Well, it's been several weeks since my last update because I burned myself out haha. I needed to take a break from working on the car, but recently got some more motivation to get back to it. After the swap meet where I found my very hard to find piece of trim I put the door panel back together and bumper installed, but that's where I really stopped working on the car.
I got the front bumper installed, but now I need to figure out something different with my front end. I think the frame horns are bent because the fenders and hood now don't fit like they should. But it looks way better haha.
My father-in-law sent me a license plate bracket he wasn't using so that I could install the front plate.
I found this sticker online so that if it wasn't obvious enough, that people know it's not done yet haha.
That brings me up to this Sunday. I had a few beverages and finally bit the bullet and installed the rear wheel covers. They were much more difficult to install and get straight than I had anticipated. Thankfully I was in a good state of mind and just pushed through haha. I'm not 100% happy with the install, but they really aren't too bad. I think I didn't get enough glue in some spots so it is lifting a little, but otherwise is straight and looks a ton better than before.
Then I cleaned up and dyed the rear panels. This was pretty straight-forward and the SEM paint lays down so nicely.
Then I got out the section above the rear wheel wells. That didn't need any paint, just waiting for the wheel well covers to be installed.
Then I was able to test fit to get an idea for what the interior will look like. I love the color scheme, just wished the wheel well covers came out better. OH well, I guess it matches the car haha. I think it will partially be covered by the rear seat so I may get lucky there.
I am still chasing a transmission leak and replaced the Jiffy-Tite fittings with -6 AN so I can also add a cooler. I ordered all but two fittings, and decided to just cut a short section off of the hose to make a by-pass to check for leaks. I had hoped that would fix the leak, but it don't believe it did. It didn't leak as much after I parked it, so it could have just been some residual fluid on top of something, but I don't think I'll get that lucky.
The install went pretty smoothly, but the Jeg's AN adapters for the 4L80e I ordered did need to be modified. The rear one fit perfectly, but the front one was too long. I had to cut off a section and taper some of the threads on the end for it to fully seat. But otherwise, it all seems to have sealed up without any issues.
I ordered the last few sheet metal pieces to finish up the rear of the car. Instead of patching the panels for the spare tire well, I ordered the pieces to just spot weld them together. Should make for a clean repair and then I can weld it all to the body. Will be nice to wrap that up and get the rest of the interior installed. I also have 6 sets of seatbelts on the way so that I can start enjoying the car with my family!
Cheers,
Ryan
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