SORRY for not posting more often. I have a love/hate relationship now with my computer. Here are some updated pics, and information about my build. I have been driving the Dart for about 3 weeks now, working out the bugs etc. The exhaust is done, and although very, very tight, it clears, and works very well. The steering box and shaft clearance is also tight but works great, even if only 1/4 inch of clearance. The Flaming River shaft was a must, as was the manual steering box.
I have the car in primer now, and plan to paint within the next two months. The Dart is very dependable, and I feel comfortable enough to drive it out of town and back with no problems. It runs cool, and is a real pleasure to drive. The tranny kicks down perfect, and shifts hard.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the rear gear ratio is around 3.90 or lower. I don't know for sure yet. I haven't taken them out yet to count the teeth, but they are low, and I will know in a couple of weeks.
I took it out to Firebird Raceway two weeks ago. (firebirdonline.com). I bought a test and tune pass. Everyone at work bet a dollar to guess my first pass time. I haven't drag raced at a track for 30 years, so non-experience was a factor. My first pass was 14.88 @ 93 mph. Not bad I guess, but I had a slow reaction time, and spun like crazy off the line. I am hoping to get it down to 14 flat or even into the 13's by the end of the season. Would love to get a 100 mph club sticker!
The last pics are a reminder of what the interior looked like before, and after.
Anyway, much progress has been made, and I will keep on building the Dart.
MC