My new ride

First I wanted a Datsun Roadster like this

These are the original Z cars built in the 60's until 1970.  I can get one of these for under $10K.  The problem is that they are 40+ years old and the ones I looked at need as much work as the Bronco.  One project at a time.

Then I realized that a modern car is needed for a daily driver.

So I next looked at the Ford Raptor like this

In fact - I drove this very one.  LOVED IT.  I just couldn't get the dealership to agree to the price I wanted to pay.  These beasts are very cool, but the gas prices are driving the buyers away.  The dealer saw it otherwise.  I shopped around the country and found a few others for the price I wanted, but either the travel or the shipping would put it back above what I wanted to shell out.

And I am already building a loud, gas guzzling, 4x4.  Don't need 2.

The wife saw this Volvo P1800 at a local vintage car dealer

And although it is very cool in a James Bond kind of way - it's the 40 year old daily driver syndrome again.  Perhaps as my next project when the Bronco is done.

I settled on this 2010 Audi A4 Quattro

4 cylinder 2.0L Turbo.  Practicality won out, but I did it with style.  6 speed manual transmission and a whole lot of torque.

March started with a bang

Really - I crashed my Acura and it has been deemed totaled.

Really?  I had this car for 10 years, and it was always fun to dream of something else, but reality sucks that I have to actually do it.  So manyy option.

Started working on the wiring harness - and put the full dash together.

And then -

Body, meet frame.  And the two were one!!

See my cool aluminum slots there?  I got to get them polished up.

February was spent installing the twin stick setup for the transfer case, installing the hydroboost brake system and power steering.  Much time spent getting the ps pump pulley lined up with the crankshaft, new bracket later and many shims and success.

Before I forget - somewhere in there I reworked the pedal assembly and figured out the master cylinder hookup for the hydraulic clutch.  Rebuilt the heater box, and passenger side air vent and a bunch of other stuff I don't remember because too much time has gone by.

Let's get up to date

Most of January was spent installing the 5 speed NV3550 transmission.  This included some modification to the bell housing.  So it goes 351W engine, Ford Bellhousing, adaptor, Jeep transmission, adaptor, Ford Dana 20 transfer case.

Got both front and rear driveshafts rebuilt and painted by a local shop.

Now I created a new problem - that being that the mechanical clutch assembly doesn't clear the header pipes.

Look at that crazy angle.  No amount of shimming or reseat of the engine mounts or twisting of the engine would make this go away.  

So after much research, I chose to convert to a hydraulic setup.  Which is probably better anyway considering the 11 finger clutch pressure plate that is in there now.  I had to bring my budding welding skills to the forefront and design/build a bracket for the slave cylinder.  Success!!!

????

No I am not dead - just lazy