Post SEMA update ...

It's been too long since I've updated what's going on --- and while it's been a bit slower than I had planned, there is progress to share.

As (possibly) a "temporary" help to the build, I ordered up and received a portable hydraulic scissors lift to replace the chassis dolly.  The scissors lift will allow me to adjust the height of the chassis ... making it easier for me to work on various areas including the underside of the chassis WITHOUT putting too much stress on my poor old knees. 

Hydraulic scissors jack will help make the build go easier ...

I've finished installation of the rear axle, rear suspension (3-link), Koni coil-over shocks and rear disc brakes (13 inch), and fuel tank.

Great big 13-inch "stoppers"!

Front suspension (tubular upper control arms, 13 inch disc brakes and Koni coil-overs) installation is in process and should be completed in a day or so.

Front suspension in process

We (Carol & I) also spent a lot of time sorting out colors - esp for powder coating of the aluminum panels that'll be visible in the engine compartment - firewall, footboxes, and etc.  The chassis is powder coated "silver" and we wanted something compatible.  We ended up picking "sparkle silver" and it can be seen in the "F-panels" behind the front suspension in photo just above.  We think it'll look GREAT! Most all of the other aluminum panels will be covered with carpet .... so no powder coat for them.

Lots of planning (and "thinking out") of some modifications is also underway.  Planned is a heater and a glove-box (nope - the kit doesn't come with either) - which means the firewall will need to be be moved forward a couple of inches ... which means the drivers-side "footbox" aluminum panels need to be changed, and so on ...... (the "ripple effect" is alive and well)

And using some custom made panels, I'm planning to enlarge the passenger-side footbox to give Carol some additional room.  Carol & I are visiting a local custom shop tomorrow to have them get started on fabrication of the new aluminum panels.

The local custom shop (SKJ Customs) built a couple of FFR cars (a Cobra roaster and a GTM ... you'll need to look it up - LOL) that were in the SEMA show this year and last year.  They do great work and are a great bunch of guys.  I'm so pleased they are so local to me and have been very very helpful and friendly thus far.

Roadster built for SEMA last year by SKJ Customs ....

 Speaking of SEMA - which was last week in Las Vegas, I took a week off to go to the show, which is by far the largest car and car parts convention/show in the country.  4 days of walking exhibits and looking at cars, and parts, and related stuff.  It's almost impossible to see everything .... literally one "over-the-top" car after another, and more cool car stuff than can be imagined!!

And as a special treat - and build inspiration - the ORIGINAL Carol Shelby Cobra prototype  .... the car that started it all .... was one display in the Ford booth at SEMA!

Car that started it all ...

Wear and tear  .... aka "patina" on a car like this

And the original "DagonSnake" Cobra drag car from back in the day was in another display.

Oh yeah - just before SEMA, I picked up a "donor" Mustang that I'm gonna pull the engine and trans out of for the roadster - a semi-running (LOL) 1989 Mustang GT convertible, 5 liter V8 & 5-speed trans, with about 80,000 miles (if you believe what the odometer says --- and I don't).  The engine will be gone through and cleaned up, "warmed up" with a stronger cam, new better breathing heads, and an after market fuel injection unit. 

I'm targeting for the 325 - 350 hp range which should be plenty for a 2,200 lb car!!

Ready to have it's "heart" removed .....

Hopefully we'll get the engine and trans out this weekend and I can then sell of the rest of the carcass (interior, rear axle, dash, instruments, etc etc) and recoup some of the $700 purchase price (if I'm lucky)

So that's it for now.   More later ......