[Hammertime Mike]

Originally Posted by triathlonx13

Mike - Do you think you can make the hole in the firewall any BIGGER !!

Just look at the weight savings on the front end !! Got any aluminum?

[triathlonx13]

Originally Posted by Hammertime Mike

Just look at the weight savings on the front end !! Got any aluminum?

No gotz on the aluminum... But that might be the route to take.

OR... Go with 1/16" clear Lexan... for the "fish bowl look" - That way you can see header leaks while driving your Aero Back Coupe!!!

Geeeeze with all this work being done... making Michelle's old pile look NAKED ~ Raw Dog of-course

Can't wait to see your new ride in motion!

[Hammertime Mike]

I've been working on putting the fuel cell in the trunk. I had to take out the rear seat bracing so that I could fit the fuel cell in the trunk. I'll be putting the bracing back in for the rear seat. I ran into a clearance issue with the trunk hinges. They're nothing like a regular g-body or a-body for that matter . More like a hatchback that uses hydraulic hinges. Add a C shaped bracket that swings into the open trunk area. Here's a photo of that bracket. Fortunately I had enough room to set the fuel cell that I already bought in the trunk. I'm glad that I didn't have to buy another one.

[triathlonx13]

Originally Posted by Hammertime Mike

I've been working on putting the fuel cell in the trunk. I had to take out the rear seat bracing so that I could fit the fuel cell in the trunk. I'll be putting the bracing back in for the rear seat. I ran into a clearance issue with the trunk hinges. They're nothing like a regular g-body or a-body for that matter . More like a hatchback that uses hydraulic hinges. Add a C shaped bracket that swings into the open trunk area. Here's a photo of that bracket. Fortunately I had enough room to set the fuel cell that I already bought in the trunk. I'm glad that I didn't have to buy another one.

Always nice when things work out ! Can you access the fill hole ?

[Hammertime Mike]

Originally Posted by triathlonx13

Always nice when things work out ! Can you access the fill hole ?

I hope I can !! I put the trunk lid on to get a better look and it appears that there will be enough access for a hose nozzle. This will be a pump gas car. I'm also planning on putting the battery in the trunk. I can just sqeeze one in through the decklid opening around the fuel cell.

[Hammertime Mike]

I've got my manual brake system on the car now. I used a Power Master powerbooster adapter plate. This info I found on a thread right here for the part #. I did have to add metal to the top of the plate to completely cover the firewall hole. Bought new a mid 80's master cylinder at A.A. and used a brake pedal rod w/ the metal cup from junkyard mid 80's S-10. I did have to shorten the rod.

[Hammertime Mike]

The 86 Aero Coupe's brake petal did have the extra hole for manual brakes. Unfortunately the M.P. adapter is designed to use the power brake position. Hooked up a line lock solenoid and put in the steering column. Now I can move the car around a little easier.

[Hammertime Mike]

Once I figured out where the final placement of the fuel cell was, I'd know what I had to do to attach it and have it pass a tech inspection. After pricing fuel cell straps along with shipping cost I decided on buying one inch flat stock at the Tractor Supply. Two 48 inch long flat stock cost about $15- saving me at least $30-.I got lucky as one of the original gas tank braces lined up with one of my straps. I welded 4"X5" 1/8" thick steel to the other gas tank brace to line up for the other strap. 3/8 grade 5 bolts were used.

[triathlonx13]

Originally Posted by Hammertime Mike

Once I figured out where the final placement of the fuel cell was, I'd know what I had to do to attach it and have it pass a tech inspection. After pricing fuel cell straps along with shipping cost I decided on buying one inch flat stock at the Tractor Supply. Two 48 inch long flat stock cost about $15- saving me at least $30-.I got lucky as one of the original gas tank braces lined up with one of my straps. I welded 4"X5" 1/8" thick steel to the other gas tank brace to line up for the other strap. 3/8 grade 5 bolts were used.

Real good deal on fab'n your own custom stuff - safe $$ and do it correct for your appllication!