Metal Bubble Arch Trimming

[MK1_Oz]

Just headed out to the shed to fit my Mk1 bubble arches and immediately hit a question....

My bubbles came from Gartrac (but I think they all are made at Expressed?). Obviously there is a heap of extra metal on the bubbles from the factory that needs to be trimmed off. Gartrac sent me a scribble (literaly!!) indicating that the extra metal on the inside lip needs to be dressed over. Is this what others do or have you just cut off that excess.

I have attached a picture as my explanation is a little lacking.

The vertical excess metal under the red arrow is the bit in question. Roll over (how?? hammer and dolly somehow?) or cut off. I guess rolling it over (ie so that it forms the lip into a U shape) will add strength but will be a pain to do?????

[jpayne]

Oz being that the section in question is radial around the opening I doubt anyone would manage to fold it back without destroying everything. I think you remove it at the radius arrowed in your sketch, Should be no need to fold the lip back, which will add stregth along the edge, unless your rear track is as wide as mine, I needed to remove the entire lip in certain areas to get clearance for the rear wheel.
cheers,

JP

[Gary P.]

[MK1_Oz]

Thanks. I have the NS front mounted now and will trim off that lip/excess in a few days when I get back into the shed.

A reasonably easy and rewarding days work!!!

[jpayne]

Thinking about it.

would you remove this bit before or after welding...?
before means when welded there is no residual stress which is undone when you cut it possibly causing a buckling, or
keeping it during welding would provide distortion proofing. Hmmm

Anyone have thoughts

Gary, mine not bigger not smaller its just different


Oh and works better!

JP

[Gary P.]

I just have "Chronic Bubble Arch Envy"!!

[MK1_Oz]

[ulsterman]

Glenn,I trimmed the excess off when the welding was completed. I then dollied the rest back for extra clearance. Use a heat gun to assist with the dolly back. I then sixaflexed around the fold to stop water and crap finding a home.

[MK1_Oz]

cheers rob.

[Danny M]

I had a set done by a friend who has just repaired Gary's grill and he trimmed the edge and folded a double lip on them and did a beautiful job
So yes it can be done by hand


Danny