79 Mustang project U/SA

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by RobbieRacer

I had a little extra time today so I made a little headway. Pulled out the heater and all the related pieces, radio, speakers, and all under dash. insulation.
I have 2 questions. Maybe stupid but I must ask.
The fresh air intake vents. Is it ok just to block them off with sheet metal?
The car has a inside hood release. Is it ok to do away with it and make the hood release from the front grill area? My cable is broken and I can fab a handle release that will work fine.

Robbie, you have to leave the heater controls in the dash ..That is, whatever parts show from the front ;-)
You have to block the cowl vents on the inside.
I don't see a problem with the hood latch being outside, as long as the safety lock apparatus is retained. I doubt anyone would notice actually.

[RobbieRacer]

Cool. Thanks Mark. I have 2 days off next week. Lots to do. It's the first car I've built from the ground up. I'm having a blast!

[Dave Muller]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Robbie, you have to leave the heater controls in the dash ..That is, whatever parts show from the front ;-)
You have to block the cowl vents on the inside.
I don't see a problem with the hood latch being outside, as long as the safety lock apparatus is retained. I doubt anyone would notice actually.

And here I was just about to head out to Apache Junction Sunday to buy the kick panel vent mechanism that I'm missing for the right-hand side. I have the left one already installed, that came with the car. The '66 Malibu is different from later ones where it's integral with the kick panel itself, this is a separate piece with the flapper valve and cable and knob to control it. But if it's not a tech issue if it's just blocked off under the kick panel I think I'll skip it and make a block-off plate.

Rob, I'm glad to see that progress is being made.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Dave Muller

And here I was just about to head out to Apache Junction Sunday to buy the kick panel vent mechanism that I'm missing for the right-hand side. I have the left one already installed, that came with the car. The '66 Malibu is different from later ones where it's integral with the kick panel itself, this is a separate piece with the flapper valve and cable and knob to control it. But if it's not a tech issue if it's just blocked off under the kick panel I think I'll skip it and make a block-off plate.

Rob, I'm glad to see that progress is being made.

Actually you don't need to block it off at all. You'll just get a little "astro ventilation" in the Az. summer. The cowl vents are designed so the water will run out at the bottom of the fender.
You just can't block the cowl vent on top...Called streamlining in the rule book, I believe.

[stocker396]

Yes you dont have to block off the kick panels and you must leave the cowl alone BUT on 1967 and earlier cars heater controls are optional ( you can claim heater delete)

[RobbieRacer]

Glad I could save you some money Dave LOL. And Happy Birthday too!

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

Remove unneeded wiring, all sound deadener, carpet insulation, and anything not needed. You will be surprised what that adds up to. It's all in the details, and adds up quickly. Get the weight off the front so you can put it where you need it in the back. Find an aluminum front bumper.

There is mastic that glues the door skin to the crash bars, so don't just start prying and pulling on it, otherwise you will do a number on the door skin. My 78 Zephyr, the crash bar had to be cut in half to get it out of the doors A cut-off wheel is best, and whatever you do protect/remove the glass or you will be replacing it. The grinding embers will pit the glass.

I second that too. The Fox body cars can quickly lose weight. I came up 120lbs light my first trip to the track, and this driver is way overweight himself.

[RobbieRacer]

Well I have a fantastic news update! I sold my 67 Mustang bracket car so I now have the money to fund this project. That will make life much easier. I will miss the ole girl but it was time. Ten years and lots of fun but I really look forward to Class Racing.

[mopacltd]

Is the '67 staying local, Robbie?

[Mike Graham]

We are almost ready for you. Maverick went 13.28@98.34