Not much new to post, as I have had to work a lot of Saturdays and when I haven't worked, it's been 110 degree heat index. I've cut almost all of the floor out, and fought this beotch like hell to get my rear 2x3 crossmember in. Iirc, I bought a 2x3 dropped crossmember off Ebay. First problem is it isn't bent exactly symmetrical. It's got some dihedral going on. Second is I have spent HOURS trying to get this Ho level front to back, side to side. Of course the garage floor isn't exactly level, but it would act crazy and not sit down on all 4 jackstands at once. I finally realized it's because I was placing the rear jackstands in front of the rear axle, but close to it.
I can go to the front of the car, that has 2 tires and wheels stacked on each corner of the core support and pick the car up with minimal effort. So yesterday I cut down some 4x4's and put the jackstands back at the rear bumper bracket. But jackstands don't have fine enough adjustment. So I got online and Home Depot has some RV screw jackstands for $35 set of 4. So I ordered them and my wife is kind enough to go pick them up later today. I'm bbqing, so I have to sit here and drink beer while the shoulder smokes. It's a tough job, but one I am actutely qualified, maybe even over qualified for.
When she gets back, I'll get HeHateMe on the screws, and get him level. Then I can finish the subframe connectors. Since the garage floor slopes front to back and has some low spots, I am going to do rough measurements then confirm with the level. Then start the cage and the rear frame rail replacement.
Cooler weather is finally within sight. One thing for sure, having a plasma cutter is like having 2 extra hands. It makes short work cutting what's left of the floor out. Next up I'll get my engineer at work to draw up my design of the front leaf spring perches and get them lasered out of 11 gauge steel. I'll make 3 so I have one to practice welding on...or my brother practice welding on.
The round tube above the crossmember is one of my roll cage bars. I don't have a 6 foot level, so I needed something wide enough to span the car. I used my 4 ft level and then bought a Klein digital angle finder that's magnetic. That thing drives me crazy because it will read differently every time you put it in the same place...it's almost like it sticks. I recalibrated it and it seems better....I shoulda just bout the HF one that's half as much!
Also, the El Camino was at a powder coating shop we use at work. I thought I took a pic of the 50's COE ramp truck, but I guess I didn't. It was about 2950 degrees out that day and I was helping them unload a 26' bob truck of lockers and think I had a out of body heat stroke experience.