ditto

 

I finished the engine cradle today. It is surprising how long it took. I think I have about 12 hours in it by now. The rear area that is cut out for the bell housing is just rough cut right now to clear the trans. I will finish that area later because I don't know how much room I'll need for the exhaust. I pretty much duplicated the YearOne design on the cradle modifications, it seemed to work. I am planning on one change however, they cut the camaro tie rods off and welded HHR ends to them. I'm sure they did this in the interest of saving time. I am going to remove the tie rods from the rack, put them in my lathe and shorten and re-thread them without a weld. It will be much safer that way.

The steering rack goes in tomorrow with the tie rod ends removed from the rack for now.

As you can see by these pics, the engine is completely installed. The steering looks like it will work and the mule is sitting on all 4 wheels. Tomorrow I will get back on the firewall modification, finalizing the cardboard template so I can transfer it to sheet metal.

 

I now have the final rendering of the first piece of the firewall pattern. I'll cut it out of 19 guage sheet and then put a 1" flange on the inside edge with my bead roller this week.

 

Very nice, absolutely gorgeous!

 

Coming along nicely! Cant wait for the finished product!

 

very cool ride this will be, keep up the great work!!

 

This is comming along nicely. I would love to do something like this but I lack four things ====Time--space----money----and most important talent.

Keep up the good work.

 

Great to see someone doing and documenting this.

 

Spent the day working on the firewall. I fabricated it from 19 guage sheet. after I get all the pieces tacked together I will finish welding and grinding it. I'm trying to keep as much floor space around the pedal area as possible. I will be moving the gas pedal and brake pedal to the left a little bit because of the size or the bell housing.

 

That is a beautiful site to behold!!!!