jaransonT3 from MI

[jaransonT3]

Over the last couple of days, I got some blocks cut to represent the airbags for the time being and decided to install the rear subframe to check fit and tire clearance.

Here is the subframe with the wooden blocks and sitting on some dollies to let me roll it into place.



Couple of pictures getting it into position under the car.





Got it all bolted up and installed the tires...





Plenty of room for the tires...



Not sure about changing a flat yet...will have to wait until I actually have the bags in to see how much clearance I have with the bags fully inflated.

I also threw together and extra front beam I had around the garage. Going to try to get it installed and get the Sled on the ground for the first time in several years.

[jaransonT3]

Don't want the Sled to end up in the "Old Projects" thread, so I figured I better get out there this weekend and do something to progress her.

I had previously installed the rear subframe with the new air-ride mounts and some solid wooden blocks to represent the airbags at ride height. I installed a mock-up front end so I could put it back on the ground for the first time in years. Then I rolled it out onto the driveway for a few beauty shots...









Of course, I had to do a little PhotoShop work to get rid of the nosebleed stance....





With the front end back in, I decided it would be good to have the steering column back in to make moving her around easier.

Started out by bolting the column in without the ignition switch/turn signal housing. Also bolted in the driver's seat to make sure the steering wheel position was OK. After mocking it up, I decided to line the steering wheel up with the centerline of my eyesight instead of the cutout from the Rambler dash.



I needed to enlarge the cut-out anyway to fit the ignition switch housing so it wasn't any more work to get it where I wanted. So after some cutting and fitting This is what I ended up with...



I had to put a small depression on the left side to clear the turn signal switch. I also have some more clearancing to do around the ignition switch and then I need to weld some sheetmetal to finish off the new cut-out.



Close-up of the clearancing for the turn signal switch....



Close-up of the clearancing for the ignition switch...



And a shot with a steering wheel in place...



Still need to fabricate the column hanging bracket that the ignition switch housing bolts to and finish off the inside of the cut-out, but it looks like it is all going to work out good.

[jaransonT3]

I did get out there and work on her for a few hours this morning. Felt good to be and metal again.

First order of business was to get the garage cleaned up enough to work and get the Sled out in the open for easy access...





Then I filled in the final areas between the dash and the cowl/body....



and finally I spent a little time fitting, welding, and grinding the filler piece for the recess in the dash around the ignition key. Pretty happy with the result....





Progress!

[jaransonT3]

One of my New Year's resolutions is to make steady weekly progress on the Sled. No more taking months or weeks off from doing anything on her. To get the right start on that plan, I spent several hours today on the garage with the propane heater blasting....

Completed a somewhat significant step....I finished the fabrication/modification to the dash and structure to let me mount the steering column. I can now steer the front wheels with the steering wheel from inside the car.

Here are some pictures....

Started out finishing the edges of the cut-out for the steering column...




Added a brace to stiffen the dash.... Works great, BTW.


Then I bolted in the steering column and tightened down the clamp nut at the steering box after setting the spacing to the dash...


Plenty of clearance to the blinker lever...


Plenty of hand clearance...




View from the bottom. Used the stock front mount for the column and a modified rear mount...


Plenty of room to turn the key...


Should have good vision of the gages...


I also got the rear end of the car up on tall jack stands in order to have better access to start the final fitting and attachment of the rear fenders....the final major piece in this puzzle.