Hand brake & sheet metal

[fordboy]

I'm looking for some suggestions.....1. The hand brake is tight to the trans tunnel sheet metal to the point where I cant see trying to get carpet on that side let alone the boot... and 2. Any hints for getting the top deck sheet metal back into the trunk?? I know it came out of there but I'm having a heckuva time getting it in..especially around the the rear roll bar tubes...

[DaleG]

Can't help with the brake, but for the trunk deck: from the rear of the car, slip it in under the trunk hoop, raise the front up, lower the rear down and bow upward and toward the middle until one of the rear slots in the sheet slips over roll bar stub. Then do the same for the other rear corner. The fronts should then just drop right over the front roll bar stubs. You need to install this piece BEFORE you put the cockpit rear panels on.

Edit: If by chance you have already installed the cockpit back, you could try slipping it in, putting the piece over the front holes and bowing the piece up in the middle to see if you can get the rear slots to clear the rear roll bar stubs; I don't hold out too much hope for this method, though.

[edwardb]

I'm looking for some suggestions.....1. The hand brake is tight to the trans tunnel sheet metal to the point where I cant see trying to get carpet on that side let alone the boot.

You just need to "adjust" the mounting holes in the bracket in the chassis and/or the holes in the handbrake. I just used a round rat tail file to widen the holes so it moves toward the passenger side and provides more room for the handle, carpet, boot, just as you said. It doesn't take much. A little on the rear holes and slightly more on the front ones so it tips out a bit. Take a little at a time and keep fitting it. You want enough room to install everything, but not so much that it intrudes too much into your passenger or excessively changes the angle of the cable pull inside. Hope this makes sense. Just one of many "adjustments" required to get everything just right.

[fordboy]

Thanks for the suggestions...I guess I was afraid to flex it beyond a certain point point...but it finally went. How many more freakin holes am I gonna have to drill ?? My rivet bag is starting to look empty..27841