Owner built on a budget;

[Hray]

UPDATE and Questions:
Got the wiper motor mounted and figured out.

Now the hood latch, the hood latch does not fit as close to the firewall as i would like. I want the top flange and bottom flange to be right against the firewall and to have equal or no gaps where the bracket fits. Any insights as to which portion of this bracket should be cut and rewelded to fit the firewall. I know there is some adjustment in the hood portion of this assembly.

I know the right way to do it is mount the body, mount the hood, then fit the bracket to the firewall. I would prefer if there is enough adjustment to mount this bracket prior to all that.

Plus for finish I want to weld the face piece to the side pieces and weld them smooth for a better look.

I just do not want to subject my painted and clear coated firewall to all this busy work with fitting the hood latch assembly after paint.

The picture below show how the bracket does not fit against the firewall, it does not show it but this is at least a quarter inch away from firewall.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/...73b799de_b.jpg

The picture below shows that the bottom portion is also about a quarter inch away from firewall. Where the front and side meet up is where I want to weld up and grind smooth.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/...149954de_b.jpg

As you look at the picture below I will see if i can tell you where I think the problem is. The uppermost part of the cowl firewall leans forward some as compared to the bend meets. I am thinking this should have a solid right angle and not slanted forward. So if I cut the top lip of the bracket, then grind the rear sides to fit better this would let the front bottom lip touch the cowl/firewall about right. Then I would reweld the upper lip back on. or maybe better yet mount a piece of angel on the underneath side of the bracket and then nothing is seen as to the to mounting system.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/...a5ffae91_b.jpg

should this bracket not also be mounted with a very thin rubber sponge gasket so in case things move the gasket will take the shock and not the paint.
Thanks again for your help. Ray