[This message has been edited by Icelander (edited 07-27-2008).]

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 08-24-2017).]

Beautiful!!!!! Mind if I use your design?

I really like where you put the mirror adjuster!

[This message has been edited by Icelander (edited 07-27-2008).]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Go for it.

Edit to add:

quote Icelander said: The shoulder belts through the seats should be fine. These seats don't tilt. They look to be a solid piece. The seat back positions the belt in relation to the driver. The danger comes in where the belt has the ability to pull down on the shoulders of the occupant. As long as the seat back can handle the pressure of the occupant during the crash and the shoulders of the passenger are lower than the holes in the seat, the passenger should be fine. These are questions that I can't answer from a photograph. If you're unsure, then move the shoulder harnesses to the firewall.

You are correct on all counts. These are real racing seats, not the cheap imitations you see on eBay. These seats do not tilt. They also have a tubular steel frame. So the chance of them buckling in a collision is pretty slim. The metal frame also surrounds and supports the seat belt holes. So in a collision, the belts will not be able to tear through the seat.

I also mentioned this before, but will repeat it: when I sit in the seat and don the harness, the shoulder belt holes in the seats are at my shoulder level. When I lean forward, the belts are horizontal between my shoulders and the seat. Spinal compression requires a downward force on the body. A belt stretching straight back cannot pull down.

I'd really like to put this seat belt debate to rest, and continue with the build thread. If anyone has anything further to say on the subject, send me a PM.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-28-2008).]

I made some progress on the nose. The grille opening has been modified. I basically just molded a partial wall in the back. This will interface with the radiator ducting (which hasn't been built yet, because I'm waiting for the materials to arrive).



I've also started the "big squeeze" operation. I used some scrap wood, a couple brackets, and a long bolt to make a big claw. I used it to squeeze the sides of the nose closer together. Then I molded in some fiberglass to help the nose hold its new shape. The aluminum pieces in the top corners are holding the new fiberglass in place until it hardens.



After the fiberglass hardens, I can start tweaking the top edge to fit my hood. After that's done, the nose goes back on the car so I can build the bracketry to hold it in place.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

The grille opening won't be tapered. I didn't plan on installing mesh, either. However, that back wall will give me a convenient place to attach the radiator ducting. And speaking of radiator ducting, the materials for that arrived today. The radiator duct should be finished tomorrow. The material for the splitters also arrived. So I'll probably have the splitters done tomorrow, too.

I also test-fitted the new nose on the car again. Everything looks good, except for that uneven gap between the nose and the hood. But I should have that fixed soon. Here are a couple photos of the test-fitting today. This is also your first look at my LED turn signals. They work similar to the rear turn signals, dim for running lights and bright for turn signal.





Unfortunately, somebody ran over my digital camera and crushed it. Until I can get a replacement, we'll have to suffer with low-quality shots from my camcorder.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]

Alright, here come the crappy camcorder photos. First of all, here's a shot of the radiator ducting.



It's made from 1/16" thick neoprene rubber and aluminum angle stock. The flanges on the front edge will bolt to the back of the nose. So the air coming in the grille will be channeled directly into the radiator.

I also cut out and installed the air splitters. Below is a shot of the nose, with splitters installed, being test-fitted on the car.



My new digital camera should arrive on Monday. I should have the nose smoothed out (and maybe even a coat of primer) by then. So I should have some nice photos in a few days. Keep your fingers crossed.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-02-2017).]