Arthur: Thanks for your reply.
Yes I have read your informative report on the installation of your front end (several times) and found it extremely helpful. I was looking for any information that Ted might require prior to his starting on the build of my unit. I notice you say he'll do a spring swap one time if necessary but living on the other side of the world, this might not be viable so I want to ensure it's right first time.
Not sure what
colour! to go for --red as contrast under there or black to look "factory".
Russ: Thanks to you too.
I measured backing plate to backing plate and it's a smidge under 54", say 53 7/8" so I'll definitely be going the wider version. I'm fitting new rubber shortly so I'll be able to corner-weigh the car while it's at the tyre (Arthur: spelling!) shop. I'll do it with me in and out of the car. Any extra info for Ted can't be bad!
I'm pleased to hear he does a sway bar as well. I can talk to him about that.
I won't have the problem of six-pin hubs, but I'd like to see if the new "dust-guard" Wilwood calipers can be fitted as the ones without the dust guard are actually illegal for road use in Australia! Just one of those silly little bureaucratic compliance issues that mean you may get by for years without a problem running them, but one day in a random transport blitz you get caught and then all sorts of red tape issues arise. Best to go with the "approved" ones and then all's well. It's good to know that Ted is prepared to work around changes like this.
I've seen your photos of the chromed monster lurking under your car. Ted won't do another one? Wonder why?
Does look the part though. I'm probably going with red at this stage.
I note your comments about improved street performance. I doubt mine will be seeing any track work either. If the upgrade provides lighter steering with improved front end feel then I'll be satisfied. It'll be comforting to know too that a critical but ageing and weighty component has been replaced with a stronger lighter and more effective one.
Again my thanks to you both.