So now I start into Final Assembly. These are a lot of smaller, more detailed items that may not be very impressive (no “WOW” factor), but it’s all parts that make up the car as a whole. Some of the stuff is outside and visible, some of it is buried deep.
First up, 2 items that make it easier to work on the car and 1 item that must be done now for safety.
I installed the Breeze polished stainless steel hood and trunk prop rods so I can work in those areas without a 2×4 to hold things open. I decided against using the gas struts provided in the kit simply because I don’t like them. Gas struts don’t last long and they are a pain in the ass when they get weak. The classic prop rod doesn’t really get in the way and these from Breeze look really nice.
They are supposed to mount through a steel frame member, and I did that for the hood. But on the trunk, I would have had to drop the fuel tank, and I didn’t really want to. So I used an Adel clamp to hold the end of the rod to the floor and a cotter pin to hold it in place. Otherwise, all installed as Mark from Breeze intended. I did shorten the trunk rod about 4″.
Next up is the fuel cap and filler hose. I really needed to do this as I can smell gas in the garage. This consists of a large Cobra-accurate aluminum fuel filler with a modern click-type sealing cap inside. I did not use the self tapping screws supplied, but instead used oval head stainless screws with washers and stainless nuts on the inside. You’ll see me do this a lot in the upcoming pages. I also replaced the fuel filler pipe gasket where the tube goes into the tank with a Ford Mustang piece. Its a better piece in the long run. Installed a ground strap from the fuel filler to the chassis and good to go!
Last item I started, but needed to take the dog for a walk and do some chores. I got 2 clecoes installed in the Breeze upper radiator panel. This serves to make an otherwise ugly area on top of the radiator look nice and closes off that area when the hood is open. It prevents hot air from circulating back over the top and through the radiator when idling, and also seals off the top of the radiator, keeping the cool air going through instead of over.
Kinda hard to see, but its one of those things. You may not notice it, but you sure would if it wasnt there.
OK, more tomorrow.