Assembly begins

Stands are finished, they're about 24" high. I managed to get the car on the stands by lifting one end at time while my wife slide them under. The car feels stable but I'll keep a large tool chest under the center just in case. At some point I'll have to get a jack with enough travel to lift the car onto the stands. Harbor freight sells a 'farm jack' that may do the job.

The build is transitioning from fabrication to assembly. I'll still need to fabricate brackets and bracing from time to time but most of the cutting and welding is done, I hope. Making the stands reminded me how dirty that can be.

Engine Installation

Before getting too far on the steering column, I thought it would be a good idea to set the engine in place and check clearances.

Turns out a family of mice had set up residence at hotel R1 and left a few souvenirs. Fortunately I had stuffed rags in 'most' of the openings. While they chewed on the rags, it doesn't look like any got in. One small breather tube was open but it should be too small for a mouse to get in...guess I'll know for sure when I start the engine.

The bottom of the chassis is open so I can set the engine on the ground and lower the chassis over it. Works good now but it won't be as easy once the car gains some weight.
With the engine in place, it looks like there will be plenty of clearance for the steering column.






I started fabricating some stands for the car to bring it up to a good working height. Hopefully finish them off tomorrow so I can get back to work on the car.

Scuttle and Steering Column

Easter weekend...fabricated and mounted the scuttle hoop and mocked up the steering column with some 1/2" PVC pipe. I'm bidding on a steering column on ebay from a Saab 900 which should supply me with a colapsible section and one u-joint, assuming I can make it fit. I'll need to buy another u-joint, a coupler to attach to the rack and some bearings to support the column.