Headers back, couple minor things

Headers made it back from Swaintech with their White Lightning coating. 

Again a very high quality result, and now that I see how close the headers run to critical components like the starter and power steering, am even more glad I went with it.

The coating itself should last a long long time, and help the neighboring components last longer too.

Thought I’d let the pimpy valve covers make their entry now.  They’re the same off-white used everywhere else on the car, though they do look a little different here in the light.

Still have a few little things to take care of on the underside of the car before the exhaust can go in, not the least of which is the remaining bends to make on the shifter linkage so it doesn’t bind itself up when in reverse.

Out back, made a couple modifications to the rear swaybar, even though it hasn’t been used yet.  One, was shortening the endlinks on both sides by about an inch.  The second, was shortening the driver-side arm, so it’s the same length as the non-adjustable passenger side.  These two changes should provide a lot more bump travel – with this arm length, the bar arm ends will contact the floor (if nothing else hits first) at its highest point, allowing for maximum travel.  You can see it somewhat here:

A couple weeks ago I put together a to-do list of things I could think of off the top of my head.  Presently it has 57 items, of which 7 have been done.  4 will require outside help – mount tires to wheels (which themselves haven’t even been made yet), add a slight bend to front swaybar arms (purchased a narrower front center section for the swaybar to allow for more tire clearance, but it requires modification to the arm shape), welding the alternator bracket to the header (found a bracket but should have it welded for better stability/reliability), and the headliner install.  I could *try* the headliner install myself but everything I’ve seen says you need at least 2 people, if not 3.  It’s not like newer stuff where it snaps in, it’s a real fabric thing with adhesive and these wacky metal rods.  Looks like awful work.

Each of the tasks on the list are 4-8 hours, so still a long way to go.  Will try to take more pictures along the way.   Here’s an artsy one in the meantime…