New Interior [Archive] - Page 3

Eh_nigma

09-20-2007, 08:05 AM

I'm working on covering up the "groove" on the door panel that runs front to back, rewiring the doors to make the locks fully manual, and using the passenger side door lock (because it's reletively unused compared to the driver side), having it in place for a key entry should I need it. The door will also have new window track mounts - I'm sick and tired of the plastic ones breaking, so I'll be replacing them with metal ones I made. After that, the doors get primed, and that is that.

The one thing I'm wondering about though, leave the door itself primed, or paint the outside a green (to match) or black, waiting for the final gunmetal to be applied. but, thats peanuts.

After that, I'm going to look at how I'm doing for time, prior to deciding what to tackle next.

Eh_nigma

09-20-2007, 05:21 PM

The diagrams/schematics for the exhaust are finished. I'll try to scan them in tonight and post them up on here. Took up my whole lunch hour... and all there is to say? Ought to be fun once it's done. It's only on paper right now as I wont be going at the exhaust until likely winter time when I have more of just that - time.

In the mean time though, things are hopefully going to get a whole heck of a lot easier here soon, so I hope to have more of a chance at getting to my car.

But yes, like I said, hope to have the exhaust drawings up here tonight. At least this way I can get any creative insight from you all out there before metal starts to be welded.

billytheman1188

09-20-2007, 05:23 PM

now are you planning on doing some BIGGER performance mods??? or are you just doing basic performance mods?

Eh_nigma

09-20-2007, 05:39 PM

Finish off the interior. Next, doing the body and suspension. Once those three areas are done, that's it, no more to them. I've found with engines, there's never an end, so I'll leave that for the end.

GM gets their cobalt 2.2 Eco's up to 1400hp I do believe... I'd be happy with just over 300 for now. So yes, there will be bigger perfomance mods. I've got a lot of ideas floating around my head with what to do. I want to keep it a 2.2, it's more of a challenge for me. Right now, I'm deciding whether to get a new 2.2, as this one's got 140000km on it now, use the new one for the higher performance, and then once it's done, overhaul the original one, and build it up to match or outperform the bought engine - possibly using it as a spare if need be.

billytheman1188

09-20-2007, 05:47 PM

niceeeeeee. Its good to see someone put so much work into their alero. There has been too many people on here selling their aleros. Keep it up dude! your alero is gonna be SWEEEETTTT when its all done.

Eh_nigma

09-20-2007, 06:39 PM

Thanks...

Well, as mentioned... here's the three things I quickly sketched up. It takes a bit of imagination, but this is the idea I have...

1- http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01611.jpg
2- http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01608.jpg
3- http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01609.jpg

Just to add in, I forgot to explain it a bit... in Image 1, it will be connected from the Pacesetter Headers, up to the flex section as it would normally be - floating. After that, from the bend onward it's hard mounted. The profile you see from the side in Image 2 is a little too tall, it will be a little less taller than what is drawn. That last section with the four pipes, I'm going to cut and weld the pieces accordingly. The rear hard mount will have the tips (also cut and welded) mounted to it. Once it's all smooth and good to go, where I'm happy with the fit and shape, it'll be sent to be chromed. The side skirt will have a cut out to fit the tips, and they will wrap up slightly (5-10 degrees), and protrude 1/2 an inch at the front, and curve out to 1 1/2 inches by the time its at the rear. The Chrome strip in Image three is both a "rock guard" and a bit of flare, intentionally bringing attention to the exhaust tips. At the same time, it will overhang the tips (stick out further) to limit how much exhaust will come up onto the body, and direct it back and down across the wheel - much like how it comes out right now.

The initial idea was to try and come up with a design that would keep all four exuast tips connected right up to the collector and the header, the idea being each cylinder would have it's own pipe front to back. BUT, that was wanting too much. No room in the tunnel for 4 glasspacks, 4 Cat's, 4 resonators... if you're catchin what I'm pitchin. Maybe on a 440 sitting inside a 74 Duster, but definately not on an N-Body.

cavaliers60

09-20-2007, 07:51 PM

Eh_nigma

09-21-2007, 02:21 AM

Tomorrow after work I head to the garage. Two goals by endstate tomorrow night.

1. Have the measurments and layout confirmed and ready to help cut the sheets that will supply the backing for the covers in the back. This also includes marking out where all the spacers and mounting points will be. They need to be both stiff enough to resist vibrations and cracking over time, and as well, strong enough to prevent these boards being pulled clean off.

2. Lay out the ground work for the internal ventilation system that will have air both supplied and expelled through the place where those two side windows are.

Not much, but I'm hoping to have the boards cut and prepared to be padded and skinned this weekend. It's turning into a real PITA as it's all going backwards of how I wanted it to go... I'm working both back to front inside, and bottom to top. But, once I have those boards in, I can then both carpet the floor, and put in the final insulation in the back. And that should be that. It's not too much though, the flat board over the amps, the board that comes up along the subs, wraps around the top and out to the parcel deck.

I'm just glad that I'm going to be able to get back at it. But, it's all finally coming to a point where it's coming together, nothing is being removed from the car anymore. It's now time to make and install the final major pieces, detail it all, and move onto the suspension and body work. Who knows, maybe by first snowfall I'll be working on the body... looking outside... maybe not...

Either way, I'll have pictures up tomorrow of the rear portion of the sound system, and hopefully the sketches of how it's all going to be layed out. (It'll be fun, as I'm trying to eliminate as many straight lines as possible.)

G'night.

Cliff8928

09-21-2007, 02:29 AM

Eh_nigma

09-21-2007, 02:34 AM

Moroso Spiral Flow muffler you say? I'm going to look into that for sure. Will they fit inside the tunnel? I'm looking at having it hanging no more than 1 1/2 inches from the floor (ground clearance). That glasspack in there right now is sitting at 2 inches and looking at it, it's definately scraped on some pretty good road junk over the last year and a half.

But thanks for the heads up. I'll be definately looking into it. Although I don't want to use rubber hangers for the section after the bend... there isn't much room between the tank and the pipes as it is, and also, hard mounting it will prevent it from banging up and against the side skirt (there's going to be hopefully no more than 1/3 inch cut between the pipes and the side skirt). With that in mind Cliff, you think that I could get away without having the flex section? I'm thinking I should still put it in if it's hard mounted after the bend.

Cliff8928

09-21-2007, 02:55 AM

It should still be ok without the flex. Just make sure you have it isolated from the heat good enough.

Eh_nigma

09-21-2007, 03:52 AM

its definately going to be an issue that will need a lot of attention payed to it, yeah. With the tank there, I'm looking into other options for a head shield. As well as around the side skirt as well.

01AleroGL34SS

09-21-2007, 09:35 AM

Eh_nigma

09-22-2007, 01:03 AM

I made it myself. Basically, once it was done, I took an old cloth, pulled it through, and got the shape I liked. After that I taped the cloth in place underneath the hard piece, and began to tape up the cloth to make it as clean as possible. Once I liked where the shape was, I cut those pieces. With the last final cut done on the cloth, I lined it up on some vinyl I purchased, cut them to match, sewed them up, and glued/stapled the shift bag in.

Oldsnut

09-22-2007, 01:16 AM

Eh nigma: Have you ever thought of running sneaker pipes from the motor to the front of the rear tires, running it through the side skirt? Just a thought.

pawzbear

09-23-2007, 06:13 PM

I was wondering where you got the boot that goes around your shifter. I would like to get something like that for my car; I thing the stock set up looks really stupid, GM did a much better job with the Grand Am.

his car is actually automatic, but the boot and shifter makes it look manual. pretty nifty eh?

oh sorry mark, was that a secret? =-P jp

Eh_nigma

09-23-2007, 06:39 PM

No, not a secret my dear. All's okay.

None the less... today was a day that I was not too impressed with throughout.

It all started when I took the dash off this morning (more on the dash later). I saw for the first time the mess of an electrical job the install guy did on my sound system.

This is the connection between the stock deck and the new wiring:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01619.jpg

Unsoldered, electrical tape, finger twisted connections. Very unimpressed. This is was I got for 500 bones? Yeah... To say the least, it was ALL redone today. Especially the 20 guage wire connected to 14 guage... that was all changed around. So, reconnected, soldered, heat shrinks, and wrapped with electrical tape just to keep them all bundled:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01623.jpg

While I was at it, I mounted the switch plate in and finished off the connections with the switches:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01624.jpg

(L to R): Instrument Lighting, Master Power for the sound system, Floor Lights, Rear Lights, and Roof Lights.

Here's a quick picture of the sound setup in the back:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01614.jpg

And finally, if it doesn't make sense, the lines that is, it really wont. But, they're just the hard cut lines for the wooden cover pieces going in...

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01616.jpg

The stock floor console will be redone and stretched to wrap all the way to the back, and then flow out to the sides... it's all up in my head, but, well, we'll see it when it's done.

SO, once I was done today, I got a phone call from the guys who are embroydering the leather that I'll upholster around the dash. Good news for once - they messed up the first one (the embroydery). So I went to take a look, and it wasn't messed up at all, they just made it too small, so they made me another piece. Basically, two skins. So, should anything happen to the first one, I've got a replacement. Makes me happy. I'll have a scan of the image up shortly.

Anywho, that's it for now.

OH! And Oldsnut, in regards to the sneaker pipe, YES, I did think about that. Had a mockup done, but, had too many issues with fitment of the pipe coming off the header, and being able to fit the Cat. Then I thought why not just do it 2/3 the length of the side. The cat would fit, but the pipe would then have to S it's way back to make it to the side... it DID look good, maybe something I'll think about down the road when a solution to the fitment is figured out, but at the end of the day, the 4 pipes out the side I think will give me the look I'm striving for (and sound too).

Edge.

Eh_nigma

09-23-2007, 08:00 PM

I couldn't find the actual image, but here's something I was messing around with that basically isn't too far off the actual embroydery... again, this was just the first attempt, but you get the idea...

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01628.jpg

The final product - I like it.

To add more, I'm leaning towards keeping the stock seats as well, but having them upholstered (matching the dash). Black leather, heavy white stitching.

pawzbear

09-23-2007, 11:31 PM

awww thats so cute... the embroidery.... its Kostucha =D

cherrington17

09-23-2007, 11:44 PM

this thing is turning out to be a beast. damn man, i admire the passion your putting into this thing!

your interior work and blackjacks engine would be one HELL of an alero. :lol: (not sure if your planning on going all out like he did w/ his)

pawzbear

09-23-2007, 11:45 PM

yeh its ridiculous mark makes me feel so lazy in comparison lol.

white04alero

09-24-2007, 01:38 AM

makes me feel lazy and broke lol
but seriously, car's badass keep it up

Eh_nigma

09-24-2007, 01:54 AM

Eh_nigma

09-26-2007, 12:46 AM

Got a call back from the upholstry place... they wont do it anymore. They tried, and couldn't work. I wasn't too pissed, I mean, at least they tried. I called up the rest of the places in town and took it to two more. No one will touch it. So, I've got other plans for it. I'll leave this as a bit of a surprise. Give me a couple weeks, and we'll hopefully have pictures. So, until then, no more about the dash...

In other news - good news. Progress news. Both wiring harnesses are complete for the doors. I'm happy. It's cleaner, and simpler too. Solved the issue today with the bloody battery always dying. It was a shot BCM (Body Control Module). Though, GM wanted $840 for it, to which I told them to promptly go find a hat, I took it apart, and found all it was, go figure, a combination of broken solder connection (it was FAIRLY obvious), and a 15A fuse where all that was needed was a 10A. So, that got solved.

As well, the old fire extinguisher I had, I soaked it, pulled the labels off, masked off the chrome, and fired it with a sand blaster - then promptly sealed it with a clear finish, giving a nice flame from the bottom up. I think the flames are fitting for the fire extinguisher.

Got the new rollcage sized up and pieces cut. Tomorrow I think I might have a chance to bend them and do final fitting and cuts.

Not to mention, went in town and found myself a few deals on reupholstering the stock seats. Thought went into this, and I figure that as I'm not going to 1/4 mile it, or push this car stupid, the bucket seats and 4 pt. harnesses were overkill. I'll be able to skin them in black leather, and add padding in to make them something like buckets. This does give me a chance to add metal and not plastic parts to the seats (chromed), and as well, use the measurments of the stock seats as they are to resolve having to wait for new seats to measure out the floor console.

As for the floor console, it's stripped to the bone again - surprise, surprise. It'll be the foundation for the front to back floor console design that I'll be now making. Though, it'll look nothing like the stock one.

SO, that was my Tuesday. And now, I'm going to bed, as I sadly have to go back to work tomorrow. G'night.

BlackJack

09-29-2007, 10:59 PM

Thanks everyone. Just thinking out loud... once the body is done, and all I have left is the engine, I'll take a year off and save some money (I'll need it), and make a trip south to have a few drinks with Blackjack... eh?

sorry I missed that quote....you just come on down buddy, and drinks are on me bro. fair warning though, the trip aint cheap on gas :D

cavaliers60

09-30-2007, 12:29 AM

how far south are you?

BlackJack

09-30-2007, 01:16 AM

southern Arizona by Mexico.

cherrington17

09-30-2007, 07:11 AM

that wall they wanted to build, to keep the mexicans out.... there is a large section of it, that is blackjack's back.

Eh_nigma

10-02-2007, 12:45 AM

sorry I missed that quote....you just come on down buddy, and drinks are on me bro. fair warning though, the trip aint cheap on gas :D

As soon as I know more on what's going on, it sounds like it might just be a good trip.

As for things going with the car, the final work is being done up by my airbrush guy for the dash. He's pretty busy, and I told him not to rush anything.

Got the shaft finished on the shifter and mounted. Dry fit on it, it's different. I'm sure once the pictures go up there's going to be some saying "sweet" and some saying "what the hell were you thinking". But, I'm liking it, and really, that's what it comes down to. Hoping tomorrow it'll be finished up, just waiting to make the cover piece for the shaft as well. That'll take a little longer, but none the less... it's slowly coming together.
Got the 4 toggle switches between the seats done as well, had to make a mounting bracket for that as well. Now it's just a matter of the e-brake and I can start forming the floor console around that.

Like I said, it's going slowly, but, it is starting to really come together.

Kilroy

10-03-2007, 06:54 PM

SInce this thread has SOOO much info for modding the interior of an Alero, what are the chances of making it a "sticky"? I think it would be a good idea. Anyone else?

Eh_nigma

10-05-2007, 08:52 AM

I'm stuck at work all day t'day and tonight, so I wont be able to get anything done t'day. Come Tuesday I'm gone in Wainwright until the 5th of November. Which is just great really.

None the less, I have a few pictures on my camera to upload and post though. The new shift lever, the cleaned and painted shifter/e-brake, the dash (that f*cking dash is the baine of my existance). So, the pics wont be up until tomorrow from the looks of it.

I did replace the e-brake cable as well. I was surprised how simple the e-brake system start to finish is to replace. Very easy. Now, where did I leave my 25mm casing?

IRONDOG442

10-05-2007, 03:10 PM

THis thread has grown some wings since I have seen is last back in April I can only see about half the pictures here at work but what I do see looks pretty pimtastical. Good Work man !!!

Eh_nigma

10-05-2007, 06:00 PM

Thank you very much! But, like I keep saying, A LOT of you have helped me get to this point, so thank you's are always going out to this forum and those that make it what it is

Eh_nigma

10-07-2007, 09:50 PM

Okay, so here's the shifter thus far...

Its simply a new lever on top of the old piece:
1. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01648.jpg
2. http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01650.jpg
3. (with the e-brake on the tunnel): http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01657.jpg

And this will be the shift ball: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC00538.jpg

I'm Finishing up the last of the dash before it's getting sent out. Still contemplating whether or not I want to cover over the passenger side airbag.

None the less, tomorrow's Thanksgiving Dinner, and then 7am on Tuesday I'm heading out to Wainwright until the 5th. So, I'm thinking this might be the last post for about a month.

Kilroy

10-07-2007, 09:53 PM

and then 7am on Tuesday I'm heading out to Wainwright until the 5th. So, I'm thinking this might be the last post for about a month.

So you going out to be enema force? Got some guys from 1RCHA doing the same. Have fun, and make sure those going over learn wht they are supposed to!!!

P.S. Have fun in wainright. :lol:

Eh_nigma

10-07-2007, 10:23 PM

pawzbear

10-07-2007, 10:35 PM

aw hun sorry their shipping u off to where you'd least like to go..

and yeh you already know my opinion on the shifter ;) frickin awesome doood. lol

Eh_nigma

10-07-2007, 11:45 PM

It's actually a simple design, and if anyone wants to do something similar, than this is how I made mine:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/shiftlever.jpg

Kilroy

10-08-2007, 12:22 AM

So very kind of you. No, more laughing will come with this:

I'm going to be a Milcot driver for CMTC yet, I'm not qualified on the Milverado... I'll be working mostly with 1RCHA people out there... so, all will be good. You're in Shilo are you? Should come down to the car club at some point, thats where this is all happening.

I live in Brandon, but I fo obviously work in Shilo. So, are you going to tell me you've NEVER driven a military vehicle without the proper 404's?? :lol: I've driven the Leopard, LavIII, cougar, grizzly, HLVW coyote, and still have no 404's for them. I also drove th iltis all the time before I got 404's for that as well. Heck man, it's just another vehicle!! Have fun, and if you see any EME guys from 1RCHA, say hi to them. Take 'er easy.

Eh_nigma

10-22-2007, 07:05 PM

Well, what am I doing while I'm out here in Wainwright? As much with the Alero as possible. It's given me a good chance to make a lot of progress on the manual, as well as other things, from the electrical diagrams of new or changed systems, to the schematical drawings of parts. Let's be honest here, in a few years from now, I'm not going to remember exactly what I did, and so when parts break - as they might - figured I'd back things up while still fresh in my mind.

Example:
New Dash - http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/Untitled2-1.jpg

It's just a remake of the printouts I can get from GM, but, this here shows, from the stock printout, what's changed, what's removed, and what's different.

I don't hold onto the mentality that "It's MINE, you can't do it." If someone asks me how to do something I've done, I'm fine with that... just in the expectation that it'll have their own spin on it. Share the wealth right?

None the less... most of the interior ones are finished, and until I head back, it's just working on a movie, relaxing, and having an alright time out here.

Once I'm back though, heavy into finishing the dash, and gettin the interior finished.

Eh_nigma

10-25-2007, 05:40 PM

Made a bit of headway with the interior while here in Wainwright... the current setup of the gauge cluster doesn't allow me much room to work with (in regards to the FG'ed face piece that holds the tach... none the less, got a few spacers we use on certain panels for our vehicles (military), and this will most definitly help me out.

The one big question I have though, and this is something I need to get from you all out there who may have done this, deals with the seats.

The stock seats will be upholstered with black vinyl & cloth. I would like to both add padding in some places (around the hips), and change the seat belts around.

Has anyone got any insight into adding the padding and what the best method would be (and please, not looking for "just get bucket seats..."). And with the seat belts, where, or how, could I get black seat belts? The "tan" just wont work with the interior. Dying them will only cause black to rub off over time on clothing...

Thanks,
Edge.

natedawg9640

10-25-2007, 07:08 PM

as for the seat belts... couldn't you just go the the junk yard and get belts off of something with a black interior... or for a direct swap how bout a grand am with black interior... i'm sure the belts would be black and should be pretty much the same thing...

Eh_nigma

10-25-2007, 07:10 PM

Can anyone confirm if a black interior GA has black seat belts? I'm on the same page as you Nate, in the belts being the same... N-Bodies (GA, Alero, etc) have A LOT of similar parts that aren't cosmetic or there for appearance...

Kilroy

10-26-2007, 01:46 AM

The one big question I have though, and this is something I need to get from you all out there who may have done this, deals with the seats.

The stock seats will be upholstered with black vinyl & cloth. I would like to both add padding in some places (around the hips), and change the seat belts around.

Has anyone got any insight into adding the padding and what the best method would be (and please, not looking for "just get bucket seats...").

One Idea that might work for your seats, is to replace the padding that is there already with a larger chunk, and then just shape it to your liking. I got this idea from watch that "Boyd Coddington" show. Might have to check for the stuff at an apolstory (sp?) shop. Just an idea.

Eh_nigma

10-26-2007, 09:52 AM

I was thinking along the lines Kilroy. I'm just kickin' myself for not seeing that Boyd episode... Granted, I've started to not watch AHR because of the soap opera... I don't care who likes who or who's the biggest dick, show me the cars!

But yeah, along the same lines eh?

cavaliers60

10-26-2007, 09:54 AM

Eh-nigma, you know you can't post on this thread without pics. :p

Eh_nigma

10-26-2007, 10:10 AM

Edge... in Wainwright... Car... in Shilo... 12 hours away...

cavaliers60

10-26-2007, 05:32 PM

I was just messin' with ya. I know you aren't around your car to work on it right now. :p

CharleyO99Alero

10-29-2007, 05:15 AM

***

I'm not sure if this is what you need or not but take a look and see if these might be suitable for your use.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-VehicleBrowse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2006841/p-2006841/N-111+1999+200731618+600011276/c-10114

***

Eh_nigma

10-29-2007, 12:01 PM

I do appreciate the link - if I can't find a black Grand Am setup, I'll be going with this... I would like to use the Grand Am, as all the mounting points are the same - making things much easier for this guy... thanks though.

Eh_nigma

11-01-2007, 04:57 PM

Wow, it's almost that point in this project where this thread will be finished up...

Looking at the interior part of the car... the interior should quite seriously be finished just about the end of January. All the major parts (Ie., the Dash, the Floor, the Floor Console, etc., etc., etc.,) look like they can be finished in about 6 weeks, all the fine trim stuff (A-Pilars, fire extinguisher, sub covers and what not), which I'm not sweating over, should be done yeah, by the end of January.

It's looking like the project is going to roll right into the suspension not too long after I finish my Christmas vacation.

The best part about a To-Do list... crossing almost everything off. SO! With that, I'm actually going to go back to work...

I'm heading back to Shilo tomorrow, so, Kilroy, I'll be expecting to see you and the Alero soon, and be ready for a flurry of updates and pictures coming quick as soon as I can get my hands on the car.

billytheman1188

11-01-2007, 05:00 PM

YES! updates. lol, get some good pics for us

Mischief007

11-02-2007, 01:24 PM

Can't wait to see the updated pictures.

By the way, are you Polish Eh_Nigma? From another referred I think you referred to Poland as your old stomping grounds? Or I could be wrong.

lonnie

11-02-2007, 02:15 PM

mmmmooooorrrrrrreeeeee pppppppiiiiiiiccccccsssss pppplllleeeaaassseee! LOL

pawzbear

11-02-2007, 05:18 PM

Can't wait to see the updated pictures.

By the way, are you Polish Eh_Nigma? From another referred I think you referred to Poland as your old stomping grounds? Or I could be wrong.

yah he has polish ancestry im pretty sure. he didnt live there, lol. But he speaks some?

Mischief007

11-02-2007, 10:16 PM

yah he has polish ancestry im pretty sure. he didnt live there, lol. But he speaks some?

If he didn't live there then that's another story. Let us know Eh_Nigma. As the people from ASS 07 now know that I'm 100% Polish.

Eh_nigma

11-02-2007, 10:47 PM

Hahaha... oh, the mysteries... 3yrs old moved over, fully fluent in Polish, and yes, 100% Polish as well. I was meaning to ask you based on that avatar.

None the less, back home tonight, and I'll be going into the garage tomorrow as soon as my eyes open up. Planning on a pretty long day there, so yeah, there will be some update pictures, as well as possible a sketch or two of upcoming things inside the car, before they actually get there (Ie., the FG part designs for coverpieces over the gauges, starter box, etc., etc., etc...).

I'm about as excited to get this done as you guys are to see the updates... so, tomorrow afternoon or late night they first updates from tomorrow should be up.

cavaliers60

11-02-2007, 10:57 PM

Can't wait to see some pics... I'm really wanting to get some interior work done on my car... Mostly recovering stuff.... I'm going to need some pointers from ya! lol Expect some PMs from me. :D

pawzbear

11-03-2007, 12:20 AM

teehee yeh im pretty sure mark had already told me that.. i just forgot. ahhh, i have better things to remember it seems! =-P have fun back home markus

(but give me some credit; at least i remember how to spell his last name!!!! lmao... its easily the craziest name ever!)

Eh_nigma

11-03-2007, 04:16 AM

Candice - credit is given...

Okay, so, 4:10 AM, can't sleep.. oh well. Tomorrow's plan is simple, want to basically cover three areas:

1. Covering in the airbag area on the dash,
2. Starting the new floor console, and
3. Cutting/Bending new pieces for the rollcage/bar.
Maybe a fourth with FG'ing the cover for the top gauges, or at least finish planning it out.

I'm thinkin' that in about an hour and a half, go for breakfast, grab the keys to the car club, and start on things right around 6:30ish, which, by all acounts, should most definitely give me something to post pictures about when I finish for the night.

Unfortunately, as it's the weekend, the junkyard isn't open, so I wont be able to inquire about the black carpet/seat belts from a Grand Am until Monday, but, meh, oh well... what can be done, right? So, off to play some more Company of Hero's, or... ...infomertials... ...and yeah, hop-skip-and-a-jumpin to the garage shortly... the things I do for you guys & gals...

Eh_nigma

11-05-2007, 12:16 AM

I do apologize for no posts last night - personal stuff came up that had to be dealt with yesterday afternoon. None the less... here's what's happened in the last day an a half.

Started with the dash, and filling in the airbag. It was simple, very simple. Couple pieces of shaped cardboard, some take to hold it down, 60 grit sandpaper to rough everything up, and 4 layers of FG.

Dash before: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01719.jpg
Two Pieces: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01720.jpg
Two pieces taped: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01721.jpg
Fiberglassed: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01722.jpg

I started to work around the piece that will cover up the electrinics and what not in the dash - the "cover piece". Got an idea, used tinfoil and guntape, got the rough shape, and well, yeah...

Mockup 1: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01725.jpg
Mockup 2: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01726.jpg
Mockup 3: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01729.jpg
First Layer: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01730.jpg
Attached on the dash: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01737.jpg
Cover: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01746.jpg
First Cut: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01747.jpg
Cut outs for screws: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01748.jpg

The cover piece as well as the dash are in the drying room - the filler is on the cover piece, and it'll be worked down tomorrow. As for the dash, little by little... I'm starting with above the cluster, and working towards front and center. The dash should be completed and primed I'm hoping by next weekend. The cover piece also has the screw "tunnels" ready to be done. Once it's all said and done, then the mounting holes will be drilled into the dash, and both sent out for painting.

I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I did do some work on a new gauge face for the main cluster... here's the cover piece with the new tach mounted in it. All that needs to be put in is the "K" (my tattoo) front and center (the "diamond" cutout if you will), and tinted plastic put in for the speedo and the fuel level. The chromed bezels are already made, just need to drill it in and screw them down. The whole piece was just a piece of balsa I cut to shape, fiberglassed over a couple times, and the tach hard mounted to it.

Gauge Face 1: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01731.jpg
Gauge Face 2: http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u282/kostucha/DSC01732.jpg

So, that's been my weekend so far... I'll be posting updates on this as the week goes on... any questions or anything, as always, pop them my way.

cavaliers60

11-05-2007, 12:58 AM

Is that gauge stuff going to fit in the stock area? Looks sharp though! I love the addition to the dash!

Satsuriku

11-05-2007, 02:45 AM

it hasnet been said in a while so i might as well say it..........mark.......your f*cking crazy dude!!! hahaha my god, excellent work my canadian brother! i love going to this thread for updates

Eh_nigma

11-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Is that gauge stuff going to fit in the stock area? Looks sharp though! I love the addition to the dash!

Would I make it if it didn't fit? Yeah, it fits. That piece is going to be a "screw in" onto 1 inch spacers mounted on the stock dash. It's tight, but fits.

Thanks Rob. Should hopefully have more pictures tonight of the sanded down cover.

Just a heads up though, I'm heading out soon (13th or 15th), for 3 weeks... yet again, ANOTHER delay on this project. I'm going to stick simply to the dash, cover, and floor console, and hopefully, HOPEFULLY, have those finished up for the 12th, then send them out for painting. I'm pretty excited about the paint job going onto the dash.

cherrington17

11-05-2007, 12:51 PM

If he didn't live there then that's another story. Let us know Eh_Nigma. As the people from ASS 07 now know that I'm 100% Polish.

..wait... your polish!? i thought you were canadian. :huh:

nice job mark#1! :thumb: keep it up... for..well... however long you plan on working on this..

pawzbear

11-05-2007, 10:43 PM

heeeey... u cant call him Mark #1.... =(

Mischief007

11-06-2007, 06:14 PM

..wait... your polish!? i thought you were canadian. :huh:

nice job mark#1! :thumb: keep it up... for..well... however long you plan on working on this..

How drunk were you at ASS?? :p

I was born in Poland and I made that clear because Scott's wife was warning the guys cracking the Polish jokes.

Eh_nigma

11-07-2007, 12:10 AM

A bit of a sad update to the project. Due to personal reasons - which, for obvious reasons, aren't going to be talked about - the Alero Project as a whole is going to be put on the back-burner for a while. Please excuse my absence from the aleromod site. I'm hoping that at some point in the next few months I'll be able to pick it up again.

The Alero is going into storage as it is right now, and the parts are going into storage at the garage just the same. Basically, until these issues are resolved, I'll be under the radar as much as possible. This did come very suddenly, I was actually sanding down the filler on the dash when I got the phone call, and trust me, this really isn't by choice. I'll be leaving Shilo shortly, likely by Friday, which will give me enough time to arrange everything out here while I'm gone.

Again, I do apologize, there were quite a few of you interested in this project - mark my words, it will be completed, but, at the end of the day, it is just a car, and, as you see, other things are taking priority over this.

I'll post back as soon as I'm back on it, but till then, do take care.

cavaliers60

11-07-2007, 12:16 AM

It's cool man... Take as much time as you need! The car will be there when you are ready to come back to the project, and we will still be here waiting when you get back.

Oldsnut

11-07-2007, 12:22 AM

Good luck with whatever takes you in your current direction. Whatever it is may Peace and God be with you in all you do!

billytheman1188

11-07-2007, 01:05 AM

Sorry to hear about that man. Just do what you gotta do and then go back and work on the ho! :-) Good luck dude! I will be waiting for more updates ;-)

CharleyO99Alero

11-07-2007, 05:05 AM

***

Whatever your reason, you will be missed here on the forum ... as will be the updates to your project. But, sometimes ya' just have to do what ya' have to do. Take care and we'll be here waiting for your return.

***

Vinalero

11-08-2007, 09:36 AM

Cars are for transportation, sometimes hobbies, but rarely a need. Do what is important to do before playing with the hoe.

I bet its the Oilers that are calling you for a back-up in this hard season start... :p

Satsuriku

11-08-2007, 10:51 AM

Bummer dude! I hope all work out in the end man and good luck my Canaidan brother!

Eh_nigma

01-06-2008, 05:51 AM

A lot changes in a couple months... this is just a quick post, thanking everyone for their contributions to this thread and the project as a whole so far. As things go, the project as well as many other things have taken a bit of a change. So, without further delay, if this thread could be locked (I wont be posting in this one anymore, as there isn't much more to say on the interior aspect of the project).

The project isn't at all finished, so no frets. Things, like I said, just need a different approach to them. There is a new thread I'm starting, right after I go for a smoke, relax a bit, sit down at 5am, and try my best to explain what is going on.

Again though, to all who have posted, read, given input, helped out in any way shape or form thus far, I do greatly appreciate it. Without this site, no way would this be happening (trust me, the car came close to being scrapped). So, look for the new thread, simply "Alero Project, Exterior". Thanks.

Edge.

Cliff8928

01-06-2008, 11:04 PM

You want to close this thread already? It isn't even big enough, only 580 posts...

Eh_nigma

01-06-2008, 11:40 PM

Yeah, ha, I'd like to. Only cause it's going to drift it's own little way into the past... it'll be a while before I want to get at fixing all the messed up things... Ie., new fuse box on the driver side of the dash, checking all the wiring on that end (either replacing portions if need be, or leaving them cause they're usable), new BCM, all new wiring for the sound system. Ripping up the old 'new' floor and cleaning out everything, replacing the wiring there, replacing the portions of now useless dynamat, new gauge cluster, two new gauges up top (physical damage, not in part due to electrical, guess the installer was a bit too big)... etc... etc... etc... see what I'm getting at? Once I'm done the body, and suspension, I'll go back at the rats nest.