Thread: Does this qualify as a Hot Rod?

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After hours of trial and error, the gear shift lever is in it's final position. A small metal plate is welded to the shortened shift post. The gear shift lever (from a Datsun 510) is bolted to the plate. The lever has flat sides from the bottom threads to just below the bend. If it starts to spin in the bolt hole, I'll add some flat stock on top of the plate to keep it straight.

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It looks pretty simple, but it took forever to get the plate angled just right. Too much twist one direction and the lever was hitting the console in 1st,3rd and 5th gears. Too much in the other direction and I'm knocking my drink out of the cup holder in 2nd, 4th and reverse.

Top looks stout, is the bolt up through the bottom of the plate and screwed into the stick? If that is how it is mounted, without removing the stick from the plate, weld the bolt to the plate as it sits. Drill a hole through the stick and bolt in the flat area. Tap the hole and use an allen as a pin to keep the stick set. I suggest the allen but a roll pin would also work. The allen allows you to remove the stick if needed. That car is moving right along has some nice lines, contours.

Thanks Pepi...excellent suggestion!! A simple and elegant solution. I never would have thought of it.

Your welcome, glad I was able to lend a hand not that you need it, doing pretty darn good on your own over there I'd say.

Well, the VR went off to the muffler shop today... she should be purrin' by Wednesday!

Anxious to see this one going, been following this build and really have enjoyed it!!!!

Wes that's great. Will it be driveable on return, or do you still have other stuff, before street legal?

Not sure about 'street legal'. With a front end alignment and seat belts, it will be drivable. All lights are working properly. Speedo and tach need to be connected/calibrated. And seats need a lot of attention. After alignment and seat belts are in, I think I'll be ready for DMV.

Great way to persevere to the end on this. That car has such a cool body style, you'll be turning eyes.

Here's the exhaust. Pretty simple. Unbolt at the collectors and one more at each muffler, and the whole thing drops straight out. And everything tucks nicely in the center tunnel with no ground clearance issues.

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The pipes extending through the valance are just wedged into the muffler outlets, so I can play with some tips.

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But now that engine noise is low, the fuel pump noise is very loud. I'll need to deal with that at some point.

I decided on an inexpensive stereo for the time being. Basically all I need is a radio for a ball game and a way to play my ipod music. I chose an inexpensive Boss unit with a pop-out ipod dock... no CD/DVD player. Once it arrived, I immediately saw that in the stock mounting configuration, my ipod would hit the plastic heater surround. I modified both the console and the surround to move the stereo forward.

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It will even take an iPhone now.

That should work, nice little mod that few will even notice!

Man you got all the options happening, the undercarriage looks nice and sanitary. Fuel pump noise it is surprising how loud they can be. Could always go side pipes to cover the sound..... LOL I just had to say that.

I tell everyone they need side pipes on their cars, it is just fun to say....

Steve, I'll drive it over... that is if DMV ever allows it on the road.

Originally Posted by pepi

... I tell everyone they need side pipes on their cars, it is just fun to say....

I actually considered side pipes, but I can't stand the smell of burnt hair and calf flesh.

Keep us posted Wes, your so close. Nice mods once again. We live close enough to each other that I'd love to see this one done in person!