Getting in the odd hour here and there. Some jobs took a lot of time with little to show for progress. For example, after I welded up the tack mounted engine mounts, the engine would not quite fit back in. It appears that the lower front engine mounts caused the tube bends to curve another degree or so, resulting in the upper front motor mounts to be too close to the engine. I used a hydraulic jack to bend them back ... too far. Needed a torch and pry bar to get them back.
These two little holes used to be tapped and the old drum brake backing plate was screwed in. Totally rusted and seized. It took a Dremel, multiple drill bits, and hours to carve these out.
I spent the time carving out the holes because the brake caliper mounts were supposed to bolt right up (using at least these two holes). Not quite. Looks like I will be doing some more fabricating.
Because of the extra thickness of the brake rotors, I needed longer studs. The originals were actually metric (interesting since the differential is a 1989 GM). I opted for 7/16" (common lug nut thread), and bought a set the correct length.
However, the little spliny bit at the base was just not spliny enough, and a couple would spin before the lug nuts were tight. I looked at some 1/2" studs, but they were too big for my rotors. In the end I went with cutting a small notch in each, and welding them in place.
Next up is to meet with Jeff to complete the drive shaft. Jeff wanted a distance from centre to centre of the universal joints, and until I couldn't do another mock up, I could tell him. I did that as well (18").
I also cut and fitted another frame brace (cross piece in rectangle steel). It won't be welded in until later after I determine the single back bone tube. The single back bone tube will run from the neck stock down to this brace, with one bend. 1.5" tubing (the rest is 1.25").
Peace & Grease, Dennis
