Well, I'm still alive. Between heading out of the country for work, and distracting myself one weekend by drilling out holes on the underside of my hood (and spraying some rust sealer), I finally got the hood and fenders decently aligned. I also worked on modifying the cowl panel to fit better- there were some excessive gaps on the sides. The middle is still a bit high, I'll have to lower that, and then onto more assembly to ultimately trim and fit the front bumper...
Thank you, everyone! Yes, the holes were an attempt to shed a few pounds, but that's all it really would be, at most. It's also an aesthetic thing I thought would be fun to do since the underside of the hood will be seen. And yes, it took most of my weekend, as well as a few drill bits and a hole saw.
This weekend I made a little more progress- I was able to finish up trimming my cowl panel by lowering the middle section. It sits pretty well now, and I also installed my bottom most panel (not exactly sure of the name) I didn't like how the factory had it attach on the outside of the lower valence, so I re-engineered it to install on the inside. I also filled in the original bolt holes & redrilled them to fit, as well as widened the panel to fill in the triangular shaped gaps that were there. Then I added a flange to fit along the inner edge and finally welded some nuts on the panel for ease of installation.
I also had a little time this afternoon so I started to install more of the front end. I also got out my "stash" of front bumpers and decided that I'd try combining the two damaged ones I have to make the one I want, as opposed to cutting up a good usable one. I can always use one of them if I fail in my attempt to combine the two. 2 of them are original 400 bumpers, the other two aren't, but they are original non 400 bumpers. The one has been rechromed and has been drilled out to hold a 400 bumper. The shame is without removing the arrowhead emblem one would never know. Original 400 bumpers have two stamped holes in them for the arrowhead emblem.
I started to assemble the bumper and parts- and will need to modify the holes to make them fit further back so I can get a flush fit.
A little more progress on my bird this weekend. I chopped off the damaged area of the bumper and welded on the new section, as well as shortened my bumper brackets. I found that I couldn't move the bumper back far enough to where I want it to be, so I shortened it.
Next weekend I'll be at the Hot Wheels collectors convention- let me know if you're going.
Yep, still alive. Between attending/ working at the Hot wheels convention, wife's birthday and installing a stove, and general car maintenance (fuel pump replacement, oil changes, etc time sure flies)
I got a little work done today- I spent most of it trimming and adjusting trying to get the bumper to fit. I had to bend it a little, and trim it some, as well as move my hood back a little. I also need to add some material to the front passenger area, and next I will need to slice it and tweak the shape to get it more like the driver side.
Shortening the bumper brackets did help get the bumper closer.
So that's it. Just a little update. Hopefully more next weekend.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Linear Mode
