Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

[V6 Capri]

Spotted on Facebook over the weekend and thought I’d post it here



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[Bugger]

Project is gaining momentum


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[retrovan]

Spotted on Facebook over the weekend and thought I’d post it here
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Thats the one near the front of this thread.

Thanks for posting.

Herman

[retrovan]

Yes we are still working on the MeFusco.

Just nor much to see, but we are taking pic's as we go.

These will not make much sense if viewed on at a time, but will work when seen as an progression.

Yes we are still busy with the front mud guards, as they are essential to the rest of the body work, now that we have addressed the "un-Do-able"

Herman

[retrovan]

Been sometime since I posted photo's of what was happening with MeFusco.

So here are a few, as it is easier to explain with pictures...

As stated before, I am busy with the front mudguards,

as they need to tie into the side body-work and then to the back wheel body-work.

Now you guys have seen the sick looking bits and bobs welded together to make up the mudguard shape,

and wondered if it will ever come together.

Now here goes, trying to explain what goes on in my head....

The bits of mudguard welded together is there to shape a form to cover,

to make the PLUG that will be used to make the fiberglass mould, from which we will make a usable mudguard.

Now keep in-mind that we need to make a LH as well as a RH.

The mudguard was removed from the body, and the internal joints were welded up to give strength,

as we would need to grind the outer welding edges smooth so as not to mess up the PLUG.



Then the spandex type materiel will be drawn over the shape of the mudguard.

This is not as stretchy as Spandex, as I need it to be able to be pulled taught.

Last thing we want is for it to start sagging when the epoxy resin is applied.



This took the most time as all the wrinkles needed to be pulled out in one or other direction to get the gentle curves we want and need.

This then get pegged into place with the missises wash-line pegs, (please do not tell)



Because the light bowl would not come out right in a fiberglass moulding, and we need the edge for the light surround to fix to,

we have cut out the bowl, and will be refitting it into the fender when done.

Used an old cutting disk to pull the shape into the light hole.



Then we started epoxying the entire parts as well as in between the pegs.

These will be moved once the resin is dry, and re coated.



Coated and then pulled in the fabric to form the door opening step, and clamped it down till cured.

Coated the entire unit with 1st coat resin, and allowed to harden.





Now we have an shape to show you, and get some reaction to the visual aspect of our "Butch" fender.

Let me know what to think, Here's hoping that you feel I have captured the "Beetle" feel and still make it functional.









So now you have had your fix, as the work on making the mould and smoothing, polishing, and making of the mud guard is time consuming.

So till then.

thanks for looking.

Herman

[Tony Z]

good job well done.
To me though, it looks too much like a flared fender, where I would have preferred the look of a "fat boy" fender (rounder instead of flared) with the headlight moved outwards a little. Or in other words, it looks like a fender that was flared on the outside, where I'd prefer the look of a fender that was flared where it meets the body (from the inside).

This


instead of this


if you get my logic

Sorry, you wanted opinions

[retrovan]

Fair comment Tony, Thanks,

Have thought of that as well,

The only problem I have is the McPherson strut that needs height up near the body, and to move the Fat Boy fender up that high would make it look ridiculous.

you need to keep in mind that the fender is slopping down back to front, so will give it a totally different look to what you see on the table.

But thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Herman

[Haans]

You impressed me again!!,..and with some type of cloth? Nogal!!,......

Haans

[Réhann]

[Bugger]

Good work so far
I tend to agree with Tony but as you mentioned there is a reason you built it the way you did

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[retrovan]

Thanks guys....

What I have decided was that I would make them this way, fit them to the MeFusco,

and when the truck is ready with all its body work,

make inserts that would bulge out the fender to form the "Fat Boy" shape and see which looks more acceptable.

These can then be added later without much effort.

if decided that it will work without looking ridiculous.

More do-able then the other way round.

Much appreciate your input, as one needs to see it through other eyes some times.

But that's the joys of a one-off.

Herman

[Dawie]

Good to see progress.

Did you consider moving the door's lower hinge upwards and cut the door instead of the fender?

[retrovan]

Well spotted Dawie, you always see these things ..

As everybody has the door cut out, and because I am having a step or two lower down, to line up with the bed at the back,

I thought it would look nice as a step.

Once again, will only know when the body work is complected.

It may work or it may look like

But can be rectified later if I have a dislike to it.

Also, the cut out in the door will be massive .....

The basic feeling is that this McFusco is "Different" so want to stay away from the stereo type build, but still have it "Beetle"

Not sure if my explanation makes sense to you or if you know what I mean. ??

But if I can get the truck to get the reaction of ;- "' I would not do it that way but hell it works""

This may just prove the feeling that I am mad.

Herman

[Haans]

Were you ever in any doubt ???

Sometimes I think the whole lot of us on this forum is certifiable!!!!

Haans

[retrovan]

Herman