HM-2032 - Texas Storm Chaser

[NTX-CLANK]

Almost a month later, I am now registered given the privilege of driving this beast.  I am having a blast driving some short trips in the beautiful weather we are having here right now.  Debbie likes to ride with me!  I just have to start it up and back out of the garage.....here she comes wanting to hitch a ride...I love it! 

Debbie helps to keep me calm as I am tracking down some very annoying rattles and squeaks.  I rode in Bruce N's Cobra and it was very tight with no rattles....so it CAN be done.  Even with squeaks, I cannot help but smile as the car runs great with more power than I will ever need.

I am slowly working through the noises.  I noticed that the body was rubbing on the roll bars, so I removed the bars and opened up the clearances (not it).  When I push up and down on the rear of the car, I can feel and hear the 3rd member creaking and popping.  I also have a similar issue with a driver side upper control arm.  I attempted to clean and lubricate these joints, but could only achieve temporary relief.  It may be time for joint replacement.?  Has anyone else experienced similar issues?  I did see where Aaron was having issues that required some bracket repositioning. 

I am also slowly working on the interior.  I have started on the center console patterned after Bruce's. 

[NTX-CLANK]

I WILL prevail!!  I cannot let this interior stuff beat me, so I trudge on...

We completed the Console and installed the switch / Power panel.  Seat Heater circuit runs inside the console, but I may still have to extend some wires to hide the connectors.  I set the console aside until the carpet puzzle is completed.

Carpet is now installed in firewall, kick panels, trans and drive shaft tunnel.  Modified aluminum panels under doors to conform better.  I may pass on using the chrome trim at bottom of door opening and simply tuck and bond carpet at that interface.  I am now laying pad on the back wall and wheel well area and am NOT looking forward to the carpet fitting around the 4 roll bar posts and weird contours.  Has everyone used pad on the back wall or should I bond the carpet without the pad? How about the trunk?

That's all for now....

Jim

[Redstang69]

Jim, looking really good. The yellow is a nice touch with the black.
I know how you feel with it beating you down, I'm in the same boat with my firewall aluminum. Just have to keep plugging away.

[Bass And Hot Rods]

Looks really great, Jim.  I have to take my 32 project to Arkansas next week,  but I need to come up and see this in person soon.

[NTX-CLANK]

 Thanks , Guys.

Larry,  looks like you are making room for a cobra kit.    Swing by anytime.

[Redstang69]

Jim, how has your clutch been? I picked up the 3/4" Miata slave today. I need to make a bracket like you did.
I also got the gates 21503 lower radiator hose, but I'm not seeing how that'll work. Do you have any pictures of your lower radiator hose if that's what you used?

[Kamal]

I'll be fitting my radiator hose today, and plan to do a brief update.  I also have the 21503 lower hose, so lets see.  The manual states that for the big block, you use a certain hose along with a couple metal tubes to create the right fit.

What side is your water pump outlet?  Mine is Driver side. 

[Redstang69]

Yep I saw that for the big block as well and that's all the pictures show.
Drivers side outlet on my water pump as well. Hope it works out well.

[Kamal]

No go on the radiator hose. It will be a cut and splice job.  Should be able to do it with the 21503 hose, and one short piece of straight tube, I believe.

[NTX-CLANK]

Yes, cut and splice is how I had to go. Sorry for the late response.