Into the rabbit hole we go!
After MUCH deliberation I have decided to go back almost completely stock with the engine, I will send the engine off for a complete refresh/rebuild. I'm considering some minor improvements to valves and cam, but haven't made those decisions yet. I also have a set of "never installed" Hall Pantera big bore headers that I'm considering... If I can mount the heat shields to hide them, I may go that route. The main goal is to keep as close to original (at least externally) as possible.
I drilled discreet alignment holes on the spine mounts AND the wing mounts on the left side, removed the left wing, then the spine with the right wing still attached. A far simpler task than I had feared!!! a minimum 2 man job ( I had three just in case), but not difficult at all. In a car known for pushing the envelope of the term "difficult", this was a pleasant surprise...
These pictures were early in the day. I've since removed the spare tire support beam, alternator, A/C compressor, carb, distributor, plugs and detached the exhaust manifolds.
Next session will see the seats and console come out to access the portal and remove the jackshaft and coolant hoses.
I'm still undecided on whether to remove the ZF first or to pull the engine and ZF together.
What is the proper procedure for removing the frame bridge and the other Assembly/Bars/Doohicky that the upper shock mounts are on (I'll just call it the "ABD" for now}? I think that I need to put the car on jackstands and take the weight off the shocks but I'm waist deep in new waters here. Do I need to put another jack under the ZF?
On a side note, I scored a set of Dodge Rampage mirrors for $95
That gets everyone up to speed. suggestions, warnings, advice and even criticism are all welcome at this point.
MH
