Ultimate Panther/Jagdpanther Build

[michael hilton]

Hello Phil, hello Steve, thank you for your replies, I had a trial fit of the glacis plate which covered the front csk holes.....so, no fitment there, these can be filled.
I know somewhere I have seen a comment saying that the eight 6m csk holes in the hull side plates can also be filled.
It's not a big issue, I would rather do this now while I have easy access.
Thanks again lads.....Mick

[michael hilton]

Hello....a little help required please.
I am fitting the hub caps, on my Ultimate Panther, so that I can protect the bearings when I prime and paint the wheels.
They are screwed in , finger tight.
Do the caps screw flush with the wheel???.
Also,one or two of the caps are 'binding' and do not screw in as far as the others.
Is there a way to 'ease' the hub caps...I have tried a thin spray grease, without success???.
I do not want to screw the hub cap in too tight,in case I can not remove them.

Thanks in advance....Mick

[leesellars]

Hello Michael

When i did my BergPanther I also found that the hub caps binded a bit. Al i did was put a bit of Grease on the threads and that went in a treat. I also made a special tool for fitting and remaoving them.
Also check that the washers to hold the wheels on doesnt foul on the inside of the Hub cap If i remember rightly i machined a bit of material out of the center to enable better clearance.

Lee

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Mick
A couple of easy things to try to see if they close up a bit more.
An old tooth brush run round the hub threads to see if you missed any swarf.
And a bit of a wire brush of the hub cap thread then try them again.
Hope that helps a bit
Regards
Phil

[michael hilton]

Thank you Lee, and thank you Phil, sound advice. I will do as you both advise.
I don't want to stress the fine threads. A rub around the threads to make sure they are clean and smear of grease should do the trick.
I have attached a photograph....not very clear. The nearest photo shows the threads to be proud by 2/3ml. The wheel at the rear has the hub cap about 1ml.
I have assumed that the hub caps do not tighten down flush???

I have to be careful...I will need to remove the hub caps later.

Lee, I had thought about some sort of tool, you can't get much purchase using only your fingers.

[Paul Morris]

Hi Michael.

Lee is correct I had the same thing with the caps I used a drum type sanding attachment on the dremmel you know the one with the expanding rubber centre piece, dead handy as it just fits inside the recess on the caps 30 seconds each cap and your laughing.
Coming together nicely by the way.
Cheers Paul.

[michael hilton]

Hello Paul, Lee and Phil, thank you all, for this advice....yesterday evening, I tried the light sanding/grease route...which made all the difference. The hub caps are 'sitting' down nicely. Onwards and upwards.....Mick

[michael hilton]

Further to the hub cap problem....I followed Pauls advice and made a simple 'key' to turn the hub caps into the hubs...brilliant idea....saved my poor distressed fingers....Mick

[michael hilton]

Wheels made up with studs/nuts...hub caps fitted and masking tape applied ready for spray painting.
First coat of UPOL Etch primer.

[michael hilton]

Some more spraying....although not really the weather for it....

[michael hilton]

Wish this wet weather would improve...guess it's all down to the hosepipe ban...

[John Wiggins]

Hi Mick
Enjoying your build. Like the production line approach, you are a very tidy builder!
I am (trying) to make various boxes/panniers for my Firefly, out of brass sheet. I've had to stop, for a while, i've made a mess of the current one. Thought I would come onto the forum for insperation!
Keep the photos coming.

Regards
John

[michael hilton]

Hello John, thanks for your post. I had wondered if you had made further progress.... with the Firefly build....
Being tight on space, and understanding wife, I am allowed to use the spare bedroom as a paint drying area. It's far to cold in the garage and I want to press on with the Panther/Jagdpanther. I had a vague idea that I could have it on display, part built, at the 'shows'. I think this is out of the question now, so, I may try some upgrades, within reason. These models are addictive.
Regards...Mick

[Nick Farrugia]

HI Mick
wheels wheels and more wheels i bet you will be glad to see them finished nice progress mick keep us posted all the best,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nick

[michael hilton]

Hello Nick, thanks for your post.....every time I count the wheels, I can see a mistake.
Then I check them again...and they are all correct....driving me mad.
I have carried on with the spray painting.....in-spite of the weather. I spray in the garage then quickly move the parts into the warm dry spare bedroom. Bit of a pig...at least I can continue with the build, and see some progress. I will have to follow my own advice and take my time.