Comfortable
seats, air conditioning, a good sound system, and power
windows to go 200+ MPH at the Bonneville Salt Flats?
First and foremost, it’s a streetable sport truck!
As
a streetable sport truck, Project Sidewinder must be
comfortable for its occupants as well as a performer.
As detailed elsewhere, the stock interior appearance
has been retained whenever possible. This means the
power windows still work, and sound deadener is in
place under the carpeting on the floor to dampen any
low frequency engine and drivetrain noise. The stock
seats have been replaced with matching Cerullo seats
that offer both support and comfort.
Completing
the creature comforts in the Sidewinder Dakota is the
original dash-mounted AM/FM/Cassette stereo sound system,
and a Vintage Air heater/air conditioning unit that
has been mounted behind the dash. Moving the firewall
rearward 14 inches, and altering the shape of the firewall
precluded use of the stock heater/air conditioning
unit. A heater/air conditioner is more than just a
comfort item since it also provides the windshield
defrost/defog function.
Considering
the power potential of the modified Cummins turbo-diesel,
making the 200+ MPH runs at Bonneville in air conditioned
comfort is definitely possible. With over 1300 lb.-ft.
of torque, the Cummins diesel doesn't care if the a/c
is on or off. The only hard part is picking the right
music to listen to at speed on the salt!
|
