I finally decided on and ordered new front rims. Ive decided to go old school Cragar 15X6 with 2 inch back spacing.



Still unsure about the rears. I want to go to a 14 inch wide rim but not many of the older design rims go that wide. I would like to go to a reverse chrome at 15X14 (backspacing to be determined) but having a problem finding someone that will go that wide. I seem to be hitting a dead end at 12 inch wides. If I have to go to a 15X12 then I will probably get the matching 15X12 Cragars, IF, they can match my backspacing needs. If not I know I can get a chrome reverse 15X12 with the backspacing where I want it.
I've also finally bought a nodular iron center section for the 9 inch. Just got back from having it all assembled. 35 spline Detroit Locker, 3:50 gears.





I had to make a modification to the ladder bar brackets so the axle housing is there getting modified. Once that is done, I get the axles and this same guy is going to build me a pair of disc brake caliper brackets to use the 2009 front Mustang GT brack set I've been sitting on, attach the ladder bars and weld it all in. Simple right?? HA!
Mark L

I spent the day making the dash cushion overhang. The original would be way too short now that I'm sitting 11 inches farther back. So, with the dash piece stripped I cut off a 10 inch by 60 inch piece of sheet metal and started working. This is the dash without the cushion support installed.

The cushion support clamped to my work table and the cut piece of metal.

This is my sheet metal bender/brake.

This is the piece after I rolled the edge, then mapped out the end curves, cut them out and rolled the new edges to match the contours of the cushion support.

I'll continue with more info and pics. Mark L

This is my curve bender, the front rail on the trailer.

Final assembly before tack welding it all together.

A look from the bottom.

Clamped it in/on the dash.

Got a couple of more installed pics I'll add next. Mark L

More pics of the dash extension.


Now I can do something about the gauge and speedometer pod. I can build a flat plate that hangs it down from under the extension, and ties into the steering wheel support. Then fair it back into the old dash. I can still incorporate that headlight housing into the dash ahead of the steering wheel support and fair that back into the old dash. I thought about building a center console with the center going all the way up under the extension (to add some added support to it) and putting a radio and more of the lesser needed gauges in there. Then build a raised box in front of the seat for the shifter assembly, lifting it up and on a rearward tilt so it is easy to operate from the drivers seat. Lots of possibilities. Next I have to glue on some dense foam padding and cover in some soft leather like material I picked up. Mark L

Dash is looking good so far..Keep it comin i like every update i see on this car

I finally picked my front tire and rim combination. Cragar 15X6 w/2 inch backspace, and 205/75 15 tires. I didn't want too short a tire because the car is so big. Tire has 6 inch tread width and a little over 27 inches tall.




The last pic of course is the more modern rear wheel but it does not look too bad with the combination. When I can get it out of the garage and get a good side shot I'll see if I'll keep that combination or still go for a different rear wheel. Mark L

nice work i love cragar rims

Thank you. I'm glad people are interested in the car/look. It'* certainly not for everyone, which is what Hot Rodding is all about. Indivduality. The front axle is frward about 1.5 inches which puts these taller tires agains the bottom egde of the front fender drop down. My plan has always been to cut/tim this fender drop but I'm wavering back and forth on just how much to cut. The options are, cut at the small body line about half way from the bottom to a line drawn straight back from the bottom of the headlights, or at that straight line from the bottom of the headlights, cut it all out straight back to the wheel well? I never plan to run any bumper so it can all disappear. If you have an opinion I'd like to hear what you think. I've taken the photos and blacked out both options and each one has it'* merits. I tend to go for the complete removal of the drop down straight back from the headlight bottom. MArk L

If you did it right removing that whole drop down should cause funtionality and also look alright at the same time IMHO..

Great minds think alike. Thanks.