Yeah, tight funds mean no funs, sorry. I was going to cut the fender and then add the lip by forming a strip of sheet metal with a * curve to the length of it. Then tack weld the strip on to the bottom section to form a receiver. Then another strip to the top that would be the locator. When the two came together they would form a solid seam. I think that is the way to go. I should get a hold of an old fender somewhere and experiment. Another thought would be to weld on an angle all along the cut line. This would form a flat ledge at the cut line that would be mirrored on the other fender section. The two flats would mate together and I could use a pin like locater in the top flat to go into a receiver hole in the bottom. That would let me weld and finish the cut line so it was a nice finished edge. Actually. I could make it out of a strip of sheet metal cut to mirror the contour of the cut line. Once welded on it would be just like it was stamped out of a mould. Got me thinking again. I just have to be sure of my decision and go for it.
JW. The cover is not drilled for the water holes as it comes. Allowing the owner to drill and tap it for whatever fitting size or type they want. As I get farther into the build I'll be opening them up and putting AN type fittings so I can run the water. But I've been thinking about reverse cooling by running the water into the heads first and out of the block. To do that I may need to add water fittings to other places on the block. That may determine smaller fittings in the front. Again just waiting for me to make up my mind. My block is filled up to the water hole with hard block so I have to see if there is anything special about where I place the fittings?? Mark L

very interesting, leaves you open for a bunch of different ways to do it

I worked on finishing the seat bottom and put it back in the car. It works fine, not as nice as a professional job, but Ok for the time being. Later when the cars is more complete and less costly things are in need of buying I'll look into getting it done right. Actually, once the interior is complete it may not look bad as is.





The seat backs still have to be done. But I can do that even with the seat bottom installed in the car.
I started looking hard at the dash board. The overall interior should go together pretty easily. The dash will take some time. I also need the guages I'll be using but I don't want to buy them yet. Too many other things to spend on. Found a great area where there is a whole bunch of upholstery shops and a big upholstery supply store. I'm going to check out the supply place for the carpeting and the interior vinyl. OK. I'm done talkin'. Mark L

Just laying low still taking it easy. Went to a local swap meet Sunday and scored some stuff I really needed. Found an aluminum 26 gal fuel cell from a boat. I'll have to add bungs for the lines, a spill valve, and a filler assembly but it should fit right down into the trunk floor. $20. Maybe $100 dollars for the mods and I have a nice aluminum cell for $120.


I need 3/4 hiem rod ends for my ladder bars. Found these off road bars again for $20. Now I just need the tubing bungs and two more rod ends. The ends are around $20 a piece.



Now for something really different. Been thinking of how to build a custom dash. I found this to form the tach/speedometer/guage pod. Then build the rest of the dash around it. It'* a '69 A-body (GTO?) grille shell. When I asked about it the guy gave it to me because it is broken in the very bottom headlight opening where it is really thin. So I brought it home just incase I go that route. I might look for the opposite piece and use both for a dash. A narrowed '69 GTO looking dash would be neat.


Not sure I'll go that way since I still have the old dash sitting in place in the car for now. But it'* a thought. I'll probably be getting the black vinyl today for the rest of the interior. Get some sort of wood or heavy paper board for the panels and build the interior panels. So dat'* what I be doin', plus rehabin'/excersizing in the pool. Mark L

nice score on parts and the dash idea is awesome!

Thanks for the encouragement. Helps to keep this all flowing along. Thing is, I'm always full of ideas. It'* just making them happen that sucks, heh. Mark L

Eh i know how it feels ive got all sorts of idears for my camaro but no time lol im really liking this thread keep up the good work!

Been watching the thread with anticipation as well. Nice work and thanks for all the great pics!

I sat down and looked at the grill insert. The insert is upside down as I shot the pic. The opening in the top pf the insert would normally be up to the hood. So it is in fact a passenger side grill insert. So looking at it in it'* correct orientation, and the shape of the outside end of the insert I'm thinking it'* actually from a '67, '68 Firebird. I have to start looking at pics on the boards to compare. Either way I can still use it for a dash insert. Just have to know for sure what it came from so I can get the opposite piece in case I build the dash with both sides. I figured I could mount some nice big speakers in the passenger side headlight holes. Gotta do some serious thinkin' here. Thanks guys. Mark L

Hey all. So sorry for the big lull in the participation. I've been hibernating thru the summer heat but I've been a little active in getting parts and changing plans. I don't have time right now but later I'll update everything so far. Got some stuff to show ya. Mark L