toolman

The passenger side floor pan is being cut off. Note a gap of about 1" is being left around all of the sides. This should provide a much easier time of installing the new floor pan.

Those slotted holes in the front cross member are for an eccentric bolt that provides about one degree of camber adjustment. At the time, I had access to automotive wheel alignment machine so I slotted the hole while checking the camber. Now days, everybody is going to slotted camber plates on the top of the struts. This was done in the mid 70's when only aluminum eccentric camber bushings were available. Good catch!

After cutting open the front rail where there was a small rust spot, this is what I found-more corrosion. So I guess I have also to replace the two front frame rails. close up of corrosion picture of a Datum Line which is used a reference point for frame work. overall view of Datum Line As of now, I planned to install a Chevrolet LS3 crate motor with T56 6speed manual transmission. This motor is rated at 430HP but they now have a updated version of this motor rated at 500HP. I waiting to complete the major bodywork before I order the motor. Chevrolet might have a better choice in the future! Description of LS3 motor

frame rail-rear crossmember to firewall close up view The frame rail extends from rear crossmember to engine firewall. Checking out the front section of frame rail from firewall to core support. Wire brushing the area for close inspection-looking for signs of corrosion. if I decide to go all the way, have to add additional supports from strut towers to bumpers mounts and one between the bumper mounts.

corrosion on old frame rails replacement frame rails using magnets to support frame rail aligning rail rear frame reinforcement I decided to replaced the corroded frame rails with 2 1/2" X 1" X 1/8" steel tubing. These rails will run from the firewall to the rear frame member. They will add additional structural strength to the body. Transmision mounts can easily fabricated by attaching crossmember to them. A 3/16" steel plate was welded to the rear frame to provide a strong location for jack stands.

Bottom view of floor after welding and removal or cleco clips and screws. As far as verdict on using structural adhesive is still pending. It works fine for small metal patches without welding. However, using it on parts that will be welded afterwards, there is some burning and smoke when welding. So although they say you weld after it dries, I think there is contamination of the welding with the smoke. I have not had a chance to test the adhesive by prying a glued portion yet. Will get back on that evaluation.