Interior

The dashboard is going to involve a lot of fabrication. I plan on using the gauge package from the Caddy. By using this cluster, it should be easier to use the Northstar computer system and its diagnostics. Since I will need to add 18 or so switches to the dash, if I do not use a console like the one in my present van, I will need to have a dash/console fabricated. Again, the cool factor will be involved in the decision. Of course, the panel will have a good sound system. I am thinking about incorporating an iPod into the system.

With the help of Vintage Air, I will be installing their Gen II Super heating, air conditioning and defrost system. I decided to use their super system because of the amount of interior space in the panel. If it was the pick-up model, I could have used their standard system specifically designed for a '53 pickup. I know this means more fabrication but the end result will perform better. I will post pictures when the installation starts.
The Panel now has a steel floor. Onni, my builder/craftsman maximized the floor space by curving the floor to match the arc of the crossmembers. It is yet to be determined if the floor from the rearwheel centerline back will be hinged to make it even more of a ramp or whether the floor will remain as is and another ramp will be added at the very rear of the floor. The actual height of the rear floor when the airshocks are completly empty will be the key.

The panel now has a very functional ramp. When the air struts are completely deflated, the ramp has a very gentle slope - about 8 degrees. My chair can easily get up and down this ramp with no problem.

In other words, our planned worked. We do not need to use a lift or aftermarket ramp. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous with our plan. However, now that I have used this ramp, I know it will work.

So, now, I can get into the panel, have plenty of headroom and vision clearance and can actually maneuver inside.

There will be times when I will not be the one who will be driving. Long trips or illness may require someone else to drive - a friend or attendant. I plan on having a seat that will be able to be afixed to the floor in either the driver's position or the passenger's. There will also be a wheelchair lockdown in both positions, allowing me to be firmly locked into place whether I am the driver or passenger.

I am changing the two-piece door windows to one-piece power windows. The power is a necessity and the one-piece is for cool. Wing windows are not very cool and usually whistle.
Since my wheelchair has a tendency to chew up carpet and mar wood, I will probably use some type of spray-on/roll-on bed-liner on the floor.

Exterior

The body was removed from the frame and media-blasted and primed. I have yet to decide on the final color. I am leaning towards a rich burgandy but teal and platinum are in the running.
It would be almost impossible to work on the Northstar if the stock hood system was retained. The mechanic would have to crawl inside the compartment to work on the engine/tranny. To overcome this dilemma, I will be incorporating a powered tilt front-end into the panel. In addition to helping future mechanics, the tilt front-end will have a high cool factor. Since almost all mounting brackets/hardware will need to be fabricated whether I go stock or tilt, the cost of tilting the front-end should not be too extreme.
The front sheet metal is now all one piece and on hinges so it flips. We will have two linear actuators to tilt the nose. This will be great for mechanics and for showing off the Northstar at cruise-ins and car shows.

Copyright: 2007
Enygma Enterprises, LLC