Its been a while since I've updated - and I've been busy the past few months:
I received the rest of my clutch parts. My dad came over and we assembled the hydraulic TOB, then mated the trans to the engine and installed the drivetrain for the (hopefully!) LAST time. Everything is torqued down tight.
I finished fabricating the raised false floor, lengthened period-correct clutch and brake pedals, shorted throttle pedal, and the aluminum cover. The false floor and all pedals are all powdercoated.
I purchased the period-correct FE style expansion tank, which arrived un-assembled. Since this tank is originally for an FE not a windsor small block, I shortened the mounting bracket as much as possible so it will clear the hood. I then took it to a local radiator shop where they soldered it up and pressure-tested for leaks.
Next I fabricated a period-correct remote oil filter mounting bracket, which attaches to the remote filter to the water pump:
(After I test-fit all hoses, oil lines, steering column, and verify the expansion tank will clear the hood I will take the tank and the oil filter bracket for powdercoating black.)
Then this past weekend I finished installing heat/sound barrier on the firewall and foot boxes. Next I welded on grounding bolts, and brackets for the ignition box onto the upper frame/dash support, then installed the dash support for the final time, putting a weld bead on each side where the frame bolts to the foot box for absolute grounding continuity to the frame.