F Panel Placement Opinions?

[cv2065]

Hey guys. Finally got my air compressor piece worked out and started putting my F-panels on. Ran into a situation that I don't remember when first fitting these particular panels, but wanted to get some opinions from team FFR.

Passenger side F-panel fits perfectly on the frame. Driver's side not so much, and wanted to see which way is 'preferred' or is there a better option by trimming something.

This is the first version, and how it came from FFR. The issue here is that the panel aligned with the top horizontal bar of the frame, and front weld where the tube breaks off into another direction, but didn't align with the left side diagonal bar that runs down. Also, where the middle of the 'F' panel meets the control arm bracket, also had much larger of a gap than the other side.

IMG_1147.jpgIMG_1149.jpg

To remedy both issues, I moved the panel forward about 1/2" to get it better aligned all the way around which is shown in the next pics below. Problem there is that the front of the panel is pushed a little forward past the weld on the frame and it makes the distance from the front weld to the back of the F-panel 1/2" off versus the other side (16" vs. 16.5"). In case it looks odd, I trimmed off a small corner after the panel was adjusted as it was sticking up past the frame rail.

IMG_1145.jpgIMG_1146.jpg

So, I'm not sure why this panel sits that way? I guess the question is this. Is it better to have the top rail distance the same on both sides when attaching other panels to the F-panel (voting for this) or is it better to be aligned and flush with all attachment points.

Hopefully you guys understand what I'm talking about and the pics are OK. If you need another picture or more detail just let me know as I've had issues with pictures being upside down.
Thanks!

[Straversi]

I remember there being a slight misalignment with the F-Panel and I just found a compromise that felt best. The F-Panel placement is not that critical. Since it is one of the first panels you want perfection, but in this case, since it stands alone its not as big a deal as you think. What I do remember is that it is easy to drill holes and later find out you can't fit a rivet gun in some of the tight areas. Clamp it in place and look to see where you can and can not rivet.

-Steve

[cv2065]

Thanks Steve! Happy to hear that mines not an anomaly. I was mainly concerned with the placement and F panel attachment to the elephant ears. Would a 1/2” make a difference when attaching together?

[Straversi]

Hard to tell. I’ve read various threads that describe trimming the splash panels a little, a lot or scrapping them altogether and making their own. I think how the body is mounted and how the splash shields themselves are positioned plays a larger role but F-Panel placement might contribute a little. Not worth losing any sleep over in my opinion. At some point you just have to drill and rivet and keep moving. If you have to adjust the splash shield a bit, it’s just part of the process. You will be amazed at how your confidence grows as the project moves along. You are doing great.
-Steve

[edwardb]

As already stated, the alignment of the F-panels isn't super critical. I would mainly make sure they're the same on both sides. Aligned with the top rail (e.g. flush), the lower rail in "F" opening (again flush), and the gap between the top and back side of the coilover attachment tower the same on both sides. Mine ended up with about a 1/2-inch gap between the back of the attachment tower and opening in the panel. If you're trying to align the pieces at the top front corner where the 3/4-inch tubing is welded including the radiator attachment piece, don't. The radiator attachment piece is typically not the same on both sides. Would say your third picture (IMG_1145.jpg) looks about right.

[cv2065]

Thanks again for the replies. As suggested, I'll go with the 1145.jpg where I've adjusted the F panel 1/2" to the front and just cut 1/2" off of the front tip, as shifting it places the edge on the 3/4" tubing weld seam and it won't lay flush. That will get me as close as I'm going to get to what Paul has suggested as measuring points.

I'm sure this precision perfection OCD will wear off as I get further into the build. Much oblige fellas!!