Page 6, The Home Stretch...

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9/11/00 WOW! WE have liftoff, or on the road again! This may have been the best weekend yet on the project.  I've gotten the hinge bar mounted and I set on the front end. This weeked I tackled mounting the lights, working the wiring harness in the front and other little bits of looking at how to finish.  I had to replace the sockets in the front parking/turn signal lights so they would work as both types of lights. All parts were furnished, but no insturctions. No surprise there. I had to solder the socket into the body of the lamp. Then string the wires through the protective boot and tube. Another two hours, but another success. Next, mount the headlights. I figured out that the headlight assembly snaps over the bucket, making for a tight fit. When the bucket was mounted into the body, I have a very good looking install on the lights. Wow, the front now looks like a whole car, almost. Next was cutting the grille opening. I decided to cut the opening differently than recommended, since I'm getting better at on-the-fly-engineering. By cutting where I did, I now have a nice character line around the grille.  Got almost all of the rub points gone, and the front now works almost perfectly. I didn't get the wiring done yet, so I can't see it lit. I drilled the holes and installed the mounting bolts. It now is part of the car. As retainer straps for the front (so it doesn't hit the ground when you tilt it) I used the rear seat belts. They will match the color of the car, and no $$$ spent. Cool!

Above, hinge bar and new radiator mounted. To the right, inner fender detail and front latch. Below, the front end on before lights and grille.

9/11/00 (cont) Sunday was the best day so far. Mike came by to help so we were looking as well as feeling our best for the day. Another sunny, not to hot day. Great working conditions.  Today we hang the doors. Of course, more work than first expected. I decided that I didn't want to do the two piece cut on the window frame. So I worked the frame in one piece to clear the roof. Seems like it will work fine.  I now have two WORKING doors, plus a whole car!  I couldn't wait any longer, let's hit the road! We jump in, and hit the road. Didn't go far, but we went around the truck stop. I can't wipe this s--t eating grin off my face. It's Alive!!

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