Aaron's 76 Type LT Project

8 minute(s) of a 383 minute read

So I finally got the steering column installed, which means I got to the point that I *HAD* to install it so I could keep making more electrical connections I can start making some more connections (turn signal switch, ignition switch, etc) and getting the AC wiring run before I have to install the dash so I can make those connections.  

FYI, I ended up going with the IDIDIT steering column. While the IDIDIT column says it fits 70-75 Camaros, it will fit models beyond 75 (like my 76). The IDIDIT rep said their following in terms of which models their column will fit: "it has to do with where the dimmer switch and wiper/washer switch are located. If you have dimmer on the floor, and Wiper/Washer on the dash, you should be good to go! If it is all located on the column, then I can’t do all that in the space of the 4” upper head of the column."

It's a stock-looking steering column but does not have the OEM style ignition switch with the rod that travels down the column to the switch. Instead the ignition switch is internally located and ties into the wiring harness via a plug and relay system. One small drawback is there is nothing alotted for key buzzer on the IDIDIT column, but that was not critical for me. This column is really intended for cars with manual trannys, as there is no shifter linkage on the column. But it fits well and looks stock.

Not that I will be installing a steering wheel anytime soon, but this is what I am leaning toward. I looked at all the steering wheels I could think of and kept going back to what I had installed years ago. I had a 13" version of this same wheel (the one below is 14") and always liked the understated, all-black look of it. I had been eyeing a Budnik three-spoke wheel but felt it was not consistent with the look I am trying to achieve.

8-7-2016

I spent 2-3 hours last night getting the interior wiring cleaned up. The bulk of the work was getting the AC system wiring installed and tied up. With the exception of a few keyed ignition wires to install, this is as far as I can go without installing the dash. So the next step (among many next steps) is to see if the dash fits properly and start thinking about getting that installed. The REAL next step is to run the brake lines.   I don't think that will be too bad.

The mess of wires in the middle is for the gauges, dash and the power window harness.



And here's what I have to deal with later in the engine bay. It's mainly 12V wires and ground wires so it will be a breeze getting them run.

8-18-2016

I forgot I need to do one more major "under the dash" task....fit the speakers in the center. I stole an idea from Motion Clone and mocked up a housing for a pair of 4" 2-way speakers. I angled them away from each other to get a little better imaging. I will weld up the final version using 1/8" steel. I will cut the individual pieces and weld them up. I will need to modify the GM bracket some, primarily filling in the hole in the middle since I will need to cut away some material to allow the speakers to fit, although I will shift the speaker holes outward in the final version. It will all (hopefully) make more sense when I create the actual housing.

Here's the top view. I flattened out the middle-top area to shorten the overall height.



A side view showing how I chopped off the top



A view from the bottom. I will fill in the space between the housing and the GM bracket as needed to make it more rigid.



The front side showing how I notched it. I will close up the gap so the housing fits snug on the bracket.



This is where I will fill in to secure the housing and the bracket

8-26-2016

I wanted to share what I did to dress up the speaker wire connections on the 6x9s. This was something I could do easily when I had a few minutes to spare. It's a bit overkill since most people will never see the speakers or wiring but I like doing little touches like this.

I ordered some speaker cable pants off eBay from seller knukonceptz.com. These are NOT heat shrinkable, but they fit the speaker wires well. I wil add some loom to the speaker wires once I cut them to length.

I decided to solder the speaker wires to the terminals and then add heat shrink tube over the terminals for a cleaner look.

Here's the speaker cable pants. They come extra-long so you can cut to fit.



I added the shrink tube before soldering and taped it up so it would not be in the way. I added lots of tape around the speaker in case any solder dripped off the terminals.



Here's the semi-finished product.

8-28-2016

So I've been hitting it a little harder lately with our son going down for bed earlier now. I had to split my work into "quiet" and "loud" tasks and knock them out when he's asleep or awake.

Here's the picture worthy stuff I've done recently.

I got the front dash speaker housing welded up. It turned out pretty good and fits well. I will just spray paint it black and then cover it with sound deadening, so looks were not that critical to me. I took measurements and will share those later for anyone interested.

I did most of the welding on the underside. Once assembled I welded the housing to the original bracket. It's now all one piece. You might notice I reinforced the GM bracket in the middle with some 1/8" metal to be safe. It also allowed me something more substantial to weld the housing to.









I got the amp wires all prettied up. I also went ahead and installed the rear 6x9s (quiet work) and will hook those up to the amp later. I incorporated the cable pants on the ground and power wires to clean up the appearance. I thought about making the wires more concealed but decided I didn't care enough, lol. I wrapped the plastic loom with some left over Painless Classic Braid, which adds a nice touch.