1/9/06

Kits 6 & 8 arrived in 2 boxes, inventory of parts checked and confirmed.

1/10/06
Start to assemble the body structure. I ground flush the inside seams of some of the frame tubes where they mount to the corresponding tabs so that they will fit flush when tightened. I used standard nuts during the trial build so as to save the locknuts for the final assembly. I assembled the frame on 4 wood blocks so as to elevate the center cross member off the floor. At this point all bolts are loose. Where part LKO632 &632M are bolted to LKO656 cross member I used a shorter M6X15 instead of the longer M6X40 bolt. As the instructions state, triangulate measure before tightening bolts. Note; this measurement can vary as much as ¼ inch. The measurements need to be equal so the frame can be square. Tighten the 8 mm cross member bolts first, measure again to ;make sure the frame did not shift, tighten the front cross member and recheck the measurement. If you were careful the measurements should not have changed. Tighten the balance of the bolts.
At this point I placed the frame on the springs to see what things were going to look like.
4.0 Hours

1/12/06
I dismantled the framework in order to send to the powder coater.
1.0 Hours (comes apart quite easy)

1/29/06
Parts back from the powder coater. The framework is black coated. Reassembled the framework as in the trial fit, using the locknuts and washers supplied. For now the body frame is placed on the springs to take up less space in the garage and to start Kit 8. Modelworks supplied a new longer steering pin which I installed now as well.
2.5 Hours

Kit 6 is straight forward and the car is really starting to take shape. There was very little adjustments required and all the parts fit quite well. Another great kit from the chaps at Modelworks.

Hopefully Modelworks will be supplying either extra leaves or new springs and the hardware in the near future so the body can be permanently mounted to the chassis.

Kit 8

I had the water tanks powder coated a nickel/silver color. The POR-15 product recommended, is their fuel tank coating and sealer. POR-15 has a complete line of paint coatings and sealers. This can be obtained from any restoration materials supplier. I get my POR-15 supplies from Restomotive Laboratories, New Jersey, 800-456-6715, web (www.por15.com). I'll be coating the inside of the tanks as soon as my order comes in.

I clamped the side panels to the framework with some Quick clamps and C clamps. I cut some scrap wood to protect the wood panels from getting gouged by the clamps and scratching the frame finish. I haven't permanently secured the panels to the frame yet, I'm kicking around an idea to have the side panels removable for display and service purposes. I'm still working out the attachment part. Once I figure out what I'm doing I'll post it.

While waiting for these kits to arrive I came up with a hubcap logo, I sent off a set to Simon Cast at Modelworks. What do you think?

I hope you enjoy the pictures. Happy building.

Rick

Click pictures to enlarge

Likamobile Home • Kits One and Two • Kits Three and Four • Kits Four-B and Five • Caliper Correction
Kits Six and Eight • Kit Seven • Kit Eight • Kit Nine • Kit Ten • Kit Ten Addendum • Kit Eleven
Kit Twelve • Kit Thirteen • Kit Fourteen • Kit Fifteen • Year End • Kit Sixteen • Leaf Spring Modification
Kits Seventeen / Eighteen • Engine Modification • Boiler Installation • Burner Installation
Fuel Line, Brake & Throttle Pedal Installation • Final Kit • Final Assembly & Steam Up
Road Test & Modifications • Purge Modification