Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Well, found a core support that wasn't too badly smashed and had a body-shop buddy of mine straighten it out, so that part is done (not in yet, though).
Got the dash and wiring in finally, only had to take the dash back out twice to put something in I forgot (almost decided I didn't really need those defroster ducts anyway). Haven't run any juice through it yet, so there's always the chance it'll have to come back out (pray for me fellas, I don't wanna do that again... ... ..... ).
Don't ever let anybody tell you 98 model bucket seats will 'bolt-right-up' in an 85 crewcab. The frame that bolts onto the floor is about a nightmare to make work and look 'professional', and they have a really cool feature called a nest-o-wires that you gotta figure out before the seatbelts will work, but I gotta admit, those seats are way comfortable. I guess I coulda just stacked 2x4's under the frame and re-used the original pillar mount seatbelts, but that wouldn't have been near as much fun.
Had to notch the frame just a wee bit so the starter would clear, and gave the cab a 1" body lift so the bellhousing wouldn't rub the firewall. I guess if I had the 'proper' engine crossmember I wouldn't have had to do that, but it worked out good, and gave me some clearance I needed in other areas, too.
Got the 98 Hydroboost brake booster installed, and looks like it is gonna work 'cherry'. Had to make a mounting plate and bolt it directly to the firewall and then shorten up the 'rod' to attach it to my brake pedal. As easy as it was (for me, anyway) I would recommend doing this to any first gen bodystyle. Then again, it may not even work, so I best be keeping my mouth shut
Anyway, got a bunch of other doo-dads outa the way, and will try to get the website updated sometime soon. I would again like to thank you all for the ideas and support you have given me. Without it I would be nowhere near as far as I am.
Got the dash and wiring in finally, only had to take the dash back out twice to put something in I forgot (almost decided I didn't really need those defroster ducts anyway). Haven't run any juice through it yet, so there's always the chance it'll have to come back out (pray for me fellas, I don't wanna do that again... ... ..... ).
Don't ever let anybody tell you 98 model bucket seats will 'bolt-right-up' in an 85 crewcab. The frame that bolts onto the floor is about a nightmare to make work and look 'professional', and they have a really cool feature called a nest-o-wires that you gotta figure out before the seatbelts will work, but I gotta admit, those seats are way comfortable. I guess I coulda just stacked 2x4's under the frame and re-used the original pillar mount seatbelts, but that wouldn't have been near as much fun.
Had to notch the frame just a wee bit so the starter would clear, and gave the cab a 1" body lift so the bellhousing wouldn't rub the firewall. I guess if I had the 'proper' engine crossmember I wouldn't have had to do that, but it worked out good, and gave me some clearance I needed in other areas, too.
Got the 98 Hydroboost brake booster installed, and looks like it is gonna work 'cherry'. Had to make a mounting plate and bolt it directly to the firewall and then shorten up the 'rod' to attach it to my brake pedal. As easy as it was (for me, anyway) I would recommend doing this to any first gen bodystyle. Then again, it may not even work, so I best be keeping my mouth shut
Anyway, got a bunch of other doo-dads outa the way, and will try to get the website updated sometime soon. I would again like to thank you all for the ideas and support you have given me. Without it I would be nowhere near as far as I am.
