Time for an update. Cleaned up the shop a bit so I was able to get a better pic of the rad and rad support.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps091dc757.jpg

I've been slowing working on replacing the tail light panel.....again. When I put the first one in, I completely forgot to check the fit of the tail lights. Of course they didn't fit right and there was a huge gap. I also didn't like the way the truck aligned so here's where I'm at with that.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psbd97f02a.jpg

I got tired of working on the tail light panel, so I decided to get my front seats installed.

In a previous post, I stated that I used the existing holes in the bottom of the GTO seats to put the seat sliders. The thing I forgot to do, was to actually measure and make sure they were parallel. They weren't.

There was 1/2" difference between the top of the sliders and the bottom. So I had to drill new holes

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps33299628.jpg

And welded in the old ones

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...pscc7ec347.jpg

Another thing I ended up doing was replacing the bucket seat floor brackets. I cut the stock studs off and welded bolts onto the ones that I had already installed. I did this when I thought I could use the power tracks for the seats. So I cut out the old brackets and put in news ones.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps18ab4218.jpg

I replaced all the stock studs with grade 8 bolts, but they are in the stock location. If anyone needs a set of bucket seat floor brackets, I now have an extra set that I will sell. I need to do some clean up on them to get rid of the bolts I welded on.

Next I made some brackets to mount the seats to the floor

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psb695a706.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps592dad80.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps57bf1bdf.jpg

Reinforced them and painted them black

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psec73f170.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps8ae89ad5.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd98f5a65.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psa898a728.jpg

And they were finally in

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psbf6d4952.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...pse1b86ea1.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psac110c91.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps08f11ef5.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps518a030b.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps6571e22b.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd4512840.jpg

And with the seats finally in place, I had to modify the front console. I've been asked a few times why I chose to make the console out of round bar. Here's one big reason why. Very easy to change if needed.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps09122fc7.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psfe4e4eaf.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps4a20a35b.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...pse9a18adf.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps2b1558f4.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps84ab0736.jpg

I must say, it was pretty cool to sit in the driver's seat again. I think it's the first time I've done that in about 12 years.

On a side note, I'm still looking for a pair of driver's side door hinges if anyone can help me out. I really wanted to use some stock ones and rebuild them, but I might end up having to buy some Goodmark ones.

I've also been wanting to buy a mountain bike for a few years. Finally got one

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psc58c8a2e.jpg

Even found room in the shop to hang it

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps5288768f.jpg

Between walking and biking, I've already lost 5 pounds over the past few weeks.

I found one in an alley and will be lubing it up to ride also. was planning on building one but free is free. :G-Dub:

Great work Mike. I have 5 bikes, and work in the industry. It's a helluva a bad (but so fun & good) hobby to have when you have yet another pastime that is also hugely time-consuming.. damn decisions...

You're getting pretty good with that welder Mike!!


Awesome!!


Bought a mountain bike last week -- full suspension -- even looked at the brand you bought but ended up with a Trek Remedy 8 15.5" frame on 26" wheels.... I'm SHORT! Okay!





http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...os/file-38.jpg

This is one of my favorite builds to follow! I love seeing updates. Great job so far!

Updates?

Unfortunately no. Life has gotten in the way and haven't had an opportunity to spend any time in the shop for a while now. A few of the days that I could have gone out, it was so cold that it would have taken it a couple hours to warm up the shop so didn't bother. Hope to get out there in the next couple weeks then off to Phoenix for three weeks on a course through work.

Well it's been way too long with an update. I don't have much to update, but at least it's progress. Unfortunately the past winter I didn't get much at all done. Sucks when life gets in the way. The winter here was colder than normal and when it takes an hour to warm up the shop just to get it comfortable, it's hard to get motivated. Along with the weather and a few other things, didn't make it out to the shop much at all. I hope to try and play catch up now.

Last fall I bought a new rotisserie. I should have name this project Redo as it seems I keep redoing alot of it.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psb646e9c5.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps15464a98.jpg

The end of February I got to spend three weeks in Phoenix on a work course. Being on expenses everyday is great. Also a great way to buy some parts. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to their shop as I was in course during their business hours. New trunk hinges from Fesler

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd1780ad0.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps18583bc5.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps3646e9b4.jpg

I also decided that I was done trying to find good stock hinges to rebuild. I had no problem finding passenger side ones, but I could not find driver's side ones that were not worn out alot. So I decided to buy new ones from Classic Industries (via Hot Rods and Classics in Chilliwack, BC).

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psc71caaf0.jpg

I'm still fighting trying to get the tail light panel right where I want it. Although I think I figured out one of the issues and hope to get that done soon. In the mean time, I thought I'd attack something else so I felt like I was accomplishing something.

I started putting in the DSE subframe connectors. As I normally do, I thought I would take lots of pics so I could do a detailed write up. I haven't seen too many people actually show pics of the entire process. I've seen some comments that these aren't real subframe connectors. The way I look at it is there are a lot of guys out there that know a lot more than I do, or ever will, and they are running these connectors. Their cars are handling amazing and winning so they can't be all that bad :D

First you cut out the supplied template

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psf15e0c5d.jpg

Put it in place

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps0a386f62.jpg

Trace the template

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps68167f7d.jpg

Cut

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psabb5ea5f.jpg

And test fit

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps96023afe.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps5496bab7.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps97b98404.jpg

Both side mocked up

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps6021e3ce.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psa12b666d.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps815236d0.jpg

Next week I'll start welding them into place.

I also have a question regarding my motor. Do I need to put this back in place or can I just get some block offs. If I put it back, where does it hook up to.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...psa4192e58.jpg