Project PrincesS-Type | Episode 16 | Finally, A Wheel Arch I'm Happy With!

[@FabCoUK]

Seems like a pretty overwhelmingly positive reaction to this style of arch. Thanks for all the compliments, I hope you’ve all had a great Christmas! 😁

[@sullivanrachael]

Yes definitely - we didn’t want the wheel arches to be the most prominent styling feature of the car. Was starting to worry it would look awful. Not anymore.

[@DStead2239]

Personally, I'd make it look like a factory widened coke bottle looking car not a shody widebodied or tacky looking car with flares added on. You have probably the easiest body shape there is possible to do this too aswell.. You have a perfect guide already, that brown decal right down the middle of your car. Just saying, I'd split the seams and pump those guards front and rear/rear door. I remember watching my old man more than two decades ago widening his 4 door 71` XA falcon sedan this way, it ran 11" wide front and 14" wide rear slicks. He cut off the factory arches, mounted them over the wider offset tyres, slit the rear quarter seams and porter-powered them out. He also welded a 8mm rod down the belt line, which followed the brown decal you have. Same on the front guards (wings), he slit the down the belt line, (where your brown decal runs) tacked a rod to the front and rear of the wing which bowed to the width of the wheel, the pushed the upper and lower half out wide enough to fit, then panel steel filled the gaps to the rod.

[@johnhill2075]

11:53... "my skills are limited..." 😯 Who are you kidding sir???!! We've seen repeatedly what you can do with bits of metal! 😁👌

[@ABrit-bt6ce]

That shape makes me get all Binky. Do that :) Princess touring car, make it so.

[@bentandre5524]

nice thinking...it looks nice

[@paulwhite7475]

That looks proper !

[@noexpensespentstudios]

Reprofiling the rear door to match the arch really is the best solution and the new arch shape looks pretty good already. The appearance of it will change again when you get it all in the same colour too. Definitely one of the hardest bits of the car to get right, visually, so it's worth doing what you're doing with a bit of back and forth.

[@StevensPaul]

When is a door NOT a door? When it's a doorskin😮😅! Merry Christmas 🎁🌲🎄👍.

[@peterdenyer3441]

I think you’ve picked the best design for the princess there 👍 just need some 70’s mudflaps to hang off the rear edge 🤣

[@FabCoUK]

😅

[@MPfor12C]

Hi. I like the wheel Arch 👍 For me I wouldn’t curve the ‘ends’. The Princess is angular lines. I’d cut back at an angle. The rear ‘end’ at the same angle as the hatch. Just my 2p. Good luck 🤞

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Bobisuruncle54]

Agreed, the Princess has soft edges rather than any significant curves so rounded corners between straight lines would fit more with the car. Loving the choice of wheel arch, it's going to look great.

[@retrorevolution6534]

I think it's definitely the best arch so far but I agree on the curved ends, they just don't fit in with the rest of the car. I think they should just have a more or less straight cut at the same angle as the bottom of the rear quarter panel / top of rear bumper or be parrallel with the swage lines. Just look at the original arches on the front, if you pause the video at 9:02, you get a good wiew of both front and back and you can see that the back of the front arch is cut off quite straight at that angle. Great work by the way, again just my 2 pints, Merry Christmas 🥴👍

[@malcolm8938]

The right decision on the arch and door shut imo. "Just" the other 3 to do now. Thanks for the update.

[@ShedTV]

You're too modest Adam, some great skills on show here.

[@FabCoUK]

Thank you kindly

[@chris-townson]

Definitely on the right path now. The door solution makes complete sense too! Really looking forward to seeing this one progress.

[@johnhaynes9910]

Good result, well done :)

[@giulianomarco]

I thought the bar/rod trick worked well. It allowed you to follow the shape of the wheel easily to give a simple arch. Simple = best. The curved flare at the end suited it, too. Nice one, son! 😁👍

[@dangerousandy]

Afternoon Adam

[@davec200i]

Youve found a good solution there Adam... now more PrincesS Videos please!!

[@thomaslindh9971]

The rear door - perfect!

[@tigermcflash131]

I love the Princess and had a few of them way back when. Can't wait to see this develop!!!! Well done you for taking this on!!!

[@heckmacbuff]

This really is going to look just right I think, I love how you have come to this conclusion after living with the options for a while. The only problem I have, is an overwhelming desire to sit in the back, eating a slice of Battenburg with Auntie Glad, while screaming round Brands Hatch pointing out suitable picnic spots!

[@RTC057]

So pleased you changed tack. This concept looks infinitely better. Glad you’re back as well. Hope to see more in 2024. Thanks

[@FabCoUK]

More to come!

[@colinhunter1910]

like the concept its in keeping with the front wheel arch happy xmas when it comes m8

[@demonhighwayman9403]

That is the best design for the arches yet, so no more procrastinating and onward good sir !

[@paulrandles5249]

I actually think Harris Mann would approve, nice one.

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks 😃

[@karlalton3170]

I am glad you left it Adam then came back to it after rethinking , its great now mate your on the right path and you can still see more of the original shape of the car well done Gezzer 😁😁🤘🤘

[@markcollins6288]

As above defo going the right way your gonna turn a pig into beast my grandad would be horrified😜

[@peteredwards7872]

Awesome solution. Great to have another update, keep up the great work 👏👍

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks!

[@dangerousandy]

Afternoon

[@cocaineanonymoustwelvestep2073]

Looks Good, very cool skills to me mate, and a great design for those rear arches

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks 👍

[@allengoddard45]

I like that wheel arch/door combo.

[@ewanstewart8011]

Interesting and time consuming but ultimately it has to look pleasing to your eye and your getting there 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stewartgarner-jones9226]

nice one adam. I love the idea of arch door shut. will look like its meant to be

[@montypythonish]

Looking good. I'd go with Peter, mud flaps are a must. Very of the era. 👍🏼

[@frysiandude]

Its a rainy sunday and i Just watched all the episodes since i only recente found this project. Good to see you stick with this design. It compliments the car a lot better.

[@davegoldston5872]

I like what you have done so far, when it comes to the wheel arch, like an RS turbo the sill blends in to the wheel arch that would look good with out being to over the top and losing the princess look Dave

[@jamesh5460]

I like this revision a lot. Aggressive and looks great!

[@herenow2895]

Good work. Looks great. Way, way better than any box affair. Skills :)

[@FabCoUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stuartholmes6262]

Good choice I reckon. I like the way the curve of the rear half of the new arch works with the angle and curve of the roof to rear end.

[@kingsleywray6632]

Loving the work and the commentary. Especially from a uk source. Thanks for sharing

[@BradCarter27]

You got this! Great job 👍

[@FabCoUK]

Thank you!!

[@laurencefalconer5242]

Just want to thank you Adam for this years content, for keeping all of us petrol heads amused and entertained with stuff we love too watch. Have a great xmas and all that👍

[@FabCoUK]

My pleasure!

[@meandcolin]

Thats loads better than the box arches and exstending the door just looks right. Look forward to the next update

[@bumfie]

YES This is certainly a step in the correct direction . The box just wasnt doing anything for the car . it was like GET UGLY.... Fashionably next century Thargnote judge Dredd Mega-city one Otto Sump Ugly

[@FordForTheWin]

those arches are just about perfect for it i recon. nice work.

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks 👍

[@E9JMX]

You definitely went round the world for a shortcut, trying to explain that you where essentially modifying the door, so the rear door gap moves position to make it look more aesthetically pleasing, by having it run in tandem with the forward edge of the new arch extension 😂😂😂😂😂 Definitely digging that final arch design 😎👍🏻

[@alexirving1251]

Very good work, magic metal man😊, can't wait to see the progress on this one👍

[@boostmonster6332]

I once read that the most aesthetically pleasing arch gap should be half the tyre profile.

[@Ecosse57]

this is an excellent solution imo. i think you're spot on.

[@michaelhodgson3833]

I hope we've all had a good Xmas too, NEC performance show looming, time to get back with the spanners and Tig welders, or finishing remapping my bi-turbo mini in my case, thank-you for this upload, brilliant as ever, ( drops to knees and tries to look emotional 🤗)

[@tonywilliams9145]

It's looking good. Enjoy watching your videos!

[@Simon-hc9mi]

How about bringing the front of the wheel arch down to the bottom of the side skirt, then adding a bit of a wedge shelf to the side skirt at the back edge of the door to blend it in.

[@robbell4339]

The arch is looking very good - I’d bring it into the body in a swoop to mirror the originals. You’ve nailed the door/arch interaction: this decision was a piece of genius! 👍

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks!

[@forsh3546]

Another thumbs up for the change in direction - for the transition back to the lower body, check out wide body 911's, similar shape & arch protrusion to what you have 👍Princess is angular but wasn't designed on an Etch-a-Sketch so look at the Riviera Autobodies 911 builds - Regardless it's gonna be ace!

[@GeorgeEI7KO]

Merry Christmas Adam. Love the content. And the music!

[@FabCoUK]

Happy holidays!

[@NickThornhill]

Nice one. That arch definitely looks the part.

[@FabCoUK]

I think so too!

[@philevans3507]

Looks great Adam, personally I would not have the radius curve at the rear of the arche. I would go for an angle similar to the C Piller. But it's your car, do what you like the best

[@rjay4197]

YES Adam! You are definitely on the right track here after a long struggle with this difficult design element of the car. It is looking very promising - especially with the re-profiled door. 😊

[@FabCoUK]

Fingers crossed!

[@simonm2092]

Christmas came early - a Princess update 👍😃 . The wheel arch is looking very good, very promising. Merry Christmas, Adam.

[@dcallan812]

Interesting solution, but I think its far better than the other variations. Once its been refined, fitted correctly it might be worth painting it one colour (even primer) just to show the shape without the distractions. Nice job2 x👍

[@AshleyCaunt]

The perfect video to accompany prepping the veg for tomorrow, nice work as always Adam, loving the progress update! Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎅🏼🍻

[@MrR1PP3R]

100% the better look, keep it going cant wait to see more of this style, i felt the box look just wasn't right for the "old grandad look"

[@pda49184]

Spot on Adam.. I suggested trying to follow the original line of the body last time you were experimenting on the wheel arch. With that small door mod it's going to maintain the essence of the original Princess design. My thoughts on the door end of the arch would be to do similar to the boot end (a smooth taper off). Brilliant work Adam.. Hope you have a great Christmas and productive 2024..

[@KittenV8]

Looks much better 👌 I think a slash cut for where the arches meet the body - given the Princess is a classic wedge, too much curve/swoop wouldn’t look right.

[@simond5208]

Nice job. Not too much curve at the tail of the arch - think Scalextric Mini Clubman!

[@rover213]

if I may, I would sugest a style resembling the 911 swoopness line at the botum of the wheel arch, it depends how it would fit with a more angular shaped body line like it has on the princess

[@Mandylove999]

Back on track I think, I like the construction method too, it should be easily translated to the other side, I’m looking forward to seeing how it all blends into the sill / rear panel, sometimes, a break from a project can be better than just banging on with it, it’s going to sound weird but many problems I’ve encountered have usually been sorted out whilst I’m driving or having a vivid dream, there, I’ve said it now 😀, loving the project bud, looking forward to the next update ( and the allegro ) 😎

[@Chamba1977]

I like you logic; well done son, I think youve nailed it! 👍🏼 Can imagine BL era arches having rounded ends, but arches with straight angles which compliment the wedginess would look better in my opinion.

[@denishennessy1318]

Nice project. Make a compass that fits on wheel. Probably work out any angle/radius a bit easier.

[@TheNorthernmunky]

Awesome video mate, can’t wait to see it progress

[@standbanger2]

Yes that arch is the one,,,some folk think the princess is an awful shape but i alway secretly liked it an it looks awesome with the wide boy look!

[@huwdavies6650]

You could do a hatchback conversion. It was a modification that was available back in the day. Love the content.

[@RobReynolds]

I used to read Street Machine as a kid, and from memory it was common to narrow a jag axle to fit into Ford Popular hot rod. Interested why you didn't take that route

[@FabCoUK]

Go back and watch episode 1 😃

[@davidyates748]

People who say "why don't you just do x" have never actually done anything remotely like it, else they wouldn't be suggesting it. Merry Christmas Adam!

[@bentaylor9021]

Loving what you are doing here. I would have suggested trying to angle the end of the arch rather than round off. To try and match some of the angles that appear on the original car. But hey, I’m not doing the work and it’s not my car. I am really enjoying the journey of this car and you showing us your working and thinking. You are a very talented fella. 👍🏻👌🏻

[@tomthompson7400]

looks great ,, well done.

[@timsgaf]

much better. maybe include a radius where it meets the old car and trim door to that.. thanks .

[@leer798]

Gonna look good Personally I’d extend the arch down more at the back and square it off like an old type mud flap

[@maxakarudy]

Adam, great incitement into your thinking process, I understand were you're coming from now. One of issues I see is the gap between tyre & w/arch at full droop. You don't want a massive vertical front flange, which is the problem, to overcome this, it would have to be a radiused transition, not an abrupt angle change. This would achieve the look you want, but does require a bit of metal shaping, which you could do.

[@olewurtz7625]

Happy to see you came to your senses 😉. Those wheel arches are going to look great. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@TruckerMRB]

Enjoyed the video...Excellent...Merry christmas chap

[@jamesdeath3477]

Yeah, coming out nice. Like it.

[@markwalton8644]

Looking Good. I was thinking you could go an Inch higher, just so the Arch isn't as Pronounced but that might not work with the door? Have you thought about curving the sill out so you can meet the wheel arch. Another Tip, i got from somewhere else( cough Yorkshire Restorations, go and watch they are the master with sheet metal) is Brown Paper Roll to form the shape once you've established the shape you want. Looking forward to more Austins being Retromodded Cheers Merry Xmas 🍻

[@tantuspedis1]

Massively better than before. Yes you can tell it's not original but it's the best form what what it is. I think taking the rear trailing edge tapering down to meet the rising lower edge of the original would look better and probably be strongest

[@chrisj4444]

taking shape👌

[@TIG10109]

Yeah fella,I'd go for something like early escort rally bubble arches 👍

[@edwardgurhy100]

If you had some of the box section (cill) - from the other side (perhaps a bit of a different shape) you could bring the front of the wheel arch into and onto the top of the box section. Perhaps better than just some odd curve at the bottom of the arch. Although a curve at the back would be okay.

[@noelwallace5257]

Now I know you’ve been reading my comments 😂 My only advice for the aesthetics of the arch would be to have a slightly larger radius on the lip so at ride height the arch is about 5mm or so closer to the tyre at the top and slightly more front and back, epic amount of work. But that’s just me

[@FabCoUK]

I read every comment. Thanks for watching.

[@SB-vb8ch]

The other option you didn't mention was narrowing the suspension & playing with offset to just sneak the running gear under strategically tweaked standard arches. That can look really good. Admittedly you would have to sort the arches anyway but narrowing suspension isn't generally that tough as it just needs to be functional, driveshafts & rack but fairly small beer compared with the rest of the mods you've undertaken!

[@robertpatrick3350]

For the rear end of the arches have a look at lotus Excel rear spats. Those arches would get the Oliver Winterbottom seal of approval….. lotus Elite, eclat and TVR wedge designer.

[@nosaint01]

looks great, keep going

[@FabCoUK]

Thanks, will do!

[@timc5969]

Hi Adam. I think you should just build a Ferrari F12 from scratch. That way it would already only have two doors and would be wide and have a big powerful engine and luxurious interior. Happy to help.

[@joejo70]

merry merry adam happy happy to me the arch looks cohesive to the princesses overall form, and the door modification seems a sound solution - it’s looking great* there looks like some detailing decisions to be made in the form of the arch returns to the body and also in marrying radius of the wheel, tyre, lower arch radius and upper arch radius’ fine tuning adam* all to you*

[@Mandk1108]

With the more rounded arch I kinda envisioned a kinda bosozoku Japanese style over arches.

[@diamondsink2000]

Much better, the arch is normally a flatter radius at the top. Think it needs to come out a bit more at the top and suck in at bottoms.

[@jamesentwistle8258]

Looks good

[@lessayers8653]

Best looking so far, I think you are right and the proportions are spot-on. I wonder if a grill at the lower front of the rear wheel arch is plausible, probably non-functional, but may help the transition between the sill and the arch?

[@southney7211]

I think you’ve figured it out. If it was me, I’d be tempted to bring the arches down parallel at the front of the rear and at the rear of the front arch and use a wide skirt/cill extension between them. It may not look right though, may look better just tapering it in toward the bottom. At the rear there’s the bumper line in the body you could use to your advantage if you just cut them off square.

[@dvanoosten]

Happy you got rid of the “boxy” wheelarches. Are you also going to get rid of the wide sills, because I think they do not fit these style of wheelarches.

[@Simon_W74]

I still think a Coupe version of the Princess would look the dogs Dangly Bits. Austin may have even drawn it as a concept back in the 70s. I think the shape of the Princess leans towards being a handsome looking two door. If only I had the skills necessary to to do it. I got Arch Eye in my younger years trying to weld up a mates car. might of helped if we didn't have only an Arch Welder and four pairs of sunglasses to do the job. It will be a look grand with quite subtle arches to cover the extra track it has gained by adding the Jag running gear.

[@IrenESorius]

Many good decisions in this episode,, 👍🌟‍‍👍‍‍ Merry Jesus birthday or Jolly Midwinter Bloodbath, as we say up here in the northest North,, ❄☃🎄☃❄

[@FabCoUK]

Merry Christmas!

[@IrenESorius]

@@FabCoUK Merry Christmas Adam,,💖

[@PhilipParkin-u5j]

Just thinking of how best to integrate this into the rear. Might some form of bumper extension coming around the side to meet the wheel arch form a more natural break point for the wheel arch, or even an added section in a horizontal plane coming off the wheel arch and tapering into the rear quarter.

[@FabCoUK]

I’m going to try putting the bumper back on first and see how that works!