Stirlsilver's Disco Ute Project

**stirlsilver** · 28th July 2012, 10:22 PM

Thanks for your input Skiboy. Good to get information from someone who has already been through the process.

As for how I profile the corners, i'll wait until I have the rear quarter window frames and the rear window panel in place before deciding how I do the corner panels. At this stage I am leaning towards something with a radiused edge (more work...).

I have another update.

I bought some foam cored card and cut out the rear window panel profile I came up with and placed it on the car:

The profile above is basically 10mm inset from my original drawing because some of the glass will be hidden by the rubber seal (I assumed it is around 10mm). Also the bottom corners have a 50mm radius instead of 30mm, I was concerned that it might be a bit much to ask a rubber seal to go round a curve on a 30mm radius. Actually I am even wondering if 50mm is too tight?

Anyway, I was happy with the profile when I was in the workshop looking at the car, but now looking at the photos, I'm wondering if the window is too... large, and rectangular? it's hard to judge because the edge of the sheet isn't actually the true edge of the bodywork. Any thoughts or opinions, let me know.

I also finished up preparing the lower part of the rear wall (ex Nissa Navara). With all the spot welded stiffening removed it is one flimsy panel:

I quickly fit the navara panel on the car and it looks like it will fit in beautifully

This will be the last update for a few weeks. On Monday I am off overseas again, Thailand then Oman.

**Homestar** · 30th July 2012, 08:22 AM

I think the shape of the opening is fine, but maybe a bit big. I would bring the sides in just a bit, and the bottom up a fair bit. The top may be ok, or just a little high. Maybe some photo shopped versions would show a few more perspectives. Keep up the good work, it is coming along great.

Looking forward to more updates when you next get back from OS.

Cheers - Gav

**stirlsilver** · 16th August 2012, 03:16 PM

What are the thoughts on this profile?

The originial size had an aspect ratio (Short/Long) of 0.4. What I show below is approximately an aspect ratio of 0.3:

I think to make the above profile look a little better, what I need to do is add a small vertical wall to the front of the tray which will be easy enough to do.

**Homestar** · 16th August 2012, 03:56 PM

That looks good from where I sit.

**MacMan** · 16th August 2012, 04:28 PM

Concur.

BTW, if you're always looking backwards you can't go forwards.

**disco2hse** · 17th August 2012, 05:10 AM

Honestly Stirl, I think you have too much that is parallel. The angles of the glass parallel to the sides make it look like a work van or a 1960's caravan.

Have a look at stylish cars and you will always see that where there are angles, they point to different focal points. That gives them points of interest.

**bush ranger** · 17th August 2012, 09:23 AM

G'day, I can see the point disco2hse is making, but I can't say I agree with it here. Your challenge is to make sure you don't conform to modern styling principles, rather to follow the template already set down by the original designers of the D1. I think your most recent mock up accomplishes that adequately. But what you do with the rear window needs to be dictated by your treatment of the area from the B pillar around to your rear panel. I think you should concentrate on that area first. Maybe just with C.G.I's for now, rather than rescheduling the order of your build up at this point. Just make sure your roof, door, rear panel and the area between them is all one colour, so you can more easily see where you're heading. Cheers, Bush Ranger.

**loanrangie** · 19th August 2012, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by disco2hse

Honestly Stirl, I think you have too much that is parallel. The angles of the glass parallel to the sides make it look like a work van or a 1960's caravan.

Have a look at stylish cars and you will always see that where there are angles, they point to different focal points. That gives them points of interest.

I agree the verticals of the rear window should follow the lines of the B pillar otherwise it looks as if it was a last minute decision.

**turbopsi** · 31st August 2012, 03:23 PM

Love your work ! Progress information and pics are great.
I'll be watching your project journey with great interest.

**stirlsilver** · 31st August 2012, 05:12 PM

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. And thanks for your comment turbo, I appreciate it.

Below are two concepts, one with Straigh edges the other with parabolic, what are the thoughts? When considering the concepts, ignore the straight outside edge of the red panel, it is just an arbritrary straight line. I haven't done the profile between the rear wall to the side panel yet!

Side View:

Straight Edges:

Parabolic Edges:

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