At times I wonder why the hell I'm taking the harder path, but if I get close to my vision it will be worth it.

Making my way down to the dash support structure.

 

Removed cluster and radio so I could get the pad out.

It has a hole where the airbag blew out so I'm going to just go have it recovered sans airbag unit.

 

TR6060

Why have one clutch disc when you can have two?


From the manual:

 

Some engine facts for ya from the manual:

 

146 lbs

 

As far as weight goes....removing the iron poly 318 w/ 727 auto and installing the aluminum 511 V10 w/ 6speed makes little difference.

The lighter upgraded front suspension and fact that the engine/trans will be moving rearward is a good thing.

 

Since I am taking the dash apart I figured I'd get a quick idea of the fitment in the 63. Yeah - looks like crap, but ya gotta have vision

 

Since the Viper windshield is more curved I will have to mod the dash area for a good fit.

 

You can see how the dash looks before factory install. It is bolted and glued to the frame. I separated it at the glue line and pulled it off by hand.

 

The metal structure of the dash is aluminum so it cannot be welded to the steel. It will be attached with brackets and bolted to the parts of the Viper frame that will be included - they will be welded. I will preserve as much of the stock firewall as possible. I'm pretty sure the only part of it that I will cut will be the "hump" aka tunnel........and just a bit where the rear of the engine will be.......since it is further rear than normal.


I only get a couple hrs after work and some weekend time for my project........so it may seem I am slowing down now that I'm getting to the most difficult part.

 

Over 1000 views




I'm glad some are enjoying my insanity

 

1000 views, what a thrill

 

Front suspension:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UEK...ature=youtu.be

 

Boy, I don't know how I missed your build, thanks for sharing this on this Forum.

I will agree with the insanity. Good work.

 

Hope you enjoy.


The guys over at MF have some Viper exp..........so I welcomed their input..................or maybe they just want my

 

Here is the rear half of the Viper floor section I will use. You can see the thin floor has lots of damage - mostly from it being moved with forklifts and jacks w/o care. I will decide what to do when I am installing it.

Some places the floor will be two layers ......maybe three in other places. I have to increase the strength of the unibody as I go.

 

If anyone has or knows of a good lead for a decent 8.75 pumpkin that won't empty the bank...........I need one.


I need to end up with a good Sure Grip.......4.11 would be great.

 

So....I trimmed down the forward part of the Viper firewall/floorpan and put it inside the 63. I got in there with my cutting wheel and am going at it.....feel like that Leepu guy

Once I get it pared down to what I like I'll go after the 63 metal......the scary part

 

I knew that the floor had been repaired....if one could call it that.....in some fashion, but..........

The left front floor had a mesh repair and I was able to grab it with pliers at the edge and pull it off in one piece......obviously not bonding to rust.

You can see where he didn't even apply POR15 under it.

 

As I started chopping I found this piece of tin....brilliant.........

 

I removed a good portion of the floor and the steering bracket.

First to go was the rust and area that was not flat as the contours would be in the way. I measure.....measure....cut....measure..measure...c ut.....

Bit by bit.

I knew from the start that the wipers and cowl drain area would be a challenge........soon find out.

 

I am giving thought to modifying my plan. While I do want the car to have modern goodies I also do not want it to be a logistical nightmare and maybe not have an appearance that is as pleasing as I want. I am considering not modding the firewall so much and maybe using the original dash and interior vs basically a Viper inside of a Polara.


I know I have the ability to build pretty much anything I want, but I do not want it to take forever nor be a super pain in the ***.


What is your opinion? Do I keep my original plan or shift a bit to a car that will appear closer to stock, but have lots of newer parts hidden?

 

I think it all depends on were the firewall ends up needing to be moved too and which dash is going to be able to be trimmed down to fit forward of the door line and most function-able.

I do like the older style dash with a new mod. gauge package look my self...

Just my 2 cents

 

Yeah........those are some of my concern. I want it to look integrated....not hacked.


I'll look at the original parts and do some measuring. I may be able to remove the vital components from the Viper dash and put them in the old dash. I could mod the main cluster to fit and add the 4 other side gauges to fit where the original radio speaker was.


I'd like the are where dash meets windshield to look clean as well as when opening of the door.


I will have to increase the hump size though........the trans is pretty big.


Doing this will make me want to use the old seats......which will take some doing maybe.......depending on the hump size.

 

The viper and its dash has such a large step toward the driver.. You are rite.. Trimming the dash to get it back to the door line and still have it functional and usable is a bit if'y ??????
But if your not going to have to move the firewall that might make it a bit easier to fabricate for fitness.
Anyway. Im not so sure about those vertical 3 gauges any way... Those to me would have to find a new home within the dash.. Hummmmmm

I guess you will know more when you get the K-Member and engine in place about the firewall deal?

 

I just met a Ford guy getting some parts for my son and he has a 1968 Mustang with the 2014 302 engine. By chance they found a wrecked 2014 Mustang and pulled the dash and console. It is in the car and WOW.

The modern interior makes the car remarkable and completes the whole package.

Without it, it's just another old car with a new engine. Fords don't usually make me say WOW, but this one did!

 

Yeah....so you know what I am thinking about.

I may just use the upper section of the dash so I have a place to mount everything....then use the clusters, hump and seats from the Viper

 

Looking at options




I would have to drop this pan down a few inches as well as move it forward, but not ready to cut until I figure out how I want it.

 

Still lots to consider. I've done plenty of repairs and restorations over the decades, but this is pretty damn tough....and I generally never like people seeing what I'm doing....til done.

 

Gives a good perspective on what your dealing with !!!!!!!! Good Job !!

Any thoughts on removing the vacuum blend door and box and trimming the the Viper dash back to fit and clear the door entry? the Wiper Motor and linkage Still looks like it might fit?

It would appear that the Viper Dash is a little wide also? You might be able to cut it in the air bag area, shrink the dash 2 inches shorter, cut 2" out of the glove box and re-glass it.

Food For thought...