Dave Bivens Mirage Build

[Manta22]

That is a very fast-opening way to raise the headlights. Your video explains it very well. Nice looking assistant, too.

On MANTA 2, the manual pop-up mechanism had been removed because the Mustang II front suspension conversion interfered with their original raising handle. I replaced it with a small linear actuator that raised both headlights. It was a small 24V surplus item marked "TWA Airlines" !

[Manta22]

I got tired of replacing the gas struts on my Black Mirage and finally hit upon a very simple method of holding the upper doors in a raised position. These are coil springs intended for marine applications to hold open hatches and access doors. The principle is this: In compression, a long coil spring acts like a column when it is coil-bound but if it is pushed sideways just a little, it collapses. This works great in my application. I used a 9/16" dia stainless steel coil spring, 10 1/4 " long on my driver's side upper door and to open it, I use my left hand to push up the door past the point where the spring kicks in straight and then let go. The door stays raised until I push on the spring and it allows the door to be closed. This should work with your door latch approach, Dave.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077QWB7TX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[davebivens]

Thanks for the idea, I like it

[davebivens]

Been a while since posting I just noticed, been doing a lot of body work, finally got everything close to paint, panel gaps looking good, etc.

[davebivens]

Rear hatch latch, I setup the rear cover latches the same as a Ultima car but still wanted something as sort of a safety latch/verification that the rear is all the way closed so added something to do that. I setup a quick release pin, inserts from the cabin, through the bulkhead mounting bracket and into a plate mounted to the rear cover. Also when fully engaged it triggers a snap action switch that illuminates a small green lamp on the dash.

[davebivens]

Fuel Filler, wanted to get it out of the engine compartment,

[davebivens]

Also made a gear position indicator, you can get these digital motorcycle gear displays from china for about $10, just buried it in epoxy using the horn button as the form

[davebivens]

Also made steering wheel mounted turn signal, high beam and horn buttons, probably about $35 in parts,

[Ravinsomniac]

Dave, did you ever get your car finished ?
Photos ?