[washington blue]

Thanks ds, I really appreciate your input. You are very knowledgeable. The main reason I put my build on the internet is to get input exactly like what you give me. I farm and repair farm machines and drive farm machines. That is my main area of knowledge, so when I'm working on a hot rod I like all the input I can get. No such thing as too much info, lol.
I am studying my exhaust and am trying to see if I can lower it about 1/2 inch which would give me 3/4 inch from the insulated wrap to the wood. I believe I could fab a piece of metal to slip in between the wrap and wood if I get that done. I believe metal shields would create an air gap of roughly 1/2 inch between the wood and the shield. Thanks again, and ds and everyone else too, keep the input coming, I appreciate it all.