Re: My 56 build
 

My firewall clearance is about 3” and I have 7” of clearance between the dampener and core support. My firewall/blister is completely custom so it will be different from stock.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks.

We don't want a dog house in Kevin's build, so trying to avoid that.

Re: My 56 build
 

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I’ve been putting off a lot of home projects since I started my truck. I have most of them done now. So back to the truck! Fuel pump is mounted in the tank. Had to modify the pump height and the fuel level arm to work with my tank.

Re: My 56 build
 

I spent a whole weekend installing new door seals and setting latch strikers. Wow was that fun :lol: Lots of adjusting and it turned out pretty good! The custom latch setup appears to work well. So... I’ve decided to move on to the interior. Here’s a shot of the drivers door card and kick panel. Not sure yet if fiberglass is in my future... maybe. Also a sketch I did for ideas.

Re: My 56 build
 

So I used some MDF and made door handles. So far it looks pretty good. Just needs some filler to finish them. The auxiliary door pulls from the corvette should blend nicely.

Re: My 56 build
 

Impressive work, Jason!

I hope you don't mind if I make a few comments. Shouldn't you put some sort of screen across the louvers in the electronics box to ward off water getting in there if you drive through a puddle? The electronics box is a smart idea and wonder if you could put the electronics on a sort of shelf on drawer slides so you can pull it out when you want to service something in there.

Last, too late now but did you consider the old wheel barrow trick instead of all the metal work on your firewall? It really came out great but I imagine that was a LOT of work a wheel barrow donor would have avoided. But again, all nice work! Can't wait to see this build finished.

Re: My 56 build
 

love it! props on your patients and attention to detail.

Re: My 56 build
 

Times 2 on that. Very nice detailed work. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

I’ll see if it’s a problem when I start running it. :lol: I directed all the louvers away from directional tire spray, but who knows. I’m not worried about any of the electronics in there because everything is water resistant and factory mounted in similar locations/conditions

Last, too late now but did you consider the old wheel barrow trick instead of all the metal work on your firewall? It really came out great but I imagine that was a LOT of work a wheel barrow donor would have avoided. But again, all nice work! Can't wait to see this build finished.[/QUOTE]

I actually bought a wheelbarrow and moved it around mr garage for a year. When it came time to make the blister... I didn’t like the shape. So I grabbed the hammer.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks guys!

Re: My 56 build
 

Very nice build you have going on here. Very nice detailed work.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks Bam! I can’t wait to see yours finished.

Re: My 56 build
 

I cut a piece of 14 gauge to install in the handle. This is what will be anchored to the door with a bolt after I weld a tab to the door.

The Handles have evolved into their rough shape. After many days whittling away I realized I could mirror the door handle shape to the window shape. This is where I ended up. Not much body work needed. Just a small amount near the bottom. The button on the side is the exit button and the lower black insert is the manual release for the C6 door latch.

Re: My 56 build
 

Nice job Jason! I send you a plane ticket to help me finish mine.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks John, I like how they are turning out so far. I’m putting filler on them today to finish them up.

Careful what you wish for, I may take you up on that offer:lol: remember it’s still freezing up here.

Re: My 56 build
 

I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve slowly been purchasing one piece at a time. The fuel system is complete, except the fpcm (fuel pump control module) plug. I still have to track one of those down. It’s been lots of research and ordering plugs. All the harness is worked out and the connectors are installed. No splices anywhere between the computer and the sensors. All continuous wires from the ecu to sensors. Next to make a battery mount, reprogram the ecu and try to start it.

I also have the power steering pump installed with the new belt. Only need a reservoir and hoses. Have to get my hydroboost first.

Re: My 56 build
 

I ordered a new cowl panel without vents. Figured that would be easier than modifying the original. Looks like I’m going to modify the original. Uhhhh WRONG! The aftermarket panel isn’t even close to fitting so I’ll be welding small panels where the vents are. The aftermarket is flat and the original has a crown in the center. You can see in the last picture. That gap exists at both ends! I also got my tailgate hinges, so I’ll be installing those as well.

Re: My 56 build
 

Jason, I bought that same cowl panel. Mine fit pretty good. I would call who you got it from and see if you can swap it out or get a refund. Before that I took my original and did what you are doing. from my experience cut only one set of vents out and then fill that patch area. then move on to the next set of vents... be very careful because the whole cowl warps VERY easy...After I did mine it had only slight warpage , (but still very usable) I still went with the after market just because it fit pretty good . hope this helps

Re: My 56 build
 

I had to shape mine a little to get it to sit down right. I kept applying pressure on a table until it was close. It took a while but it fit.

Re: My 56 build
 

You have to massage them over your knee to get the right shape

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks for the advice. I decided to try and see if I could get the cowl to fit. A little massaging over my knee was all it took. Fits great now. Don’t know why I would expect anything less from an aftermarket part :lol:

I also mounted my gate hinges. They turned out nice and operate well.

Re: My 56 build
 

I also started the battery mount. I plan on mounting it on the frame under the passenger seat. The 1x3 channel will be welded to the frame with all thread welded to it where the bolts are. The tray will bolt up to it from the bottom.

I also am working on wiring the electric C6 door handles. I had to join a corvette forum to get the wiring schematics. They were very helpful. Think I have everything coming this week to get it done. Next is to buy my hp tuners software and run enough exhaust to install o2 sensors. Then I may be able to finally start it :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

Finished the battery mount. I welded 3/8” bolts to the upper bracket. Then welded that bracket to the frame. Works great. I’m going to make a rock guard for the front. Also mounted a remote battery terminal in the right front inner fender. This will make power/charging access easier. Had to order one short battery cable and a new ground strap. Also ordered my hp tuners software today. Thanks to 87chevy.com I now have a fuel pump control module plug. We met on eBay.:lol: So I will soon have power and the tuner program to start this thing :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

That's nicely tucked away, and I like that inner fender pass-thru. Did/will you add a provision for unhooking the negative cable from the battery? I am just wondering about those times when you are doing some servicing that requires disconnecting the battery.

Re: My 56 build
 

Good call. I hadn’t really thought about that. I was going to run the negative cable to the same point as the ground strap by the exhaust. Now thinking of running it to the outside of the frame so I can access it from the front fender. Thanks!

Re: My 56 build
 

I had a starter go out on me once, parked inside a building, it was shorting and ready to catch fire by the time I got the hood open and the battery disconnected.

Re: My 56 build
 

I was told by a couple of friends to hide the battery but have decided to keep it in the stock location on the 57 I am doing. I like easy access to the battery. I am sure your engine compartment will look neater. Just my preference. Looking good. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

that is very cool. You did a great job

Re: My 56 build
 

So this is what I did for my battery connection. This way the main negative that will be accessible from the passenger fender. I welded in 3/8” flange nut and found the lead lugs to anchor it. This wii also give me a convenient way to jumpstart or use a charger

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks! :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

So I now have the battery mounted and power running to the ECM . I bought hp tuners and had to buy a laptop as well. I’ve managed to download the current ECM. Now I can eliminate the vats (vehicle anti-theft system). I’m pushing to get the engine running. I ran new exhaust to the back of the cab and welded in new O2 sensor bungs. Oil cooler block off plate should be in Monday. Hopefully it will be running soon!

Re: My 56 build
 

awesome skills, I was just wondering how do you remove the battery, do you just drop it down?

Re: My 56 build
 

Correct... I've been using my floor jack to lift it up. I plan on running an optima battery in the end.

Re: My 56 build
 

Here’s a link to a video update of everything I’ve done recently. So many little things that pictures don’t explain.

https://youtu.be/0KdXqZVqmmo

Re: My 56 build
 

Here’s a few shots of my cold air intake. I may build a cold air box in the corner where the filter is. Second picture was taken before the MAF sensor adapter was welded on. It is now:lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

This video is the important one! It runs! Apparently I’ve wired everything correctly and figured out hp tuners:metal:

https://youtu.be/FUN8dFuc8Z4

Re: My 56 build
 

very impressive, thanks for the update

Re: My 56 build
 

Update time! I’ve obtained a radiator. The lower outlet had to be clocked at an angle so I cut it off and had it rewelded. Now it will clear the power steering pump.

Re: My 56 build
 

Now that it runs I’ve cleaned up some of the wiring harness.

Re: My 56 build
 

Now it’s time to stop this thing! Installed the rear disc brake conversion. Also obtained front hoses and mounted them. I think the guys at my local part store see me coming in the front door and they go and hide! I never have easy things to find :lol: like I need an 18” brake hose for this caliper. There cool!