Rear filler panel, tail light panel, dents hinges and fuel cell
I didn't think I made much progress since the last update but, was able to get a few things done.
-Replaced the drivers side rear tail light panel
-Replaced the filler below the trunk
-Welded and panel bonded the trunk weatherstrip channels. I am really glad I have a shrinker/stretcher otherwise this really would have been a PITA.
-Stripped all the surface rust off of the trunk lid
-Fixed the majority of the dents on the PS quarter panel however, I will still need a bit of filler on the seams where I welded in the patch. Seems like every time I weld in a patch panel, I end up getting a pucker (low spot) where the seam is. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.
-Rebuilt all of the hinges
-Fixed the master cylinder backing plate to allow for the difference between the original firewall and the smooth firewall
-And the big thing, last night I looked outside and a big box is next to the garage...My Aeromotive Stealth Fuel Cell and cage built by Schwartz!!!
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In case you're wondering why all of the Ms on the weatherstrip channel, turn your computer upside down and you will see Ws Marking where I needed to strip weld thru primer off of for the panel bond.
One other little project was building a caulking gun for the 50ml 3M seam sealer. Short story is I saw a great deal on seam sealer but, didn't realize that it was only 50ml instead of the standard size so, instead of spending another $50 for a new gun, I just made one.
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Fuel cell mounting, fuel cell cover and throttle pedal
Time for another update. Took a bit of time off of work for the holidays and managed to get a bit accomplished. I'm really close on the body where I have all of the rough metal work finished and need to spray some epoxy before I start using the filler. But, with this unbelievably cold weather it will take me forever to heat up the garage.
For this update, I've done the following:
-Fabricated brackets for the fuel cell cage and mounted it to the frame. When doing this, there was really one thing I wish I had...A good working knowledge of geometry. I guess there is a reason that I wasn't a mathematician . Even with my weak skills I had just enough steel for fabricate the brackets. I planned on using a fuel cell remote filler but, when I received it, figured out it was just too big to fit in the original filler pocket so, I'll make the original filler neck work.
-Made a cover for the fuel cell to replace the metal I had to cut out of the trunk. Surprisingly, I did it correctly on the first time and didn't waste half a sheet of steel like I've done a time or two before.
-Lastly, I mounted my throttle pedal. I was originally planning on welding some studs to the firewall but, with the tight clearances, it made more sense to attach it to the master cylinder and steering column backing plate.
Next step is to mount the vintage air mock up unit and install the rivnuts for the fuel cell cover.
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Fuel filter/regulator and fuel lines
I haven't gotten much accomplished. I really need to shoot some primer and lay down some filler but, with the daytime high temps in the teens, that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
So, in the interim I decided to go ahead and plumb in my fuel cell. I shopped around a bit for lines and was going to go with the lines from Pegasus racing but, a bit too pricey for me. Instead I went with Aeroquip Starlite hose and fittings connecting the fuel cell to the Corvette filter/regulator. I will run one -6 line to the frame and it will connect to stainless hardline from there to the engine compartment.
The Starlite hose is very easy to work with. It cuts easily and the fittings are easy to install...Much more so than my last experience with doing hydraulic fittings with a crescent wrench and a vice.
The one change I will probably make is getting rid of the vent line and going with one of these PPM fuel cell vents http://pitstopusa.com/i-5081296-ppm-...l-vent-08.html
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Fuel cell vent and initial transmission install
I finally received the last of the bits for the fuel cell. The original return line elbow was too tall and it just brushed up against the fuel cell cover. It probably would have worked but, I didn't want to risk it. So, I used a -8 elbow and used the -8 to -6 reducer on the output. I also installed the PPM vent instead of using the hose loop. The vent is essentially like a large differential breather.
I finally got my 6L80E transmission. The last big piece to put in so I can finish up all of the mock up and pull the body back off of the frame. By the time I get to that stage hopefully it will be above 65 degrees so the paint will cure. I think the transmission will work without having to modify the cross-member but, as it is I had to turn it around. The clearance between the rear of the trans and the cross-member is close but, it isn't touching.
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