[Ironhorse]

Yep, pretty sure that spacer "may" have created a vacumn leak for you, LOL. Always amazes me sometimes the things you find on these older cars/trucks.

Can't help on the battery location thing, might try a Google search for "battery mounting 1958 Bel Air / Impala" Should bring up some pics to look into. What seems to be the problem now, can you post a pic?

Really liking the pics you posted, that interior is really clean. Loving the old under dash A/C. Still hooked up, working conditon? I have a similar unit I would like to install in my '57 2 Dr. 210.

That will make a great cruiser when you get the bugs worked out. Congrats !!