Builds Won a '74 40 on a coin toss...

[ginmtb]

I am so glad somebody invented LED lighting!

I have found the bulb - now the question is, standard or LED? I can pickup the bulb it appears at Napa right away or I can go with the LED replacement for not much more and just need to wait a few days...

Here is the thread I found: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/interior-mini-lamp-for-the-lights-switch.22100/

 

[Racer65]

See my previous post. You gotta do LED. I don't remember the bulbs anymore, but I think I got the info from this thread.

 

[ginmtb]

See my previous post. You gotta do LED. I don't remember the bulbs anymore, but I think I got the info from this thread.

Okay, just ordered the LED. Bought one extra for the halibut. Didn't change shipping. $5.97. Thanks for the tip!

 

[ginmtb]

View attachment 950166 I am so glad somebody invented LED lighting!

Don't forget the dash pad and foot well lighting while you're at it.

Crap didn't see this - I'll see if I can add to my order...

 

[nitroid13]

How much did that el wire cost ya? Cuz I did mine with just a 20 buck led strip from o'reilys and it turned out great. I know it doesn't look quite as good as the el wire. It's a great low-buck fix and very easy to install. They also dim and no mods with mine.

 

[ginmtb]

$21.38 shipped to my door. So about the same. Oh and I bought a roll of tape to secure it up so add a little more. It fully dims as well. The beauty of it is the uniformity of light. Looks like modern day vehicle lighting. Plus you can get it in crazy colors if you want.

Probably the only issue with this system is the high pitched whine that is inherent in EL wiring setups. With the car off it is clearly audible. However with the car on fortunately these are so loud you can't hear it. Then turn on the tunes and the sound is definitely gone. It doesn't happen often that you have your lights on without the car on so the sound shouldn't be an issue.

 

[ginmtb]

Okay got the light switch bulb replaced and the dash/knob light replaced. Getting the light switch bulb back in wasn't easy as I couldn't seem to push and turn it. But it finally stuck and now I have an illuminated switch! Yes a little victory.

The dash light worked but wasn't very bright. The LED is really bright plus I cleaned up the green lens. Unfortunately the bulb for the pedal area was too big so I'll have to get another bulb for that. Anyone know the correct LED for that? The original bulb was the same size as the one in the dash above, but the LED was too thick to fit in the housing plus had a different style retainer.

 

[ginmtb]

Okay did a little more work this weekend but lost some time in helping my buddy drop his tranny (literally unfortunately) of his corvette.

Replaced the master brake cylinder and bled the brakes. Brakes definitely are better.

Got a skim coat of filler on the back quarter panel too.

 

[ginmtb]

Still need to sand big time.

 

[ginmtb]

Okay I can share this now that it has been posted elsewhere. I've been testing out a new brake booster. Works well and has the same specs as the original. Looks nice too!

Oh and installed new master cylinder too! Desmog and new carb/dizzy is next!

 

[ducktapeguy]

Okay went over to my buddy's and we made the trek to his dad's shop. Got a new exhaust installed and welded up the cb antenna holes! Really happy about that! Looking forward to finishing up that passenger side rear quarter panel and ready to hit it up with paint!
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How much did the exhaust cost? Is it 2" or 2 1/2"? Looking to get one made for mine. You've done more work since you've got your cruiser an I have in the last 10 years of owning mine. You did inspire me to finally finishing some long overdue maintenance on mine

 

[ginmtb]

Well since he is a good friend of mine he charged me nothing. His dad just does odd jobs to keep him out of trouble In retirement.

He had a used muffler in good shape so used that. I think the pipe is 2" or even 2.25". I had 2.5" in there but he didn't have any laying around apparently.

I had bought a thrush turbo muffler for $25 from oreilly and was going to use that but didn't in the end. I kinda wish I did just to have new but it is designed for 2.5" pipe so that would've delayed things.

 

[ginmtb]

Well was hoping to do the new carb/dizzy/desmog this weekend but timing just won't let it happen. So I did prime the rear passenger side quarter panel so it's now ready for paint.

Going to have to put the top on soon, weather is starting to turn...

 

[ginmtb]

Just doing some miscellaneous stuff. Of course when I'm ready to rattle can the weather goes cold on me... Oh and learned the hard way that primer doesn't like gasoline. Needed a little work anyhow so I'll re-prime. Otherwise everything is primed and ready for paint!

 

[ginmtb]

Had a free day before the Thanksgiving break so decided to do some fun stuff - paint!

The passenger side read quarter panel needed re-priming so I did that and decided to put a coat of red over it since it was all masked off. As they say it looks good from 10'. Definitely a little rough with some sand marks visible but most gets covered by the tire carrier.

The other accoutrements turned out nicely - the license plate holder is going to be good once assembled. Bumperettes look good too with a fresh coat of paint. And air cleaner is all set now for my desmog whenever that happens...

 

[dad4x4]

it is looking great. I too have gotten caught by the cold weather. trying to take advantage of the warm days that are now few and far between.
what condition is the hard top in? (rust,holes, needs paint etc.)

 

[ginmtb]

it is looking great. I too have gotten caught by the cold weather. trying to take advantage of the warm days that are now few and far between.
what condition is the hard top in? (rust,holes, needs paint etc.)

It's in good shape except for the sill is rusted in a few spots. I'm trying to arrange getting the fiberglass sill from Oregon but shipping is crazy. Need to find someone traveling between here and there...

 

[dad4x4]

I'm in the same boat. I've looked at other tops that are in better shape. Problem is finding one that is affordable.
It's all part of the fun of 40 ownership. Finding rare parts or re-working your original parts. good luck

 

[ginmtb]

So I'm going to be re-covering my seats with Xmas money from parents - anyone have any preference or comments on replacement covers? SOR, CCOT, Cruisercorps?

Seems like the SOR ones are highly regarded (and most expensive of the three options). Cruisercorps has a closer matching color it sounds like and is the lowest price with free shipping.

Or do I go with completely new seats like this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sca-80-1300-51l

I don't have headrests and would like them. But seems like those are difficult to find and really expensive. So after buying covers and headrests, not to mention new foam which new seats would include (and reclining capability), the cost isn't that much different. Of course I lose the stock seats.

Tough decision, yes first world problems I know...

 

[Racer65]

I'd have no reservation recommending the CCOT seat covers. It's easy to install, durable, and looks great:

As for aftermarket seats, I quite like the seats GA Architect installed in his truck.