Been a while...
Doors are kickin' my butt badly. I'm not happy with how they are opening; there's just not enough clearance to make it work. Furthermore,
trying to fine tune the gap spacing, and alignment is just a nightmare. For those that own the GTM, you will be able to relate during your
alignment challenges with the stock FFR hinges.
I've decided to hire a body man to come here and help with the C7 tail light mod (lens only), door alignment, and overall prep for priming.
After seeing Gene's video and some of the difficulties associated with creating a prefect base for paint, it is obvious that a professional is
required. I'm just not experienced enough to take on a project of this nature and expect a show-car, glass finish! I'm confident that the
person I chose will be able to sort out the known panel issues, and help me get this body ready for paint.
With that said, it's "game time decision" for the doors - now, or never to get the scissor hinges to work. I'm going to modify the hinges to
move the swing arm center to the right, and as high as possible which will be accomplished by adding material as shown by the red outline.
There is no other way (I can figure out) to get the door out, and over the pocket that is created by the fender and hood with the product
that I'm currently using.
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On a brighter note, I'm working away on the electronics end. I've found a great processor that uses C programming code to develop a control
system to build some of the circuits featured in the OEM Corvette, as well as a few of my own. For instance, at the press of a button the
door could unlatch, turn on the parking & interior lights. Then turn off the parking lights when the door closes, and dim the interior lights
slowly after the engine is started.
Right now I've figured out the LED dimming (slow drain), and adjustable shift light. My next task will be using the processor to display outside
temp, IAT, Fuel pressure, and a custom message (such as showing, "GTM #105" during start-up) on an LCD screen. This processor also has
Bluetooth & WIFI capabilities to work with smart phone apps.
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Future project - "Twlight Sentinel" using a photo-diode array (mini solar panel) to trigger the dash lights when the ambient light level dips to
certain point. This sensor will be flush mounted to my gauge pod on the dash.
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Warmer temps rolling in now! I Hope all you northerners are getting some work done in the garage these days!