New Interior

[megabyte]

I'm going back a lot here but could you explain a bit how you did the fiberglassing on the console?

http://www.aleromod.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1485&stc=1&d=1172725548

I've been wanting to make the drink holder round like you did instead of having that little cover...how do you get the fiberglass to stick to the plastic? I don't know if i'm making sense but anyway..

[white04alero]

mine doesnt have the cover.. i have an 04 gl1.. no cover just round.

[alerocar01]

wow nice work haven't looked at this thread in a while and i'm impressed.

[mustang_killer]

This link should help Megabyte.

http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=45&i=74970&t=74970

[megabyte]

thanks for the link it's definately interesting but I don't see how I could use the fleece method to make the shape...

eh_nigma, what did you actually use to cover the hole?

[Eh_nigma]

^^ Cardboard, hard cardboard. I wanted to use something that the resin would soak into and harden, so that's what it is, cut to shape, and fiberglassed overtop of it...

[megabyte]

:thumb: cool thanks!

[greenbastard]

your car is turning into one mean machine. i hope you'll be in Lethbridge in june because i have to see this.

[Eh_nigma]

I'll be at street wheelers as things stand right now. So, yeah, ought to be a fun time...

Progress? Yeah, back at it this weekend... this is what I've left off with through the week with the keyless ignition - talk about a PITA - but thanks to both Joel and Aftermath for their help in this one. But yeah, three quick pictures from a few days ago:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00281.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00280.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00279.jpg

Funny, the interior is stripped as much as possible, yet... the compass is still there...

Went into order up the Autometer Guages... which in itself is always a bit of a challenge. HOWEVER, the 11-Guage setup will be knocked down to 8 Guages (Speedo, Tach, Fuel Level, Water Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Press, Volt Meter x 2). The first thing I need is the sending unit, so I can mount that into the Dash.

Anyway, yeah, about what I'll be doing this weekend.. finishing up the passkey bypass, ordering myself some door poppers and installing those - may as well, considering that everything is torn apart right now...

Going to finish cleaning up all the wires, and hard mount the switches top-center... and mount the key-cylinder in as well... hopefully that all get's done around noon.

In the afternoon, clean the car up from all the soldering and wire clippings - a lot right now, and begin working on the back section of the car as well. Blah-blah-blah... pictures at the end of the day as always.

Later.

[Eh_nigma]

Speaking of Door Poppers: Two possibilities I'm looking at:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/40lbs-DOOR-POPPER-SHAVED-DOOR-HANDLE-REMOTE-ENTRY-KIT_W0QQitemZ150110409666QQihZ005QQcategoryZ6763QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
and...
http://cgi.ebay.ca/45-LB-Shaved-Handle-Door-Popper-Kit-2-Remotes-NEW-P1_W0QQitemZ150110464635QQihZ005QQcategoryZ94830QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm leaning towards the second one (2 remotes)... but, yes... any suggestions out there?

[sorrowfulkiller]

the 2nd... more lbs behind it and two remotes.. can't go wrong either way though >_>

[Eh_nigma]

Quick update, I've got the key cylinder mounted in the back, the ignition switches mounted, aaaand... the front of the console is all dolled up now with cleaner wiring.

As well, the e-brake servo is being installed right after I eat something, have a poopty, and get back at it. I might even throw a video on the update tonight...

[Satsuriku]

shit dude!!! slow down a bit hahahaha!

sweet idea for the video :) should be good

[pawzbear]

have a poopty? really, mark?

[Eh_nigma]

Okay, so... I'm done for the night...

Managed to get the inginition switches working, e-brake to work, and all the wiring taken care of. Doesn't seem like much, but then there's three bundles to fish through the car and connect appropriately, with a total of 240 ft of wire... including wrapping, it turns out to being quite a bit...

1. Key Cylinder mounted in the back as a "master" with complete wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/master.jpg
2. The switches - this will be covered by the fiberglass "spine" going in (E-brake/Acc/On/Ingintion: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/switches.jpg
3. Dash section of wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/wiringtop.jpg
4. Floor Section of wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/floorwiring.jpg
5. Video Clip - Ignition Firing Up: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=MOV00294.flv

Tomorrow - the LED lighting for the e-brake will be done... after that... ummm... I'm not quite sure, I've run out of things to do for this weekend.

The sender unit for my instruments is on order, and my door-poppers were bought, so they should be in soon... instruments as well, not to mention seats/harnesses will be coming in. Until those get here... I really don't have much to do except for the rear interior of the car... but, that, as it turns out, wont be touched until next week...

Maybe I'll finish up the interior lighting...

[Satsuriku]

dude that is one sick set up for the ignition man!!!!!!

[antichrysler]

That's sweet!!! Good work on the ignition.

[Eh_nigma]

...junk... woke up sick this morning - perhaps too much of the drinky-drinky last night... ...wait, there was no drinky-drinky, I'm actually sick... junk.

Went into town, picked up more supplies, in a few hours I'll hopefully be feeling a bit better to get back to the garage...

[Eh_nigma]

forgot to also mention, ordered up the two seats, and 4pt cam harness's. Monday the instruments will be ordered as well. And I can't forget, but thanks go to Pat for help with some extra parts. Door Poppers should be in within a week or two, and well... yeah, guess this means I'll be doing minor things to the body before I know it as well...

[Eh_nigma]

I got my seats... I got my seats... they're already in... I'm really happy... ...now I just need to find a ride into Brandon and pick them up... can't exactly drive in without a dash, seat, or steering wheel right now... but, I got my seats...

[Satsuriku]

you got new seats..........but no pics? lol common mark, havent ya learned this game yet? hahaha jk

[ptrudel]

no prob...anything else you need just lemme know, i'd much rather ship in canada...good luck!

[pawzbear]

ohh Patty cakes im still sad your alero's done for good... =(

[ptrudel]

you and me both candace...i aint goin nowhere, and i'm sure i'll end up drivin another if i can get rid of the neon...5spd ecotec is what i want

[Eh_nigma]

Rob, the seats are still in Brandon, however as soon as I get them they're going in to have new material and padding put on them... shmeee... and I don't take pics until things are complete... HA! Right... I don't think anythings complete yet...

[billytheman1188]

yo man, idk how the hell to put this, but THAT IGNITION KICKS ASSSSS

[strtrydr]

Man ... that is badass so keep at it and like everyone else said post some damn pictures.

J/K LOL ... Keep up the good work!

[Eh_nigma]

How Pissed Am I?

Went in to take a boo at those seats. Yeah, two things caused me to explode... first, it was the wrong set of seats. As well, they wanted me to pay up $200 a seat for the cost of ordering them in... tick-tick-tick-BOOM. Needless to say, still no seats.

I do apologize for the lack of updates this last little bit. Ask Candace why that's happening. No, seriously, things have been a bit busy.

Tonight I layed down the filler over the fiberglassed part on the door panel. Tomorrow I'll sand it down, prime, paint, and clear coat it. Meaning, that the panel will be almost completely complete by hopefully Thursday night.

As well, the vinyl was stripped off of the dash. Holy hell. Let's just say that ate up some time. The piece is now fully ready for fiberglassing tomorrow as well. Not to mention, the emergency light, old key port, and center vent have been filled in and covered. A bit of extreme filling - you'll see in the pics coming tomorrow how much filling was done... but, yes... there's also plans to cut into the top of the dash, but I'll think about that overnight...

Still waiting for door poppers, and just due to time constraints - need to have the car at least drivable for the 5th of May... I'll be holding off on doing the instruments and sound system up. If I can get the dash completed with the door panels... that's enough for me... then back at it on the 9th

[pawzbear]

ask Candace? pffft its not my fault mark get yo head in the game.... =-P

u can come strip my dash while ur at it.. it seems to already have itself halfway undid... =/

[Satsuriku]

it seems to already have itself halfway undid... =/

:wtf2::wtf2:

[pawzbear]

my dash... all peeled up.. gah!!!

[cherrington17]

:wtf2::wtf2:

sat you need to realize... shes from the south. Its just like when you and 'nigma say something that just reads really odd. :lol: Its not proper english... but then again, what is? ha

Nice work mark. The ignition looks nice. I'm sure the above windshield console will have a more "finished" look after everything is installed.

[Eh_nigma]

^^That it will...

Here are some pics from last night...

Start - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/start.jpg
Middle - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/halfwaythere.jpg
Finished getting the vinyl off - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/cleaned.jpg

Today I'll have more pics posted from last night - right now, the dash is all filled and cut where I want it to be cut, and after work I'll be putting the initial layers of fiberglass on it.

Not much of an update, but there will be more later...

[billytheman1188]

hold on, so im a little confused, where are you putting the ignition??? and your going to cover the hole where the key used to go in, right?

just give me quick review in how your ignition stuff will work. thanks

[cavaliers60]

Okay, so... I'm done for the night...

Managed to get the inginition switches working, e-brake to work, and all the wiring taken care of. Doesn't seem like much, but then there's three bundles to fish through the car and connect appropriately, with a total of 240 ft of wire... including wrapping, it turns out to being quite a bit...

1. Key Cylinder mounted in the back as a "master" with complete wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/master.jpg
2. The switches - this will be covered by the fiberglass "spine" going in (E-brake/Acc/On/Ingintion: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/switches.jpg
3. Dash section of wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/wiringtop.jpg
4. Floor Section of wiring: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/floorwiring.jpg
5. Video Clip - Ignition Firing Up: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=MOV00294.flv

Tomorrow - the LED lighting for the e-brake will be done... after that... ummm... I'm not quite sure, I've run out of things to do for this weekend.

The sender unit for my instruments is on order, and my door-poppers were bought, so they should be in soon... instruments as well, not to mention seats/harnesses will be coming in. Until those get here... I really don't have much to do except for the rear interior of the car... but, that, as it turns out, wont be touched until next week...

Maybe I'll finish up the interior lighting...

here you go Billy

[Eh_nigma]

hahaha... thanks...

Incase that doesn't do it...

ignition is top center on the roof (where you see in the vid), and yes, on the dash it's all going to be covered up. I'll be posting more pictures of what I come out with today...

[p1mptress]

Looking good can't wait to see the finished product. It's like Christmas.... Except I can't drive it :(

[Eh_nigma]

yet... can't drive it yet... wait, that's me I'm talking aboot...

[strtrydr]

my dash... all peeled up.. gah!!!

sat you need to realize... shes from the south. Its just like when you and 'nigma say something that just reads really odd. :lol: Its not proper english... but then again, what is? ha

Nice work mark. The ignition looks nice. I'm sure the above windshield console will have a more "finished" look after everything is installed.

I dont think Sat meant his expresion in the way you guys are thinkin' ... I think Sat's brain was in the gutter.

[Eh_nigma]

...it always is...

Okay, quick update - the main door panel section has been primed and painted, it's drying in the "oven"...

I'm finishing up sanding, and then priming, and then painting the upper portion of the door panel... hopefully the two pieces will be joined around midnight tonight - 3 hours? Sure! Why not...

Off I go...

[Oldsnut]

Dude, I am totally impressed at your skills and talent! Are you sure you were not born in the USA.:jk:
The whole set up is the shit!!!!!!!!!

MORE PICS!!!!!!!!!

[Eh_nigma]

Hey all, pics will be coming soon tonight.

Before they come up, the night didn't go quite as planned... a few things happened...

My black paint's gone missing - probably due to me, but, none the less, missing. The initial filler needs to be touched up in some places, but mostly, last minute emergency with my buddies '73 Shovelhead, so that ate up a lot of time... none the less, pictures will be following tonight.

I hope to get the one piece done tomorrow (from the door), and find my black paint. Town's 25 minutes away, a bit of a pain.

However, slowly, progress is being made... I hope not many more nights like tonight, otherwise this project will just be crawling...

[Eh_nigma]

Okay, Pictures...

The Dash, green = filled and what not, still some work to do - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/dash.jpg
Sills came in - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/sills.jpg
Impressed with how polished they are - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/reflective.jpg
Door Panel Primed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/primed.jpg
Top Piece - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/top.jpg
Top Piece Primed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/topprimed.jpg
Ended Up Doing Some Trim Work - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/trim.jpg

[Oldsnut]

I somehow think you know what your crazy Canadian Ass is doin. Great Job! here's a Molson to ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks eh!

[pawzbear]

eh, buds?? lol =-P


crazy canadian?? yes thats Mark...

[Eh_nigma]

I may be crazy... but I'm not a Cana.... wait, no, I got that all backwards... okay, I may be a Canadian, but I'm not a Cana.... dammit, there I go again...

See what you made me do Candace?

[pawzbear]

ohhhohohoho mark i luv you. You frickin' crack me up!

[RoetherB]

How did you get the two pieces of the door panel separated? I was looking at mine and it looks like they are being held together with some plastic pins that were melted into place so as to make them permanent. If you broke those pins, how will you put the door panels back together?

-Brad

[Eh_nigma]

That's half the beauty of it... all about the look... and one of those things that I think will look good, but wont know until it's actually done... rivet the two pieces, employing the rivets as "detailing" on the door panel.

[ptrudel]

awesome work man, i'm anxious to see more!

[Danny Boy]

Amazing work! cannot wait to see when your finished!

[etan1987]

Absolutely amazing work you are doing, its very impressive as to what you are doing it and that you are able to do it yourself
Wish i had that sort of skill

[racin4JC]

Or to put the two pieces of door panel back together you can get some short screws and put some little washers on them and just screw them back together, if you don't want the "riveting" look. (this is how I reinstalled my speaker grills after I fiberglassed my doors.)

[Eh_nigma]

Or to put the two pieces of door panel back together you can get some short screws and put some little washers on them and just screw them back together, if you don't want the "riveting" look. (this is how I reinstalled my speaker grills after I fiberglassed my doors.)


I actually look forward to the rivet look... previous to the idea of rivets though, those screws I doubt would handle the force of the door being used every time I come in and out of the car... not much to work with. For the grills and the "pad" on the door, this isn't a problem... but the doors and the part of the dash that holds the lovely little bit of the glove compartment and pass half of the dash, yeah, I wouldn't do anything that wasn't stiffer...

[sorrowfulkiller]

Hey mark, since you are going with a push button ignition you may want to read up on this! http://autospeed.drive.com.au/A_107975/cms/article.html

Install transmitter under dash
wave remote door locker over dash before turning car on and it works fine,
don't wave remote door locker over dash and it doesn't start at all!

[Satsuriku]

holy hell mark!! i would say you should slow down b4 your work gets sloppy, but theres 2 things with that: 1) if you slow down, your car wont be done for street wheelers!! 2) so far everything has been right on the mark and nothing looks like hell (so far hahaha jk)

excellent work dude!!

[Eh_nigma]

Hey! Thanks all. Excellent article on the "remote" start, and here's a bit of an update...

The door panel itself... crap, forgot to snap a picture of it... bloody hell... but, yeah, it's finished, and is drying over night... as well as the top piece, a couple pics of that...

That's all I focused on tonight, was getting the door panel finished up. What else... worked on an 84 Corvette tonight for a while... buddies O2 sensor, and going around changing his distributor cap/coil/wires/plugs... Sweet car.

Tomorrow I hope to start early, 'round noonish I hope... finish up painting the "red" parts, and rivet the whole shabang together.

I also managed to start laying down some filler on the dash. So, yeah, progress is slowly being made - I want to finish the dash this weekend as well. That'll be a HUGE step in the right direction.... so, pics... and again, sorry I forgot to get a pic of the bottom piece, but it's just, well, black... I like it...

Top Piece Pre Primer (I'm telling you, touch up filling is a lot more of a pain than the initial painting... looked pretty funky though) - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/preprimer.jpg
Primer coat - looks MUCH better than last night - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/newprime1.jpg
Primer coat up close - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/newprime2.jpg
Top Piece Painted - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/toppiece.jpg


Now, off to chat with Candace.

[pawzbear]

'bout time, ho!

[Eh_nigma]

Here are the doorhandles... ignor the 240 SX, they're universal fit...
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110115485277&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:CA:11

[j{}n]

i think i'm the only person who has yet to comment on this. everything looks incredible. this is one thread that is anxiously checked every night. keep up the great work, eh.

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks!

[NoSweat83]

I agree everything does look good. But, the link you have for doorhandles are exact window cranks I have.

[Eh_nigma]

Guess you and I can have something in common then...

[jayson_waltz]

i think i'm the only person who has yet to comment on this. everything looks incredible. this is one thread that is anxiously checked every night. keep up the great work, eh.

nope i am but i have been following it since the start. amazing work man, just wish i had the time and money to do the same. Can't wait to see the final thing!

[Satsuriku]

power windows FTW!!! :p

[Oldsnut]

i think i'm the only person who has yet to comment on this. everything looks incredible. this is one thread that is anxiously checked every night. keep up the great work, eh.
I also check this thread for updates. I like what I see being done on this Ho, it's kinda hard to do that to my Final 500. When my '71 is done, a second Alero is comin. I'm just building up a wealth of info on what
Eh_nigma is doing and everyone else is doing.
Can't wait to see the final product!!!!!

[NoSweat83]

Guess you and I can have something in common then...
Didnt mean that in a bad way. My point was that there were window cranks and not doorhandles. Are you using them in a different way?

[Eh_nigma]

Must have been a type-o, using them as window cranks

[Eh_nigma]

No update tonight, had a lot of things I had to deal with today. Will post tomorrow.

[Eh_nigma]

Hey all... sorry for the lack of updates... the last few days have been an absolute shit show... but, as I finally have a break from it today, no better reason than to go into the garage... okay...

The drivers door panel is done. I was suprised how combining a love for cruisers, old aircraft (stylings) and a little more all in one, came out so well:

The door panel, almost done - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00352.jpg
Door panel done - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00355.jpg

Now it's just waiting for the door poppers, and the crank handles and this side is done...

still filling in the dash - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00353.jpg

Needed to also start on those windows/vents... have to get the duct work done before I do any more on the interior back - so, no time like the present... sat there for about 15 minutes thinking it over - don't want it to look like the Mustang scoops... so, here's what I came up with -

From the side - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00360.jpg
From the back - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00361.jpg
From the front - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00362.jpg

The top piece by itself - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/untitled.jpg
Fiberglassing the base piece of the whole shabang - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00365.jpg


Alright, eating, cleaning, then going back to the garage... enjoy.

Oh, ps... sometime in the next month, the doul side exhaust - my third piece for this car - will be going up...

Edge.

[Eh_nigma]

as for the end of that "scoop" design, I'm not to sure if I'm liking the point, but, I'll leave it to this thread for opinions...

[whiteliquid]

It's definitely going to be unique

[cavaliers60]

yep... not sure about that rivet or whatever look on the door.... Are you going to put that same type of look on the dash as well?

[j{}n]

i'm not too big on all of the rivets either. the metal kickpanels seem a bit out of place. that's just me though.

[Eh_nigma]

Another update on the scoop,

Collector - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00369.jpg
collector again - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00370.jpg[/URL]
collector in process of being fiberglassed - [URL]http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00371.jpg (http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00369.jpg)


As for the door panel... yes, rivets. They stay. As for the question from Cav, the "spines" going from front to back in the car are going to be held down by "exposed" chrome hex screws every 3-4 inches.

The kick panels being out of place - they're places over a trace that was made, inside the "line of trace" was where ALL the scrape marks from my feet were, and this matches up with the scrapes from the door sill as well. Basically - "kick panels" put in where my feet have "kicked" the door.

The "rippled" look on the panels is a bit exadurated due to the flash... it did turn out how I wanted - exactly how aircraft panels look when they're rivetted...

Anywho, nights done in the garage, time to talk to Candace. Pretty good way to end the night.

[pawzbear]

see yall dont criticize markus he has a method to his madness =-P
I like it. and the scoop is cool. pretty funky and nothing like the mustang ones. good thing b/c a certain someone has about made me sick with damn mustangs.....

and no, talking to me is a pretty DAMN good way to end the night lol!

[Satsuriku]

hell of a good job mark!!

very unique indeed and thats kinda what ppl around here need to see. i dont think ive seen anything close to this being done on an alero, thats for damn sure. as for the window vents? well your damn right they dont look anything close to the mustangs, thank god, but as far as how they look? there alright i suppose but again, i love the originallity to it which is one of the reasons im kinda drawn into it in the first place

overall buddy, very good progress and worksmanship!! still very much impressed!!

[Eh_nigma]

Eh thanks man, and thanks to everyone for the comments. Whether it's a positive comments or a "WTF man?!", it's always a help getting posts from others.

With the scoop, the end of it near the rear... heh, working on bikes and riding one all night last night, was still in the mentality, but you know what... I'm thinking I'm going to keep it... cutting the end flush is a bit predictable, and frankly... it's also a challenge too...

[Kilroy]

I'll be at street wheelers as things stand right now. So, yeah, ought to be a fun time...

Progress? Yeah, back at it this weekend... this is what I've left off with through the week with the keyless ignition - talk about a PITA - but thanks to both Joel and Aftermath for their help in this one. But yeah, three quick pictures from a few days ago:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00281.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00280.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00279.jpg

Funny, the interior is stripped as much as possible, yet... the compass is still there...

Went into order up the Autometer Guages... which in itself is always a bit of a challenge. HOWEVER, the 11-Guage setup will be knocked down to 8 Guages (Speedo, Tach, Fuel Level, Water Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Press, Volt Meter x 2). The first thing I need is the sending unit, so I can mount that into the Dash.

Anyway, yeah, about what I'll be doing this weekend.. finishing up the passkey bypass, ordering myself some door poppers and installing those - may as well, considering that everything is torn apart right now...

Going to finish cleaning up all the wires, and hard mount the switches top-center... and mount the key-cylinder in as well... hopefully that all get's done around noon.

In the afternoon, clean the car up from all the soldering and wire clippings - a lot right now, and begin working on the back section of the car as well. Blah-blah-blah... pictures at the end of the day as always.

Later.


I can't beleive it Eh nigma. You have such beautiful work done on the interior of the car, then the wiring looks like it was done 3 year old. Not trying to insult you, but NEVER use electricians tape. Not only is it ugly, it is unsafe and it will eventually fall off due to heat. That wiring should all be soldered and heatshrinked. Even the switches should have all the connectors covered in heat shrink to avoif the possibility of anything shorting them out. Of course, I am an FCS tech and I take wiring kinda personal. Just hate to see such a beautiful ride spoiled by poor wiring.

[SLVRalero]

Nice! I like the vents. haven't seen any aleros like that. good job.

[Kilroy]

Okay, Pictures...

The Dash, green = filled and what not, still some work to do - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/dash.jpg
Sills came in - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/sills.jpg
Impressed with how polished they are - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/reflective.jpg
Door Panel Primed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/primed.jpg
Top Piece - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/top.jpg
Top Piece Primed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/topprimed.jpg
Ended Up Doing Some Trim Work - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/trim.jpg


Looks like you are using the paint booth over at base? Am I correct? :coolio:

[Kilroy]

Nice! I like the vents. haven't seen any aleros like that. good job.

Gotta agree, the vents are an awesome touch!!

[pawzbear]

I can't beleive it Eh nigma. You have such beautiful work done on the interior of the car, then the wiring looks like it was done 3 year old. Not trying to insult you, but NEVER use electricians tape. Not only is it ugly, it is unsafe and it will eventually fall off due to heat. That wiring should all be soldered and heatshrinked. Even the switches should have all the connectors covered in heat shrink to avoif the possibility of anything shorting them out. Of course, I am an FCS tech and I take wiring kinda personal. Just hate to see such a beautiful ride spoiled by poor wiring.

i never thought about it but my dad always used heatshrink stuff when messing with my wiring and system...

[Eh_nigma]

Kilroy, The actual finished soldering is heat sinked in areas that wont be touched again... as for the wiring that isn't yet... the dash isn't in place, as I'm not 100% positive that I wont be touching these again until before I finish up with the electrical. The wiring that is complete, is heat sinked. Ref. the pic with the wired up key cylinder, under the elect. tape you can just make out some of the heat sinks...

The issue I have is bundling these... 16 foot long cable, I'd rather wrap it with elect. tape, than use zap straps. But yes, the dash will still be cleaned up *not to mention getting all the wiring to fit now once the dash comes on*

Wiring up the old Radials before I was in the military, habbits form, and elect tape is an easy way to find wiring still in the works. But yes, I should have taken a picture of all the "hockey tape" GM uses... it's COMPLETLEY dry and crumbling... I pulled out about, oh, god, a good garbage bin full from the dash alone...

As for the paint booth? Yes, most definately using that on base.

[Eh_nigma]

Kilroy - FCS tech eh? Boy do I need to meet up with you!

[Satsuriku]

wehn i saw marks car a month ago or so, i did notice that any wires that were exposed that he redid was infact heat shrinked, so hes good there. and like someone posted b4, GM used a shit load of that crappy "hockey tape" crap (hell its not even close to hockey tape quality, at least that stuff sticks!!)

my electronics teacher back in high school always stressed the thought of using heat shrink tubes to cover any exposed wire when ever its possible. all my LED wiring has nothing but shrink tubes on them. it gives it a much cleaner/professional look and you KNOW its safe

[HazMatt24]

those panels are looking good but I am getting an SNM vibe off of them

[joealmighty13]

those rivets look awesome. i completely agree with you there they do give your car an aircraft look. im also excited to see the side exhaust your putting on. What mufflers are you going with? keep up the good work..

[pawzbear]

SNM vibe??

[Kilroy]

I did notice the excellent job of the switch in the bag. I did not realize that the dash wiring was not yet permanent. I hope I did not insult you, just when it comes to wiring I am picky. Example..... picked up a car stereo from Futureshop today, and when i found out that they just twist the wires and use electricians tape, I decided to save the $50.00 and do the the install myself. Even though they guaranteed it for life, I am just picky. I wish I had the skills and the patience to do my interior even remotely as nice as yours is looking now, and will when done. Maybe I'll hav to clean my garage out and start playing with stuff. :rolleyes2:

[Eh_nigma]

SNM... lotsa fun, eh Candace ;)

Kilroy man, no insults taken... I'm a huge fan of heat sinks and soldering. Electrical tape I'm a fan of in wrapping groups of wires, then zap strapping the "lip" where the wraps end at both ends, and also that tightly bound tape around wires offers a bit more strength to them. But yes, the final products tend to be as clean as possible - I do NOT want to have to take the dash off again down the road.

None the less, it's off to the garage I go, so more pictures later on.

[HazMatt24]

SNM vibe??

S&M, is that better. First you don't know bukake, then heroine, now S&M. The color scheme on the panels and the rivets and the material just give me an S&M vibe, just saying...gosh Candace

[Eh_nigma]

S&M, hmmmm, this gives me some ideas :)

Turns out that the safety inspector is coming in to the garage tomorrow, so we cleaned it up, and no work tonight... a bit of junk if you ask me, now my night is all poopty, but thusly, I get a bit of a break, and I can head at it tomorrow again...

[pawzbear]

ideas???? pffttt i'll be damned. i figured this one out of my own o.O""

no S&M action for you, mark.....!

[Eh_nigma]

Not a good afternoon... first get a message that my money was returned to me from the e-Bay purchase of those crank handles... right on... went back to the garage this afternoon - someone broke in. Odd thing, we can't find anything stolen - so perhaps they were spooked when I pulled up. But, none the less, it's been another long night (as it was on base, MP's called out, the whole 9 yards).

Tomorrow's the safety inspection in the Garage. Soon after I'll be heading into town to see if I can find those hex-screws I need. In short, I'll update Wednesday once I have pictures of progress that's being made.

As is stands right now though, I'm aiming to get the Dash completed by next Thursday - then put the car back together, Friday head back to Alberta for 4 days, and then back on that Tuesday, tear it apart as much as needed and keep working away at it...

Anyway, it's 4:30 am, I work in a couple hours, so I'm gonna get some sleep here. Later.

[Satsuriku]

where in alberta are you heading to buddy?

if you can, pop in lethbridge again and we'll play a quick game of pool and have a couple of beers

[mustang_killer]

Maybe your heading alittle more north?

[Eh_nigma]

Haha... hey guys, I'm going to Lethbridge and Calgary, however, the car's not going to be finished in any sense inside...

July's Street Wheelers, the interior and exhaust WILL be finished

[Eh_nigma]

Got bored on e-bay... ordered more toggle switches, neon lights, 12 inch sub covers, new door handles... should be waiting to be all thrown in while I'm happily between Lethbridge trips in May...and a sub wiring kit... right, back to Candace...

[Satsuriku]

sweet!! BEER TIME!! :drunk::drunk:

[Eh_nigma]

Ahhh, you're a bum Rob. Anyway, - Relax Rob, I was just kidding - my door poppers came in today, so tomorrow, I go to work. As for tonight, I go out - again - as a DD, and we try to act all happy at a bar tonight. Yay! Junk... the company's great, so I'm not complaining.

None the less... I'm looking to get the fiberglassing started in key areas on the dash, and have the bloody thing completed by... ohhhh, Thursday night at the latest.

So, yes, with that, I'm out. Candace, tell them 'bout the shifter I'm getting.

[pawzbear]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170093055532&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=170093055552&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

how cool is that? vintagey pin up.. and keeps with the theme a lil, kostucha. ;) Its very Mark.

[HazMatt24]

that's sweet, and you could use it as a ball gag for the S & M thing too

[Eh_nigma]

:glare:... :emotlol: :emotlol: :emotlol: nice...

[NoSweat83]

that's sweet, and you could use it as a ball gag for the S & M thing too
:lol:

[pawzbear]

HAHHAHAHAA ooommmmgggggg



....f**k no.

[NoSweat83]

HAHHAHAHAA ooommmmgggggg



....f**k no.
:eek: If he is into that I hope she didnt say that.:lol:

[cherrington17]

HAHHAHAHAA ooommmmgggggg



....f**k no.

we all know candace prefers to gag on other things... :emotlol:

[pawzbear]

no! no! not all of us, now... shush cherry!!

[Eh_nigma]

oh, this thread is going in all the wrong directions... time to get it back on track...

Talking it over with a friend last night - that shifter, so long as the interior stays with the same pattern of the door - which it will - it'll be the icing on the cake for the interior. As well, this is the friend that airbrushed the helmet I posted up not too long ago... and he'll be doing some airbrushing for the "spine" inside the car... I think, not too sure yet how I want to run that, but yeah, shmeee

[cherrington17]

.. yeah.. sorry about that offtopic-ness.. but that comment was just too easy. :lol:

your friend is air brushing a spine in your car? or am i getting that allusion wrong?? I personally (when i was planning out the remodel of the interior, before i realized it was way too much work/money that i don't have) wanted to get some seats and have a spine down the center of each.... could never get a good graphic representation though.

[Eh_nigma]

the "spine" is just a term I'm using in describing the raised 8-9 inch wide polished up fiberglass "bubble?" that will be going down the center of the car... it'll all make sense when it's done...

[Eh_nigma]

got into the door poppers today... holy shit there's no where to put them in that door because of the vertical setup of the door latch system, and the bloody window... needless to say, one today, one tomorrow, the electrical Sunday... bloody hell...

and that Trans Am will most certainly be the death of me... at least I got the intake on...

[Satsuriku]

lol sounds like your having a hell of a good time there mark!!

btw, that shift knob.........dude i f*cking love it!!! :coolio:

[Eh_nigma]

most excellent


And yeah, it's going to be a good look for sure...

[sound_xtreme]

the drivers side you can mount it right behind the plate you screw the door panel to. on the pass side i made a mount that goes behind that.

[Eh_nigma]

oh dear god... so, hung...over...

Done and done! I've got the mounting all finished... now it's just a matter of the electrical side of the house... yay!

I've started to work on the second door panel getting that all ready - should be ready and finished by about Wednesday. As well, the first bit of FG was layed down yesterday - the dash doesn't need to be painted by Friday morning, but it needs to be back on for the drive. Junk.

What else...

Currently waiting on wiring kit, neon lights, toggle switches, speaker grills, crank handles, shift "ball"... meh, but, I'm going to go clean the garage now...

[Eh_nigma]

In the middle of a move, plus getting things ready like mad for a trip back home, here's the quick update:

Door poppers in. Rewiring the Door Locks tonight. Driver door panel on, except for the "cover" work around the speaker cut. Dash is being worked on, and still waiting on some parts.

The detailed one will be on later tonight. Rob, get the beers ready.

[Eh_nigma]

NOPE!

Went in the garage... and I said 'screw it'... put it together - as much as I need to drive it that is, and I'm taking a week off... too many hours spent without getting any actual visible progress done... just working over the same parts over and over again. Sometimes I need to ask myself "is the juice worth the squeeze..."

Tonight, it isn't... so, before this project takes a nose dive... I'll be taking a break off of it, and getting onto other projects I've neglected for some time... like tonight - drinking. Yes... it's a Tuesday, but, it's the last Tuesday of the week...

[Oldsnut]

NOPE!

Went in the garage... and I said 'screw it'... put it together - as much as I need to drive it that is, and I'm taking a week off... too many hours spent without getting any actual visible progress done... just working over the same parts over and over again. Sometimes I need to ask myself "is the juice worth the squeeze..."

Tonight, it isn't... so, before this project takes a nose dive... I'll be taking a break off of it, and getting onto other projects I've neglected for some time... like tonight - drinking. Yes... it's a Tuesday, but, it's the last Tuesday of the week...

If it was a woman the "juice would be worth the squeeze..." the car is looking great!

It's like being married, sometimes you need a timeout for a while.


Keep us posted when you can brother.

[Kilroy]

NOPE!

Went in the garage... and I said 'screw it'... put it together - as much as I need to drive it that is, and I'm taking a week off... too many hours spent without getting any actual visible progress done... just working over the same parts over and over again. Sometimes I need to ask myself "is the juice worth the squeeze..."

Tonight, it isn't... so, before this project takes a nose dive... I'll be taking a break off of it, and getting onto other projects I've neglected for some time... like tonight - drinking. Yes... it's a Tuesday, but, it's the last Tuesday of the week...



Maybe the Alero is jealous that you've been spending too much time with the Trans Am?? :lol:

[strtrydr]

NOPE!

Went in the garage... and I said 'screw it'... put it together - as much as I need to drive it that is, and I'm taking a week off... too many hours spent without getting any actual visible progress done... just working over the same parts over and over again. Sometimes I need to ask myself "is the juice worth the squeeze..."

Tonight, it isn't... so, before this project takes a nose dive... I'll be taking a break off of it, and getting onto other projects I've neglected for some time... like tonight - drinking. Yes... it's a Tuesday, but, it's the last Tuesday of the week...

Last I checked there was only one Tuesday in a week ... ya sure you are not drinking already? :drunk:
J/K man ... keep us posted :)

[Oldsnut]

We seem to have a one track mind in this group. Hiccup,:drunk:

[Eh_nigma]

...just got some news...

...I wont be on for a few days, I've got some things I need to deal with personally...

...I do apologize for the delays...

[cherrington17]

apologize for personal issues?? wha?

tell the impatient ones to sit down and shut up!...unless they want to do it themselves. :lol:

[Gr1m]

like tonight - drinking. Yes... it's a Tuesday, but, it's the last Tuesday of the week...
LOL :haha:

[roberto57]

You do awesome work. I wish you the best of luck with your personal issues.

[pawzbear]

Mark will be fine, he just needs a break from things.

Hes sick of being an overacheiver ;)

lol....

[Eh_nigma]

Funny you should mention that Candace...

Well, tomorrow I've got a day off, and I'll be heading into the garage after some time off. Hopefully finish up the other door panel, and start the work on finishing the dash. That's all I'll be working on this week.

Some parts came in the mail over the last few days, not sure what though, haven't picked them up yet, but, slowly I'll be getting back into things. Thanks everyone. Candace.

[Eh_nigma]

Alright, today was productive... I got almost everything I ordered...

Started with the Window Cranks...

Came in, Really impressed with them. Only a bit small... and they were exactly the same, so I just flipped one of the handles around so that they would be "mirror" to each other once installed. As well, the "adaptors" were too narrow in the opening, so I drilled them out to fit onto the post...

As they were - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00522.jpg
Mirrored - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00523.jpg
On the doors - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00527.jpg

Next came the shift knob. I was very happy with the quality of it. Actually, I was REALLY impressed with it. It wont be installed until the Dash is comeplete, so that the floor console can finally be installed...

Knob - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00538.jpg

The speaker grills as well. Again, very impressed. The neon lights came in, and what I ended up doing was spray painting the outter half of the ring black so that the actual light wasn't seen, as all I want is for the blue to reflect off the face of the sub. So... excuse the last pic, as I had to take it without the flash to get the blue light, and it came out a bit blurry.

Grill - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00529.jpg
Grill on Sub - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00540.jpg
Grill on Sub with blue light - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00541.jpg

Need to understand that the garage is pretty well lit, so the blue will be more defined once its actually installed in the car. There will be 4 chrome hex bolts mounting these in as well... which is going to match all the other chrome hex bolts going into the car... all... 282 of them...


Well, I had supper, all is good, and now back to the garage. More updates tonight.

[adam337]

looks good. but i think you should have gone with RED neon around the subs instead of blue. other than that its gorgeous.

[pawzbear]

hes doing all blue on the inside. why? i dunno...

but yeh.. what? knobs? oh baby. All this talk of knobs.. i cant handle it. =-P

[Eh_nigma]

Red? Thought about it, but I decided I'll go all blue for all lighting... otherwise the red would be looking a bit purple... gay? Yes... so, blue it is...

[Eh_nigma]

Bit more of an update...

Managed to get both parts of the doors painted today - the gunmetal and black. Happy? Yeah, I am happy.

Other than that, I kept pluggin' away at the dash. Set up the electrical for the two floor lights where the feet are, will mount them in at some point in the next few days. As well, set up all the elctrical for the rear section (sub assembly). Finished up the second speaker grill. And worked on the 86 Vette for a little more. And with that, my night is done.

Can't wait to go to work tomorrow...

Thanks for the comments too by the way. Always appreciated.

[j{}n]

i love that neon in the sub idea. looks really really sick. very clean.

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks boss

[clutch1]

Blue lighting/neons/cathodes are a lot brighter than red, even with LEDs, from what I've found. Plus blue looks cleaner.

However.. mixing blue n red.. mmmm.

Awesome grills though, and I like the cranks, too.

[p1mptress]

Looks great! Can't wait to see the final product!!!

[cherrington17]

Blue lighting/neons/cathodes are a lot brighter than red, even with LEDs, from what I've found. Plus blue looks cleaner.

However.. mixing blue n red.. mmmm.

Awesome grills though, and I like the cranks, too.

mixing blue and red has an interesting result. kinda blends, but not really... the colors more overlap then blend...

mark, your insane. i can't say i'm a fan of the billeted metal on the doors... but so far, thats the only thing i haven't loved on your car. Keep up the good work. :thumb:

[Satsuriku]

awesome job mark!!!

really glad to see it all come together! soon enough though she will be done and we can all awe in her glory, cant wait for it buddy!!

[tseebs]

damn, u work fast

[alerocar01]

love how the sub looks. keep up the good work.

[clutch1]

mixing blue and red has an interesting result. kinda blends, but not really... the colors more overlap then blend...

mark, your insane. i can't say i'm a fan of the billeted metal on the doors... but so far, thats the only thing i haven't loved on your car. Keep up the good work. :thumb:

Eh, that's what was in my car and I loved the strip club glow it gave off.

[pawzbear]

hahahah oohhh... that comment.... hahaha lets just say im givin mark hell about it right now lmaaaooooo

[greenbastard]

your car is getting cooler every time i see it. i love the shift knob it's really cool.

[Eh_nigma]

Hey everyone! Thanks for the compliments and comments. Always, ALWAYS appreciated.

Okay, this is an update I hope will be enjoyed.

Had to hop into work today again, on my "day off" but, I did manage to get in the garage at around 6... it was all centered around the lights and electrical... SO...

Here's what I started with (the rats nest) - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00563.jpg

Yeah...

I did start throwing ideas around in my head... I'm going to find 2 50 Cal casings and replace the "levers" with them - chromed, and cut - to work just the same... http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00570.jpg

And now to the light show...

I managed to get all the electrical done with the front and the rear... all that's left is the overhead and the lights around the amps...

First off, the dash (now, excuse these pics, as they are taken at night, with only the blue light - the camera was set on both twighlight and high sensitivity settings, so it's not completely accurate, but fairly close).

The amps:
This is the sub and the grill side by side - just for show:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00584.jpg

Overhead of the sub and grill: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00571.jpg

The "vent" on the 6x9 on the parcel shelf:
1. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00574.jpg
2. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00573.jpg

Now, the dash:

Floor lights:
1. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00583.jpg
2. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00579.jpg
3. (excuse the blur): http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00581.jpg

Vents:
1. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00575.jpg
2. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00576.jpg

Alrighty, and that's it for the night... off to shleep I go...

[Gr1m]

im a little iffy on the whole black/red interior with the blue lights but i will wait for the finished project before i judge, deff lot of work into it, keep going man

[pawzbear]

your arms are hairy (im sure i point that out all the time...)

and i like the shot between your legs.





...oh and the glowy-ness is nice as well! ;) hehehe

[Eh_nigma]

im a little iffy on the whole black/red interior with the blue lights but i will wait for the finished project before i judge, deff lot of work into it, keep going man


It's hard to imagine as it's through pics... but when sitting in it, with the red, it goes really dark, and the gloss reflects the blue quite nicely... (the vents will be repainted by the way...

There was another brainstorm going through my head - left my ears pretty wet - but, the Alero "sill" that will be going back center on the sub-assebly, will have an overhead red light coming down on it... that should break it up a bit (the blue)...

[strtrydr]

Damn dude you are making me sound like a broken record but seriously keep up the good work!

[Oldsnut]

Once again, all I can say is Holy Shit.

[HazMatt24]

fanfreakingtastic work my man. It looks awesome so far

Eh, that's what was in my car and I loved the strip club glow it gave off.

^^guess that look will go great with my signature. Bet Pawz can't wait.

[Menace]

I like how the subs look but imo I think you would do better with black blue or somthing with blue considering you are putting in all blue lights. I also dispize your idea of the rivits in the door, I think it looks pretty trashy, other then that, good job.

[Eh_nigma]

^^to each their own. I'm quite sure that some will like, and some will not like, the final outcome of this project. That's the beauty of it, being "custom", done how I would like it...

I find actually it's the ones that don't like so much the way things are going that prove to have the most influence on the project - in that things aren't changed to please them, but, whenever someone does say "Hey, Edge, your right out to fricken lunch here..." it is usually followed by "...I'd do this... and this... or this..." and that's where ideas come from as well. Not, like I said, to change it simply to please them, but, it does get the mind going and it might just present an idea that I haven't thought of, but actually would like. SO, to sum that up, thanks.


As for the red/black/silver look with blue lights... I didn't want to go with three colours. At night the car looks completely different (colour wise) than it would during the day. I didn't want everything to blend into just three colours (I know what you're thinking, "adding blue is only one more colour"), but like mentioned, the blue does really cause the red to come off much darker, and almost fade into the background, allowing the blue to highlight certain things.

Right now it's all up in my head, see, and as this project has moved along, I've found that sometimes things up in that noodle of mine don't turn out so good as a finished product, or it's noted along the way. So, flexibility is the name of the game.

The idea behind the blue lights is what's there right now. Yesterday I decided that I'd like a focused red light reflecting off the aluminium sill that will be mounted in the car. Perhaps some lights will be doubled with both colours, to add a bit of a switch up at the flip of a switch. Plain and simple, I keep updating this thread showing where I am at this very point. As anyone who's followed will see, many things either get thrown out, or get switched around along the way. All in development.

None the less, lunch is over, back to work. Thanks again.

[Eh_nigma]

Went in this morning to check out the fiberglassing I put on the dash yesterday... now it's a matter of simply specifically fiber glassing one more area (the joint between the center and under the area where the glove box is), and then a couple layers over the whole shabang, and then throw on the final good piece for the "raw fiberglass" look... all in all, the dash should be done (given my work schedule) by next week.

Due to glare as well - junk - I'm also going to put a padded black strip about an inch wide along the top of the drivers door (lined up with the window's edge).

What else... yes, ALL the electrical (minus the guages and instrument indicator lights) are done. Thank god. Kinda grew tired of fishing wire through that thing... all cleaned up and good to go, so the car itself is ready for the dash.

Before I put the floor console in though, I need to get the carpet done. Prior to that, the back needs to be done up at least to the point of where the wiring there is complete and blah-blah-blah... end of June.

[Satsuriku]

ummmmmmmm, pics mark........PICS!! lol :jk:

[Eh_nigma]

watch your temper Rob.

[cavaliers60]

you know what might have been REALLY cool.... You ever thought about black lights???? I think it would have made the subs even cooler to look at during nighttime. :D But I also really like the blue!

[clutch1]

Backlights are only good for UV reactant stuff, like if he had a lot of white in his car and painted stuff with UV paint or something. OTherwise they're just a really dim purple.

[pawzbear]

...annndd purple would be pretty queer....


(not a good idea on an army base!!! =-P)

[cavaliers60]

ehh... just an idea.... I thought it would be cool to have the "infinity" word glow or something.....

and I didn't mean the whole car. haha sorry... I just meant the subs.

[strtrydr]

...annndd purple would be pretty queer....


(not a good idea on an army base!!! =-P)

or any military installation for that matter :lol:

[HazMatt24]

or any military installation for that matter :lol:

you could get away with purple if it were suns related

[Eh_nigma]

^^But I'm not.

Soooo, yes, finally got off work... going to take care of a few things, and later on tonight I'll be going right at the Dash...

Anywho, things are going good, one day at a time, as always...

[cherrington17]

on the subs, the blacklight leds probably could be pulled off. given that the subs are black, and the center is white, i'd probably glow... but not very much. I like the blue though.... gives a much cleaner look. :thumb:

[Eh_nigma]

The subs are a gunmetal colour, and the writing is a highly polished, raised plastic "metallic" reflictive yadda-yadda-yadda....

Managed to get it all done tonight... the initial sanding and final cuts in the dash. The filler is placed over the center section... why only the center some might ask - or not ask... well, I'll save that for the final blah-blah-blah...

...in short, the top part and the bottom part will be the raw fiberglass in a low gloss black. The bottom half will be the same thing, just more of a gloss to match the piece on the center section. The center will be the same gunmetal as on the top part of the door. Had to break it up like that, as I was looking at it, a few things came to mind -

1. No way would I be able to lay a single piece of FG to get the effect right,
2. It would give a bit more of a look instead of a single piece, single colour dash, and
3. Why the hell not?

So, with that, and the electrical finally done in the dash for the switches (all that's left is hooking up the wiring for the door popper on the pass side and the remote lock)... and the dash will be all together. At the rate things are going, and given the fact that this guy is happily working through May Long... I'm giving myself until Wednesday to have the dash and pass door finished up and good to go.

As for pictures Rob - filler isn't that exciting.

[Satsuriku]

As for pictures Rob - filler isn't that exciting.

says you!!!! lol :jk:

[Eh_nigma]

Okay Rob, I'll tell you what... I'm going to go into the garage tonight, I'm going to sand down nice and smooth the stuff I did yesterday, and probably have to reapply in some spots... once it's all good and ready, I'll most definately send you a few pictures. How does that sound?

I was wondering, looking at the side of my car... 17x7 with 40 profile on the front 2 wheels... 18x7.5/8 with a 60 profile on the back... yes... thinking...

[protocol7]

I don't like larger wheels in the back, it implies that the car is RWD, which, since it's not, is cheesy.

[Satsuriku]

lol you know i was just messing bro :p

still cant wait to see that shit in person!!

[Eh_nigma]

cheesy yes, but stylin' fo sho... haha, just stirring up some brain cells...

I'm going to drop the car, but, it'll be a bit before I throw on tires.. ooohhhh thundershtorm, time to pull up a chair and enjoy el view.

[Eh_nigma]

...although, it does add a different view to the car for sure...

[Eh_nigma]

...in all seriousness, no, there wont be a "raised back end" to the Alero... I don't want to lower it and put on low profile tires... At the same time, I want to have a profile that doesn't have the ass end hiding and the nose sticking way up.

I'm a HUGE fan of having larger tires in the back, errr, read that smaller tires in the front. Yes, yes yes... it's a FWD... I've heard the lectures over and over again, but it is an idea, and I'm hoping to find a viable and "un cheesy" solution...

[pawzbear]

But Mark, hunny, you ARE cheesy....

=-P

[Eh_nigma]

ouch, so very, very ouch...

[Satsuriku]

dont worry mark, she only speaks the truth hahaha

[Eh_nigma]

Sorry for the lack in updates... right now we're going through a sudden move with the garage, so the priority lies there... once we're established and good to go again, I'll be finishing up the interior.

[Eh_nigma]

Hey all, quick update...

Stopped by the wreckers, and I picked up some control arms, and other accessories. Prior to installing the shocks and springs from Candace, I want to get all the rust off from underneath the car...paint the callipers, change the brake pads, and get the rock-guard on some key areas.

So, right now the 'ho's going on a lift, and bit by bit, the old will be replaced with the "new" (sandblasted and painted pieces). Just a little house keeping.

As for the interior, things are still a bit hectic (between food poisoning, stupid work schedule and a non-existant personal life outside of work right now)... but, it's still coming along.

[Kilroy]

Hey Eh Nigma, you going on TF1-08? If so, you gonna have the car done in time?

[Eh_nigma]

Hey Eh Nigma, you going on TF1-08? If so, you gonna have the car done in time?

The "jinxed" tour? As of yet, no. If I do go on 1-08, then I seriously doubt the car will be finished in time. However, there are many issues with that tour that, well, I should just keep my mouth shut about that.

I've got a lot of things on the go right now that I wish I didn't, and unfortunately, at the end of the day, it's the car that's not getting the attention it should be. I miss the days of being a 16 year old tearing down a Duster with nothing else to worry about.

However - as far as completion of the car, I want it to roll out of the garage completed sometime around next March/Spring. At the latest. I want the interior finished by the end of summer. Suspension, well, most of the parts are there, just a matter of the swaybars (still haven't even looked into ordering them)... but wheels/suspension done by the end of September (if the training schedule allows for it). Once that's done, get the body done up, and take care of any of the fine details... the painting process. Depending on the outcome once it's done, I might keep it, I might sell it... as it stands right now, I just want it finished.

[Eh_nigma]

Roll cage welded together, will be painting it either tomorrow or Monday. Clear cornered the other headlight finally and painted them up a bit as well with a low gloss black - pics as well will follow soon. Dropped the car 1.25 inches (thanks Candace for the parts). Recut the flat deck to fit the roll cage and as well, shortened the sub assembly by 16 inches (pushing the flat deck portion back to fit the amps on the deck, no longer suspended above. I'll try and get pictures uploaded and post the links to them within the next couple of days.

Edge.

[Eh_nigma]

Alrighty, quick update again with pics... Rob, settle down...

First pic is just where I'm at with the roll cage right now. Just testing the fitment, a few more pieces still need to be cut and shaped though.

Fitment Roll Cage - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00698.jpg

This is just progressive pics of the Power Cut Off lever I'm making. It's actually done right now - the lever part - but no pictures yet of the finished product. I'll have it done tonight though, and post more pics...

Raw Piece - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00699.jpg
First Cut - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00700.jpg
First Shaping - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00701.jpg
Final Cut and Shaping/Tapping - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00703.jpg


As well, I'll have pics of the lowered Alero (not much, still on stock tires, just the 1.25 Inches, and thanks still goes out to Candace for the shocks/springs).

And maybe that Cap that finally came in for my sound system.

[cherrington17]

are you planning on new seatbelts? it'd be odd to do that much interior work, and still have the gray/silver seatbelts.

also... do you just buy new ones, or can you dye the nylon?? (or whatever they are)

[HazMatt24]

are you planning on new seatbelts? it'd be odd to do that much interior work, and still have the gray/silver seatbelts.

also... do you just buy new ones, or can you dye the nylon?? (or whatever they are)

you can do either, but buying new ones will look much better.

[Eh_nigma]

The seats are on order, and should be in 6-8 weeks. Once they come in, I'll find a set of belts (4-pt) that work better...

[Satsuriku]

looking good dude!!

when you come back down, i need to ride in those new seats once there installed........they must be better then the damn stock ones lol

[Eh_nigma]

I sat in them, very nice, happy that I got to try them out actually... unfortunately not ready for Street Wheelers... but, none the less, I'll be drooling at the Mopar Show...

[Eh_nigma]

T'day's going to be a busy day... not going to say much more than that for now... but, I will do my best to update by the end of the night...

[mrmeatballx]

Absolutely amazing man, definitely gonna follow this project.

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks!

Okay, tonight I managed to finish installing the Oil Pressure Sending Unit to where the old OPS was located - what a piece of junk... I WILL be posting a "how to" as it was an absolute pain in the ass - having to remove the starter was one thing, but the screwed up thread that GM used for the sensor ruined most of the day.

None the less, once the instrument is completely hooked up and working - key word, working - and I'm sure that this procedure is the right way of doing it, I'll post pics.

As well, I have high hopes for getting the water temp gauge installed tomorrow as well.

Things were going smooth until there was a clutch issue with another vehicle - I'll post the video tomorrow of the clutch - what's left of it...

Futher more, the final piece to the bottom of the roll cage is bent, cut, and shaved to fit...

The "lever" master power switch is also well under way. The mounting brakets have been cut and drilled, as well as the plate... it's just a matter of getting the lever to work - a few versions were attempted, and I'm hooked on one for sure now... it's a bit of a pain, as it's also incorporating the ignition, acc switches as well, and the wiring for all the gauges going up top, and as well as the selector switch to select whether the Volt meter gauge is displaying the main battery, or the accessories battery for the sound system.

So, yeah, a bit on the go... BUT, so far so good... another long day tomorrow, but, none the less, it's being done out of enjoyment. Thanks again for the support, and patience with this project.

[Eh_nigma]

The "How-To" on the Oil Pressure Sending Unit is up...

None the less, that's all wrapped up, I'm just here taking a break, before the Water Temp Gauge, once those are both done, then, yeah... I'll be back.

[Eh_nigma]

Alrighty, managed to get all the interior wiring connected for the oil pressure and water temp gauges. They are working, however I have to still run the wiring through the fire wall... so the TEAL colour wire you see is only temporary.

Well, lets start with the thing that slowed me down... emergency clutch replacement for a buddy - excuse the blurry beginning...

Paper thin clutch - http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=MOV00755.flv



Now back to the Alero...

The Water Temp gauge was pretty easy actually. Just tapped the upper coolant line and put a coupling overtop to stop any leaks. Although, I'm thinking I might redo this at a later date.

Sensor on hose - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00759.jpg

The one thing that is concerning me, is Haynes says that the normal operating temp for the 2.2L is 180 Deg. F. I'm running at a steady 142.

The Oil Pressure Gauge is also done. The OPSU was a pain in the ass to install, as the tight spacing and having to remove the starter... not to mention the thread issue with that item... there's a picture of the bolt I ended up tapping and using with a new thread...

Adaptor Bolt (on left with teflon tape) - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00738.jpg
Starter Removed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/H23.jpg
OPSU Installed - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00739.jpg
Tight Space - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00740.jpg

The Gauges themselves were interesting in the install... but started at about 11 last night, and things were going good, ended up finishing at 5AM though... takes a while doing everything alone...

Blue Face - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00762.jpg

After work today I'm going to go in and clean up the wiring - the input lines for both gauges still need to be done, but that'll be done once I fish the wires through a point in the fire wall.

All works well, Oil Pressure at 1000 RPM (normal between 50-80 PSI) is steady at about 65 PSI, but that coolent temp is bothering me...

More later tonight.

[Eh_nigma]

forgot to mention, the "mounting" for the instruments is only temporary, waiting for one more than I'll fabricate a mount for them... there will also be a switch between the Voltmeter and the Oil Pressure Gauge, hence the space...

[strtrydr]

cool man ... sounds like ya got some more good ideas ... looking forward to see more

and once again awesome work man

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks. Just this work schedule keeps getting in the bloody way of everything. Why, oh why, couldn't I be payed without having to go to work?

Just got off the phone with a buddy of mine... the clutch works, and as a thank you, he's getting me the Tach. from the same series as the other gauges... hopefully it'll work... though the Alero doesn't red line at 9,000, and keep going till 11,000... but, meh...

[antichrysler]

though the Alero doesn't red line at 9,000, and keep going till 11,000... but, meh...

Not with that attitude :lol:

[Eh_nigma]

Works a pain in the ass as of late - late nights, and still dealing with the clutch issue on the other car... not as easy as throwing in a competition clutch (the whole thing slid in great, done by the book, with no complications at all - except the clutch wont disengage now... needless to say there were a LOT of colourful words being thrown out there last night... last night wasn't a good one).

None the less, I tried calming down by working a bit more on the 'ho. What did I find... first, I'll be redoing the sensor location on the rad hose. I'm going to get a new pipe, and make the location at the bottom of the hose where it comes into the rad from the engine, mounting the sensor on the bottom side. I picked up another gauge just the same, and will try the new sensor. If it's still reading 142, than it's reading 142, not going to worry any more about it.

The Tach is great, works like a charm, except now it's a matter of placement, and finding a speedo that matches. If it doesn't match, than it'll just be the stock speedo with a roundel and tinted plastic put overtop to match as close as possible.

13 days until my trip back to Alberta, so I need to start kicking myself in the ass and getting it ready to head home for 3 weeks, where I do hope that the interior may just get finished finally...

As well, I've started going through the Haynes manual and rewriting a new version specific to my car. Too much has been done to try and remember it, so wiring schematics, number values, part numbers, locations, instructions on removal/inspeciton/installation of new parts need to be put down on paper. As well, it'll allow me to thin it out so that it is, like I said, specific to this car, this engine, this setup.

What more? Hmmmm... meh, that's about it. Time to go back to work.

[cherrington17]

hahaha... rewriting a haynes manual. nigma, you are one crazy canuck! :lol:

keep it up!

[Eh_nigma]

hahaha... rewriting a haynes manual. nigma, you are one crazy canuck! :lol:

keep it up!


Well it's missing key things - Ie., Troubleshooting, with the engine turning over but not starting, lists half a million things, but doesn't list the Security Reset that Joel mentioned when I had that problem. New values (Ie., Oil Pressure, not just normal operating ranges at 1000RPM, but acceptable ranges at all RPM's/Engine Loads). DexCool replaced with Antifreeze Green, and the new thermostat. NOTHING being listed about the Oil Pressure Sending Unit (stock), or the fact that it goes off at only 5 PSI, which by that point, you're screwed anyway, and that if there is a break in that circuit anywhere or the sensor is junk, well, that little light wont go off anyway. Things like that began to bug me, important things. Not to mention it lists about a billion times that Gasoline is flammable. Really? I thought I put it in the gas tank to add weight to the back - sucker keeps emptying on me every 500 klicks, I think it must have a leak somewhere... anyone got bubblegum?


It's a labour of love though... right? If I wasn't enjoying it, I wouldn't be doing it.

[jturkey69]

this whole project is looking awesome...youve written a book and a half, and haven't given up yet!!...keep goin dude!

turkey

[Satsuriku]

rewriting the haynes manual............now thats f*cking awesome!!! hahaha! should rename the book lol

[cherrington17]

^he would.... but no-one can pronouce that name...

[Eh_nigma]

Hey everyone.

Well, as it stands, things as of late have been pretty bloody busy. However, looking at things from a whole, it's not too much to complain about. Summer leave is just around the corner, and that should offer three solid weeks without distraction.

I'd like to get ALL the wiring and metal work inside the car finished up to the point where I can spray it all inside with primer gray. The dash will not be FG, but covered in leather, along with a few other parts. Unfortunately, I wont be home in time to see the car show in Lethbridge, but that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.

Aside from all that, looking at the project as a whole - still looks like it can be finished up in time for next spring. Crossing my fingers though.

[Eh_nigma]

So, yes, on leave, having fun with the car (hint-hint Rob, I'm in Lethbridge)... everything's going good... except for now needing a new fuel tank - don't ask why... HOWEVER, aside from that, ALL the electrical connections through the dash are done - the dash is going to be covered in black leather sometime soon here... the back will be measured up for the sound system placement later t'day or tomorrow... but yeah, just an update to say that it's still coming along.

[Darren8r]

Well I just signed up here and I just finished going through this whole thread and wow, very compulsive project you have going.
Good job. Great thread, very useful and interesting.

[Eh_nigma]

Thank you.

Right now, cutting and welding in the weather we are having really... really... really sucks the big one. None the less... it's goin, and goin good. Minus nearly punching a hole through my fuel tank... that's always fun... close, a little too close, but caught myself before going through and, needing a new tank.


The plan, getting all the metal work, electrical work, and build work (Ie., floors, and cover panels) completed by next Friday - when I have to head back to Shilo. Then once there, all the cosmetic, Ie., FG, Leather work, Carpet work, and sound system installation can be done with ease.

[Eh_nigma]

Just another quick one today... I'm cutting and bending the stainless steel pieces for the floor... this is a rough diagram (not the actual one I'm using, but just something I drew up quickly in paint).

The three panels will also have covers cut into them to gain access to wiring running underneath them, and will run all the way up flush with the forward mounting points for the stock front seats. This should be installed by sunday I hope - not always easy, cutting, and fitting pieces like this...

http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=floor2.jpg

[Satsuriku]

you bastard!! and you didnt even call me!! god i could have used your help today!! hahaha

[Eh_nigma]

Well, call me! I'm all for helping

[Satsuriku]

lol i think i will later for sure.

btw you gonna hit up thunder in the valley in blairmore today?

[sorrowfulkiller]

Hey where can I get gauges like those ones? I have a 96 mustang now... planning on supercharging it and I'm getting some gauges and sensors for cheap as fuck... any idea if they have egt gauges and wideband air fuel and vacuum/boost gauges?

[Eh_nigma]

To answer your questions - initially they were from a brand that, well, has been bought out by another company. Which is a pain. None the less, I do have a link for you - and anyone else interested - and check out the selection for the gauges they have.

As for the installation of them... really, REALLY simple, and user friendly. Hope this helps.

http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=24

[Eh_nigma]

Another quick one - the panels are cut, just need to cut panels into them, and put in the sound gaurd in them. I'm not too keen on the idea of all that still air that will be between the panels and the actual car floor - thinking of a way to keep it circulating. But, yeah, that's where it is. Roll Cage will be given the final weld and painting sometime this week, as well as filling it with a sound absorbing foam.

[sorrowfulkiller]

I wish glowshift made wideband a/f ration gauges but oh well... I'm buying a used aem gauge from a buddy who had it on his 2nd gen talon before he blew the motor from running lean. I am definetly buying that boost gauge and egt gauge though.

Oh by the way nigma, did you follow any guides when replacing the carpeting or is it pretty easy? I'm thinking of eventually rewelding all the major joints on my interior of my mustang and putting in a rollcage eventualy but I want to re-carpet it too while I'm at it. BTW its been awhile since i've been here but damn your doing a good job

[Eh_nigma]

Hey! Thanks.

Okay, in ref. to the carpet work in the car... with me, I had two, well, 3 options:
1. Keep the stock carpet, and die it a different colour.
2. Buy a new premolded carpet, and cut to what I needed,
3. Do it myself.

Options 1 and 2 are alright, except that the old carpet had to go, and the new one, well, it didn't come in black, and also that the piece, for price, was not worth buying, only to use the front 1/5 of it.

What I'm doing, is everything up to the front end of there the seats mount will be made flat. doing this for 2 reasons, in that it's easier to make and maintain, and it gives room underneath for all the electrical wires running front to back (Ie., electrical from batteries, lighting, power/connections for the sound system).

So, with the back, once it's done up, it's a matter of fitting, cutting, and mounting in the carpet. When I do the front though, that will be a bit tricky - but it's just like in the duster. Stay away from any glues - they'll give with time with heat, and water (from shoes on a rainy day, or if it rains by accident, or with moister that collects with time). What I did with the duster that I found worked, is along the outside of the tub (where the doors are, and you have the sills), there I took off all the weather stripping and what have you, and rivetted it to the outside. Doesn't take much, and it also holds it better. Prior that it was simply a lot of measuring out.

If you can split it up into sections - Ie., where the drivers feet are, passenger feet, so on and so forth, it's that much easier. BUT, if you are doing the interior, the whole thing, as if it were stock - than definately go with a premolded piece of carpet - it does offer a wide range of colours, and for a Mustang, you'll be able to get what you need. This is definately the easiest way of doing it, saving on time, money, and frustration.

But, rule of thumb, carpet is always, ALWAYS, the last thing to go in.

With rewelding all the joints, that's a lot of work, and I'm not sure if it'd be worth while - unless you can or have someone that can inspect welds and do the welding there - going rates up here for anyone who welds with vehilce frames is roughly $100/hr (on average).



On an upside to things - yeah, tried to get at my thermostat, only this time the exhaust is being a pain. So, bit the dime, just orderd pacesetter exhaust manifold and collector, and when it gets here, I'll just do it all at once. Stupid rusted bolts.

Anywho, yeah, back at it.

[Satsuriku]

hey mark, quick reminder, how long you gonna be around for, though i doubt you'll need it but i can give you a hand with anything you got going on

[Eh_nigma]

I shalt PM thee upon the arrival of said information... yadda-yadda-yadda I wont know until Friday...

[p1mptress]

Sounds like it's coming along pretty good! Can't wait to see some more progress pics. Keep up the good work!!

[Satsuriku]

sounds good man, we need to go for a beer(s) this week............HA ya right A BBER, how about many beers!! lol

[Eh_nigma]

Well, the panels have been cut, shaped, and insulated, they're just waiting to be painted and installed - as it's about 40 degrees inside my car right now, that's going to wait until later on tonight. the joys I tell you, just the sheer joy of working in the heat...

[cherrington17]

:huh: 40 degrees is pretty cold...

...damn canucks and their stupid celcius temps. :glare:

why not just say what your local temp is.. in kelvin??




:p

[Eh_nigma]

Its hot. Damn hot. Cold beer - not really helping... getting buzz... but still too warm... must... find... solution...

It's going good... for the most part... 'bout as much as I can tell right now. Granted, "Panel 2" is being a PITA right now... I hate cutting out panels out of stainless steel... but, all in all, by the end of tonight, it should be posted on here with pictures.

[Eh_nigma]

1:30 in the morning, and I'm done for the night. I'll have pictures up tomorrow. Tomorrow I just need to feed the wiring from front to rear through the panels, insulate them, and yeah, good to go after that... so, hopefully it'll all be good as gold tomorrow, and you can see the floor in the rear prior to the floor consol being made and yadda...yadda...yadda...zzz zzz zzz zzz...

[DOHC_tuner]

hey man i havent check up on your project for a while since im busy with mine but I wanted to add why not install some gauges in the middle vent where you covered? Just a note to add but great job so far. I didnt know you had the ecotec, what do you plan to do to it?

[Eh_nigma]

The center vent area where it is cut out will have 5 toggle switches and the Emergency 4-ways... the switches will control gauge lights, floor lights, rear lights, sub lights, and exterior lights.

As for the Ecotec, I've given it some thought, but not much right now - as theres too much on the go with everything else. I do plan on going up to 300hp (I'd be happy with that number), either turbo or super, but, that's for after the body and interior are all finished up.

Thanks by the way.

[Eh_nigma]

Just a picture update - not too much to show right now.

These are from a few days ago - Tuesday - when I just began fitting/cutting the pieces. The pics are just to show work in progress.

The step down, or "Panel 2" before being cut - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01280.jpg

"Panel 2" with the access panel cut - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01281.jpg

A view of the rough fitting between the panel under the drivers seat, and panel 2 - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01282.jpg

Another view of the same - http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC01284.jpg


Right now there's a lot more to show, but, as time goes by, I'll probably just update things later tonight and send a few more pictures as to where I am at right now...

[DOHC_tuner]

where did you get the alero door sills from? And not exactly sure so where do they go? Sorry but i really dont know, thankz

[Eh_nigma]

No worries. The door sills I got from eBay. The sellers name was 168ace168 and I was really happy with them.

One is going to go top center of the back where the subs are, and will have a blue LED shine down on it. The other, well, it's either a spare, or I'll find a place for it... but I'm staying away from the outside as much as possible as I want the exterior of the car to be shaved completely, and have only one logo on it (see tattoo on right wrist).

Hope this helps.

[Eh_nigma]

Alright, so this is where I'm at -

The floor plates are complete except for the one going under the pass seat - that one still needs to be put in. I'll do that next week sometime I hope - depending on work schedule.

The mounting plate for the 5 toggle switches is a pain in the ass. It needs to be both strong enough to support the constant usage of the switches, and also not cause any fitment issues with the dash covers.

The dash itself is painted primer gray, sections of dynamat put in over flat areas (not much, but it already helps). It will be covered in leather as soon as I get the leather. Black. Yes.

The remainder of the dash, well that had the rust cleaned up and sprayed over as much as possible (Ie., tube frame, steering wheel column, etc., etc.,). The wiring has been finished there for good. FOR GOOD I say. Enough is enough. The only thing left, is as mentioned before, the mounting plate for the toggle switches. And the tach. Still need to get an adaptor for my tach to read things properly, but once I have that, well, hell... it's 2 minutes to wire and mount that SOB in.

The idea of moving the indicator lights from the panel to the A-Pilar bit me in the ass. Need a new board in my cluster - I'm just going to order one from the states, and switch boards around. With the understanding that it is the BCM that keeps track of the klicks, not the cluster itself. Either way, it needs to be done. Unless there's a board I can get from Canada. That would be swell!

The top gauges, well, yeah, alls good there, minus the oil temp gauge that is waiting for me back in Shilo. Getting the wire bundles done up has really helped to clean the electrical up, and easier to get these schematics done up right.

All that's left for the interior when I get back to Shilo, is simply finish off the floor, insulate it, throw in carpet. Get the roll cage in the car and mounted. Make up the cover boards for the sub boxes, finish off the lighting/electrical/install of the sound system itself. Carpet everything. The FG'ing and floor console. And the shifter. Gotta make the shifter. After all that, getting the door panels with the li'l cubby bin, get those done up, and the interior's finished. Sounds like a lot, but it isn't.

I'm just glad that while home, I was able to get the time consuming things all finished. Now it's just straight, cut and dry, simple work. Now, as soon as I can get my camera to work with my laptop, I'll fire up some pictures, work in progress, as always (it seems).

Thanks for the support and comments, as always. You guys and gals help make things happen too. Now, due to my drunken adventures of the night previous, I'm going to lay down and recover.

[Eh_nigma]

Alright, as mentioned, said camera now speaks with said laptop:

First picture is just the car while I was fishing the wire for the gauges through the frame - all the wires you see in this picture, gone! The are all hidden ever so nicely under panels: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00778.jpg

The new wiring harness for the gauges: (Voltmeter, Volt. Selector, Oil Press, Oil Temp (still to be installed), Water Temp 1, Water Temp 2. Two leads on the end are for the ground and 12V Power. The connectors for the gauge inputs run into the A-Pillar and out of the way.: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00784.jpg

And the Gauges - nothing new here really, except I'll have to get a picture tomorrow showing the new mounting brackets, and with the gauges in place (waiting for the Oil Temp though). The tilted toggle is the ignition, the one in the center is the Main Power, the other on the right side is Acc.: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC01305.jpg

All the wiring (can't see it, but there was over 400ft. of new wire added to the car, mostly in the dash), and the frame, as mentioned, cleaned/painted as much as I could.: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC01302.jpg

The dash all prepped and ready to be covered with the black leather:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00785.jpg

Finished floor panels on the driver side:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00783.jpg
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00782.jpg

This is with the seat in, shows the fitment of the whole setup. There will be covers made but, once it's all covered in carpet, I'll do the caps then, so I can get the exact sizing done. You can also see the a good view into the panel that will hold the electrical connections for the rear. The two bundles are switches 4/5, the power will come in from the battery in the rear, and well... yeah... I'll show it once it's done.:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00787.jpg

And with the seat in position for where I'll be sitting while driving.:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=DSC00788.jpg

[cherrington17]

i gotta say... i'm no mechanic, so i really gotta use my imagination to figure out what those pics are. (w/o the description) :lol:

looks decent so far....

what am i talking about... its looks AMAZING! :thumb:

[Eh_nigma]

Thanks boss. Honestly though, I can't wait for this project to be finished.

[cavaliers60]

I'm sure a lot of us can't wait to see this project finished.... Me included. lol

[Gr1m]

wtf...stock seat?:eek:

[Eh_nigma]

Stock seat for now. The new seats though will be using the old seats mounting brackets - just a whole heck of a lot easier that way.

[pawzbear]

hey mark, your car is still green....! ;)
teehee..


just pckin on ya, it matches GREAT with the blue and red and black..

[Eh_nigma]

Back from Sturgis - WOW... was that a good time. But, last night, managed to get all the gauges hooked up. I'm happy. Spacers put in to get the right angle on them.

All that's left is figuring out how in the world to mount that switch plate in the middle, and after that, all is good. But, it's time I go and get myself some breakfast, and I'll have updates up soon.

[Satsuriku]

god i dont keep up with this thread for 1 week and look at what i missed!!


hahaha! looking good dude!! shes almost there.

btw, are you planning on changing the carpet out to? cause if your going for black leather on the dash, might as well make the carpet match :)

[Eh_nigma]

most definately, I'll be putting carpet in myself (black)...

[Satsuriku]

care to change mine out while your at it hahaha! jk

[alerored04]

did you get to see Godsmack at sturgis? Im jealous, the car looks great though dude. Keep up the good work.

[Eh_nigma]

Well, carpetting is going to be fairly easy (with the new floor setup going on). I'm going to have to find a place around here that will skin my dash though, and start planning that out. But, once that is done, and the carpet, all that's left for major pieces to fabricate is the ceiling, and from parcel deck to the floor. It will mostly be squared pieces skinned as well, with FG trimming done. I hope to get the FG'ing done right 'round Christmas break.

I'll be out in the training grounds starting on the 28th for a couple months though, so that puts a stop on quite a few things. I might just finish up odds and sods until the 28th, and leave all the major things until I get back.

[pimpalero2003]

if u just want the leather off the dash take paint stripper and spray that shit on it let it sit for like 15 min and it will pull right off!!

[antichrysler]

I know you've been working on this for a while, is there any updated pics with some of the new pieces in place? Or just what the car looks like right now?

[Eh_nigma]

Pimp, the dash was already cleared of the vinyl. Had to be. Anti, as for updates, tomorrow I'll have the second floor panel put in. The car is being prepped for the roll cage to be welded, as well as the sound system put in. It'll just be everything in the rear, and it should wait until the end, however, with the way things are going, they need to go in now and that allows me to put in everything after that. The system will be finished on Friday as it stands...

It's just the mix between work, events, and going out on training or in support of training, my time has really been cut into that I would like to work on the car. For instance, tomorrow being my last day off, instead of working on my car, I'm working on an 86 Trans Am, fixing cracks in the body and paint... junk.

But, no, there will be update pictures soon, with the new gauges up top, the new floor, and hopefully by the weekend I can have quite a bit done up in the back area of the car. It's all the small things right now, doing them once and doing them right that are eating a lot of time in this project. Once those get taken care of, I can move more into the cosmetic side of the interior project.

[Eh_nigma]

Well, its about 2am... I just finished for the night about a half hour ago. None the less, here are some update pics.

Today I wanted to tackle putting in the black (shortened) sub assembly, prime everything from the B-pillar back, and cut, and install the passenger side floor piece. Mind you, this is all being done while I wait for body work drying on the '86 TA I'm working on for a buddy...

First off, heres a picture with the 5 instruments in. It's not pretty (the mounting), but, things will be trimmed up prior to the FG'ing of the cover piece for them. (Left-Right: Voltmeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Water Temp (in), and Water Temp (out)).
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=gauges1.jpg

It started with priming the back. Everything but the parcel deck itself is primed. The point of all of this (if anyone asks) is with all the drilling and work done on the back, I wanted a primer put in to cover up any exposed metal, at the same time, provide a cleaner look (gray vs. dk green), and a colour that would easily show any corrosion.
Before: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=preprimer-1.jpg
After: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=primer1.jpg

As well, it allowed me an oppertunity to add dynamat to the inside "wall" of the car. After tapping on one side that was done, and comparing it with the side that wasn't yet finished, I was really impressed with the difference.
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=primer2.jpg

And a quick pic of me spraying, just for fun:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=painting.jpg

Next was taking the 18 x 24 inch piece of 18 gauge stainless I had shaped prior to coming back to Shilo. This is exactly the same idea as what was done on the drivers side, however, it did allow me to clean up some wiring at the same time. The wire to the airbag sender unit was moved off of the floor vent and will be going through the floor console now, as well, 4 wires added for the switch system for rear lighting was also cleaned up by routing it through the sender wire bundle.

The first pic is the plate cut and primed, prior to dynamat strips being placed underneath:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=floorpiece1.jpg
The second pic is of the actual floor prepped to have the plate put on it:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=floor1.jpg
The third pic here shows the plate on, and the wires cleaned up:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=floor2-1.jpg

The final picture here is a top to bottom showing all that was done today, with the rear sub assembly mounted in:
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/?action=view&current=floor3.jpg

I left the car with the exanding foam, well, expanding and drying over night prior to a second application. It's filling in all the joints and gaps under the new floor piece, as well as the pillars and other areas of the interior of the car that are going to leave open air space. The idea is simple, insulation from noise, and to minimize vibration of the floor pieces and what not while driving. Tomorrow I'll be doing the final-FINAL touches on the dash, cleaning up the foam, and adding final touches on the primer in some areas... but, the TA needs to be done tomorrow, so that's going to eat up most of my time.

Well, with that update... goodnight...

[pawzbear]

that gas mask is a hott look for you, markus..... =-P

[Gr1m]

i hope that spare tire is coming out for a fat system in there

[Eh_nigma]

The spare will be replaced once I get the tires, I'll have a full size spare. I'm not worried about "decking" the back with a new plate just yet. However, if you look at the last picture there, where the sub assembly is, that's where the two 12" subs are going. The amps are going to be on the flat piece just forward of that, then where the angled step down is, in the center between the two seats there, is where the cap will be going.