I have thought about that... it is that one amenity that I would like to keep. If nothing else, I can use them to keep the bugs off the windshield!

After digging around a little bit, I ordered the SPW kit from Speedway. Once I get that in my hands, and get a better idea of how it works, I will cut up the cowl and start on the firewall. I keep thinking that I am finally done cutting, then I find more to cut!

It's been a couple weeks since I updated this. Haven't had much time to get out in the shop. Not a ton to show, but I did get the firewall roughed in, motor mounts built and A-Pillar/Roll cage supports built and installed. [ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 46068[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]
A buddy of mine runs Hell Yeah Hotrods. He is milling a set of decorative rings that will cover the bay bar/firewall.

The engine is still at the builder. Hopefully we will be able to make a decision on the final displacement so I can order engine parts.

Next up is to install my Wilwood pedals and steering column. Then I am going to build the exhaust system before I build the floor. I have done WAAYY to many street rods over the years that the exhaust is an after thought. I promised myself that the exhaust would NOT be a compromise and I would build additional clearance before I build the floor.

[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 46691[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Dash bar and steering column roughed in. Steering wheel should be here tomorrow so I can get a better feel of final position. I had a buddy cut up some trim rings for the bay bars. Had to make them out of two pieces but he installed .125" pins to keep them from deforming.
I am struggling with my Wilwood pedals. I am having a hard time finding any documents that will give me some direction on appropriate pedal height and positioning from the firewall. It's times like this where I wish I was building a Camaro so I could just copy someone else's good ideas!!

Looking good. I was wondering how it was going.


As far as pedal height, I like to get the gas pedal in first then see where you heal goes. Don't forget to take into account possible floor material, dyna mat or blast plate. Then set the rest of the pedals based on that.

Sometimes with the wilwood set up you have to put them where the masters will fit. Engine and header location can change that.

Thanks Vince. I am using reverse mount pedals so the MC's will be under the dash. I think your advice has some merit. I need to order a gas pedal.

Every time I get out to the garage I get a terrible case of A.D.D.
There are so many things to do that I get brain cramp! Tonight I just stood underneath it and stared at it for an hour trying to get my noodle around this thing! I start playing with the pedals then I am working on the transmission crossmember. Next thing I know, I am staring at the tail light panel trying to decide what I am going to use for a fuel filler! By the time I was ready to come in I was sweeping the floor. I hadn't done anything yet!!

Sweet project! I look forward to seeing the updates

Man, I have no idea how that must feel... that must suck.
:sarcasm_smiley:

The worst is that I sit and obsess about things you will never see when done.

I do what I can with what I have and try to knock it out fast. The longer you take will give you time to think about it too much. Nothing motivates me more than an empty box and an installed part.

Epic build that I have been following for a while now. I finally joined the forum because I wanted to post up a note of encouragement here for you. You have probably read the same warnings I have about this being a marathon not a sprint and that is so true. But even so I have suffered from the same ADD brain freeze out in the shop many times!

I have found the trick is to take the big picture view when I plan but when I head out to the shop just focus on one job at a time. When I don't the enormity of the project freezes my brain like a deer in the headlights every time. With so many systems and parts in process at once it is overwhelming but if I leave my to-do list in the house and just focus on one task in the shop I know exactly what to do next and how to proceed. So even though my list is huge it makes no difference because I only have one thing to work on tonight. And slowly but surely the day will come when that list is down to just a road test!

You are doing a hell of a good job on this build and it's not going to be amazing someday when you are done - it's amazing now! When you get down remember it’s really not rocket science it’s just a big rocket!

Thanks! It feels good to make a little progress every now and then. This dad-gum thing called work keeps getting in the way of rapid meaningful progress!