Project 'Overtime': Pro-Touring 68 Acadian (Nova) with L92 swap

[waynieZ]

The motor looks great in there. They make a nice accessory system.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the comments

I wanted to work on something that I would see some good progress and results, so I decided to work on getting the seats mounted. If you don't recall or don't want to read back, the seats I'm using are out of a 2005 GTO. I plan on using the front and rear seats. I've already done some work with the fronts, so I thought I would work on the rears.

First I had to cut out the center portion of the seats



Did some test fitting



I'm going to build some arm rests to fill in the gap





As you can see, I'm definitely going to have to cut them down as they sit pretty high



After looking at the area behind the seats, I decided to replace the sheet metal as I didn't like how far it sat forward at the bottom





So out it came





I'm glad I decided to do this as it allowed me to finish welding the deep tubs in an area that I couldn't get to before



I decided to replace the sheet metal in 3 parts. Started with the center section. I know the bead rolling looks like crap. It's my first time using a bead roller and it's not the easiest to keep straight when you're doing 18g sheet metal by yourself. No one will ever see it anyways and it adds strength.







Made some pieces for the side

[scherp69]

It's not completely welded in, but you get the idea. So much for my finished underside. I have a bunch of welding that will ruin the under finish even more. Guess I'll be redoing quite of bit of the underside. Oh well.









Next I'll get everything welded into place and then will start on getting the seats mounted.

[GregWeld]

It's a process and a learning experience... and you're doing this all by yourself.... so GOOD FOR YOU!

[scherp69]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

It's a process and a learning experience... and you're doing this all by yourself.... so GOOD FOR YOU!

Thanks Greg. Even though it doesn't look that clean, I am quite happy with how it looks. And you're right it is quite a process. I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was to do. By the time I was done that center piece, I was sweating like a pig. Although it didn't help that I did two of the lines the wrong way and had to go over them again to get them the right way But like you said, it's definitely a learning experience.

[GregWeld]

I'd have left them done the wrong way and said I intended it to look that way!


I've watched guys run bead rollers and they make it look like child's play.... of course I'm also certain that there's lots of ruin sheet steel that were scrapped!

It's like welding or anything else we do.... it takes doing... over and over... or you have to be willing to empty your checkbook buying more steel...

I'm just glad you did it - were willing to post it up - and not be afraid to show you're learning like all of us have done. I've got barrels of stuff I've just thrown out... valve covers I've attempted to TIG vents in that are scrap... and.. oh well you get the picture.

[Knaller]

Look from the other way Mike, the side pieces are almost perfect and the middle one is ok for what it's needed. Plus, you did all that work yourself! Not ecactly what everyone can say about his car!

[waynieZ]

Nice job Mike! Keep plugging at it.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys.

Small update today. Got the welding and grinding done on the sheetmetal behind the rear seat.



I also decided that I wanted to cover up these holes



So I made these



And welded them into place



Next up I will start mounting the rear seats. As always, will post pics as I go.

[GregWeld]

That's how they're built Mike! One more thing crossed off the list.... then tackle the next job!


I thought maybe the RCMP would have little green men that would come finish some of that stuff while you slept - but apparently you haven't found them either!