HHR LS Swap Rat Rod
#371
Decided I would rather have my battery box made of steel. So I fabbed that up this morning. Drilled about (15) 1/4" holes into the back for vents. Also went ahead and notched the floor where the upper 3 link mount is. It comes a little closer than I'd like, so I gave it an extra 2.5" of clearance. Then I was able to cut all my wood for the floors and install it. Battery is ready to install, gonna let the paint dry overnight before I start banging things against it. I think it's turning out pretty nice. I need to go get some trim, and some clear, should be able to finish the floors up. Also need to trim a couple interior panels and get them installed. That should take care of the interior.
#373
Made some progress today in between rain showers. Got my wiper motor/transmission assembly installed. Had to move everything about 10" towards the passenger side to clear my electrical box. Just going to run a single wiper. It swipes to about 3" from the a pillar, so should be plenty. I'm gonna run a 2" longer wiper blade, will bring it to about 2" from the top of the windshield. Got everything braced and bolted up, it's solid.
Also finished welding the intake, and got all the braces welded up and bolted. I didn't want any pressure on the carb body, so the bracing holds the weight. I'll pull everything off tomorrow and paint.
Also finished welding the intake, and got all the braces welded up and bolted. I didn't want any pressure on the carb body, so the bracing holds the weight. I'll pull everything off tomorrow and paint.
#375
Thanks 2Many!! I thought it was a pretty cool idea Got a guy I'm trying to convince to do some airbrush work on it. Painting it all white right now. Hoping for and orange mouth/teeth, maybe a couple accents along the fins, we'll see. I'l post some pictures once it' painted.
#376
Put the first mile on the HHR today Got up to about 40mph, thats about when the car had shifted into 3rd. Dont have any tags, so i didnt want to go too far, but the car felt good. Drive straight and didnt wobble. Shifts seemed pretty firm. I need to get the exhaust welded up, but im happy with today.
#378
Made a few more test runs today. The shifts were a little later than I would like. Ended up cutting my bracket, and adding length back to it. Then adjusted my mount to get the right geometry. It shifts perfect now. Car feels great. Can't wait to get some tags and pit a few miles on it.
#379
Got the cover made for my electrical box. Didn't have peice of sheet metal big enough, so I took some scraps and did a little patch work. I think it turned out pretty cool looking. I'll throw some white paint on it and call the top done. Still need to make a rubber gasket to help seal off where the wire loom enters.