AP2289 Build log 'stage 2'

[xb-60]

An update....some frustration today.
Worked out a route for my battery cable (which I don't yet have) from its location in the trunk, left side. By far the easiest route forward required the cable entering through the rear bulkhead (ie the panel behind the seats) and then going down through the tunnel. I checked thoughly - I thought, but not thoroughly enough - that I could safely drill and tap holes for attaching a cover over the cable. The drill broke passed through the panel ....because it hit something. The "something" was a tee connection for the rear brakes.
So, needed to check out if there was damage. Not a 5 minute job; had forgotten the accessibility issues in that area. I had to pry the junction out somewhat to access a view behind it....




As it turned out, after some investigation with a medical mirror, all is OK




Cheers!
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

Whew! That is the problem with retrofitting things, you can't always see where something else is. I just had a thought while looking at your post, in the future (not just for you but me too) when drilling through aluminum panels it might be smart to put one of those depth stops on the end of the drill allowing it to just break through enough to be able to see what is on the other side before adjusting it and completing the hole. Remember to put a rubber grommet in that hole to protect the battery cable.

Good luck.

Chees,

Jim

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

Glen,

....it might be smart to put one of those depth stops on the end of the drill allowing it to just break through enough to be able to see what is on the other side before adjusting it and completing the hole. Remember to put a rubber grommet in that hole to protect the battery cable.....

Excellent idea, Jim. I'll look into that.
Grommet, yep. Already on hand. Don't want a battery cable chafing AT ALL!

Cheers,
Glen

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by xb-60

The drill broke passed through the panel ....because it hit something.

Takes me back to high school when a couple of us were installing custom backup lights. Right after drilling the second hole we noticed the trail of gasoline coming out on to the ground.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Takes me back to high school when a couple of us were installing custom backup lights. Right after drilling the second hole we noticed the trail of gasoline coming out on to the ground.

A hole in a petrol tank is a hard one to fix and/or explain to dad
At that age, we don't know what we don't know....and we didn't think about consequences.
I do recall being yelled at by my Dad for 'three wheeling' on my tractor (I had an old tractor at age 12 or 13) and obviously not appreciating the likely consequences.

Cheers, and stay safe!
Glen

[xb-60]

Saw this picture of fkemmerer's very nice ERA753



Good idea! Never too old to learn smarter ways to avoid mistakes (in relation to my posts above )

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

So, no, I don't recall seeing any '60s FIA Cobras being fitted with eye level auxiliary brake lights.... but I do however need one to satisfy local road registration requirements.
As well as keeping officialdom happy, it may also prevent some dozey dummy rear-ending my car....so I'm happy at a number of levels to comply.

Some pics...

Rear view:




Front view showing clamp and bracket:




Another rear view:




Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

Looks like it should work. Nice looking bracket. My only question is, how long is that extension cord that comes out of the boot to power the light? Will it be long enough for a spirited drive?

Cheers,

Jim

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1795

Glen,

Looks like it should work. Nice looking bracket. My only question is, how long is that extension cord that comes out of the boot to power the light? Will it be long enough for a spirited drive?

And can you remove it after you're inspected? Or does it stay on forever?

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

....My only question is, how long is that extension cord that comes out of the boot to power the light? Will it be long enough for a spirited drive? ....

Hi Jim. Would you believe it’s a stretchy cord?
No, no, I’m kidding.

Here’s what the power cord is attached to…

.


And yes, the need to be charging/conditioning the battery – or even have a battery fitted – is questionable when you consider what’s under the hood....



ie - nothing


We Australians like to anticipate and plan well ahead.


Cheers!
Glen