ONE STEP FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK

Mr. T and I got the Walden hubs installed today, which means the front suspension is just about 100% buttoned up. They're very nice hubs and will allow for the big Buick brakes with the 45-fin drums. So there's our one step forward.

We then turned to the rear suspension and came to the realization that the rear ladders aren't going to work, given the lower ride height and my desire to have all of my 6'5"frame riding down in the car rather than on it. So it was one step back. Looks like we're gonna have to go with a four link. We realized we may have to modify the rails to get me comfortably down into the driver's seat area. Sometimes being a 6'5" Sasquatch really sucks. Of course, I'd rather know that now and make the proper adjustments now to fit comfortably in the car. Will post more as the new plan unfolds.

WALDEN'S, HOME OF JAKE JACOBS

Melinda, Bobby and their lovely little future rodder.

Called Walden's Speed Shop today and spoke with Melinda regarding the Buick adaptor hubs made by her husband, Bobby. You'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer person in the hobby. The hubs were in stock, but they were waiting for bearings. The hubs will be on their way here by middle of next week, which means all of the front end parts will be on hand to complete the front suspension using my big, aluminum Buick drums. So just days from now the front suspension will be able to support the weight of the drivetrain. Next, Mr T. will be moving on to the rear ladder bar suspension, using the parts we ordered from Pete and Jakes. Proving it really is a small world, Jake Jacobs, of Pete and Jakes firm, is a member of Walden's crew and has a line of parts under the Jitney by Jake moniker. One of which is an old school alternator bracket for small block Chevys that might come in handy once we're ready to get the engine accessories in place.

FRAME NOTCHING FOR CLEARANCE

Yesterday and today, Mr. T notched the front frame for clearance. Progress!

CENTER CONSOLE REFERENCE

In thinking about the roadster's interior, I like the idea of separating the driver and passenger seats with a waterfall-style center console dropping down from the rear package tray. 

This first shot is from Aaron Grote's Lunar Lander.

This shot is a Tom Culbertson built interior. Very cool. 

This is a close up of "El Tiki's" center console.

I'm very impressed by this set-up. I hope to do something similar, but equally unique.

Here's a concept drawing of Nick Garfias' 29 coupe interior.

VINTAGE SPEAKER CLOTH

I had an epiphany today when thinking about incorporating a stereo/MP3 system into the roadster. Wouldn't it be cool to use vintage speaker cloth material in the interior? Actually, I think this stuff is so cool it could even be used as door panel material. Fender Turquoise White Silver Grill cloth.

PEDAL ASSEMBLY

Well, I've sold off the pedal assembly I'd purchased from Pete & Jakes and I'm planning on using this set-up instead, which has just been created by Eric Peratt and his team of fabricators at Pinkee's.

VALVE COVERS

Granted, I already have a pair of Cal Custom finned valve covers for my 327 but I must confess, PML makes some very tasty valve covers.