Drip Rails

[MK1_Oz]

I am rebuilding the front of my Mk1 Escort as there was substantial crash damage (not mine!!!!!!!).
I have had to let in a new front section of inner wing, the usual top plates and made up new flitch panels.

Trying to work out the exact location of the drip rails is a little difficult. Other threads I have search suggest mounting the doors, front panel, bonnet then wings to get it right but I am hoping I dont have to.

Basically I have the lip on the new section of inner wing where the drip rail was (before being cut off) as a front reference point. If I line the Hadrian drip rail panel up with that front marker where does the rear end go? There is a swage/pressing in the drip rail right at the back that matches up with one on the bodywork. Is this a reliable guide for the position of the rear end??? Hadrian panels are often not exact so your experience is asked for.

[MK1_Oz]

EDIT: just thought, if I mount the bonnet only (nice and easy - brackets left on it so line it up with the scuttle area so it looks even) then I could use the edge of the bonnet to show the line of the drip rails as a sanity check?? The outside edge of the drip rail/inner wing I assume would sit just outside the edge of the bonnet???

[jpblue]

OZ,

unfortunately there are three axial alignments you need to get right, up down, back front (remember the rail is cambered) and across. Its best to bolt it all together and use adjacent panels for correct alignment. some pain now will save years of dissapointment down the line, of seeing a didge everytime. Trust me, I can barely look at mine as it is for all the 'problems'.

JP

[exboyracer]

On the plus side the shape of the drip rails is easy enough to adjust with a big hammer, so you can 'tweak' them even after you've welded them on!

[MK1_Oz]

Thats what I was thinking exboyracer. As far as I can tell, the most critical alignment of the drip rail is probably getting it reasonably straight and in the correct location relative to the bonnet. It appears that the height (and even the width from the bonnet) can be adjusted to a degree after fitment.

Also, I had to cut out about a million spot welds on each wing so I have to replace the wing lips. This might allow me a further bit of adjustment if needed.

Anyway, was sick today so didnt get to take another look at it so have to wait a few days yet! Scared about hanging the passenger door too as I removed the hinge panel and only 'think' it is back in the same place. Find out in a few days.