Time for a quick update. The spin on oil filter is installed and the lines were made and installed. I used the "wire trick" to map out the bends. It got me close to what I needed. After getting close, I needed to do some final adjustments to get an exact fit. Pic is attached. For the oil filter mount, I used the pic from "the other website" as as inspiration. I used 1/4" plate steel and cut it from a cardboard template that I had made. It is pretty robust and I think it should hold up well. I also added the plastic wire conduit and cleaned up the look of the engine compartment. I've still got wires going pretty much everywhere, but it is what it is. So...I'll do an oil change before testing everything out. Currently, the spin on filter is dry. I'll fill it up when I do the change. I also plan to crank the engine (with the coil disconnected) to bring the oil pressure up before starting it. I know the lines will take a second to fill up and I want to make sure everything is ok before starting it. The cranking will also move the fresh coolant around (and into the heater core). I'll top the radiator off, too, before starting. Then, I should be off to the races! My plan is to start the engine and let it idle and come up to operating temp. I want to check all of the new connections and the new electric fan before setting out into the neighborhood. If I find any leaks (oil or coolant), I'll address them before driving. Once I've driven the truck in the neighborhood and am confident in everything working as it should, I'll put the hood back on. After driving it, I'll post an update here and give all the details plus hopefully some pics. I'm also planning to do a "before and after" slideshow to attach to this journal. I'll close out the journal then and add some final thoughts. I welcome all that have read my journal to comment, good, bad or indifferent. I know that I horrified some and fascinated others. I'm interested to know what you all think.
