The other thing I learned during this step was some of the difference between different companies and their panels. The Canadian made panel from Nat Parts Depot was fantastic. I can't say that the one from CJ Pony Parts was quite on that level though - I had to do a lot of work to get it to come close to fitting, including taking some of the larger bends out of it and redoing them with the assistance of a iron pipe, vice, and two by four.
Here's a shot of the driver's side prior to welding it in. Let it be known - I LOVE these little gap holding tools. They keep a really nice gap and also line up the panels if they're a little bit out of alignment. I found myself blowing through in several places here unfortunately. The panel fit was pretty good, just not perfect.
Here's a shot of the passenger side, with some tack welds holding it in place. I had purchased a brass spoon from the store and used it on this panel. What a world of difference. never blew through, all that remains is some finishing on the engine compartment side, which I think I'll hold off on doing until I'm closer to getting the engine and transmission situated.
Tell you what - its a huge relief to see things slowly starting to come together!
