The Underside Of The Exterior Panel

Last time I left the car with the passenger's exterior panel riveted only on the top part (missing two rivets under where the scuttle currently sits). Today I wanted to do the underside of the panel, so that I could consider it done.

First, had to raise the side of the car and put two axle stands to get it tilted so that my drilled could fit under the car. I was not feeling comfortable, afraid the car could fall and hurt me, but took extra care to never get under the car or too near the wheels.

After tilting the car, used some clamps to bend the front third to the bottom chassis rail. After that, drilled the first hole (on the front end). Putting the rivet was harder; my "lazy tongs" riveting pliers did not fit under the car. Went for my feeble basic rivet pliers and tried that. After squeezing it some 60 times, the rivet was installed. I can't withstand doing all rivets with that, but just the basic ones to get the panel in place are OK...

On the rear end of the panel, I had nowhere to attach the clamps to. So I used a big stretch of tape to glue the panel to the chassis. It lasted enough for me to drill the hole and insert a second rivet. Also inserted a third where the frontal third of the panel ends. All other holes were drilled but I'll put the rivets after buying a new pliers that fits under there.

Put the car down and packed to go back home. Next week, I'll start on the passenger's side.

Little note to the fact that I'm feeling exhausted, for the second week in a row. This drilling has been physically demanding and I'm actually in a worst state than I thought. Oh, and the baby is late; wife on 40 weeks yesterday, no signs of the girl wanting to come out.