Haus of Guru: The Ultimate Car Build Off (Page 33/58)
Charlie64 AUG 18, 10:09 PM
Sorry everyone. Just returned from my trip last night. Of course I have the extensive "honey do" list. What I did was clean the original carpet today. Once it dries I'm going to try the dye treatment again. I don't like the way the replacement carpet fit so I'll be putting the original back in if this works. I got the stereo wiring done before I left so once I get the carpet and my new vinyl covered board back in I'll be able to get the new Kicker amps installed. Hoping to knock a good bit of that out tomorrow after work. If all goes well I'll be riding Saturday evening. Wish me luck.
zefferk AUG 23, 02:36 PM
Bump...need an update....must...see...what...car...looks...like.............today.........please............................
zefferk AUG 24, 05:16 PM
still waiting for another update please...
Charlie64 AUG 24, 10:35 PM
Sorry I haven't been able to do any postings lately. I was able to get all the panels back in the car over the weekend. Got the new amps wired in and they sound great. Yesterday I decided instead of having the amps loosely mounted on the carpet I would mount them to 1/4 MDF board. Here's how it came out.





The only problem I'm having right now is the Corbeau seat brackets and the sheetmetal I used to attach the brackets to the seats. First...I should have test fit the brackets because that's 2 hours I could have used better. The brackets didn't line up with the bolts in the floorboard so I put the original seats back in until yesterday. I also went with a full cap instead of the 1/2 cap I was using with the Fosgate amps. I also decided to give the Corbeau brackets one more try. This time I used my drimmel and made some modifications to the front bracket holes. Now they fit the way they should. Now the final issue I'm having is getting the sheetmetal holes where they need to be. Of course an earthquake yesterday and an impending hurricane make getting this resolved soon unlikely, but I'll work on it in my basement. I was able to fabricate and install anchor points for my 4 point harnesses. I used 1/2" carriage bolts up top and my harnesses came with snap in eyelet bolts for the lap belt. These actually fit perfectly into the factory holes without modification. I hope to have the seat issue resolved, but my backup plan is to modify the sheetmetal to work with the factory rails. I've already modified the pieces for one seat, but I want to see if I can make the Corbeau brackets work first since they seem more sturdy. I did take it for a spin Monday night and it was SWEET!!! More to follow.

[This message has been edited by Charlie64 (edited 08-24-2011).]

exoticse AUG 24, 10:47 PM


Gotta hear about the reactions you got when you took her out !
Charlie64 AUG 25, 11:24 PM
I did have someone as me if it was a Lambo...lol. I did finally get the sheetmetal holes right for the racing seats and Corbeau brackets and got them bolted together. The rails on both seats appears to be working properly, but the true test will be in the car. Hopefully all will go well tomorrow and I'll have the new seats in. I did test fit the brackets after my mods so they actually fit properly over the fl;oor bolts. One way or another I need to move my car before the hurricane gets here. I have a 30' tree next to my driveway and if the winds are high enough...it would fall thru my house...my neighbor's house...or worse...my car!

[This message has been edited by Charlie64 (edited 08-25-2011).]

Charlie64 AUG 26, 10:34 PM
Ok everyone...after much remeasuring, cutting, grinding, assembling, fitting, only to start over again because the measurements were "off"....the leather racing seats are finally installed.







I will say this was the most labor intensive part of the interior upgrade. A word of caution to any of you considering the Corbeau seat brackets...make sure you test fit them first and have a dremmel ready to do some mods to make them fit properly. I just went for a ride in it. Responds great. Corners nicely. I will need to go back to the tire shop and have the balance confirmed. Seems to be a recurring thing with the particular tires I have. I have the same issue with my other car that has the same tires. Takes about three times getting them balanced before they're right.
Charlie64 SEP 01, 11:05 PM
Here's what I've done so far. Been driving my car every day this week since the weather has been so nice. I had to go back to the tire shop last Sunday...got the tires re-balanced...and got pictures with my "pit crew" (Danny, Chris, and John).





I've gotten very positive comments from everyone I've come in contact with. I stopped at McD's a few days ago for lunch and while I was inside several guys were gathered around my car. By the time I came outside they had gone inside. Before I could leave the parking lot one came literally running out to ask me about the car. Later that day on the way home there was a guy in a high end Beemer that slowed down to check out my car...looked my car over...gave me the "NICE" nod of approval and a big

Tomorrow I head to Dave's for a new fuel sending unit, pictures, and planning for future upgrades (i.e. tubular suspension upgrade from Westshore Fabricators (formerly Held Motorsports), stage 3 heads from ZZP, upgrade to GEN5 blower (possibly a twin charge)...that's the short list for the winter). For the most part everyone that's asked how long it took to get my car this way have been very surprized that it all came together this year. Looking forward to making the first "road trip" in it I'll take pictures and video and post them tomorrow night. Archie, gotta work out a time when I can meet up with you for pictures as well.

I've got a few more minor things to do, but nothing that's going to keep me from driving the car and enjoying it. Feels like I'm driving a new car. I've only have 750 miles on it....really...that's what my odometer says! Considering everything that's been done it's darn near a new car.
Charlie64 SEP 03, 02:09 PM
Yesterday I went to see Dave and crew so he could change out my fuel sending unit. I should have taken pictures of the old one he pulled out. Sure didn't look like that before it went down to Loyde's...oh I get it...it sat as one of his yard fixtures for 3 1/2 years before I rescued my car from him. Pretty certain the same gas I put in it back in July 2007 was still in the tank. Anyway, here's a picture of Dave securing the wiring harness for the fuel pump.





No way I could have attempted that without being suspended in air! While I was there we got additional video of Joey's car and Dave's orange car as well as more pictures of Joey's car. I'm working on shortening the videos so I can post them.











Of course it wouldn't be complete without the "Joey" pose!!!


While I was there I met Brian who is also having his Fiero done by Dave. He followed Joey and I in his car while we were doing new video of her car. The look on his face when we got back says it all.



Anyway, my trip up had some interesting events...I got to humble a S63 Mercedes Benz. On the way back I gave a reality check to a C6 Corvette. Looking forward to the upgrades Dave has in mind for me. Until then...I'm going to enjoy driving my car!
Charlie64 SEP 14, 10:48 PM
Hello to all who have been following this project. Over the last few days I've had some minor touch ups done on the paint.











and the end result....





Last Friday night I installed clear turn lenses with amber LEDs. Didn't take the picture until Saturday morning.



This evening when I got home I installed my new Lloyd Mats.



This weekend I'll be working on installing my Kicker 6" component speakers.

A few nights ago I totally OWNED a 370Z. He didn't realize I had more going to my wheels than he had at the crank!