A couple updates and the revelation of a aesthetic problem today.
First, some current pictures of my tunnel.
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_203651240.jpg
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_203718843.jpg
Now, with the proposed location of my parking brake:
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_205807301.jpg
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_205818652.jpg
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_205838510.jpg
As you can see, the in the central and rear portions is to to allow space for the shifter and the parking brake lever. More structure is needed, but first I need to figure out a little better exactly how I want to mount the parking brake, and how I want to route the cable. Mostly what complicates this is the need to panel the tunnel. I think I need to panel it anyway, though I'm reconsidering. It sure would be handy, and kind of cool looking, to keep that central portion between the two bridges open--keeping with the exo aesthetic.
I also tacked in the floor mounting tabs on the passenger side. Not much to it, though I'll likely want additional tabs for the underfoot panels. The plan is to use .100" aluminum sheet. I'm still pretty unsure about this whole method of paneling. I probably need to make at least some of the panels before I paint the frame.
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_203859752.jpg
Since the floors, firewalls, and the side panels will all be mounted via tabs like these, lots of tabs are still to be make. Something like another 80. It's daunting, but I'm able to knock them out pretty quickly when I get into it. I just need my arm to heal so I can get back to work.
The other thing I'm thinking about a lot while unable to work, is the current look of the car from the back. It's funky.
Attachment:
IMG_20190608_203740825.jpg
I knew it would look kind of tall and narrow, but I didn't expect it to look so bottom heavy. Part of the problem is that it's sitting 3/4" lower than I want right now (Stock bolts are 6", I picked up some 8", it needs 7"), but even when I get it back up the look isn't going to be right. I've been toying with different ideas of ways to address it. My first thought was painting the rear subframe flat black, but I'm not sure that will be enough. I can probably also change the shape and visual weight with the rear bumper and lights. I'm just not sure how to do it.
Lots to think about, for now, and then lots to do.