overall update: since I started about 10 days ago I have logged in 68 hours on the car, that leaves 432 remaining in my estimate: I have spent $450.00 and that leaves the estimated budget at $2550.00
I need paint, (i would like a roll bar) anybody got one or can you let me know the most reasonble way to go. I want it more structural than pretty. and then something to finish the exhaust system with. would be nice to ceramic coat them, might just be paint for this time around. Then I am sure a bunch more of small ticket items. I can go over on the estimated time since I work for free, the budget at this time can not go too much over.
tonite I ran the motor for just over an hour in the shop,
oil pressure between 40 to 80. running without thermostate and temp was between 170 and 190. I alternated between idle and very very high idle, i am guess about 2000 rpm.
at idle it was running at 170 and that was a very very low idle. fan seems to be working great.
That cowl bar: II did measure it and the strap is a half inch down from the top of the cowl bar. it appears to stop about 4 inches from each end. I forgot to measure the wideth but I am guessing it to be about 1/8 inch by 3/4 inch steel strap iron. It is not sheet metal, it is heavy enough to be steel. If you look at the back of your dash you should be able to determine what depth you can have at the most. It might be half inch, but I think more like 3/4.
Here is a picture of the marks on mine where it was cut off.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/...734763ee_b.jpg
So far I am enjoying the build, we will see how well I hold up over the long haul. And those words of encouragement from you guys does help. It actually places a little pressure on me because I feel like someone out there is looking for a progress report therefore I feel committed to the process.
Hope this diary and my ramblings do help someone else down the road.
later Ray