I'm guessing that the counter sunk screws that go in to the rivnuts on the top panels will help with the access.

yep... on the button Phil,
Ash....both of the top tt panels are removable and if you look just above that roll of DS tape you will see a small separate riveted panel that I put there just in case, yes I would still have to drill them out but its not that many hoping that I don't have to ever but then I hear what you are saying.....always appreciate anything like that being pointed out especially as I am about to fill do my IVA form.

Decided to refit exhaust system which threw up an issue I knew I was going to have to deal with... clearance on the hole in the body work which was around 3-4mm without the sides on.....bad planning on my part, so I found an old 10mm exhaust flange and attacked it with a angry grinder to fabricate a spacer to fetch the exhaust outwards to get back my clearance....still 3-4mm with panels on, so will have to make hole slightly larger and fit a big 3mm ally finisher to act as a bit of a heat sink .....it isn't ideal but all I want to do is get it through iva then improve it over the winter.

next big job is looming and I'm not looking forward to it.....the dashboard...since
I am not going to keeping the dash I am putting in now, I am just going to use MDF/lilo/leatherette, route .....I am using the 200sx dash as this will keep my speedo in its correct range, no other fancy items other than the needed but my starter button will be unique in its position

also got my hands on some rear lights that do everything bar reverse they are a bit tatty, but will polish up and do for the iva

Been busy with the jigsaw and here is the general shape of what it will be, keeping it nice and simples gonna try and get a camp mat today and leatherette I already have an old office chair that will be getting the chop.

Hi Kev,
Sometimes the simplest ways are the best, like you say keeping the original dash will be of big help.
Just a question though, are BT setting up a phone exchange behind your dash because that looks like a lot of wires...:eek: :eek:
Looking good as always (the car I mean).:D :D

Yup.... I know John its a conglomeration of sierra and 200sx and a lot of it is redundant but I don't want to start ripping it apart until I know what is ok and what is not....will be going into meter mode soon.....and if it means the redundant stuff has to stay then so be it, I won't loose any sleep over a pound or two......dash will be getting a revamp this winter anyway

final shape now complete....I decided a couple of leg cut outs mirroring the shape of the instrument cluster would enhance the dash a little. so now ready to get some padding onto it.

Are the rear lamps "F" marked