View Full Version : 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
BlueSS454
01-25-2013, 02:21 AM
I thought I would share something here with you guys. I have been toying with the notion of doing side work on Chevelles for a while now and finally made the jump. I have taken on my first customer car, a 70 SS 396/4 speed car built in Atlanta. It still retains its original engine, transmission, and rear. It's an L34, unsure if it's an M20 or M21 as I have not verified that yet, and a 3.31 cogged posi. I have a list of things the owner wants done including a suspension and brake overhaul, power steering conversion, interior work not completed by the previous owner, electrical work on the dash and under the hood, I will be pulling the dash out, also an install of a factory original AM/FM 8 track STEREO...how cool is that, the holy grail of 1970 Chevelle radios and this car has one! The engine needs a little tuning as well. I have to rebuild the door hinges, align them which will be a little tricky since it has had new quarters installed at some point and done incorrectly at that, then adjust the glass and fix the door guts. I also have the green light to go ahead and fix any other issues I come across. The inner OCD part of me wants to tear the whole thing apart and do a frame off, but now I have to remember that I am suppose to do what the customer asks and offer suggestions instead of going all out like I do on my own stuff.
I can say that I am really excited to have a paying job on a Chevelle instead of one costing me money. Here are some pics of the car..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6261.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6262.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6264.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6265.jpg
Original rotors still in place. I thought it was odd there is one of each type...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6243.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6244.jpg
Original non cowl early hood...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6258.jpg
Engine Stamp...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6253.jpg
Engine...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6247.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6246.jpg
The dash that needs some TLC...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6267.jpg
CC Rider
01-25-2013, 03:49 AM
Nice first side job Tom. Hope one of the services is a good paint correction and shine. It'll look like a million bucks when you are done with it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
BlueSS454
01-25-2013, 03:56 AM
Thanks Rick. The paint is VERY dirty and I will be cleaning it up. I may even run the polisher over it after a good clay bar job. The left door has a split in it which the owner will be getting repaired elsewhere after I do the door hinges and adjust them. I'm not ready to do paintwork yet, it's too costly for a loner in a back yard shop to do. At least it has the correct stripes on it for the model year <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
mockingbird812
01-25-2013, 10:28 AM
What's the paint code? Looks like a '69 color Lemans Blue.
Xplantdad
01-25-2013, 01:04 PM
Very nice Tom!
Fast67VelleN2O
01-25-2013, 01:22 PM
Love that color! Whats with the 1970 Camaro steering wheel?
Postsedan
01-25-2013, 01:59 PM
Tom,
Good for you! I`m sure your customer will love what you do to it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif Congrats!
Boo on the Power Steering conversion.....I love a Manual Steering Chevelle.
See if you can also locate a correct master cylinder, get rid of the Cowl Screens!
Are you going to go as far as putting back on the original intake, carb and exhaust manifolds?
Dan
BlueSS454
01-25-2013, 09:17 PM
The original paint/interior codes are 28 B and 756...Fathom Blue with black bucket seat interior. It has been repainted some variation of what looks like 69 LeMans Blue.
I will be campaigning to put a correct steering wheel on it, that kind of bothers me but again...up to the owner.
The cowl grills definitely have to go Dan. As far as the engine, as of right now I'm only giving it a tune. If he decides he wants it pulled and detailed later, that would be OK...another job later on! He does want to find an original intake and carb for it to have.
Postsedan
01-25-2013, 11:00 PM
Tom,
Be sure to stress and make the owner aware of just how rare that hood is <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif
Dan
BlueSS454
01-26-2013, 02:04 AM
I already took care of that Dan <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif That was the first thing I noticed when I lifted it because my blue hardtop has the same hood on it!
elonblock
01-26-2013, 11:59 AM
Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing pics when you are done.
BlueSS454
01-28-2013, 01:39 AM
I had some time today to look over the car a little better. It is going to need ALL new brake lines as well as some under hood harness replacement. I took it out for a road test before taking it apart to see how bad the wheel hop is. Holy hop Batman is all I can say. As soon as you step on the gas it breaks the tires loose and shakes violently.
Another thing I found today after I drove it (steering wheel seemed off to me) is this. I did not even think it was possible to screw this up...
Here is the steering wheel with the steering box centered. Notice the position of the mark (180 degrees out)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6273.jpg
Now this is even better, here is the steering wheel centered. How someone did this is way beyond me. Notice the mark compared to the steering wheel. How in the world could anyone clock the wheel that far out?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6274.jpg
Here is the trans stamp, it's an M20
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6279.jpg
The rear axle code...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6288.jpg
The cowl tag...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6292.jpg
Postsedan
01-28-2013, 01:57 AM
Holy Crooked Steering Batman <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif
Your just the guy to make it RIGHT!
Keep the updates coming!
Dan
BlueSS454
01-28-2013, 02:11 AM
You know I will Dan. I should have the front suspension off and the rear out tomorrow.
CC Rider
01-28-2013, 03:51 AM
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
njsteve
01-28-2013, 11:17 AM
On the steering wheel: they probably installed the column to the rag joint 180 degrees off. Even though there are two different sized alignment studs/bolts, it can be done with some effort. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif
BlueSS454
01-28-2013, 08:24 PM
Yep they did. I really can't figure out how they clocked the steering wheel wrong though. I can't wait to pull that off and see how bad it's damaged. The horn contact on the cancel cam has to be snapped off too I am guessing.
njsteve
01-28-2013, 09:01 PM
Besides being 180 off, they probably couldn't figure out how to turn the tie rods ends to bring the center mark back the extra 30 degrees. They just threw the wheel on, ignoring the alignment marks and breaking signal tab in the process, in order to make it fit.
BlueSS454
01-29-2013, 01:32 AM
I have it all torn apart...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6302.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6301.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6295.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6298.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6299.jpg
I also found some issues, and I have to say there are some people out there that have NO clue what they are doing when working on a car. The one front spring was installed upside down. One of the control arm shaft bolts was cut short with a hacksaw. The front shocks were held in with nuts and bolts from the inside, that was fun to get off. Several of the rear control arm bolts were rusted to the bushings inner sleeve..nothing the good ol' air chisel couldn't take care of.
Then I found this. I can fix this, but I have never seen it happen before. This is the left rear shock mount on the top of the frame.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6308.jpg
Postsedan
01-29-2013, 01:37 AM
Ha, Not Shocking, LOL! Great job, Tom <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif Your having fun!
Dan
BlueSS454
01-29-2013, 02:18 AM
Nice play on words there Dan <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif. This car REALLY should be taken all the way apart and be treated to a frame off.
Ryan1969Chevelle
01-29-2013, 02:33 AM
It is only time and money. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif
Looks like fun.
Ryan
The 1970 Lemans Blue L78 Chevelle that was highly publicized a little while ago looks so perfect in that color it's hard to argue.
BlueSS454
01-29-2013, 02:36 AM
I am just glad it's not my money this time. I like doing the work, but I get a little tired of spending every dime I have on my own stuff. I would much rather see this car back in it's original Fathom Blue configuration. The current color is some mutation between Marina Blue and LeMans Blue.
Ryan1969Chevelle
01-29-2013, 02:46 AM
Tough to do what the customer wants or what can be afforded at the moment.
Looks great to me.
Ryan
CC Rider
01-29-2013, 04:04 AM
Reminds me when I had my front end apart this past summer. It was HOT in my garage!
Bill Rose
01-29-2013, 04:24 AM
Damage to the upper rear shock mounts was somewhat common, in the 70's. It was often caused by guys lifting the back of the car with air shocks, to make room for huge tires.
The weight was no longer on the springs. All the body weight was on the shocks, so it started tearing up the upper frame shock mounts. It was a problem with El Caminos too, because all Elkys came standard with air shocks.
The air shocks should only have about 15-20 lbs of air in them. Back in the day, the higher the better, so they often got 100 lbs.
Ryan1969Chevelle
02-03-2013, 09:02 PM
are we there yet?
are we there yet?
Bump, more pics?
Ryan
BlueSS454
02-05-2013, 01:56 AM
I'm working on it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif. I blasted all the front control arms, the spindles, steering arms, steering box, etc. The rear trailing arms are shot so I am putting Hotchkis pieces on it. The front springs were already replaced at one point not long ago so I cleaned them up. Tonight I installed the whole front suspension and a correct quick ratio 676 power steering box. I was able to piece together a whole system from my own stock so I don't have to go out and buy everything. I have all of the parts I need sitting here except a few detail things which I will pick up from Ground Up when I go there this coming weekend.
Here are some shots of the spindles after I cleaned them up, see the original inspection marks...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6320.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6319.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6318.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6317.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6313.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6314.jpg
The original dust shields are kind of messed up. Someone chiseled the seal guard off one of them. Now I have to debate whether to replace them with aftermarket ones or take one from my stock or let it be and just have them replated.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6326.jpg
I am also going to have the original caliper brackets replated. I can't leave them as is with those fresh control arms and spindles on there...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6322.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6321.jpg
Ryan1969Chevelle
02-05-2013, 02:10 AM
Looking good, moving along nicely.
Ryan
BlueSS454
02-16-2013, 03:19 AM
Here are a few new shots for you guys and an update. I have most of the chassis back together. I blasted and painted the front control arms, replaced the rears with Hotchkis pieces. I had to replace the front brake dust shields as the originals were mutilated. I sent the caliper brackets off to be plated, hopefully they come back next week so I can finish up the front. I am also waiting on the brake lines to come in.
I pulled the cover off the rear so I could remove the axles to replace the seals. What a can of worms that opened up! Both axles are shot, grooves so big you could run a train on them, luckily I had a spare set of originals in nice shape. That's not the worst of it though, someone had been into the rear before and they had NO clue what they were doing. The gear set and differential were replaced and NOT set up correctly. The differential was moving back and forth laterally....NOT GOOD! I pulled the caps, removed the differential and flushed all the oil out as well as cleaned the axle tubes. New axle bears and seals were installed, I left the differential bearings alone for the time being just because I want to see the the gears are going to start howling since I set the backlash and preload on the differential the right way and in spec. If it howls, I'll probably end up pulling the whole rear apart and redoing it...not something I really like to do for others just because of the nature of them.
I also got the power steering pump assembly on. I know it's not the correct reservoir, but it works.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6376.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6377.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6378.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6381.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6385.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6382.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6367.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6366.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6365.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6364.jpg
BlueSS454
02-16-2013, 03:20 AM
And the axles...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6373.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6374.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6375.jpg
elonblock
02-16-2013, 11:35 AM
Looks nice! I am sure the client will be thrilled when you are finished.
Postsedan
02-16-2013, 11:55 AM
Tom,
When your all done with this project, you`ll have to take one more picture for all of us....a picture of the current owners smiling face when he takes his first test drive <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
Great Job!
Dan
SS427
02-16-2013, 06:30 PM
Nice axles!!! Good thing you opened it up as broken axles can get quite exciting.
BlueSS454
02-16-2013, 09:30 PM
I think I might name this car Snowball. Every time I touch something, another can of worms is opened. The master cylinder needs to be replaced as the current one on there is leaking out the back. The area on the booster where they mate up is not is so good of shape either so that might get swapped out too. This will be a good time to put a correct master cylinder with bleeders on!
I also took the steering wheel off to see what was going on there. The lock plate was installed incorrectly. Once again I am not sure how that is even possible since it's keyed so it only goes on 1 way not to mention the retaining ring wasn't installed to hold the lock plate down. Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars.
I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues!
SS427
02-16-2013, 10:35 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars.
I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues! </div></div>
I will trade you for the 70 442 Resto Mod we have in the shop right now! We have to completely remove ALL the wiring in the car and throw away. They also ran the fuel lines and battery cables inside the frame rail and then filled it with expandable foam. I could go on and on.....The "restorer" went out of business right after completing this car. Imagine that! Would you believe the car is owned by an Attorney? I could not believe he actually wrote the check to the builder. Sad what we see on a day to day basis.
BlueSS454
02-16-2013, 10:43 PM
Yeah that kind of looks like a nightmare Rick. I need to see pics of the expandable foam though <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif. I can't even think of any words for that, just shaking my head.
firstgenaddict
02-16-2013, 11:00 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars.
I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues! </div></div>
I will trade you for the 70 442 Resto Mod we have in the shop right now! We have to completely remove ALL the wiring in the car and throw away. They also ran the fuel lines and battery cables inside the frame rail and then filled it with expandable foam. I could go on and on.....The "restorer" went out of business right after completing this car. Imagine that! Would you believe the car is owned by an Attorney? I could not believe he actually wrote the check to the builder. Sad what we see on a day to day basis. </div></div>
Ha Ha that looks like the rats nest of wires I pulled out from under the dash of a car that came from a place that charges $125 an hour... it is amazing what people will put their name to.
BlueSS454
02-16-2013, 11:39 PM
$125/hour!! WOW, how can some places justify that kind of labor rate for crappy work?
CC Rider
02-17-2013, 03:32 AM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">$125/hour!! WOW, how can some places justify that kind of labor rate for crappy work? </div></div>
If customers keep returning, they will keep justifying it.
SS427
02-17-2013, 06:02 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I need to see pics of the expandable foam though <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif. I can't even think of any words for that, just shaking my head. </div></div>
Here you go Tom. I am not trying to talk bad about the owner or this car or even the car itself and seldom do I ever talk down another shop but this car is rediculous regarding how the shop built it. When ever someone questions our restoration costs it is cars like this one I can use as an example of getting what you pay for. Now the car is in my shop getting a complete makeover so it will actually cost him more than had he brought it here in the first place.
Notice the tape on the frame rail so the foam stayed within the frame. Also notice the rear frame mount hole on the bottom side next to the gas tank where the foam IS coming out.
m22mike
02-17-2013, 06:37 PM
Rick
WOW <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/sick.gif
njsteve
02-17-2013, 08:48 PM
Reminds me of the unrepaired rust hole in the bottom of the rear wheelhouse in my Firebird. The guy who did the body work years ago filled the hole with that foam and spray bombed it black. Where did you say that shop was? Maybe they worked on my car, too!
SS427
02-18-2013, 12:55 PM
South east of Chicago. I do not know the name and purposely did not ask for it.
Mr. Chevy
02-18-2013, 08:56 PM
What a butchered up hack job!! That is just ridiculous...
Rich
wheelhop
02-18-2013, 09:58 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">South east of Chicago. I do not know the name and purposely did not ask for it. </div></div>
Anything southeast of Chicago is in Indiana, tired of us Chicago guys taking all the heat!
SS427
02-18-2013, 10:19 PM
Sorry, SOUTH of Chicago. I believe he told me somewhere around Peotone but I could be wrong. Out of business now anyway.
BlueSS454
02-19-2013, 12:58 AM
I can't even think of any words for that. All I can do is shake my head in disbelief that someone would actually do that.
On a more positive note, I pulled the dash out yesterday. I was kind of surprised the harness isn't totally butchered up although it need a couple wires soldered back together..no big deal there. The main concern I have with the dash is installing the original radio with broken radio towers. This car by the way has the holy grail of 1970 Chevelle radios...AM/FM 8 track Stereo!
I also got all the brake lines on tonight. I need to get a master cylinder since the one I took off is leaking out the back. I also have to pull the booster off and clean it up. After that I will deal with the non functioning electric in the dash.
BlueSS454
02-23-2013, 12:03 AM
I was able to get all of the electric items in the dash working. The printed circuit was shot and I just happen to have a brand new one I bought for my car years ago that I never used. Also, all of the bulb sockets had a little corrosion on them keeping the circuit open so I cleaned all them up. I bench tested the dash harness also. All the circuits were reading .3 - .4 ohms on the Fluke Meter which has a little resistance but still within tolerance. I repaired the broken/cut wires also. The only thing left is to put a new neutral start switch on it since someone broke it off and twisted the wires to it together.
Also, the caliper brackets are done so I will go pick them up tomorrow and get the rotors on and brakes done.
These pics are lousy but show all the lights on...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6389.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6390.jpg
XXXGoldL34M20
02-23-2013, 02:23 AM
You forgot to put the hazards on, just kidding.
Looks good.
BlueSS454
02-24-2013, 12:18 AM
OK, here ya go <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6421.jpg
Radio is installed, just need a harness for it...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6426.jpg
Got the caliper brackets back today from Steve at Old School Plating...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6392.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6395.jpg
Front end all done...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6407.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6404.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6408.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6409.jpg
PS all done except for an little alignment issue, I'll work with that tomorrow...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6410.jpg
BlueSS454
02-24-2013, 12:22 AM
Steering coupler restored...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6401.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6399.jpg
Back on its wheels. I still have to call the guy that owns it and see what he wants to do about the master cylinder/booster so I can bleed the brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6412.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6419.jpg
elonblock
02-24-2013, 11:22 AM
With all of the work you did, the owner will see and feel a big difference in the way the car drives. Great job!
Ryan1969Chevelle
02-24-2013, 10:10 PM
I agree the owner will be happy with all these improvements.
Ryan
BlueSS454
02-25-2013, 01:02 AM
I finished up all the little things today. Got the seat belts installed, console bolted down correctly, added the missing glove box door arm. I also adjusted the timing and carburetor, they were both way out of spec. I do wish I knew what cam was in the engine so I could time it accordingly but I set it where it seemed to be happy at 38* total as opposed to 46* where it was. The one thing throwing me off a little is the fact that it has an aftermarket timing cover and pointer for an 8" balancer. That makes it a little difficult to get an accurate reading on an engine with a 7" balancer. Here is a short video I shot with my phone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXMzXqQIB_8
Fast67VelleN2O
02-25-2013, 01:35 AM
Nice work Tom!
Ryan1969Chevelle
02-25-2013, 01:50 AM
How could you skip the vroom vroom pedal?
Ryan
BlueSS454
02-25-2013, 01:59 AM
Patients grasshopper <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif. I want to get a few more things taken care of first then I will do a better video.
Postsedan
02-25-2013, 02:10 AM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Patients grasshopper <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif. I want to get a few more things taken care of first then I will do a better video. </div></div>
Ha, he is a Grasshopper <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
Dan
Ryan1969Chevelle
02-25-2013, 10:14 AM
Tee Hee
Ryan
BlueSS454
03-16-2013, 03:52 AM
A little update on this. Installed new American Autowire front end harnesses Wednesday night. The originals were totally shot. There were many cracked and broken wires plus someone got a little creative on the engine harness <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif I also got the door hinges rebuilt since the last person that worked on it never did it. They close much better now after the rebuild and some tweaking with the adjustment. The glass is also lined up much better now! I also fixed the neutral start system with a new clutch switch and harness. I found a coolant and oil leak, those are fixed also.
The one thing that is concerning me though is the fact that it still has a wheel hop issue. I am not sure if it's a shock/spring problem or a tire problem. It has 245 60 14 BFG Radial T/A's on it now, which are not the best tire in the world. Just to see, I took the tires off my 70 and put them on this car. It still had a little wheel hop, but no where near what it has with the BFG's on it.
Correct Temp sender...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6578.jpg
Moved the manual gauge sender here and put a correct thermostat housing on it as the aftermarket one was leaking...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6576.jpg
New Wiper motor...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6574.jpg
Mounted the TCS relay. It was wire tied to the old harness...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6572.jpg
Put these in the correct locations...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6575.jpg
The wiring here was a mess, not anymore!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6573.jpg
Fixed the leaking fuel pump and put a new feed hose on it. I would have rather put the correct pump with return line on it, but that can be done later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/BlueSS454/Atlanta%2070%20SS/IMG_6577.jpg
I only have a couple more things to do then it can go home and the next one can come in <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif.
Ryan1969Chevelle
03-16-2013, 04:57 AM
Lots of progress.
Really nice work, fixing the issues.
Ryan
BlueSS454
03-16-2013, 07:20 PM
Thanks Ryan. I would really like to pull the engine/trans out and do a full detail of the engine compartment, but that will probably have to wait for another time. I know he wants to drive this car around this summer. I figured it;s best to make it safe for the road then worry about detailing it properly later on <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif. I just finished installing the washer hoses after soldering the one nozzle back together. I am going to put it up on the lift and see if I can get the rear suspension to settle any later this week. Can't do it today since there is a chance of snow/rain and my cars aren't going outside in it!
Ryan1969Chevelle
03-16-2013, 08:11 PM
Fun to test someone elses car for wheel hop.
Does it have F41 boxed lower control arms/sway bar?
New bushings?
Ryan
BlueSS454
03-16-2013, 10:05 PM
The original trailing arms were shot. I replaced them with Hotchkis parts. I covered that earlier in this thread <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif.
Ryan1969Chevelle
03-17-2013, 12:22 AM
Ah, so you did.
Ryan
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