Last month saw the Raptor F85 bare its teeth for the first time in the Rush chassis. The entire episode left me totally exhausted but relieved to know everything mechanical was in order. This month sees the fitment of all the bodywork, transforming the bare chassis into its final stealth form. Covered by a fine layer of fibreglass dust, the excitement in the Dean garage is steadily increasing, with the completion date looming ever closer.

Template for exhaust exit holes in side bodywork

 

Rear bodywork section ready for fitment

 

On she goes, ensuring correct distance from rear chassis member

 

Marking the position of the fuel filler hole

 

All done. Cap from Car Builder Solutions

 

Pipe connecting fuel cap to tank

 

Side panel waiting to be fitted

 

Side panel clips over top chassis rail

 

Ensuring scuttle lines up perfectly with side panel

 

Making top edge neat since will be seen when bonnet is removed

 

Off again with the side panels to allow header pipe holes to be cut.. easy does it!

 

Once most material removed with angle grinder, flap wheel makes light work of the curved profile

 

Offering up the polished surrounds to ensure a perfect hole size

 

Looking good

 

Side panels mounted on rubber to avoid vibration

 

On goes the sealant prior to final fitting of the side panels

 

Final fitting

 

Next the nose

 

Alternator clearance perfect, thanks to the 'Dean' bracket

 

First fit of the bonnet, whoops the engine is in the way a little

 

Only solution is to cut a bleedin' big hole in it

 

Back on with the front suspension for the last time

 

Now we are getting somewhere