Back from the chassis shop

I got my T_bird back from the chassis shop. Many thanks to Greg Blades @ G&S Fabrication and Suspension in Athens, Al for all the work. I like to think I'm a decent mechanic and tuner, but I leave stuff like this to the professionals.
Completed:
put in tabs for BBF motor plate, old setup was for a BBC. Just added the new deal. Left the BBC mounts in place.
made larger, stronger tabs for the midplate and mounted engine
made plates so the BBC engine limiters would work
rerouted steering shaft around filter
made the trans crossmember removable with flange plates. Before, trans had to come out with engine or through interior
added a fuel door to the hood
made a mount for my 1 qt primer fuel tank so I can get to it though the same opening as the regular fuel cell
made mounts for and mounted a Kirkey Pro Drag aluminum seat
Built headers from scratch. Added 2 egt bungs and 2 Oxygen sensor bungs
fitted hood scoop. Had to move the aluminum pan forward and up from the BBC position. I'm not wild about the scoop, but a 5" cowl is the tallest available it it's not enough. This hood came with the car. Eventually I may put a flat hood with a Prostock style scoop on it when my budget recovers.
The thing I like most. He took it upon himself to do this and I like: Made the whole front end sheet metal removable in one piece. Remove 6 bolts. 3 on each side near where the rear of the fender matches up to the door. The radiator and fuel cell stay with the front sheet metal. He also added a tow/trailer winch hook and some bracing. In the pics you can see he did a slip tube deal on the frame rails. That holds all the weight with the 3 bolts on each side just holding it on. he also cut the inner fender a few inches out from the firewall so the inner fender is still bolted to the fender and provides support when you slide it off.

On the way home I went by the local auto paint supply and had them scan the silver on the chassis for a match. This winter I will repaint the underhood chassis to cover the welding and some scratches.

The headers and intake will get sent to Nitroplate for coating.

Lot's of pics here:
https://s374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/dgcole01/T%20Bird%20mock%20up/?start=all

Some samples:

David,
It looks like your chassis shop did a nice job.
It is getting closer.........
Nice...
Keith

That's cool, it's nice when your plan comes together.

Luuuuking goooooooood

your guys did some nice work

Looking good Dave!! If yo don't like the scoop, have a fiberglass guy section the cowl higher. I sure Dano or somebody with his skill could do that pretty easy.

VERY nice David. Alot of GREAT ideas on the front chassis design. Thankx for the pics, eh.

That looks awesome!

Looks VERY good David,can't wait until the Bash

I forgot to ask can you reach the gas and brakes now? This car is awsome it looks as good in person as it does in the photos !

Looks like it's turning out to be a killer ride. Can't wait to see it in person!

It looks like they did a hell of a job bringing that car back from the "dark side"! I can't wait to see it at the 2011 Big Block Bash!

Wayne (SAWDOFF) Pearce

I love the whole set up just not crazy about the hood scoop,too bad the cowl deal wouldn't be sufficient enough.

Nice work.

nice looken job

Looks good David. Glad u went to a door car. Im gonna have to get down to Steele this coming year. Not sure what is going to happen at Brainerd in the future.

Russ Hood

Look's awesome Dave, Man those Thunderbirds make a great race car . Keep up the hard work