1955 Pontiac LS upgrade

[kwhizz]

New project showed up for Modernization...…. Judy and Jeff's 1955 Pontiac Station Wagon.... A little background on the car....The car was purchased some years ago with a small block Chevy engine and trans for power...…. However it did not have A/C or power steering and since this is Judy's car it was a handful for her to drive...… and since they want to travel the country and enjoy Life...…. Well …… We are going to fix that...…They already added Disc Brakes and a 9" ford rear end...….. We will be adding a GM Connect and Cruise LS3 480hp/ 4L70E engine and trans assy along with Power Steering, new tilt column, A/C and rewiring the car and some interior sheet metal repairs...…..And whatever else pops up along the way....Anyhow here are some pic's to start the build thread....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/110EE6EB-7F97-4B6D-8D26-2A49AB4E7D8E.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/33B3AC0F-E743-4938-8B9D-5409CB51A2A1.jpg


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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/48784C81-2AC3-4987-B295-4CE7317CBCC1.jpg

[kwhizz]

Jeff also sent the gauges out to Dakota Digital for them to work their magic on......


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/D5DBB152-A1E0-4F58-A9FC-C0D3E09809B0.jpg

[Postsedan]

Well it`s about Time!

Glad to see you doing this build for Jeff and Judy.....they will love the Kwhizz Build.

I love this Pontiac Long Roof!

Subscribed :)

Have Fun!

Dan

[WILMASBOYL78]

Better get going on this project...golf season will be here soon :smirk:

-wilma[nu-yawk]

[Xplantdad]

Awesome Ken! You rock....:headbang:

[ORIGLS6]

I love this Pontiac long roof!

Subscribed :)




Ditto !

[dykstra]

Awesome! Subscribed!

[mssl72]

Looking forward to this build!

[ZAPPER68]

Looking forward to this build!

X2...

[kwhizz]

So…… The first thing that needed to be fixed was to install the new power steering box…….The new box will need the mounting holes modified in the frame for mounting the modern box conversion……… And as Luck would have it the Stock Pitman Arm spline was different from the first box we tried……… Gonna use a GM 605 box next as in a previous swap thread by others it was noted that the Spline in the 605 box is the same as the stock Pitman arm……. Thought we would try with a better box than the 605 but that didn’t work out too well…. Won’t be the last time things didn’t go according to plan…..

[m22mike]

Ken
Nice to see you keeping involved with another cool project, pace yourself and try not to miss any naps :naughty:

Mike

[Z15 SS 454]

Cool Project! I did a 605 box conversion in a 55 Chevy 10 years ago and the factory pitman arm spline does indeed match up.

Here are a few photos of the crude mounting bracket I made to accomplish this.



https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=158888&stc=1&d=1582043083https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=158889&stc=1&d=1582043083https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=158890&stc=1&d=1582043083

[Xplantdad]

Ken
Nice to see you keeping involved with another cool project, pace yourself and try not to miss any naps :naughty:

Mike


And keep those hands clear of any dangers!!:beers:

[BJCHEV396]

Got my popcorn!

[A12pilot]

Sweet! I'm so here, man!!:burnout:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[kwhizz]

Got the #605 box today…… Pitman arm and the box have the same splines...... Amazingly two of the stock frame bolt holes lined up perfectly ……. I will just need to add 1 hole for mounting...… Got Lucky.....Aftermarket steering column on order along with universal joints allowing for any slight mis-alignment......and after getting the box mounted it looks like we will have room for Headers if required........


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/646FAFD9-721E-4999-ACE8-775C322562CF.jpg

[kwhizz]

The frame is not similar to the normal 55-57 Chevy Frames...… The box is now permanetly.in place...… The upper two mount holes lined up and I was going to drill a 3/4" hole thru the frame and weld in a piece of round rod with a bolt hole in it for the third bolt......After I started drilling the hole with a smaller size drill I noticed there was a frame gusset in the frame....... Ended up I just drilled the hole thru to suit the mounting bolt and everything cleared perfectly right next to the gusset so there was no need to weld the tubing in for support...... Too simple...… Just had to shim the box out about an 1/8" to clear interference between the box and the frame...…..

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/0F95AE39-E4EB-4FEB-9B72-97DF4AE0B2E9.jpg

[kwhizz]

Did some more disassembly this morning........ Got all the wires that will be replaced with the rewire out...... Removed the make shift trans tunnel ……. There are some rust holes thru the front floor pans so we will be replacing them along with fixing the trans tunnel.....Lot's of parts showing up next week

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/E3AE6B03-F214-4B52-8EAF-43B232D236EB_1.jpg


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[kwhizz]

Got the steering column in and got the connection to the box finished ……… Going to put a Patch panel on the Passenger side Floor pan .....… I'll be welding that in today after treating the floor with some Rust remover to get rid of the surface Rust, then treating the floor with Boeshield to help prevent further surface rust...… Engine will be here tomorrow and then the real assy will begin

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/79C24670-8E8D-4ADC-B656-259B31E6051F.jpg

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[kwhizz]

Got the Floor patch panel welded in today and got the drivetrain delivered to the house...… I thought I was going to be able to save Jeff and Judy some $$ by being able to use the as delivered oil pan..…… Wrong...…. Luckily I have a new 302-2 Holley pan in the garage...….. It will have a new home shortly...….

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/393359B8-3C11-4030-858D-BCDB51B08E7E.jpg

LS3 480H.P. 4L70E trans......

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/8D41ECFA-9961-407F-9637-3D5BEE905F0B.jpg


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[markinnaples]

It's like Christmas morning over there...

[kwhizz]

Got the engine mount adaptor plates installed along with getting the pan changed ……..

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/57AD79EA-4C50-4E08-8734-CF1326E194DC.jpg

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[kwhizz]

Getting ready for the Engine install soon.….

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/DCCB7A92-1F82-4F3B-A5FF-1F42E9AA1D0F.jpg

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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/DC39311E-9853-4C25-8632-E34BE48ACFA3.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Great stuff, Ken!

[kwhizz]

Well..... Got the engine in and now that wide open engine compartment is getting full...… Mainly on the driver side....When Jeff had the car converted to 4 wheel disc brakes previously.....they used the space available with the SBC in place while changing from the floor pedal to the firewall mount power system.....So...… A couple of things popped up after getting the LS 3 in place...#1... I think we may have to change the power booster assy over to a Hydro-Boost system to gain needed space (Vacuum Booster and Coils are fighting for the same space) to provide the needed space and still provide Judy with the Braking she needs...…… #2...…. I installed a Holley 302-2 pan.....Thought there would be plenty of room...…. LOL....We will have to change the pan out to a 302-1...… (Centerlink hit's the -2 pan while going thru the steering range..... The -1 has an additional 1 1/2 clearance)…… The sump area is shorter on the -1 pan......Things you find out as the process continues.....Darn !!!!………. I'm making a new trans crossmember tomorrow so that with get the engine mounting completed...…Also it seems like there is going to be a major clearance issue with the driver side exhaust The next problem for another day...….. Two steps forward, one step back...…..

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/5D59BB96-BD10-4720-BBF8-0F161133790D.jpg

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[kwhizz]

So.… The Pontiac has a "X" frame unlike Chevy's.... and with this conversion with the 4L70E being longer I had to make a new trans crossmember...….. The existing one was just a piece of 3/8" thick flat steel...…… Didn't like that so I wanted to make one out of "C" channel to resist the bowing from the weight...… I searched around the shop and couldn't find what I needed and didn't want to wait for a piece to be delivered so I found a piece of 2 1/2" 1/4" wall square tubing and ended up with what I wanted ….. LOL......Pic's will show the process...… Got it done and transferred the holes thru to the "X" member and Bingo...…. Finished.....Made a quick sketch of where I wanted to end uphttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/C74AC5F4-C149-4F04-A9E7-FB34CA87DA90.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/3AF43FB8-690D-4C83-A95E-E826556AABBD.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/332BB746-98D0-40EA-804B-0E6F5B436F26.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F49FA012-2708-4E88-AFF1-44DED1E2E962.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F6F4B0C8-67C6-406A-8B1A-5A5A60BB7B03_1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/929FDE8A-BE25-40A8-8E37-6AF8CD9875BC.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

That homemade C-channel will be a whole bunch more rigid than the flat stock. Nice work Ken!

[kwhizz]

Swapped put the pans today...…. If you are doing a LS swap into a 55-57 Buick, Olds, or Pontiac the 302-1 Pan is the one you need...…. Fits perfect.....https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/7242599E-7FA1-4211-B1F7-7214E91A809E.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/20EF9E72-5992-4074-89E5-0972B8F45554.jpg

[kwhizz]

The pieces are falling together...…. After getting the Exhaust manifold issue resolved (hopefully)………. The next thing that could have become an issue was the power brake booster positioning...…. Was thinking of changing to a Hydra-Boost to get more room between the Coils and the vacuum booster...… But.... After taking some time to think about it I took the last coil off and the coils and bracket assy fit right on...…. So... I have to add some clearance in the booster mounting bracket and make a offset mount for the last coil...… Just saved Jeff and Judy a lot of $$$$…… And..... Another concern was the positioning of the upper control arms on the Pontiac suspension in relation to the front drive assy...…. I got all the dimensions from Donnie at Frame-up and made a cardboard template of the power steering pump position...…. Bingo.... Looks like a winner...…. (those famous last words)…..LOL.....Tomorrow the steering column will be permanently mounted to the firewall and the cable shifter will be installed in addition to getting the last coil repositioned.....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/3BFC2FF6-D6B9-4460-AC0D-D90727E15C04.jpg

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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/C23AC920-112E-415A-BE45-367B754E3B56.jpg

[kwhizz]

So.…… Jeff and Judy decided to go with a Hydra-Boost braking system ….. Good Choice !!!!!...… Ordered...… The exhaust on the drivers side was going to be a problem...… We ordered a set of Holley S-10 manifolds and when they came in.... I test fit them and due to the #605 steering box placement and the actual shape of the manifold it just wasn't going to work......I ended up trying the stock manifold again and noticed that if I ground of a portion of the steering box it would work...… we will be returning the Holley units as this odd combination just didn't work...….Spent the morning today pulling the steering box in and out grinding and fitting.....https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/C0B6EF6D-FDB7-4D69-9AAA-A9C81DF821EC_1.jpgAlso I received the Hydra-Boost system, and while the person who installed the Swinging pedal assy did a great job....Guess what...…. It mounts with completely bolt pattern..... LOL...…. I removed the old stuff and will be making a new mounting plate and reworking the firewall to suit.....It never ends...…. LOLhttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/10F8FE39-36B9-4659-B8CE-5577B56E35C2.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/824F7691-CDB6-4A99-B54F-2318921030ED.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/E7EA0783-2E3A-49C1-8B17-1F6490EBCA55.jpg

[kwhizz]

Today was a good day...…. No steps back.….LOL..... We are putting on a Holley front drive set-up...….Very well engineered kit..... But..... The hardest thing to do on a LS engine is to change the Harmonic Balancer...… Need I say any more..... Got that changed..... Installed the coils, Plug wires, passenger side exhaust, then installed the Holley system…… Waiting for the new power steering pump to show up for completion……. Here are some pic's from today

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/980046E8-7666-4704-8076-16C066B3D012.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/8F0ED437-3770-488E-BD3E-66BA1E40D29C.jpg


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[kwhizz]

Got the shortened driveshaft back and installed...…… Took the old firewall bracket and modified it to accept the existing Brake swing pedal assy and the new Hydra-Boost assy........ I also moved the assy 1" further away from the engine...... Had to cut out some of the contoured area of the firewall to get everything to fit correctly.......so I have some sheet metal work to do but it fits perfectly and was worth the effort.......

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/A498CC2A-D2B3-48AD-B661-FE4E905253EE.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/D2BCE841-35DC-4BB8-9E69-42B1A4BF1E1F.jpg

[dykstra]

Looking great Ken!

[kwhizz]

Got the firewall patched and sealed around the Hydra-Boost...….. Got the ECM and Trans modules mounted along with the GM connect and Cruise Fuse panel...…. Waiting for more parts to show up ………. Still waiting for the Rick's Tank assy that was supposed to ship on Jan 29th.......... Time to figure out what A/C system to get that will fit this application also...….https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/2D64FD1A-1AD2-4DF4-8894-1E154CB17B43.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F8A4EA48-3208-4CE0-B3F3-4DF6A5463F97.jpg

[kwhizz]

Moving along...…. Had to make a Firewall spacer for the Hydra-Boost to get the linkage to work out with the brake pedal...…. Got the steering column mounted to the firewall also...…. waiting for some other parts to show up to finish the shift linkage...…. Decided to put the Radiator back in and see what problems were going to come up there...… Bolted it in and everything worked out, enough room for everything to fit...…… Just have to run dual fans to clear the water pump (ordered)…… Time to start on the rewire....https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/8F6DA1B7-2E94-468B-AE31-0E9881DFCC27.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/B12C2D3C-4DCF-40FC-B81D-1DAB260968F1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/58FC4A32-72A7-4461-A5FD-5DE9C52D4271.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/261A2EFE-E843-4616-ABDE-B64E3F1DAEB9.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/9A8796E9-165A-4F79-B04A-D627AD688751.jpg

[mrtimstik]

Looking good buddy. You have a skill and heart that more people need in this world.

[dykstra]

Looking good buddy. You have a skill and heart that more people need in this world.

Agreed!!3gears.gif

[kwhizz]

Got the Lokar cable shifter and the Dakota Digital GSS-3000 installed today …… Just about ready to neaten up the trans tunnel opening and get the new tunnel installed.... Time to start researching out what A/C system we are going to install and then wiring...….. Moving along.....https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/2561772D-ECFA-4158-952C-B47CF56C436A.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/D430F82C-9820-45E6-935C-C76EEC51C1D1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/43970F2A-0872-4DF8-8D95-1135207B31C8.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/5E2441C2-A481-4E7A-A88B-2D59468C53A9.jpg

[kwhizz]

Went over to Frameup and Donnie gave me some mock-up A/C units to see what would fit...….. Ended up figuring it out and got everything ordered...… Got a condenser for the radiator that they had in stock …….and got it and the electric fans mounted...….. Got all the fittings and lines for the Transmission cooling system...… also started plumbing the A/C lines...….. Waiting on more parts to come in to continue...….https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/FFA0EC88-231B-4410-BC6A-1D39FCD100FB.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/6160B6D7-6288-40F3-9D02-C2531EF490E6.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/16FF72D0-699F-4B2D-9410-07A744486F13.jpg

[m22mike]

:biggthumpup:

[mssl72]

Man, you're just moving right along!! :eek2:

[kwhizz]

Well..... The car had a small block Chevy installed in it some time in it's past....When the frame mounts were welded in at that time it, ended up that the engine was off-center about 3/8" towards the drivers side......… Fast forward...… After installing the #605 box and grinding some clearance on it to clear the exhaust manifolds (seemed like a good idea and a simple fix at the time)…… Anyhow...… After moving on from that point, I noticed some fluid on the floor below the steering box but I wasn't too concerned at the time because after cutting the brake lines in that same area after removing the old braking system I thought it was brake fluid...… Wrong.... Darn..... So, after removing the box and looking closely at it I seen where the leak was coming from.... Ground a little too much off the box..... Double Darn !!!!…… So we get back to basics...… LOL..... I'm making some new mounts (Pic's to follow) to correct that issue which will remove the steering box clearance issue and center the engine...… This car stuff is hard sometimes...… Should have this corrected tomorrow Also.... The Rick's Tank showed up today.... They built it for this conversion as a passenger style tank as we requested and I will have to remove the spare tire well in the wagon to allow for it's installation...… More Fun...… LOL...…https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/6D76DC2A-8C00-47D8-B1CE-78C67947B766.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/3DE91094-3E59-4494-9AC3-A17721D36032.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/DC9F62BB-C20D-45DA-AA34-7E2EB310D63C.jpgGot the old tank out...https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/215ACE46-1E2A-42D4-894A-CB8C1A3D004A.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/A3188919-7AF7-4FBD-8502-272546B5C958.jpg

[SuperNovaSS]

Damn Ken! If it’s any consolation, we appreciate the drama. I also appreciate your willingness to post the good, bad, and ugly. Is the box salvageable?


Thanks for taking the time to share,

Jason

[bergy]

I haven’t commented yet - just enjoying the build. Ken - you always do such a great job!

[kwhizz]

Damn Ken! If it’s any consolation, we appreciate the drama. I also appreciate your willingness to post the good, bad, and ugly. Is the box salvageable?


Thanks for taking the time to share,

Jason




New box ordered...…. Don't want to take a chance...… If it leaks.....Well.....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/3163E70F-AE9E-4E99-8178-4C4ED2717E19.jpg

[kwhizz]

Made new mounts and welded them in...… The engine is now about 3/16 towards the passenger side, so I picked up a good 1/2" of clearance on the drivers side..... The new steering box (ordered) will have plenty of room without any clearance issues…. I also leveled the engine as it was down about 1/4" on the drivers side...… Now I can sleep at night.... LOL...… Still waiting for parts to complete the final needs of the engine compartment...…… Time to get rid of the spare tire well and get the new Gas Tank installed

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/B3ECA1E9-12F1-486B-B6CA-0F80DA8D81B0.jpg

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[kwhizz]

Continuing with the process..... Not gonna miss some of this old sheet metalhttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/02997525-2790-437A-A853-45576DDF3D94_1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/8F9FD954-C2EF-4DBE-A29A-F1251845EB63.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F41E4EC3-B12F-4614-9D2D-19C58FB8507B.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/96C7BF68-BB35-4C79-B309-D5B906655E54.jpg

[kwhizz]

Started the day with a big hole in the floor where the spare tire well was....Got the rear mounts for the Rick's tank installed..... and got the tank installed..... And I have to make some new side mounts for the tank to get that part of the build finished up...…. https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/6FEE64B4-13B1-41C6-949D-A6C53977390E.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/AF8B8C3D-115B-4A18-9D8C-3F107F138AB9.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/39E638BA-DD27-4A83-8D15-6AE4E15DC8F1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/1EFEBE10-E3D2-48D2-8AFF-B4F077DCC151.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/770F680F-4C59-4A7A-B8F3-9E8FB4B8BB41.jpg

[kwhizz]

When we are finished we will fabricate a storage compartment above the gas tank...….. Also the power steering pump came in today so I got that all finished up along with the belt installation...…. I also got the front tank mounts fabricated..... Tomorrows project is to get them installed...…https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/D52C62A3-2D19-4FEC-B53A-5E309076BD84.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/368758B0-A2C1-443C-8C4A-589FC816318B.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/BB84DD21-F001-40DB-A01A-5F09292AEA74.jpg

[KM265S]

You've been BUSY.

[kwhizz]

Got the forward mounts put in today to get the tank install completed.... Next fabricate the fuel lines....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/68479135-4877-4971-831A-D0857E01BA9A.jpg

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[kwhizz]

Spent the day yesterday chasing around for different fittings for the Fuel system, transmission cooling lines, and starting on the A/C lines...…..Waiting for the A/C unit to show up to get that installed...…. Anyhow.... The fuel lines are in and completed along with the trans lines...… No pictures as there is not much to show...… Just a time consuming day to get everything to fit right.....

[dykstra]

Thanks for the update!

[Lemans69]

Another great build thread Ken, thanks for taking us along!

[kwhizz]

Got the new steering box today and with the engine in the correct position now.... It fit right in..... Bingo...…. So.... I wanted to see if there was enough room to install the factory heat shield...…. Had to trim a little area and it slipped right on...….. Good day today...… Tomorrow radiator Hoses and then wiring ……. It looks close in the picture but there is plenty of clearance...….https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/94115104-31B3-4533-8AC1-FFFBDB3FDA97.jpg

[kwhizz]

Just some additional info about Jeff and Judy. As you can see by the pics the car is a nice solid old car. They are not show car people but are car people. We had talked about doing this swap for a while as they want to have a dependable car to travel and enjoy life. Just helping out

[Xplantdad]

Just some additional info about Jeff and Judy. As you can see by the pics the car is a nice solid old car. They are not show car people but are car people. We had talked about doing this swap for a while as they want to have a dependable car to travel and enjoy life. Just helping out


That's what you always do :):headbang:

[kwhizz]

One of the minor issues with these LS swaps are the difference in Radiator hose sizes......So, the easiest solution to this issue is getting hose adaptors that have the two different sizes on them to couple the two sizes...…. then the next issue is getting the hose shape you need with the size required to complete the hose..... ( two times.... Upper and Lower)...... Always fun going to the Auto stores and walking in and telling them you want to look thru their Hose inventory...….. Sir.... Just tell me Year, Make, and Model...….LOL...… Luckily I was able to get what I needed in one trip...…… Anyhow the Hoses are pieced together and completed...… I also got the steam line installed...…. Except for the heater hoses which are waiting for the A/C system to show up for completion, the cooling system is finished....... After that I started on the wiring...… We bought a Vaporworx PWM fuel pressure controller and I decided to get that wiring for it assembled and installed...…. Got it run up to the Battery location in rough position...…. Getting closer and the engine compartment is starting to fill up...…. LOL


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/FFF0019F-88BF-46EA-B16A-7040D92858AB.jpg


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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/1ECDAD7E-4FE6-49F2-904D-E8C52AD39504.jpgG]https:

[kwhizz]

Moving along...… Got the Brake pedal assy in and mounted in position...…. Got all the new brake lines in and hooked up to the new brake system...…. and I also got the Power Steering lines and the Hydra-Boost lines installed ……… Lines, Lines, and more Lines...…. Still waiting for the A/C unit to show up then it's mostly just rewiring left....https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/CE757608-B0D8-4C40-8C4E-2B9BA6580DF1.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/E69E0093-D097-4D3D-9182-10E702DE478E.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/02361A21-E1B8-4395-A648-F6E1250E3677.jpghttps://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/4BF856E0-AB55-43F6-8B33-7F6930E07300.jpg

[kwhizz]

If you look at some of the earlier pic's you will see that at some time in it's past a previous owner painted the dash a different color.... And, as long as we had to paint the new steering column we figured we might as well paint the dash to match.... Went to a local auto paint store and ordered a couple Rattle cans of the correct color, my concern at the time was that they could only mix the paint in gloss..... I wanted satin finish so Jeff and Judy wouldn't be blinded by the reflection while driving in bright sunlight...… Hummm….. I thought that maybe I could spray it in satin clear after painting to reduce the glare...…. So, I get the steering column back from Donnie at Frame-up after he installed the wiring for the combo cruise control turn signal handle.... Sanded and cleaned the dash and got out the rattle cans...…. Mixed them up good and after masking everything off I started spraying the dash.... Humm….. The spray pattern from the can wasn't your typical fine spray pattern...… So... I kept spraying trying to get a smooth finish but it wasn't happening..... Anyhow when I was finished and the paint dried it ended up with sort of a Satin finish due to the weird spray pattern...….. Exactly what I was looking for.... LOL..... Rattle can special.....Got the column painted and installed...… Got all the steering linkage and cable shifter installed for the last time...… Then I went back to Frame up and got another fitting I was missing to get the Hydra Boost return lines installed correctly...…. And while I was there the A/C system showed up...… started installing it and will get the lines completed in the next day or so...… Moving along

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/E640ABD6-78CF-496E-A149-A1AB8A2F820B.jpg

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[Xplantdad]

Awesome!! :beers:

[kwhizz]

Had a good day today...… Got the A/C unit fully mounted, got all the A/C lines made and installed....... Got the heater control and the heater hoses made and installed and filled the system with coolant.......and got the Battery installed

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F99BA7B9-63C3-4389-A721-A3724A594284.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/7B766D7B-A40A-45B6-AFCC-D69A5AFFFB34.jpg

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[dykstra]

Looking great!!

[m22mike]

:biggthumpup:

[kwhizz]

Now we get into the Chinese Water Torture part of the build... Rewiring the car… But.... It's not as bad as it was in builds past as I think I have learned to think 10 steps ahead of where I am so I don't have to redo things 10 times...… LOL....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/C480B30C-3EC2-43A0-A9DC-E18447E92BEF.jpg

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/DC00B1E8-E867-42A9-B50B-C084E93A5EE3.jpg

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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/55F2674F-F278-4442-92FF-786A9343C111.jpg

Getting there...…..

[markinnaples]

You're a better man than I, as I despise wiring. Love the swap and that it's just a powertrain swap and not a full body off resto. Pretty cool change.

[kwhizz]

Getting closer again...… Got the Ignition switch wired up.... Turned the key and if there was gas in the tank it would have started...… LOL..... The last batch of wires you see are the wires required to hook up the Head Light switch along with all the extra wires included in the universal kit that will be removed...….. Getting closer.....


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/EBEED346-E15C-4AF6-A89A-ED0F0963226F.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/28216EA3-14E5-434D-B647-739F5915935B.jpg

[kwhizz]

Even though it seemed like a good idea at the time, I decided to replace the two small 12" fans with a two speed 17" fan for some serious air movement...… Done...… Got all the wiring finished except for the radio, A/C and other under dash items......Got the relays installed for the Radiator fan..... A lot of work but not much to see.....LOL
https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/F99F9645-C35E-4E04-874B-AD1F7EC5A35D.jpg
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[kwhizz]

Just a little update...…. LOL..... Wiring, Wiring, and more Wiring...…. Nothing to see there.....But, I also didn't like the way the Power Steering / Hydro Boost reservoir was mounted on an angle bolted to the inner fender panel..... Made a new mount to make it straight up and down...….. And I finally got the hole in the trans tunnel fixed...… Waiting for some parts to show up to get the Fuel tank fill tube connected so we can put some gas in the car and get it started...…. Then next Monday the car is going to get the exhaust system installed and then back to Jeff's house waiting for the Dakota Digital custom made gauge cluster to be delivered to complete the project …..


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/35F654FB-DC5A-448F-8EA7-4B491BAAF81D.jpg


https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/CB2288D5-9A47-4C23-859A-17295F8A2A39.jpg

[kwhizz]

Again...…. Wiring, Wiring, and more wiring...… Got the Dakota Digital Gear Shift module installed and programmed along with the neutral safety relay.....Works perfect..... also got the Fan Controller and Trinary switch for the A/C installed...… Cruise control, VHX, and OBD module today (Hopefully)……. Also sprayed the floor with Flexseal and installed the Dyna-Mat....

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/DE03C418-35AA-4FB2-8E05-CD12EBCEF39D.jpg


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https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/4CE3A604-9DD3-4B0D-8053-564C57034243.jpg

[Postsedan]

Looking Great!

Assuming there is a 2020 Power Tour this Summer.....Jeff and Judy will be joining you :)

Dan

[kwhizz]

Can't get the video to upload to Photobucket, but...…… Put some gas in it and it cranked over for 5 seconds till it built up fuel pressure and it started right up...….. Going for exhaust on Monday, …..… Still got one issue yet to be resolved..... Can't get a brake pedal..... It's just off the floor.... Hummm…… Bled the system many times along with the Master...….. Just can't get it to be normal....

[kwhizz]

Well..... The car is gone for the time being.... It's at the exhaust shop now...….. still waiting for the Radio to come back from being upgraded and the gage cluster being upgraded by Dakota Digital which is scheduled to be shipped in the middle of June...….So... Since the car was brought over, we added Power Steering, eliminated the stock Gas tank and replaced it with a 26 Gallon Ricks Tanks stainless unit, added the GM LS3 480 H.P./ 4L70E Trans Connect and Cruise package, rewired the entire car, added Vintage Air Heat A/C system, rebuilt the trans tunnel, added the Hydro-Boost system, still some work needed to be completed before Jeff and Judy will be able to enjoy their New car...…. LOL...…I have a video of starting the car for the first time but for some reason I can't get it to load on Photo Bucket…… Darn...…... Here are some pic's of when the car arrived and when it departed...…

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/4AD0234F-A85B-4533-99DC-2C8C8C5A43B0.jpg

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/4D9DD4E0-06DF-4621-98EC-6477F611BFA9.jpg

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/D5DBB152-A1E0-4F58-A9FC-C0D3E09809B0.jpg


After

https://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/55%20Pontiac/083C4237-F5D8-4A3C-A087-601CDD9F2BFE.jpg


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[kwhizz]

Click on the link for a video


https://www.amazon.com/photos/groups/yOgJfyw9RnG50YqcDUXnTw

[Charley Lillard]

I did but it don't...........

[dykstra]

Link doesn’t work.

[kwhizz]

Fixed


https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/yOgJfyw9RnG50YqcDUXnTw.JaInbSVwFWXXYSXRdFOsRG

[Charley Lillard]

Still doesn't work for me.

[RPOLS3]

Still doesn't work for me.

Same here....

[Xplantdad]

It works for me :) looks and sounds great!

[mssl72]

It worked for me also. Sounds healthy!

[Donnie]

Ken, if you keep this up I'm going to want one of these LS cars!

[dykstra]

Works for me now. Sounds great!!