1963 Corvette Engine Compartment Modifications - Split Personality, Part 7

The driver-side engine cover... 

   

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The driver-side engine cover shows the outline style of pinstriping used for the lettering.

Steering Linkage
We used a midyear-style tilt column from Flaming River, which we'll cover more of in the next installment. From the end of the steering column, we made the steering linkage using stainless components from Borgeson, which we then polished. The linkage includes four pieces: one combination universal/damper, one length of 3/4-inch steering shaft, one universal, and one support bearing. We found that an easy way to determine the proper lengths and angles is to mock up the linkage using a dowel for the shaft. The linkage connects to a chromed C4 Corvette rack-and-pinion unit from Unisteer. (See photo 19, steering linkage components; and photo 20, steering linkage installed.)

We also used a billet mount from Flaming River at the firewall to hold the column in place. One note on the firewall mount is that the diameter of the hole through the mount is larger than the diameter of the steering column. A friend of ours from Canada made a bushing to make both fit together.

Shown here is the custom billet-aluminum... 

   

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Shown here is the custom billet-aluminum intake manifold cover and emblem.

Brake Master Cylinder
In Part 3 (Apr. '07) we showed a picture (page 48, picture 18) of what the electric/hydraulic power unit looked liked when installed on the chassis. Photo 21 of this installment is a picture of what the brake master looks like when installed. Because the power unit is mounted below on the chassis, only the brake master is mounted to the firewall which gains more space on the firewall. This unit (model No. 10-56) is from ABS Power Brakes.

Next time we'll cover the interior features of the car, including the overall design, upholstery, gauges, A/C system, insulation, rearview mirror/monitor, and custom panels. In the meantime, there are additional pictures and information on our website at www.richsclassic corvettes.com. We're always glad to try to answer any specific questions you might have about our projects.

Here's the cold-air scoop...        read full caption Here's the cold-air scoop and billet-aluminum grille. You can also see the red foam element from K&N used to make the air filter.	Here's the battery box, battery,...        read full caption Here's the battery box, battery, and cables.	Here are the steering linkage...        read full caption Here are the steering linkage components, which were unpolished at this point. You can see the universal on the left, the support bearing in the middle, and the combination universal/damper on the right.
Here is the steering linkage...        read full caption Here is the steering linkage installed. You can also see the steering rod support bearing and column support flange on the firewall.	The brake master cylinder...        read full caption The brake master cylinder and lines are installed.