Bought a Miller Diversion TIG welder and started to play with aluminum fabrication.
Got rid of the plastic cowl ventral grill and made some new ones out of aluminum..lots of trial a error getting the bends just right to fit the contours of the cowl....kind of a PITA. The mounted them with rivnuts... added a few more fastners to make it look more symmetrical
Hand built with flat stock, cut off wheel, grinder and a TIG.....not bad for a first timer....not perfect, but I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps3629b78f.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps959a3971.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps158ebbda.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps0e97554f.jpg

TONS of small stuff.... hidden wiper motor inside cowl...ISIS mounts and figuring where to mount all the EFI stuff, AC stuff, mock up running all the AC lines, PS lines, hydroboost lines. moved the side mirrors forward about 7 inches, built a custom mount for interior rear view mirror. rear seatbelt mounts so I can run a 4 point belt in back etc etc etc..... lots of stuff, but pix aren't worth showing..
When I felt like I had done all of my big metal stuff and no obvious cutting/welding/drilling... I prepped and Upol Raptor lined the underside of the car. Nice stuff...sprayed easy, looks great....
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps6cabf1af.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...psdf6a341a.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps10211608.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps60bb4785.jpg

back off the rotisserie and one final mock up of all the big suspension stuff...

Looking bad ass if you don't mind me saying !!!
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...psc1de4062.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps99639b22.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...psf5a7f3f5.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps63e4dea0.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps166c5d95.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps6ffba619.jpg

The off with nice wheels and on with the rollers..fitting the new grill....needs a little work on the gaps around the head light bucket

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...psa7382b48.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps59b63328.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps9e63f695.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps9dbb3740.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps14fa3f2d.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps34da843c.jpg

That's all the big stuff that is worth sharing with pix..

Its basically ready for paint....FINALLY.... if I did it right, once its painted, it will just fall back together quick...yeah right :)

Not 100% sure on color....been talking to Carter about doing some new paint layouts, but he's super busy with his new job. Leaning towards a dark maroon with two stripes on the fenders....maybe a blacked out hood and rear tail pan...not sure yet.

I've been building the car WAY too long.. I need to get it done !!!

Just trying to nail down the painter, and when I can bring it in....

So glad to see the battle continues...
Thought we may have lost you.

Great to see the progress Ned-----it has been a long time! Hope to see you for GG this year in June---

Doug

Glad to see the dream is still alive and well. Great work Ned!

:cheers:

Damn Ned! I thought maybe one of them cats you're always playing around with gave you a little lick and you ran off with it or something!

Since your last post I got married - raised the kids and they graduate college next semester....


It looks really really good... the stance is spot on... your fab work has come way up the ladder and your tubing work is stellar!! Mark might have to hire you if he gets too busy!


I hope you've changed that green tape out a few times since we last had breakfast?!?!? If not -- Oh... you may be peeling little tiny pieces off there for a very long time. Stop chewing your finger nails 'cause you're going to need them long and sharp.

Personally I think the car calls for a really subtle color.... like Panther Pink.... but Maroon will work nicely too.... actually if it was my car I'd paint it kind of a maroon -- but it would be more Dark Black Cherry.... with a dark brandy colored interior.

looking good Ned, sits perfect too!!!