Yeah, once I have trimmed and fitted the 14mm inserts it should all tie in nicely. I will try and get all the little bits of scratch building done first before I start putting this all together so I know everything is in place. I have sussed out the best way to ensure snug and level fits for the torsion bars which I will go through in a while.
On a slightly annoying note, I have just found a new hurdleâŚ
I started making the cuts for the repositioned No5 torsion mountâŚ
The problem is on the AFV hull, the location slots have been press moulded. I thought I would be able to cut through a nice little square into the inner of the hull and the cuts would go all the way through. Sadly, I have just found out that is not the case⌠
the cuts only go in at a certain angle and not all the way through, and I cannot see any easy way to carve out the square shape as there just isnât enough room. Hmmmm !
Torsion mounts 1 & 2 are ok but for 3, 4 and 5 Iâm thinking of looking for some 1.5mm diameter metal rod and drilling through the new location marks on both sides and joining the L & R mounting plates via the rod to give some stability. The other option is to cut off the locating stub on the rear of the mounts, and super glue the mount direct to the hullâŚ
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Couldnât you drill that out and square off the hole?
I would go for the second option, cut the stubs and glue to hull side.
Using a rod from side to side doesnât add any stability but it does add complexity and the danger of getting things misaligned when you have to work both sides at the same time.
The location points are staggered on the AFV-Club kit so a transverse rod would not be at a straight angle from side to side âŚ
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@SSGToms I did think about that but I wouldnât be able to get the inside part square or neat enough.
I think it is going to be option 2, cut the stubs off and bring out Mr Gorilla super glue gelâŚ
I can use the set torsion mounts on No 1 and 2 to make sure the rest are level Nd if needed, I can add a hidden support behind roadwheel No4 for strength.
After a troubled nightâs sleep thinking about Striker torsion bars⌠I woke up thinking more about what Matt @SSGToms said about drilling.
Now initially I was thinking mini vice drill which would of been long and tedious.
Then I thought, what about the big gunsâŚ
And it worked a treat, a guide hole with the mini drill, then 3mm with the Makita.
And a final trim with a new acto blade.
Took about 5 min or under to do No5 station and have it trimmed⌠
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Now DATâS what Iâm talkinâ bout man! Exactly what I pictured in my head! Great going John. 
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Bit more work done.
I levelled off under where the launch bin will go - nice and easy with a chisel knife blade.
Next got all the new torsion bar mounts drilled out and old ones have begun to get filled.
Once they are set I will sand them down flat to the hull.
Last 2 are what it looks like now and the last one is a very thin section of plastic strip which will cover the new mounting location and also the old one, to tidy the underside up.
Everything will then get a sand down to flatten it as much as possible. Have also cut and prepped the sections which will make up the missing lower hull rear.
The right piece is just balanced in place to give you an idea.
That will get a strengthening section of plastic strut on the inside prior to the idler holes being made. 
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Nice work. John.
Something to think about if you get the bug to do more mods like this - I have a Dremel hand drill and many bits for it. Some are designed to cut sideways. They have a flat top and cutting edges on the side, like this :
Perfect for cutting square recesses through the lower hull and up the sides. Will go through like a hot knife in butter and make short work of this type of situation. It will get square in corners too.
They are great for grinding off details as the flat tip help guide the cutter along without cutting down into the panel (as long as you donât hold it an an angle or in one place to long and melt the plastic.
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Thanks Peter, I have wondered about those, so may be making an investment in one now. I know they can be put to alot of uses.
Little bit more done on the hull extension.
Have glued both sides now and will let them fully set overnight. next will be adding a support to either side where extension meets the hull, will then sand down the external sides and then mark the locating holes for the idlers.
Last pic is just the underside with the yet to be trimmed and secured bottom extension.
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Looking very good John! Youâll get to her bum soon!
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@SSGToms I think that is the first time Iâve ever heard an American cite a derrière as a bum⌠
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@petbat Well I know John is from Cornwall and I dated a girl from Somerset that had a very nice oneâŚ
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And I so so hope your SWMBO never reads this Matt 
⌠Or you could be spending a long time in your model room lol
Sometimes sacrifices must be made ⌠
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Lol⌠That was Mattâs cunning plan all along⌠Banished to the workbench âŚ
So, the hull extensions are now all in place and the lower AFV hull is now joined to the AA upper.
I will let the filler set overnight and all tomorrow, then sand it all neat.
I wonât make the location holes for the idlers until everything is sanded down as I want that area to be at maximum strength before I start that.
I am very happy how this part is done. Itâs the first time I have ever done major surgery like this to any kit before, and I can now admit I was dreading it. Taking your time, measuring lots and dry fitting before you do anything major is a must. (As is listening to all the sound advice you guys have given me
)
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The girlâs name was Sandra PalmerâŚ
Just kidding John, excellent work and well done! Great to see this in one piece with everything where itâs supposed to be.
So, a bit more WIP.
Let the putty cure and have given it a first rub down.
There are a couple of small areas that may need a refill and further sand but I will do that in a few days. Overall Iâm happy how that fill went and itâs a nice firm base to work with now.
Will be off this for a few days as I am starting the Antique Antics group build tomorrow after work and want to get a bit of that on the go. Stay tuned
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Very impressed at you first effort at a conversion. Personally, I donât want to ever have to deal with that much resin.