The Dynamat is being laid out in the interior for sound and heat dampening. The Ron Davis Racing four core aluminum radiator and powder coated gas tank arrived today. AC system had been installed.
The original 1968 Olds 4-4-2 gauges were 3.5” in diameter and we noticed that the outside areas of the dash mount for the gauges were 5.25” in diameter. That immediately brought up the thought on if we could actually put 5.25” Auto Meter gauges on. We did a test fit and the answer was “YES!”
We did have an issue with the speedometer. The cable from the gauge to the tranny would not fit. There just was no room for it to connect properly. After some thought, Rick contact Auto Meter and they had a GPS kit for this meter. We got that in and installed it. My speed is calculated by GPS – now that’s slick!
In addition to the Ron Davis Racing four core radiator, a billet overflow tank was installed and the aluminum driveshaft was installed.
We also had to get custom fittings for the Classic Air AC at the compressor, since the ones that came with the kit stuck up too much and would hit the hood. Additional rust proofing was done inside the doors (4-4-2s are notorious for getting rust in the doors, thus rusting thought at the seams).
My speed is calculated by GPS – now that’s slick!
Finally, the exhaust system is being fabricated and will be installed to the exhaust manifold once it arrives.
John sent me more updates in December 2011:
“Refinishing the plastic portion of dash for painting by Freddie, Dash with rebuilt and modified center vent installed, Rick custom made all A/C lines and heater hoses, and installed both in engine bay and under dash.
“Rick ended up using the fittings from a Mustang on the A/C compressor so that the hoses laid in the correct direction and the pump is clocked correctly. He trial fit the ram air hoses from the air cleaner and under the hoses and all now fits.
“Rick did some temporary wiring to monitor the RPM’s, oil pressure and water temp when he runs motor for first time. Bryan will be doing final wiring under dash for all gauges and switches with Painless harness and incorporating into his wiring loom with your electronics. It won’t look like an after-thought when finished. He is VERY picky like Rick so it will look great too.
“Rick finished the lower plastic section of the dash. It will now get a coat of special paint by Sem Paint. It replicates the original factory texture look of the dash. Bryan will have a “clean canvas” from which to cut out for the electronics, A/C switches, and push to start button. Refinishing the glove box lid was started today and should be finished tomorrow. Eventually, Freddie will paint the plastic sections of the dash to match and/or contrast the leathers used in the interior build. The dash pad will be covered in leather.
“Started the process of installing the Painless Wiring Harness. Rick mounted the main fuse block under the dash driver’s side and the back side can be seen on the engine side of the firewall. A huge plug with all the wires servicing the engine bay will eventually be plugged into this block.
“Rick resumed the installation of the Dynamat Extreme sound and heat material on the cabin floor.
“The exhaust was rescheduled because they were swamped. It will take place after Christmas. It will take a day at their shop to complete the new exhaust system work.
“It is the gas pedal that is not yet installed. It is a separate part unlike what is called the “pedal assembly” which always includes only the brake and clutch pedal. Those two pedals both use the same shaft to pivot on and it is this shaft which Rick had to make the new bushing which is not reproduced. The clutch pedal and associated assembly is completely installed and working. We are only waiting on the chrome master cylinder which should be in this week to finish off the brakes. Everything else on the brakes is done with that exception. The master cylinder was back ordered and I called them last week and they said they would be shipping out on Monday. I expect the gas pedal will be in soon. Rick will have to fabricate the linkage at the engine for the carburetor to the gas pedal arm. Nothing is bolt together and go. He will figure it out. This is one fabrication that he seems to do a lot of when building these cars.”