--=BIRTH OF A SAND/DESERT CAR, The Exhaust Headers--

Doing The Exhaust Thing!!!! On a chance, I ordered a set of universal weld up headers from Speedway Automotive hoping I could make them fit in the frame. Upon arrival I found an assortment of pre-bent 1 and 5/8 inch tubing, header flanges, gaskets and two 3" collectors. The tubing was of different lengths so it was a puzzle at first how I had to put together and weld up. I finally put all the bent tubing in place But, I found I needed to move my battery box forward for clearance once I figured how it all went together. Also, 3 in. diverter tubes were purchased. It all worked pretty well...

Everything seemed to clear so I tacked it all in place..... I then remounted the battery box....

Once all that was done, I wanted to fire it up. The coolant was added. No leaks!!!! The rearend was filled. Oil and filter for the motor were changed and the trans oil was added.. So far so good. Putting a gallon of gas in the fuel tank, priming the carb I proceeded to fire the motor. It fired right up. Sweet..... I adjusted the timing and looked for any probs.. Oil pressure was good.. Tach worked. I let it run a few minutes, the coolant temp climbed to 140 degrees so I shut it down and rechecked for leaks.... Not bad for a 30 year old motor.... Of course the header exhausts started to get hot. I'll need to put some shielding to keep the heat from frying everything...

Battery and box moved forward about 2 inches. Fuel Filter installed..... I'm going to slap a piece of plywood for the temp floorboard... I'm going to have to run into Vegas for some more aluminum sheetmetal, but the plywood floor will do for now..... Looks like this weekend I'll be test driving it. It seems fitting after 1.5 years of building the car and this Oct 12, 2006 I turned 60 years old, it will be sweet!!!! Plus I'm into my 4th month of recieving my Union Pension and not having to work. Plenty of beer in the fridge, steaks on the barbecue.....Plus the weather has been awesome and in the low 80's. Clear skies, cool nights Ahh, yes..... Life is sweet right now.

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