21-FEB-2013
Speedo panel holes done
The gauge holes are all complete so now I need to layout blinker indicator holes and switches.
23-FEB-2013
Gauges and switches mounted
I was able to get all the gauge holes, some switch holes, and indicator light holes cut and stuff mounted.
I set the nutserts in the dash and mounted the new panels.
23-FEB-2013
New panels mounted
The nutserts make a very solid mount to the dash.
A heater rotary switch will still need to be mounted to the center panel.
23-FEB-2013
More stuff needed
I will still need to mount more switches in the speedo/tach panel like a radiator fan cut off switch, a front locker switch, and an interior light switch as well as a few more indicator lights.
26-FEB-2013
Time to lengthen the steering shaft
After installing the Cherokee tilt column I needed to lengthen the steering shaft because it came up a little short.
I ordered a Borgeson universal joint as recommended by another Jeepster owner/builder, he was right about these units being heavy duty!
26-FEB-2013
Looks like about 2" short
The joint at the steering box end has some movement for and aft so I centered the joint and after measuring the shaft it looks like I will need to lengthen it by about 2".
26-FEB-2013
Cut and inner sleeve fitted
After cutting the shaft in a good location for lengthening I fitted a piece of 3/4" DOM tube inside the shaft to be used as a strengthening and alignment sleeve.
26-FEB-2013
Outer sleeve for shaft
I cut a piece of tubing with a 1" ID to slide over the splice.
02-MAR-2013
Welded inner sleeve
I ended up lengthening the shaft a total of 2 1/8".
After tacking and truing the shaft I welded it all the way around.
02-MAR-2013
Outer sleeve welded
I welded the outer sleeve to the steering shaft for a final reinforcement of the splice extension.
16-APR-2013
Fender extensions
Since I am using a set of YJ front fenders as part of my front clip I need to add a little material to the bottom of the fender since it is a little short for the Jeepster tub.
I made a pattern out of poster board and cut out two pieces for my fenders. I don't have a brake in my garage so I used a couple pieces of metal in my vice to make my bends.
16-APR-2013
Both edges bent
The vice "brake" worked pretty well for both bends.