I've been really busy wrapping up the year at work, and have my eyes set on getting the body on this week. I keep saying that and was going to make a valiant attempt this weekend, but ran out of black large head rivets so had to order another box of those to complete buttoning up the driver's side footbox. Things seem to be fitting a little tighter than they did way back when during fitment...Hmmm.
Anyhow, I think I left off my last post with wanting to get another push button cable from Speedhut for my clock. I did that. $8 for the cable, but $12 for shipping? It came quickly anyway. I installed it on the inside wall of my glovebox. Looks great and is functional.
I also ordered a piece of 1/4" Diamond Plate for my driver's side floor board. Thought it would of course hold up better than a floor mat, clean up easier, and it just looks down right industrial...and I'm digging it. My cut off wheel was screaming for mercy cutting this stuff, but it came out perfect. I dog eared one side so that it can easily be pulled out as its a definite custom, tight fit. Might get it PC'd black sometime down the road, but happy with it now. Whenever I go to events or shows I'll just put the Cobra floor mats right over it
If anyone is looking to get a piece, there is a seller on ebay that sells remnants for a great price. I bought a 1' x 2' piece for $30.
Another area that ate up some time was my stereo sub and amp plywood deck. I cut it backwards my first time around and just noticed it. The idea was to be able to pull the entire deck out towards the back of the trunk if I needed to, and wasn't able to do it. So, I cut another piece of plywood and made it right. I was able to slide it back some and that also resolved the trunk brackets from hitting my sub.
I installed brackets for my hydraulic trunk support kit from Mike Everson.
I had read a couple of threads that said when the trunk was closed, the brackets and struts were putting unnecessary strain on the hinges and possibly bowing the trunk lid, so I sent FFR a note and asked if they could send me the same brackets that they send out with their trunk support kit. I had them within a few days. Here is a comparison between the two. You can see the additional hole and extension for the new brackets that take off that stress. I'll use the rest of Everson's kit.
Last detail I focused on today was the Forte mechanical linkage. I've had no problems with it and the action is nice and smooth. Highly recommended. One thing though are the actuator brackets that come with the kits. It is adjustable so has a large U in the middle of the bracket. The way mine is setup, the pivoting point is at the top of the bracket. Although I have a lock nut on it, I've always thought that if it somehow came loose that I'd be without an accelerator as the entire rod assembly would fall to the bottom and lose its leverage. Would have been a better design if it had graduating holes instead of a giant opening.
So I forged up a small piece out of aluminum that fits right on the bracket itself and should safeguard if something came loose. The rod could only fall maybe 1/8". That would still give me the ability to get home and address. Probably not necessary, but just a safe guard. I did it for the bracket on the inside of the footbox as well.
I also used some 3/32" roll pins to pin each arm of the mechanical linkage. Added some Locktite and let's hope these arms never want to flop around loose.
Well, renewed some of the torn bulb seal from the first body fitting and awaiting my rivets so I can finish up the footbox. Nothing left to do but get the body on.