53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[big_dan]

Thanks, fellas. They're not too bad to make, plus it frees me up to put the 5.3 exactly where I want and adapt accordingly. The drivers side, other than the steering interference, should actually be easier on the lower side with no starter to dodge so hopefully that'll be in progress soon. Still eye-balling column location to avoid coil packs, e.t.c right now.

More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more progress.

Mocked up the column for header fab. I'll do the firewall later; wanted to get this portion done first. Still have to hang my pedals, but as of now I'm happy with the room I'll have. Looks like I'll be 3/4" minimum from the closest tube, so I'll get started this weekend possibly. More later -

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[joedoh]

looking good!

[big_dan]

Just a quick update but no pics. 3 tunes on the drivers side are mocked up now, so moving forward. It's hard to get motivated when I'm fishing all the time LOL!

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[youngrodder]

Any progress is good progress Dan....Looks good.

Marc

[lv2tri2]

I'm surprised at the room you have for the column.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by lv2tri2

I'm surprised at the room you have for the column.

Why is that?

Dan

[joedoh]

lv2tri2 comment made me look again haha.

do you have a double u joint at the bottom? if not you wont need that heim support.

[big_dan]

It's just a standard u-joint top and bottom, but I'll probably use the heim joint just for insurance. Forecast is rain rain rain for the weekend so maybe we'll finish the rough fab on the headers.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

Played around with the DS header a bit this weekend in the rain. Back 3 tubes are fitted up, but still ciphering on the front tube. My initial plan was to have that front tube go around the steering shaft, but I'm not sure that's the way I want to go. Might just add a u-joint and heim and go with it.

More later -

Dan

[reaper71]

Dan, I noticed from this pic. your oil pan sits lower than the lower control arm.




Mark

[big_dan]

Yes it does, a little. Plan is to run a skid plate of some sort. Its still almost 6" off the ground, so I'm not too worried.

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more progress. I didn't like swinging the front DS tube around the steering column, so I picked up another U-joint and re-routed a bit. Plenty of room for the front tube now, so I've been tinkering around on the mill making a bracket for a HEIM joint. Should finish it up soon then on to the next item . . . .

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

Now that is a strong steering bracket!! I like it.

[big_dan]

A little more progress on the bracket for the heim joint. Might change it later, just seeing what works. I'll still have to figure out a good method of bolting it in if I go this way also.

More later -

Dan

[slammed57]

looks good, where did you get that mounting bracket... looks pretty stout

[big_dan]

Still playing around with the heim bracket for the column. I didn't like the first one, so whittled up a second. I probably way overdid it, but that tends to happen. Have to drill and tap for mounting bolts, then moving on to the next part of the project.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[youngrodder]

Looks perfectly executed from here.....Nice work

Marc

[8man]

Looks good. Much nicer than the piece of steel I bent up to do the same thing.

[dsraven]

Looks good. Is that billet steel? How much does it weigh?€

[big_dan]

Thanks, guys. I started with a piece of 1-1/2" mild steel plate and went from there. I'd guess a pound or so.

Thanks for looking-

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more drilling, tapping and it's done for now. Back to the headers . . .

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

Ok, so after tinkering around the last few months here and there the headers are mocked up, steering mocked up, moving on. Thinking I may go ahead and run the exhaust on out, but not sure. Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

Last few couple of pics before moving on to the next step.

More later -

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

Impressive, homemade headers