More progress over the weekend, getting real close now. I got the tail light assembly installed, figured it was high time to get it out of my shed. This also 100% completes the rear wiring all the way up to the dash connector. I still have to install the trim along the trunk lip, but it is starting to look more and more like a complete car.
More work at the rear of the car, I modified the fuel pickup/sending unit so it has a provision for the return line. Inside I had the bright idea to add a short length of hose so it did not have the constant sound of a waterfall of fuel trickling back there.
My dad helped me wrestle in the gas tank, along with all new rubber for the filler neck and vent tube. It was just as much fun as I remember it being on the other Charger. The secret to the install is knowing a diverse range of curse words and using them liberally throughout the process.
I then moved on to installing the new fuel pump. This spot on the passenger side up above the rear axel seemed perfect. It was located near the small body plug that gets hidden beneath the package area riser inside the car, so tucking the wiring away is extremely easy. I had just begun text fitting the soft lines when I took this photo.
And here is everything clamped up, plus the addition of the return line. I will be removing the old parking brake cable of course. If the new cable still makes contact with the fuel line, I will add additional mounting to keep it clear. Please excuse the rusty old exhaust hanger blocking part of the view. That will be taken care of soon when I start on the rear brakes/suspension.
Up front I got more wiring done in the engine bay, and routed the hardlines up the firewall and behind the motor. From there I can carry flex lines up to the pressure regulator for both the feed and return while keeping things relatively tidy. Not trying for a "show car with everything tucked" look, but here and there little clean touches can make a nice improvement. I also began mocking up the brake booster, couple of small details I need to look into there, but nothing insurmountable.
I gave in to my inner child, and added this decal behind the glovebox about as near to the EL power pack as possible. I figure it will serve as a nice reminder for me not to get too confident when working in that area, and also a humorous touch for a possible future owner haha.
During the week I will be working on the braking system more, hoping to have all of the pedal connections tied in soon. I will also be stripping the front seats back to their bare frames. I have new foam and covers on the way. REALLY did not want to do them myself. I had been quoted a reasonable price by a local interior shop after giving them a detailed rundown over the phone. The price magically increased by 60% when I showed up with the seats a week later. Is what it is, I need seats if I'm gonna drive this thing haha.
Tune in next week for more of "The Ridiculous Adventures of Voodoo Man!"