I am moving right along and having a lot of fun along the way. A few snags that I am now calling "opportunities to learn".... like skills with a cutoff wheel...
Completed Rear Axle Assembly caliper brackets/backing plates. I also had to machine the ID of the sheetmetal backing plates to fit over the axle bearing and modify the spacer (between bearing and mounting plate) into a "C" shape similar to the mounting plate. I was sure to orient the spacer opening ~180 deg from the mounting plate opening. I removed the lock washers on the lugs to prevent possible interference with the e-brake HW. The ball joint socket I purchased worked perfect for knocking these seals in place. All I lack now are the correct DOM washers from Hurricane....
Completed Front Suspension Assembly. No issues other than shock and control arm mounting spacers. I substituted washers as needed. Stacked washers based on where the arms wanted to ride naturally. Ball joints threaded in nicely without heating/freeze tricks.
Steering Rack threaded ends had to be shortened 1" each side. I used the alternate bushings recommended by Greg K. These are the Cardone PN: 22-207MB. Only snag with this assembly was the 5/8"-11 threaded frame for the drivers side bolt needed to be re-tapped. Also, on the passenger side, wrench access is limited (access slot in the bottom of the frame). Only my box end wrench would fit in the slot and I had to shorten the bolt by 1/2" to prevent trapping my wrench once bolt was tightened.
Front Rotors and Brakes assembled per plan. Drivers side was a breeze, but passenger side spindle was a little bunged up and needed cleanup. Once brakes were installed, I noted a larger-than expected gap (.25-.38") between the caliper/shoe and rotor. I assume there is plenty of piston travel ??
Brake lines required some study and thought and trial and error. I am still in the error phase, but I ordered some fittings due in tomorrow that should help clean things up. I like how the rear brake lines came out anyway. I went ahead and mounted the pedals and master cylinders so I should complete the plumbing next week. I deferred fuel lines for after tank install.
Routed and mounted E-brake cables today. I drilled and tapped the frame to mount the cable holding/adjustment bracket. I shortened cables for best lay and added strain-relief.
Fuel tank required some grinding of welds to fit up into position. I match-drilled and mounted using 7X .25-20 bolts. Very sturdy mount, so I will probably omit the straps. With tank in place, I can determine best fuel line routing.
I routed the battery cables and will terminate them at a later time.
The manual says I am almost ready to install my engine?? That will be great to make driveshaft measurements and further fit-checks.
Still waiting on my wheels to be delivered from the factory. Also, I am missing my hinges, so. I have to run those down.
Thanks to Bobby Worley, I met up with the Texas Cobra Club -DFW folks Saturday and saw some awesome Cobras of all brands. First FaceTime with Bobby who's posts have been very helpful for us new guys. Greg Tyler (HM2033) was also there and said he will be picking his kit up next week.
See pics below:
