new Del Rio project

[billd5string]

I got the cluch master cylinder installed today and the pedal works great. Of course, it is only hooked up to a slave cylinder, but I'll take a little success where I can.

[terry_208]

It looks good but is there room to attach the brake lines to the mc?  This hydraulic clutch idea is starting to appeal to me.

[billd5string]

It looks good but is there room to attach the brake lines to the mc?  This hydraulic clutch idea is starting to appeal to me.

I was getting a bit worried about that also after I had both mounted, and if the rear line had to do a sharp right angle, I think it would be too tight of a bend. However, I think I can just put a shallow bend, maybe 30 degrees and the brake line should go right under the clutch unit. I hope to start on that soon.

[billd5string]

I ran the lines to the prop valve, it worked out fine.

[billd5string]

I also bought a speedo panel from a junk car, removed the factory stuff, cut a piece of steel to creat a blank and attached it to the panel. I painted it white to see how it would look, but I am not sure I will leave it that way. I also made a blank panel for the radio/clock/heater control opening. I suspect I will be redoing that but at least it gave me an idea of how that might look.

[hiball3985]

Curious, what is the piece next to the prop valve that looks like it has a brake light switch attached?

[billd5string]

Curious, what is the piece next to the prop valve that looks like it has a brake light switch attached?

That's all, just a brake light switch. I put it after the line lock so the brake lights would still be on whether the brakes were on normally or on because of the line lock.

[hiball3985]

That's all, just a brake light switch. I put it after the line lock so the brake lights would still be on whether the brakes were on normally or on because of the line lock.

OK, thanks, I've never used a line lock so I had no idea what it was. That was the piece I was questioning..

[billd5string]

OK, thanks, I've never used a line lock so I had no idea what it was. That was the piece I was questioning..

I got the idea from a picture that gasman826 posted. I hadn't done one before but figured with a big block and a manual transmission, this might be a good place to start. And what better time than before I have made all new brake lines.

[billd5string]

My first attempt to attach a steel panel to the factory panel by using JB Weld, didn't work. So I sanded it all off, made a new gauge panel and tried again. For attempt number two, I am bolting the panel to the stock cluster. I have a speedometer already, so that gives an idea of how it will look.

I also got all my brake lines finally all made and installed for the front. Still have the back to do, so I can't bleed the fronts yet but at least I am much closer.

[gasman826]

Dash looks good!  Keep at it, you'll get it.

One of my old dash layouts.

[billd5string]

Dash looks good!  Keep at it, you'll get it.

One of my old dash layouts.

I saw a photo of your old layout, that was my inspiration to try it myself. 

This is where it is at now. I think it will stay like that until I actually buy gauges and start wiring.

[billd5string]

I have been working on my engine, and got the new cam, timing set and oil pump installed. I checked the rod bearings, and they are clearly brand new and still oiled up from when the motor was assembled at a machine shop sometime in the past.  I was happy to see that the cam and timing gear I pulled out were also brand new and never ran, but since I don't know what the cam was, I had already bought a new high energy cam from comp and the timing set to go with it.

Anyway, so now that is all done, the front cover and oil pan are all back on and I installed the heads also. Now I just need to save up some more money to finish it off.

[billd5string]

I also have been working on my seat base. I replaced the springs and am hoping to start making new upholstery in the next few weeks. But maybe putting it in the car was a little premature.     

[billd5string]

I reupholstered my seat, got it all back together with new springs, foam, vinyl. It was so far gone when I got the car, I never noticed the seat backs don't line up... until I got it all done and completely assembled for the first time.

Even still, it is the first time I have reupholstered a seat from scratch, I am going to want to do that again. Interesting project.