Engine bay cladding tips needed

[CobraMat]

Hi all

I'll be cladding the engine bay of my Dax with mirror finish stainless sheet soon. At present the body if off the car, but will be fitted soon. I've made all the patterns out of cardboard so I can work out where I can get away with bending the sheet and where I'll have to tig it together, the shapes I'll need to cut etc. I know that Dax recommend fitting their bulkhead kit before the body is fixed, but as I'm fabricating my own, I cannot see any reason not to fit the cladding after the body is on, mainly so I get the cladding fitting well around the chassis rather than guessing where it will be with the body off. Having made the patterns, I can always modify them around the chassis when that's fitted, before I commit myself by cutting the stainless.

So that's the story, now the real questions and requests.

Has anyone got any photos of their engine bay clad (in stainless or aluminium) before they've fitted the engine? Also, any photos of the engine then installed (ideally a S.B.Chev, showing the gaps between the engine and cladding, items such as servos fitted to the cladding etc., just to give me an idea of header clearances etc?

Also, from all the people who've done what I'm soon to attempt, (on a Dax or any other Cobra) any unexpected pitfalls, problems, advice? I can't see any reason why I can't just Sikaflex the panels in place, possibly with a few rivets down near the bottom into the chassis if necessary, but what have others found?

Thanks in advance :tu

Mat

Current progress: 383 Chev being built in the USA, Tremec TKO in a box, tyres on 6 week back order, and various bits on the shelf!

[kdavies3]

I fitted mine pre body fit as recommended, and agree that it would be impossible in on piece once the body is on. (supplied by Dax)
If you're doing your own I don't see why you can't do it body on.
It may be worth talking to Dave Brookes, its possible that he can supply you a set of patterns. (sorry Dave)
I fitted mine with panel adhesive and rivets.
I wish I'd used stainless instead of ally as I think it would be easier to keep shiny.

Kev Davies
Dax, 383ci Chevy Stroker, Tremec TKO
South Wales

:tu :tu :tu