Hi all
Finally at the stage of build-up on my replacement MAER chassis Series 3 SWB ( 1980) . On the bulkhead I had to replace both footwells and both A pillar foot brackets. Now loosely fitted the bulkhead to the chassis.
Questions ( referring to pictures).
1. I have the main bolts inserted from the rear with the respective nuts at the front wing well side. Should they be inserted to other way round ? Does it matter?
2. With the upright chassis brackets ( both sides) all the way back on their 3 slotted holes, I have approx an 8mm gap between the bracket and the footwell. I recall there being a couple of shims in there in the old arrangement but not 8mm's worth.
So do i
A/ file out the slotted holes to allow the brackets to go further back ? then use shims for the remainder of the gap.
(at best a 3mm gain)
B/ fit some spacer washers between the bulkhead brackets and the chassis outrigger holes to "move" the bulkhead farther forward?
( bit concerned this will create issues with tub / door fitment later)
C/ Fit all loosely and wait till i fit the tub ( at least 6 months away as I have quite a bit of work to do on the tub)

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciatted
Thanks in advance
Cheers
Phil

Think all measurement are from the rear tub as this is a fixed point & can’t move.
Unsure of the measurements between tub & bulkhead(door gap)

Bolts for bulkhead correct way,you can put a jack under the bulkhead & remove bolt back a bit to allow shim washers to go in the gap.

Hicap phill said:

Think all measurement are from the rear tub as this is a fixed point & can’t move.
Unsure of the measurements between tub & bulkhead(door gap)

Bolts for bulkhead correct way,you can put a jack under the bulkhead & remove bolt back a bit to allow shim washers to go in the gap.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick response and advice. Looks like I'll be moving the tub restoration works up the schedule.

Exactly. Tub. Seat box and sills, then bulkhead. Best do doors windscreen and roof before finalising the bulkhead.

The doors are 34" so the bulkhead to tub measure should be 34.5"to allow for shut gap.

Phil Maddox said:

Hi all
Finally at the stage of build-up on my replacement MAER chassis Series 3 SWB ( 1980) . On the bulkhead I had to replace both footwells and both A pillar foot brackets. Now loosely fitted the bulkhead to the chassis.
Questions ( referring to pictures).
1. I have the main bolts inserted from the rear with the respective nuts at the front wing well side. Should they be inserted to other way round ? Does it matter?
2. With the upright chassis brackets ( both sides) all the way back on their 3 slotted holes, I have approx an 8mm gap between the bracket and the footwell. I recall there being a couple of shims in there in the old arrangement but not 8mm's worth.
So do i
A/ file out the slotted holes to allow the brackets to go further back ? then use shims for the remainder of the gap.
(at best a 3mm gain)
B/ fit some spacer washers between the bulkhead brackets and the chassis outrigger holes to "move" the bulkhead farther forward?
( bit concerned this will create issues with tub / door fitment later)
C/ Fit all loosely and wait till i fit the tub ( at least 6 months away as I have quite a bit of work to do on the tub)

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciatted
Thanks in advance
Cheers
Phil
View attachment 345536View attachment 345537

Click to expand...

I would say bolt goes from the front to the back, so the other way to how you have it. Most people when fitting HD sliders etc use the threaded end of the bulkhead bolt to attach that to as the front fixing (not that that will probably happen with a nice old series re-build) but mine are fitted the other way to yours (not that it really matters tbh, because you can pack it out with washers either way for door gap.


This is mine.

Also fitting it the way i have protects the threaded end somewhat from rubbish and salt etc being thrown up by the tyre, not a deal breaker but something to consider?

Lavish wax on the bolt regardless.