner and getting the engine ready to drop in. That last task should be nothing more than verifying the cooling and vaccuum routings, connecting a fuelpump, connecting the full scorpio loom and then trying to start it. If it does start, stripping the loom is next, but I've done 90% of the prep for that only needing help with the fuse boxes. So I'll still be busy. Oh and I'll be sorting and prepping parts for easy installation (like putting sets of nuts and bolts together with the part to mount ready to simply install as a set).

There's still a lot to do and I'm not sure how fast I can get it all done. Focus will be on doing the things that are needed to get the car wheather proof and movable under it's own power, so it can live outside if need be...

[eurogranada]

The big deal is done... It's costing me several limbs, but should be worth it!

The car will be prepped and painted according to my desires, the wheels will be painted to my wishes as well so I should get the look I envisioned!!

Now let us hope it will be as awesome as It is in my minds eye...

In 7 weeks it will be done! So let's start counting! Oh and don't worry, enough other things going on with the project to keep the thread going!

[goldnrust]

Wooooo! That's awesome mate Such a nice feeling to be able to put the welder down and say 'its done'. Cant wait to see it in paint!

[eurogranada]

Thanks!!

As always one discovers some more pre paint jobs to do, although no welding! The side trim needs holes to be mounted and only on 3 of the 6 panels of the car these are present. I also want to fine tune a small edge on a wing. So the car will get some work done on it this week before leaving for paint next week. That's why I claimed that the car would be in paint in 7 weeks.

I really can hardly wait..

[totti]

Hi!
What a huge project!!

I love the attention to every detail,absolut spot on

In comparision, my Cortina is a walk in the sunshine.....

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

[eurogranada]

Well thank you for your kind words! In my opinion you've had a much more difficult process then I had. You've grafted on a whole new roof/quarter section! You mad man!!

But yes, I do tend to do things as well as my perfectionism and budget allow me. That is also why it's such a slow process. But, more on that soon. I'really should add another small update!

At least there's plenty of challenge ahead to get teh car where I want. But at least for now I've decided against doing the aircon project at this time as well. That will be next years challenge I think.

[grifterkid]

This is looking brilliant... The level of work is right at the top of the tree meaning this is going to be something very special indeed when it's finally done... I cannot wait for that moment!

[SamJ]

Hi, Just seen this thread and read all 15 pages :lol: Looking really good, loving your work, going to be a great car once finished! Am I right in thinking you're in the Eindhoven area? I shall be very interested to see how your paint comes out as I have a car of my own needing rather a lot of bodywork in the future

[eurogranada]

Well, as the next fase is entered, I really should update this thread a little.

Unfortunately, I've never been more busy than the last couple of weeks. My wife is in dire need of eye surgery which is a concern and also consumes time even though the operation won't take place for a while yet. Work has been rediculous, but quite allright as opposed to a while ago. I've been on overtime a lot lately, but that should only benefit the hobby a little. One more week to go and then things will become more quiet and I'll focus more on the Granada.

In the mean time...

The car has been finished up to a point where the person doing the paint prep is taking over. It took me a long afternoon to get there: double check all alignments and mark, trial fit and in the end drill the holes for the side trim, removing the wings to create the slotted holes for the screw clips that hold them on in the sections that were welded, putting in a rivnut on each side for the lower wing mount bolt as the original hole was molested beyond other means of repair. Things like that.

But then, the next day the car went on its merry way to the home workshop of the paint prep guy. His name is Mark and he's a pro. He's no painter so he'll be doing the prep upto the final primer and final sanding/blocking. I'm happy with how he treats my project at the moment, but am aware that this is something you have to monitor a little. I'm a perfectionist so it has to be right, besides, it's costing me a fortune to get the car in paint and I feel I have a right to quality work for that. He did however notice little lthings like old paint being on part of the hood under the new primer because the blaster wouldn't want to ruin the panel, etc. That gave me some more confidence in the abilities of this man. And I have no doubt that this will be a stunning car in an stunning colour.

Mark even had started on my car when I went to pay him his advance! So that gave me a good feeling. The downside is, that he may have the car ready so soon that I'm not ready to drop in the motor or the glass when the time comes. So those areas will get attention as soon as this crazy spell at work is over.

Some images as usual:

Nice result on these:


Final things done:




[/img]

Again on a trailer:


Temporary home:



A start was made:






So that is it for now, you're all up to date again.

I'm hoping to at least get to clear my home workshop so I can start messing with the engine and loom. Working toward a start up. Also looking for a cheap sewing machine that is capable of car materials... I need to make my own headliner...

[eurogranada]

Apr 11, 2014 11:24:14 GMT grifterkid said:

This is looking brilliant... The level of work is right at the top of the tree meaning this is going to be something very special indeed when it's finally done... I cannot wait for that moment!

Thank you! That is quite a compliment! Just the way you say that makes me want to see it finished even more! I so hope it turns out as I envisioned!!

[eurogranada]

Apr 11, 2014 13:32:40 GMT SamJ said:

Hi, Just seen this thread and read all 15 pages :lol: Looking really good, loving your work, going to be a great car once finished! Am I right in thinking you're in the Eindhoven area? I shall be very interested to see how your paint comes out as I have a car of my own needing rather a lot of bodywork in the future

Thanks for the compliments! I hope so as we'll!

Yes, I'm from Eindhoven and I also have lots of contacts related to this hobby. Get in touch if you so desire.

What are you going to work on?

[eternaloptimist]

Can't wait to see this in paint.

[therealpinto]

I just wanted to add to the compliments, I like the way this is going. My first car was a MkI Granada Coupé and I am fighting hard against the urge to get one again. It's a very pretty car and it also has every chance to be reasonably practical, especially with a more modern engine and A/C.

It is also a bit comforting to see someone elso working on a car in between taking care of family, the job and the house. It's a puzzle that few really can manage.

Gustaf

[eurogranada]

Apr 14, 2014 10:57:50 GMT therealpinto said:

I just wanted to add to the compliments, I like the way this is going. My first car was a MkI Granada Coupé and I am fighting hard against the urge to get one again. It's a very pretty car and it also has every chance to be reasonably practical, especially with a more modern engine and A/C.

It is also a bit comforting to see someone elso working on a car in between taking care of family, the job and the house. It's a puzzle that few really can manage.

Gustaf

Thanks Gustaf! I too really love the Granada MkI and most of all the coupe... It's got a powerful appearance. I hope mine turns out as great as I imagine!

I'd like to say, why fight the urge, but that is easy for me to say.

Thank you for your comment on doing this project besides running a demanding family life, work, medical issues and owning and maintaining a house. The way you say it makes me feel you might be in a similar situation?

All I can say on that subject is that yes, it is hard and makes for a slow going project. But to me it is a big part of my sanity, keeping sane through all of the misery (and thruth be told also the joy) that life throws in your path. I feel that if I didn't have the Granada to work on and just clear my mind from time to time, I would have suffered at least a burn out by now. If you are in a similar situation, I can only say that having something for yourself is important and rewarding. So go for it if you can or aren't already. And if you already are, enjoy the process!

[therealpinto]

Well, they say the only way to get rid of a temptation is to fall for it... ;-) My issue is that I have too many cars and at the moment I can't justify one more. I would have to give up one I already I have and I am not ready for that.

My situation is probably a lot "easier" than yours, no medical issues, but a family, a house, a part-time job, a small company of my own, some other obligations (non-profit organizations). But it is so true that having a project car can be the most important stress relief.

Keep up the good work!

Gustaf

[spot]

Hello Alex.
I have been reading your thread for a while now and enjoy every instalment. It brings back so many memories of past Granadas I've owned and worked with. My current coupe is still at the stage of replacing the rusty areas, yet progress is slow due to working outdoors in what little spare time I can.

Agree 100% >

All I can say on that subject is that yes, it is hard and makes for a slow going project. But to me it is a big part of my sanity, keeping sane through all of the misery (and thruth be told also the joy) that life throws in your path. I feel that if I didn't have the Granada to work on and just clear my mind from time to time, I would have suffered at least a burn out by now.

Thank you for taking the time to keep us all updated.

[eurogranada]

Things are moving fast!! The car is prepped for paint and the door jams and panel insides have been painted in colour and clear coat!!!

I'm unable to show images at the moment, but it's unreal how fast this is going now!

The downside is that I'm short on time to get the engine going etc. So rebuilding the car will be slower than I had hoped. Also I decided to fully rebuild the car in appearance first, then finish the mechanicals.

We'll see how it all works out! But soon I'll be able to show the car painted...

[eurogranada]

So I already mentioned that the first paint went on the car. I wasn't able to put some images to that at that time so now is the time for that.

The car has been prepped, jambs painted and vulnerable edges have been bodyschutzed.

Today I'm going to bodyschutz the insides of the front wings. After that I'll start lining up all panels for a final time, fixing them permanently in position. Then a final judgement can be made about the prepwork. Parts were prepped on and off the car and I'm anal enough to want to have every shape and line flowing smoothly over in oneanother. I'm paying a lot for this work so it better be good! My bodyshop wants me to put in the locks for doors and bonnet and bootlid and fit the sunroof if possible. Anything to make sure the paint goes on without a hitch.

Some images:
































Some images I got from the prep guy and are somewhat dark or suffer from motion blur.

The colour seems to be EXACTLY what I wanted it to be. And I'm really excited about seeing it on the large top surfaces! Though that makes it hard to take a decent picture of it.

The colour hardly reveils its pearl content unless in direct sunlight, otherwise you'd think you were looking at a solid colour. Also the colour shows a certain flip. It's not a flip flop colour when you look at it from different angles in the sense that it changes from purple to green or something. It's more subtle. The a$$hole blue from some angles is perfectly vivid blue, while from other angles it is blue with a purple-isch hue.

In the pictures it is hard to see but standing besides the car looking at the mounting edge of the wings, with the bonnet open on it's catch, you see a purle-ish blue while from the same viewpoint, the side edge of the bonnet framing is vivid blue. I absolutely love it!!

A final piece of news is that I'll be renting a garage (purely for storing the car and some related stuff) about a 1000 meters away from my home, walking distance of at least cycling distance! So now my car doesn't have to live in the street or have to see any salt in winter. I'm still making arrangements, but I think it'll work out well.

See you after the weekend!