So here is an update for anyone who might be following along;
- Engine is running, but needs some tuning as it is running rich. a good part of this is the ECU trying to learn the set up. I believe I am running too cold of a spark plug as well so I am going 2 steps up (RC-12YC to a RC-14YC, actually I am going to a NGK product FR4). I am hoping this will help.
- Power steering: my PS system experiment is a failure I think. It does work but the pump is noisy and the regulator does not seem to do squat. Also it is far more complicated than it needs to be, so I will be going back to a stock pump set up. Of course I cannot just put a stock pump on... I intend to make a turn buckle tensioning system for it as I hate the original "slip and tighten" system. This will be a relatively easy set up I think, I will post pictures when I do it.
- Seat belts: I have to install my new 3pt belts but I think I am going to have to make an extension for the retractors due to how the factory mounting points are on the floor. For those interested, I went with Wesco belts which are inertia type belts. I am using a 8" extender off the roof which seems about right to get the belts to lay over my shoulder when seated.
- Blinkers: I had an issue when I first installed the column in where my blinkers would blow the fuse every time they were activated. I pulled the column and discovered that the blinker (turn signal) feed wire was pinched internally and grounding out. I repaired that and now it doesnt blow the fuse but it doesnt blink either. I have LED turn signals in the front (bottom of the headlight) and the tail lights are LED (fabricated from some big rig LED lights). I switched the flasher relay for both the turn signals and flashers to LED style but now they come on but do not flash. I will try and go back to the old flasher units and see if that helps.
Still have to install the passenger seat as well and do some clean up, but other than that everything else seems to be working.