p1800s- Project Black Widow build thread by Toomanytoys

3 minute(s) of a 30 minute read

Project Update:

Since I STILL don't have a front end (hello Robert??...) and can't move forward with the mechanicals, I decided to start working on the interior. First order was to apply copious amounts of sound deadener. Then I started redoing the back seat/ parcel shelf. The wood was totally dry rotted and someone had covered it with shag carpet and cut holes in the seat for speakers. Needless to say, I had to remake the whole thing and recover it...

Old seat

New wood:

Seat recovered, had to redo the bottom webbing as well:

I decided to retro fit retractable seat belts. Luckily there is a gap between the upholstery panels that allows the belt to go through. I mounted the retractor in the body wall. 

When I painted the car, I didn't realize how much of the interior isn't covered by upholstery. Now I have to paint the A pillars, and window trim areas that will show before I can move on with upholstering. 

On the advice by others on the forum, I've sent my gauges off to North Hollywood Speedo to be reconditioned. Still waiting on an estimate. Seriously considering having the faces painted to match body color, like Porsche does. Still would be "blue". 

Living in Las Vegas, I definitely need AC. I decided to go with a self contained Vintage Air system. This makes installation much easier and will eliminate the large blower in the engine compartment. 

Once the engine is in, I can run the lines through the bulkhead to the condenser, compressor.