Hood hinges

Picked up some GM hood hinges off ebay and a hood release rod from Ames. Installed them today and for the first time since I've owned it (1985), I can actually open the hood with ease.

Electrical problems

Worked on a few things...changed the oil and filter, installed a hood release rod (never had one), and mini gauges (oil pressure, engine temp, and amps).

Gauges went in fine but now I have an electrical issue...The lights under the dash stay on all the time. I disconnected the gauges and still have the problem. I also noticed that the dash lights, top motor and the wipers don't work. Motors could be mechanical, but something tells me there is a ground or corrosion issue somewhere.

What to do...

I replace the disintegrated battery tray and ordered a few small parts. I'm moving in slow motion...the car pretty much needs everything so it's hard to get started. I don't have a garage and it's at a friends house which makes it more difficult.

Here's the plan:
1. Get the car road-worthy.
Tune up, check breaks, check hoses, fix leaks, check and repair headlight and brake lights
Update rear suspension. It sits really low and it rides like a boat. Install new shocks, leaf springs, bushings and hardware.
Fix exhaust. There is a leak at the manifold (or near) as a hole worn down by the rear axle. Headers?
Front suspension...?
Replace tire.

2. Bodywork (including top)
Ugh. Too much to think about

3. Interior
Same...so much to do. So expensive.
At this point it should drive nice and look good. I can slow down and order parts when I have the $$.

First test drive

Installed a new brake line and bled the lines. Took it around the block for a little test drive. Ran pretty good, but was it always this rickety? Noticed I'm leaking fluid from the rear. Great.

Not so fast.

A couple of feet out of the barn, I blew a rear brake line, broke a hood hinge and ran out of gas. Just a reminder that this isn't going to be easy.