Eventually I plan to install an aftermarket A/C unit from Classic Air, so I have no need for the rust attracting cowl vent on the front. Last weekend I set out to seal it up, so first I cut out patches from some 18 gauge steel we had and primed them with weldable primer. Then I cranked up the MIG and welded everything up, with rosette welds in the middle to anchor the plates to the grille and prevent any cracks in the paint. While I was at it, I welded up the holes left over from the windshield washer nozzles for a clean cowl.
In preparation of converting over to a power brakes from the factory manual brake system, I opened up the top part of the large brake booster opening and drilled out a mounting hole just below. There was a dimple from the factory in the precise location, and I successfully test fitted the power booster I have. I did not have to actually use the template to the right, but it helped me locate the correct mounting points and ensure the correct size holes were drilled. My understanding is the 67-70's are easier to convert than the 64.5-66's.
For a cleaner look I filled all the holes in the firewall and engine compartment. Given the Rod & Custom MII front end, cable clutch conversion, custom brake lines, trunk mounted battery, aftermarket A/C unit and wiring harness most of them are rendered useless. (I'll run the brake line to the front passenger caliper inside the compartment rather than across the front of the firewall) Then we slathered on some Rage Gold and will sand it flat prior to spraying the next coat of primer.There are a few areas left I need to hit with the grinder, but you get the idea. The heater core opening was welded and ground flat prior.
I started the installation for the roll hoop this weekend, the first item was to set up the anchors for the top of the hoop. This is something which must be done ahead of time otherwise the headliner would get destroyed. Because this is a hoop and not a full 4 pt cage, it must be securely fastened to the frame for protection in the event of a collision. I used a set of Autoloc plates, cut a corner down to fit and installed them. I will go ahead and weld in the plate permanently next weekend. I also test fitted the hoop to ensure it would fit correctly, and it is a perfect fit. I used the Competition Engineering 3039-A - Competition Engineering Roll Bar Main Hoops, Summit Racing Part Number CEE-3039-A. Once I get the head liner and overhead console installed, it will be fairly straightforward to install the actual hoop and the brackets to attach it. 
