69 Z/28 Day II Project (Air Force Brat) [Archive] - Page 3?login=1

NorCam

01-07-2021, 08:37 PM

Good to hear Bruce!!! :BruceRocks: :HollyRocks::youguysrock:

Having fun here today as Kraig (my glass guy) showed up at my gate this morning at 9:00 AM. Although he was a day early by appointment, I said let's do it and he stuck around to install the front and rear glass. We finished up the glass and installed all of the freshly polished stainless. I'm not real happy with the gaps around the stainless on a couple of the factory corners...but hey, that's the way they built these cars back in the day. Nothing truly perfect in terms of gaps or with original panel alignment. The glass is now finished up although I need to drill a few more clips to the cowl panel for the front windshield. Now I can get back to work under the dash as I'm ready to head back out and install the pedal carrier and the steering column. More later...

https://i.ibb.co/9cPqSSG/IMG-4999.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Lz1mW4Q/IMG-4987.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FYnjtc8/Rear-Clip.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bFmbkpB/Adhesive.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3zdfmSc/Front-Glass.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/dbMhF6W/Primer.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/x6DBpXm/Craft-Stick.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Cnf8hBY/Rear-Install.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/wzhTykf/Back-Glass.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/St2w4jT/Windshield.jpg

Xplantdad

01-07-2021, 10:50 PM

Looks great!!!:cool2:

NorCam

01-08-2021, 03:48 AM

Had to tend to some tedious little things with the car tonight but did take a couple more pictures to show that I wasn't sleeping. Also, glad I trimmed out the perforated section on the firewall pad around the column and didn't try to install the end of the column through the small opening in the firewall pad. I forgot what a PITA it was to get those little 5/8" screws through the lower seal and into the caged nuts on the firewall. I would have been cursing if the firewall pad was also under there as it took everything I had to to get those screws to bite with only the foam seal in place. Pedals are now swinging free and the booster is sitting pretty as well. Things are moving along here.

https://i.ibb.co/4Frrnkq/IMG-5046.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Pr8V3Zb/IMG-5042.jpg

ZLP955

01-08-2021, 07:00 AM

Nice to see glass installation using a dam. Looking good!

NorCam

01-08-2021, 12:52 PM

And using wooden craft sticks no less.

Kraig and I laughed yesterday as he told me he was reading an old factory encyclopedia that referred to the use of "a wooden craft stick" to spread the urethane around the glass. He used to have a bunch of fancy plastic spreading tools and tried using a craft stick (actually a wooden popsicle stick) to spread the urethane to the edge of the glass. It worked great and he's been using them ever since he read the article on factory glass installation. One of those little things...

DW31S

01-08-2021, 02:55 PM

Wooden coffee stirrers also work well to spread/shim stuff. Can’t figure out what’s better....the rate of progress, or the quality of the resto.???

NorCam

01-09-2021, 05:21 AM

Hey Dave...good to see you drop by.

Here's a little video of the progress to date. Hope you like the ending on this one buddy.

KHEiTxRAHeY

Mr.Nickey Nova

01-09-2021, 02:13 PM

Well done on the video Graeme... Car is looking great!!

chevyandpontiac

01-09-2021, 08:48 PM

I will be following your post for the reassembly of my camaro LOL it is a perfect step by step.

NorCam

01-10-2021, 05:54 PM

This Z/28 lost its motor back in 1974. In researching the car I've heard 2 different reports of it being the original 302 vs a built 327 that was reportedly scattered when the clutch exploded back in 74'. Depending which story was correct, maybe the old 302 is still out there? I know the transmission was said to be with the car in the mid-'80s but it was scavenged before the car was parked in 95'. In either case, this car is now getting a crisp solid roller small block that I built for another project but ended up keeping. It was broken in a couple of years ago with around 300 miles put on it and is now ready for some fun in the yellow Day 2 car. I'll keep looking for the original motor and should also share that I also have a line open on a dated DZ motor and hope to have something worked out on that later this spring.

In behind this built solid roller will be an AutoGear M23 build with 345 gears. This ratio includes an Italian made gearset with 1.000 (4th), 1.353 (3rd), 2.043 (2nd), and a 2.994 (1st). It should stand up nicely to the power this motor will make (approx 500 hp). In the rear is a strengthened original 12 bolt with a new Posi carrier and upgraded axles. Running 373 gears and multiplied by the 2.99 first gear, this car should launch like it has 5:13 gears out of the box, so it promises to be a fun little streetcar. For those who like details but didn't see this motor when it was built, here are some pictures that were taken while it was assembled.

https://i.ibb.co/hC2cy4T/Solid-Roller-SBC-1.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/b51dyS0/Solid-Roller-SBC-2.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/YjfC8sK/Solid-Roller-SBC-3.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/XzfQxZz/Solid-Roller-SBC-4.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/512yBFT/Solid-Roller-SBC-5.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4t91Lcb/Solid-Roller-SBC-7.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gwQQ2bz/Solid-Roller-SBC-8.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/g6sGhN2/Solid-Roller-SBC-9.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/NyKZnq9/Solid-Roller-SBC-10.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/HVZfW4B/Solid-Roller-SBC-11.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4VgjMkD/Solid-Roller-SBC-12.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4jNJT66/Solid-Roller-SBC-13.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7XV0Wcf/Solid-Roller-SBC-14.jpg

NorCam

01-10-2021, 06:02 PM

In between working on the car yesterday, I stopped to roll the motor outside while the weather was favorable and gave it a little run session to keep it lubricated. Probably one more of those sessions coming in the next couple of weeks to help keep my sanity. Besides...the neighbors love it too. We call it Covid therapy!

GK_SO_n3miQ

Ryan1969Chevelle

01-10-2021, 06:46 PM

Sounds savage!!!

I bet you will love the M23 “Z” I love the SLR, and your rear tire OD and 3.73’s will be very similar to my 3.42’s and 26.2” tall tires.

Love the build!!!

Ryan W31

mockingbird812

01-11-2021, 12:36 AM

Smokin’!!!!!!!!

What are the torque numbers on this lil’ gem? :naughty:

NorCam

01-11-2021, 04:17 AM

Didn't dyno this one Sam but would bet it's well into the upper 400 range. I started to open it up when I was finished the break-in period and ran it up to 6500 in 2/3/4 and it pulled like a freight train (real hard at highway speed and tires were chirping away). I hated short-shifting but hadn't finished breaking in the transmission either. The motor is good to go here, but I now have another fresh transmission to season before I start banging away on it. I dare to say this combo should be in the 475hp/475tq range (give or take a few points).

Here are a few shots of the weekend's work as I finished up the dash area and got most everything connected. Need to run the speedo cable tomorrow and get the console in there and then it's time to finish up the engine wiring and brakes. I should have the motor and transmission in later this week.

https://i.ibb.co/Br3QPpm/IMG-5113.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/xhp2mqc/IMG-5115.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/RS4D6w8/IMG-5116.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/X5rGxQK/IMG-5110.jpg

HawkX66

01-11-2021, 01:32 PM

Awesome progress! Love that engine run stand.

NorCam

01-12-2021, 04:21 AM

Been messing around with the NOS Sun tach that I got for this car and as it turns out, it will not fit onto a tilt column. That leaves me with the dash as the next best option. I also have small blue line fuel and vacuum gauges going on the outside cowl panel in chrome cups. I have to think about this dash mount thing for a while. It wouldn't be my first choice for this style of tach but when I see this picture it looks kinda cool. I'll take a few days to let it sink in a bit before I decide if it goes on the dash, or back in the cupboard and stick with the stock tach.

https://i.ibb.co/4Ybp1Jb/IMG-5124.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1zjWcQH/IMG-5129.jpg

NorCam

01-12-2021, 04:33 AM

Earlier today we mounted the console, ran the speedo cable, the oil line, and mapped out a plan for the wiring of the MSD into the glove box. Tonight I got back out to the shop and changed out the turn signal cam before I finally got to mount up the restored rosewood wheel and got a good look at it. It's been sitting in a drawer for the past 6 weeks and I was excited to finally mount it. I think it turned out great and love the colors on this one.

https://i.ibb.co/g4xT4NN/IMG-5134.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bHbDZKZ/IMG-5138.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/G9XqCyw/IMG-5143.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/nqpCtyM/IMG-5152.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0hd0n7V/IMG-5155.jpg

cruiserofland

01-12-2021, 05:03 AM

That Sun Super Tach does look killer on the dash. Could you make a bracket to mount it to the column? Guessing you have to avoid the rotating reverse lock-out section?

NorCam

01-12-2021, 05:15 AM

The trouble is that the upper section where you'd normally mount the strap around the sleeve has no room for the band strap. Down low is the tilt lever and up high is the turn signal lever. Between those is the lock and there's just nowhere to run the strap around it. On a non-tilt column, you can run the strap along the bottom of the top sleeve and mount the tack slightly off to the left side. But not with the tilt. grrrr

SuperNovaSS

01-12-2021, 06:15 AM

Is that the rosewood wheel that was repaired by the body guy?

Have you considered hanging the tach from the ceiling/inside roof?

Jason

R68GTO

01-12-2021, 09:27 AM

Looking great! For the dash mount, give some thought to fabbing a U-shaped sheetmetal bracket where one leg of the U slides under the leading edge of the dash pad and bolts to the metal structure under the pad. The other leg cantilevers over the top of the pad back toward the driver.

I'm curious what your plan is to route wiring from the engine compartment to the interior. I will have some wires that I need to get inside and I don't want a visible hole in the firewall.

big gear head

01-12-2021, 11:04 AM

I bought the terminals that are used in the bulkhead connections and ran extra wires along with the original wires right through the bulkhead. It looks like all of the wires are original to the car.

I mounted my tach in the same place that you are holding yours, but I used a reproduction Nova dash pad in my car, so I didn't mind putting holes in it. I would have a hard time putting holes in that dash pad that you have.

X66 714

01-12-2021, 11:08 AM

How about modifying the tach bracket so the bracket mounts to the top of the dash, under the dash pad? Nobody would see those holes if you decided to remove it....Joe

NorCam

01-12-2021, 01:58 PM

Thanks for the above suggestions folks. (appreciate all of the insight)

Rob, I have mounted MSD boxes in the glove box of a few cars now and will run a hidden MSD for this one as well. Last time I routed the wiring under the heater box on the far passenger side and through the firewall just to the right side of the inner box where it tucked straight into the glove box liner. I will likely do something similar to this car and it should be far easier with the fenders off. :smile:

This is by no means a purist type build so power will come from a remote F*rd solenoid that will mount in an obscure spot on the passenger side of the firewall. I like to run a high torque mini starter and the solenoid w/ relay provides clean power that's tucked away from any heat source. Tach will wire from within the car as the feed then comes off the MSD box. I do like the way Freddie ran wires in the harness but I need a thicker gauge power lead for the MSD and that must come hot from the battery. Using the late model ignition box, I then become very picky about making the whole thing hidden and discrete.

NorCam

01-12-2021, 02:03 PM

Is that the rosewood wheel that was repaired by the body guy?

Have you considered hanging the tach from the ceiling/inside roof?

Jason

Yes, this is the wheel that Barry Allen sold to me. It had a couple of epoxy repaired cracks that he took care of many years ago, and it then sat unfinished for about 20 years with a few primer sections painted in after the repairs. I had it sanded & repainted by a local airbrush artist I know and then had my painter clear coat it with automotive paint. Quite happy with it and the whole thing was very affordable. :biggthumpup:

As for the tach...If I decide to mount it on top of the dash, I will be fabbing a bracket that mounts around and under the pad. I also looked at an under-dash mount just right of the heater controls (meh) and also held it up high on the pillar post to see if I'd like this one with a halo mount, but that isn't really the spot for this one either. I'll play around with it some more before deciding on its final position, but it will likely be the dash area.

NorCam

01-12-2021, 06:13 PM

As David Siltman suggested, I pulled the tilt lever and mounted the tach on the column. Tilt is adjusted to where I'd just end up leaving it positioned anyway. Can always thread it back in whenever needed so "mission accomplished".

https://i.ibb.co/yFLQ7JS/IMG-5160.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1LxfDQ9/IMG-5157.jpg

napa68

01-12-2021, 08:22 PM

Can't wait to hear that bitch zing!

NorCam

01-17-2021, 07:32 PM

Been busy dicking around with the front and rear suspension the last couple of days and making sure everything is totally square. Also aligned the front end and started prepping the rear Gabriels which are now being restored as Hurst SuperAirShocks. Today I got around to finishing the front brakes, loading up the calipers, and secured the hard lines so that they are ready to be bled. Next up I will adjust the booster, install the master cylinder, and plumbs the lines in including installation of a NOS vintage roll control kit from Hurst. It's coming along although the pace has now slowed down a bit.

https://i.ibb.co/cD77dWq/IMG-5200.jpg
Calipers rebuilt, painted, and loaded up with new hardware.

https://i.ibb.co/y489zrK/IMG-5202.jpg
Installed new rotors as the originals were turned to .960 and are stored away now.

https://i.ibb.co/kMw1bfY/IMG-5205.jpg
Everything's now good for a safety inspection once the car's complete.

https://i.ibb.co/TBwXWky/IMG-5204.jpg
This is as much detailing as the front suspension is going to see.

mockingbird812

01-17-2021, 11:20 PM

Never get tired of this art work!!:biggthumpup:

dykstra

01-18-2021, 11:57 AM

Looks awesome!!

NorCam

01-19-2021, 03:06 AM

Finished a little wiring around the engine bay, completed the booster installation, the master cylinder, and all of the restored valving. Also seen here is a Mr. Gasket throttle lever bracket that was sent up by Mr.4Speed and replaces the stock plastic version on the firewall. Next, I'll coil up a couple of lines to plumb the Hurst roll control to the inner fender area for mounting later on. Should have the motor ready to install in the next couple of days.

https://i.ibb.co/6H8Th69/IMG-5226.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Wz1SXZP/IMG-5227.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/kxjpVmt/IMG-5229.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DksDvCM/IMG-5231.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Z1Nr6F0/IMG-5232.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ykHBJT2/IMG-5235.jpg

napa68

01-19-2021, 11:39 AM

I just love your projects Graeme!

chevyandpontiac

01-19-2021, 11:47 AM

Can't wait to see the placement and installation of this. Cool NOS parts

mr.4speed

01-19-2021, 01:38 PM

looks fantastic!

MosportGreen66

01-19-2021, 03:25 PM

Very well done! You saved this Camaro... new lease on life in less than a year. Wow.

NorCam

01-20-2021, 12:08 AM

Pulled the motor down after running it on the stand again today and thought I would then get it ready to install it later this week. At least that was the thought until I pulled the Victor Jr intake and realized the mismatch on the intake ports. Seems I forgot these heads have 200cc intake runners. I do have plans to build a stout DZ motor for this car sometime next summer so I will now search for some decent 186 heads to match up with the stock intake but might have to reinstall the Vic Jr intake until I get the new motor built.

https://i.ibb.co/GVRtZqv/IMG-5265.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Ss3hmsR/IMG-5269.jpg

SuperNovaSS

01-20-2021, 12:33 AM

DAMN! I hate it when that happens. I have a nice pair of bare 492 angle plug heads if you want to keep the day 2 thing happening.

Jason

NorCam

01-20-2021, 02:50 AM

That's it...I'm done with small blocks.:thumbsdown:

Gonna build a Pratt & Whitney R2800 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cxt3LkuMyQ) for it. :headbang:

outlawperformance

01-20-2021, 11:47 AM

Trick Flow DHC heads you can paint them and they look like the originals.

NorCam

01-20-2021, 12:29 PM

Trick Flow DHC heads you can paint them and they look like the originals.

Been there...done that. The problem with DHC heads is that they will not accommodate the large diameter 1.550 springs needed for this roller cam. The top guy at Trick Flow (forgot his name) warned me not to try and cut them. Max spring pocket on the Trick Flows is 1.470 and they are best suited to hydraulic roller cams or smaller solid lifter cams. That being said, I could dump my existing cam and change the heads but that's throwing good money right out the window and downgrading a lot of performance at the same time. I think I'll just mount the Victor Jr back up and call it a day until I finish the next DZ motor. Again, I can swap the engine out later.

https://i.ibb.co/DtTXzsH/IMG-7454.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/N9bHK7Z/IMG-2909.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/BNf3VhR/IMG-4852.jpg

rszmjt

01-20-2021, 05:34 PM

[QUOTE=NorCam;1532725]Been there...done that. The problem with DHC heads is that they will not accommodate the large diameter 1.550 springs needed for this roller cam. The top guy at Trick Flow (forgot his name) warned me not to try and cut them. Max spring pocket on the Trick Flows is 1.470 and they are best suited to hydraulic roller cams or smaller solid lifter cams.

FWIW. - 186 heads can not be safely machined for 1.550 springs either, the end spring pockets are prone to hit water, you can step cut them with a .060 stock diameter shim in place and then use .100 long valves, but this may mess up the rocker geometry.

Plus you will probably lose 40+ HP.

Maybe you could find a Orphan Tarantula Intake manifold ( or period correct ) and have the tops of the intake runners Tig Welded up/ground down, to work with your current heads?.

NorCam

01-20-2021, 05:55 PM

Hi Mike,

I still recall what you taught me about the big cams vs. cutting springs into the stock castings and what the limitations were. If I find the right set of 186 heads I was planning to pull the solid roller and swap in a mechanical cam that's a little more forgiving on the valve train. :blush:

Have you got a set?

I'd really like to mount up the stock intake but need something a little more stock...ish.

rszmjt

01-20-2021, 06:21 PM

Sorry, I Don't have any nice 186,s rite now. All the heads I have would require a lot of work, inserts/studs/ etc. just orphan heads that are hurt. I know you are going to "lean" on it so a nice set is in order.

Jason - SuperNovaSS said he has a nice set of bare "492" angle plug heads, those already have screw in studs & guide Plates. and those would be period correct for your day 2 look, and have the same end casting symbols as a "186".

I even had a set of those on my own Z about 1975, when you could buy them from GM for $80 a head bare. Then just buy valves/springs and assemble them. Great cylinder head BTW.

big gear head

01-20-2021, 07:30 PM

The only problem that I've run into with the angle plug heads is header clearance with the plug wires. Some headers work with them and others don't.

NorCam

01-20-2021, 09:13 PM

SuperNovaSS

01-21-2021, 12:50 AM

I would also make you a deal on these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353358285652

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353358294755

The both came off the same good running engine.

Jason

Scott69Z

01-21-2021, 02:03 AM

Yup.

And the m/t headers I had made for this motor were not setup for angle plug heads. Unless a set of dated 186 heads appear real soon, I'm going to bolt the Vic Jr intake back onto this engine and put it into the car for the upcoming season.

I have to wait until spring to finalize a deal on the DZ motor I have lined up and I'm pretty sure he said he has the matching heads for the block as well. That can sort itself out later and then I can build that one and take my time building it right.

Back on task here...

What about running the trick flow double hump heads? I saw you did this on a previous build. Were you happy with those heads? I was thinking of using those heads on a block I have to build a look a like 302 for my Z. I don’t see too many people using them. Your build looks amazing. Look forward to the daily progress.

Scott

NorCam

01-21-2021, 02:16 PM

Hello Scott,

I really liked the Trick Flow heads on the 383 I built for the Nova but as mentioned above they are limited on spring pocket size. That rules out using those with this cam. If I were to pull this motor down and swap the cam out they would make a viable option but considering all the work done to this motor that would be an unwise decision today. I do have some 1206 intake gaskets here so tonight I will set the intake back in place and move along using this engine for the time being. I really need to get my hands on the DZ block I want and build something a little more period correct for this car. That being said I need to be patient. It will happen soon enough...

Thanks for chiming in and thank you for the kind words.:beers:

RALLY

01-21-2021, 07:24 PM

i say use the stock rpm tach. classic. doing a great job on your z.

NorCam

01-21-2021, 08:18 PM

Scored a good set of February dated 186 heads this afternoon through this great forum. Once they arrive I'll go through the heads and will prep them for a modified DZ engine build.

:cool2::cool2::cool2:

flyingn

01-21-2021, 09:01 PM

duh. I just realized you are daytwotripper on fb :)

R68GTO

01-21-2021, 11:14 PM

Not quite...he's the "legendary daytwotripper" on FB:biggthumpup:

NorCam

01-22-2021, 02:20 AM

Had an awesome day today. Found a nice set of heads, finished rebranding the Gabriel Hi-Jackers to resemble the old Hurst SuperAirShocks and took delivery of some cool Day 2 parts that came up from California. After that, I was test fitting these vintage Cragar SS wheels that were mounted up with a cool old pair of M&H Racemaster L60's. They definitely change the look of the car and will likely be used for some static car shows. The glass hood will be prepped and painted later this summer and will then make its way onto the car after it's all finished up. Very cool. :cool2:

https://i.ibb.co/z7VZbmZ/IMG-5302.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Tm58MVG/IMG-5308.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/VxxN1MR/IMG-5310.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/hg04VPr/IMG-5312.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QQ7N1h4/IMG-5315.jpg

SuperNovaSS

01-22-2021, 03:54 AM

Hell Yeah!!! I'm excited the hood made it in one piece. That was quite a trip.

Jason

ZLP955

01-22-2021, 09:26 AM

Nice! what’s the width and backspacing on those rear Cragars?

chevyandpontiac

01-22-2021, 11:18 AM

Interesting, I had not seen those husrt stickers, before. They look good.

the hood.. now that is epic...

NorCam

01-22-2021, 01:09 PM

Interesting, I had not seen those husrt stickers, before. They look good.

the hood.. now that is epic...

There's one set of Hurst shock decals being sold through eBay but they are not correct as per the way the old shocks were labeled up through Gabriel in the late 60s to early seventies. I had a NOS set of them but had foolishly sold them. My son has become very talented with digital art so he spun up the graphics to recreate the decals and I had my friend run off 20 sets for me. My son will now put the other sets up for sale so others can duplicate the shocks if desired. Here's an original set in a Hurst box (Circa 1970).

https://i.ibb.co/H2X3zky/super.jpg

Jason...it was a long way (round trip) but I was glad the hood showed up yesterday. It was in good company as the trailer it arrived in was loaded with new Ferrarri's.

Tim, I believe the Cragar's are 8" with what looks to be 3.75" +/- on the backspace. Not exactly sure so I will check on that for you later in the day. I need to find a nice set of 15" Cragar fronts for the car now. Anything in the 4" to 5" range would be awesome to connect the dots.

Z28Project

01-22-2021, 05:40 PM

Just so you know Graeme, your nos shocks are living on in Day-2 glory on my Z/28 with my L60 Mickeys!

NorCam

01-22-2021, 05:50 PM

Absolutely loving that John. The car looks righteous with the wheel, tire & shock choice being flat out perfect on it. I still have a NOS set of H/50 Mickeys in mint condition, but they are just a bit too short for this car. I should sell them to someone with a 70 Camaro as they look right at home on a 2nd gen car.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. :Can-I-Have-It:

NorCam

01-22-2021, 10:01 PM

John,

Is that by chance the same H/O car I saw a few years ago on youtube that some kid and his dad dragged out of storage after it was sitting for many years and got it running with open headers on it and had a couple nice carb fires trying to get an old race car running? I saw an old youtube video years ago where this father & son team fired it up after a long time sitting and were then planning to make it more streetable? As I recall it was orange and had decals sparsely located across the sides, much like yours...and seeing how you're in the same state????

I remember the car was driven up and down the 2 lane blacktop just near their farm the week after they got it running decent. It was smack in the middle of corn fields. (lol)

What sayeth? :worship:

Z28Project

01-23-2021, 01:46 AM

That's it Graeme!

It was a drag car since 1971 and went through 3 owners as a racer. The guy I bought it from parked it in 1986 when it broke a drive shaft while launching. I had been working on him to sell it since 2012. He finally agreed to sell it to me in 2016! He had mounted a tire changing machine right behind the car years ago so we had to slowly work it sideways to get it out of there. Rebuilt DZ engine in the car now. The car is known in the area so I decided to just do a resurrection on the car and leave all the old stickers on it!

NorCam

01-23-2021, 02:51 AM

That's awesome. So that was you and your boy that were getting it running out in that shop amidst the cornfields? I watched that video like 10 times and went looking for it earlier today but didn't find it.

That was a great save on the car. :worship:

Z28Project

01-23-2021, 03:55 AM

Yes that was me and my son. I haven't seen the videos for a long time but I remember the guys wife directing the whole removal operation. It looked funny in time lapse. :)
Getting it running was out at my place. I live in the cornfield. :)

cruiserofland

01-23-2021, 09:55 PM

John and Graeme, guessing it was this one yeah?

EIeCx16RtQg

I've also watched those videos several times and remembered the car - John yours looks totally badass on those wheels and tires! Makes me want to get TTs for mine haha.

Graeme, looking killer as always!

Z28Project

01-23-2021, 11:48 PM

Yeah that's it! :) Love that carb backfire.

NorCam

01-24-2021, 02:11 AM

I think we've all been there John. I know I have, but seldom does one manage to catch the flame in a picture. Yup...been there done that. This little dragon even managed to spit out the side and was really trying to catch my face. (lol)

https://i.ibb.co/PcqP56D/IMG-4766.png

NorCam

01-24-2021, 07:24 PM

Been busy building a skating rink with my son the past couple of days now that the cold has finally set in up here. That kept me out of the shop for 2 days but I'm back on it with the rear shocks being finished up today and the airlines ran into the trunk using existing holes from back in the day. Also took the airbags off as the heavy lifting will be done with the shocks to gain the tire clearance needed for the N50s on the back.

https://i.ibb.co/CvbKftY/IMG-5353.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/t4FFnG5/IMG-5355.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Rpvp1ws/IMG-5359.jpg

NorCam

01-29-2021, 12:00 AM

Carrying on here as best I can this past week while trying to keep the family happy as well. That meant building a hockey rink and hanging up shooting tarps for my son to practice his scoring drills. Great weather for flooding the ice as it hit -15 here over the past 5-6 days. So what else have I got done you ask?

Remounted the Victor Junior intake, checked parallel and concentric run-out of the bell housing, and adjusted the dowl pins where the bell now has .004 parallel and .002 concentric run-out which I am very happy with. A new billet flywheel is mounted, Powergrip HD clutch is installed, I added a Moroso roller pinion bearing, installed the old McLeod bell housing, and mounted the new M23 transmission onto the back of it. I'll get the new shifter mounted up and adjusted and then it's ready to go into the car in the coming days. That's all for now.

https://i.ibb.co/QF8RfSV/IMG-5381.jpg
Time to remount the intake again.

https://i.ibb.co/kK0XJwL/IMG-5393.jpg
Victor Junior is back in place until another DZ motor is built later this year.

https://i.ibb.co/gwH1PZ9/IMG-5398.jpg
New Ram billet flywheel is torqued down in place.

https://i.ibb.co/hRFrzzn/IMG-5406.jpg
Chose to try out a roller pilot bearing on this installation.

https://i.ibb.co/tHzkb61/IMG-5409.jpg
Continuing with the use of a Ram HD Powergrip clutch.

https://i.ibb.co/xH2VFZM/IMG-5414.jpg
Time to break the M23 out of the box. Love this trans.

https://i.ibb.co/vLYCJsM/IMG-5418.jpg
This one has the 346 gearing with Italian made gears.

https://i.ibb.co/zN9pzdY/IMG-5424.jpg
Ready for the shifter to be mounted up and adjusted prior to installation.

https://i.ibb.co/cbvn6jd/IMG-5422.jpg
First time I've mounted a transmission to a motor while using this run stand.

mr.4speed

01-29-2021, 04:21 AM

Looks graet!

outlawperformance

01-29-2021, 11:29 AM

Love those Auto Gear 4 speed's! I put one in both of my cars and stored the original muncie's. I don't have to worry about breaking an original.

NorCam

02-02-2021, 01:44 PM

Held off installing the motor/trans in hopes that I could quickly change directions on a shifter and keep with the day 2 theme on this car. With the help of Mr.4-Speed (Russell) I have now found a vintage Hurst Super Shifter that he is sending up from California c/w H/D shift linkages. I will need to find a good set of Hurst shift tabs for the late style Muncie and once installed I should be back in business. Here's the Super Shifter 3 that Russell is sending on its way for the 69.

Thank you once again, Russell. :worship:

https://i.ibb.co/F5B7vMg/IMG-5554.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/5Ts5YKP/IMG-5556.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jZkwhD6/IMG-5555.jpg

Chuck_Burg

02-02-2021, 05:16 PM

Love the progress Graeme! Might need to do the same with some air shocks for my car... I might have some shift levers

NorCam

02-02-2021, 08:15 PM

Love the progress Graeme! Might need to do the same with some air shocks for my car... I might have some shift levers

I might have some decals? lol

big gear head

02-02-2021, 08:39 PM

I had one exactly like that in my car for a few years. I love the super shifters.

NorCam

02-11-2021, 01:14 AM

Shifter arrived yesterday (Thanks Russell) as did a few other boxes of much-needed parts. I can now get the engine and transmission installed so I can mark out the cuts for the shifter body and get it roughed into the tunnel. Stay tuned...

https://i.ibb.co/D9y3drg/IMG-5652.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Qv3pCbD/IMG-5654.jpg

vince

02-11-2021, 02:47 AM

wow fantastic job graeme. im late to this party but making my way through this thread. awesome! definitley subscribed.

NorCam

02-11-2021, 02:17 PM

wow fantastic job graeme. im late to this party but making my way through this thread. awesome! definitley subscribed.

Hey good to see you drop in for a visit Vinnie. Hope you are keeping well? As you know...your car was a big inspiration for me. I'm heading out to get the motor into the car today and getting onto the shifter installation. :headbang:

Cheers...Graeme!

vince

02-11-2021, 06:52 PM

yes graeme feeling better again thank you. back in the garage playing with cars and motorcycles again. life is good.:biggthumpup:

Rumbleguts396

02-12-2021, 03:37 PM

yes graeme feeling better again thank you. back in the garage playing with cars and motorcycles again. life is good.:biggthumpup:

Hi Vinny, my old friend !!! How you been ?? Rob Z

NorCam

02-16-2021, 02:56 AM

Installed the engine and transmission so that I could mark up the holes for the super shifter and get things mapped out. Once the shifter hole was cut, I slotted the side of the tunnel for the larger 3-4 shift rod and started fabbing some sheet metal boxes to close everything in. I still need to spend some time seam sealing the box inside the tunnel and will finish soundproofing the inside floors to reduce road noise.

Also waiting on a set of original Z/28 engine frame mounts that Buddy (x77-69z28) was kind enough to ship up to me earlier today. Once I have the mounts installed, the engine and transmission can go in for good. I also found a NOS Super Shifter 3 in its original carton and will be picking that one up tomorrow. I'll then get it set up and adjusted on the run stand and will fill the transmission and differential with gear oil before it all goes back into the car later this week.

What else...oh yeah, gotta get the new carpet installed and trimmed out as well. More stuff coming up real soon...

https://i.ibb.co/jL8jDwg/Shifter-1.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FnDbkg3/IMG-5775.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/12B9xZB/IMG-5778.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/LvNR1qt/Shifter-2.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PDjy8G8/Shifter-5.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/y03LCWR/Shifter-6.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Z2pjnzS/Shifter-7.jpg

R68GTO

02-16-2021, 08:59 AM

Nice work! Going the extra mile to do it right makes all the difference!

NorCam

02-16-2021, 11:18 PM

Picked up the NOS shifter today and it's pretty cool. An original Super Shifter 3 from back in the day. The paperwork inside the original carton is dated 1978 so I would think this is from the late 70's to early 80's. It was sitting inside a sea can full of parts ever since it was purchased 30-40 years ago and aside from a little damage on the chrome, it's new and tight. I'll clean it up and will be using this one on the Air Force Brat.

https://i.ibb.co/020MZGY/IMG-5867.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/hHzfWHM/IMG-5868.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/rc7p2VH/IMG-5869.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/SKMy1SW/IMG-5870.jpg

x77-69z28

02-17-2021, 05:14 AM

Great work on the trans tunnel Graeme. Keep it coming!
Buddy

NorCam

02-17-2021, 12:56 PM

Thanks Buddy, :biggthumpup:

I mounted up the shifter and the rods last night and got everything adjusted nicely. I'll need to shim the 3/4 rod a touch as it's rubbing on the 1/2 nut but that's an easy one. I'll be adding fluids to the gearbox today and then I'll get the carpet trimmed and installed before the frame mounts arrive.

I'm going to need to find an old Hurst T handle for this shifter. An ivory one would probably look best with the bright yellow interior so if anybody out there has a NOS White T Handle squirreled away, I'd be happy if you'd consider selling or trading a part for it? (lol)

:Can-I-Have-It:

https://i.ibb.co/k5LRYzj/IMG-5871.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/kD2cggQ/IMG-5875.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/xz47t1s/IMG-5873.jpg

Tracker1

02-17-2021, 03:31 PM

What a great find!

big gear head

02-17-2021, 03:36 PM

I love the rods with the nuts on them. That's what I'm using on my Ram Rod. They seem more secure than the rods with the spring clips. I used a little Loctite on the nuts just to be sure that they wouldn't back off.

NorCam

02-17-2021, 04:32 PM

I just traded an old ignition system I have for a restored/rebuilt RamRod. Now I'll have a pair of shifters to swap around since the mounts are the same. Just need to slot the back of the box for the spring and they should interchange.

These rods also have the Hurst locking tab washers in behind them and those fold over the head of the nuts to keep them from backing off. Also just discovered they now repro the white Hurst T handles. Better than paying a small ransom for a chunk of plastic.

Back out to work on the car...:3gears:

big gear head

02-17-2021, 05:37 PM

My lock tabs are worn out and I need to find a new set. I think I saw some reproductions somewhere but I can't remember where. I was using a Super Shifter for a while, then a Super Shifter 3, but for some reason my brain won't let me push to the right when going from 2nd to 3rd when power shifting, so I had to put the RamRod in so I would stop missing 3rd gear.

rszmjt

02-17-2021, 06:29 PM

Need 1 of these Freddie ?

NorCam

02-17-2021, 07:14 PM

Yup...that will make your shifts more consistent Freddie.

You should see the clutch pack that goes with that trans. It looks like jewelry. (lol)

big gear head

02-17-2021, 07:22 PM

That's an awesome transmission. I don't think I could miss a shift with that one.

rszmjt

02-17-2021, 07:31 PM

Yup...that will make your shifts more consistent Freddie.

You should see the clutch pack that goes with that trans. It looks like jewelry. (lol)

Here’s 1 of 3 clutches, I Hate to tell you what this cost. 7” Dual disc.

big gear head

02-17-2021, 07:48 PM

That's pretty sweet. I'm using a McLeod RXT with a Clutchtamer. It's working pretty well for what I'm doing, but I may have to step up to something better if I get to build the Nova that I'm trying to buy.

427TJ

02-17-2021, 07:51 PM

I've had two M-22 cars with SS3s in them and I really miss how good it felt to operate.

big gear head

02-17-2021, 07:55 PM

Yeah, it's a good solid feeling. No feeling of rods bending or looseness in the shifter.

3X24SPD

02-17-2021, 09:24 PM

big gear head

02-17-2021, 10:03 PM

I was able to cut a slot in a B4 boot and use it with my SS3. I'm using the same B4 boot with my RamRod. I cut a hole in the top to make it work.

NorCam

02-18-2021, 12:56 AM

Hi Graeme, just want to say I love the way you're putting your car together.

I've never had a Super Shifter, but I've run (& loved) a Hurst Vertical Gate in my 65 GTO for a lot of years. That's a big hole you have to try to cover in the tunnel with one of those, and you also have to use the huge boot- a lot of heat still comes through to the interior even if you try to seal it up as tight as you can. It also nixes the use of the factory console.

Is the Super Shifter an inline pattern like the Vertical Gate or is it a Standard H-pattern that's just mounted high and uses straight rods?

Thanks, Bill

Hello Bill and thanks for the comment. It was a tough decision to make but cutting the tunnel in favor of a correctly themed shifter was the way to go for this build. The stock shifter and console w/ gauges will be stored away in case I ever want to convert it back.

The Hurst Super Shifter 3 is an H pattern shifter and you are correct in that it has a high mounting position that utilizes the straight arm H/D rods. The same mount and rods are used for the inline version with that of the Hurst RamRod, and I also have one of those coming in case I ever want to swap them around for a summer.

I have a couple of boots that I plan to play around with and may have a trick up my sleeve yet. One is a B4 and I may cut down the SS3 boot and use the ring from the B4 to simply size it down to fit the small shifter box I built. More on that once the carpet is finished up, but I am having a lot of fun with this build. Now that the shifter is being changed, I'm also hoping to find a nice Lakewood 3-Point rollbar so that I can finish off the interior in Day 2 style. :worship:

njsteve

02-18-2021, 02:47 AM

big gear head

02-18-2021, 02:54 AM

I remember that shifter: the Super Shifter III. My brother had that in his Daytona Yellow 69 SS396 Camaro back in 1977. I don't recall his car having so much tranny tunnel mods to fit it though? Were there different rods available or mounting brackets?

I know about the mods to the tunnel, since my 69 Z11 pace car had a Ram-4 inline shifter and I hack-sawed the hell out of the side of the tunnel to make that sucker fit.

Steve, my car is also a big block car and I didn't have to cut mine that much either. The big block first gen Camaros had the engine and transmission offset to the right more than the small block cars, which gives more room for the shifter.

NorCam

02-18-2021, 04:31 AM

You have to cut for the side of the shifter body to come through the side of the tunnel. The top of the body comes through about 2 inches and that protruding body then tapers down as the tunnel runs out towards the floor. The cut must run down below the lower tabs of the shifter body and then you have the 3/4 rod that attaches on the outer leg. That shift rod then needs the floor cut for at least 4"-5" forward of the shifter and it needs about 3/4" relief for the rod to not be in contact with the tunnel. I am sure you could pound that out with a big hammer, but I'd rather cut it than pound it out. Here's a picture that shows how much of the body is going to be sticking through.

https://i.ibb.co/SfLY9qX/Shifter-4.jpg

I don't think the big block is that much different from a small block in terms of tranny positioning is it? Like maybe 1/4" or something? In either case, this shifter mount locates the body up high and needs relief cuts in the top of the tunnel and through the driver's side or the shifter isn't going to fit. You can maybe close it in tighter and negate making the box as I did, but then you need to wrap a large boot down and around the side of the tunnel which I don't like the looks of? Unfortunately, I didn't see any shortcuts in how to do this right and did what I could to close it in while keeping it neat.

The current model Super Shifters have smaller diameter shifter rods but they are weaker design than the older ones like I have here. I'm pretty sure the Super Shifters have always used this particular mount, but as I have done in the past, there are ways to mount it down low using a different mount and the lighter offset shift rods. That means less cutting but don't think the functionality is as good with those modifications.

FWIW...I'm no expert at this. Just doing what I can with what I have here and pretty happy with how it's turning out so far. :cool2:

NorCam

02-18-2021, 04:37 AM

Here's another shot from the underside as I was sizing things up. I started with a smaller cut and tried to hinge that side cut out to box in the shifter body along the bottom edge, but it wasn't going to give me anything to mount a new boot around so I later enlarged the hole and then built the box to close everything in. You can see from this picture that even the lower shift leg for 3/4 needs to go out beyond the tunnel side. They are a very invasive install as compared to anything stock. LOL

https://i.ibb.co/VYp10cW/IMG-5783.jpg

njsteve

02-18-2021, 01:32 PM

I did not know about the different offsets. And yes my pace car was a 350.

big gear head

02-18-2021, 05:22 PM

I think the Mr. Gasket V Gate and the Long shifters require an even larger hole, which is why I haven't installed one of them in my car.

Ryan1969Chevelle

02-18-2021, 08:10 PM

Love the shifter decisions!!

I personally love chaulk marks, and paint daubs, but I would cut up a floor in nearly any car to get a bad ass shifter in place.

This car with a stock shifter would have been a big miss in my opinion. I bet the shifter is the most fun item on the whole car, and each time you drive it you will be happy you cut some sheet metal the heck out of the way!!

I offer my Sawzall skills to any muscle car owners who want a big hole in the floor and can't bring themselves to do it. Not kidding.

Ryan W31.

This has motivated me to improve my shifter hump :-)

3X24SPD

02-18-2021, 08:31 PM

X66 714

02-18-2021, 08:42 PM

Hurst made the RamRod first. I used them for years when I was younger. Kind of a theft deterant. Most people that road with me didn't know how to work it...Joe

rszmjt

02-18-2021, 09:02 PM

I never knew Hurst made another inline shifter besides the Vertigate. I also have a Mr. Gasket Vertigate, and that shifter is identical to the Hurst except for the script. I had to look up what makes a RamRod different than a Vertigate. Found a great pic to share.

Never owned a Ramrod or Vertical Gate. I did own 4 Hurst Super Shifters 1,s at 1 time, 1 had 4 Chrysler Liberty 4 speeds for my S/G car which I raced for 12 years. If we burred a Pro Shift Hub we could change the trans in 7 mins between rounds . Did that in 1990 @ Seattle. Never missed a gear in 12 years, they worked Mint, never saw the need for a Vertical Gate as they were big & clunky IMO.
That is world champion Mike Federer in the Penzoil roadster in the other lane.

Graeme, your going to love that shifter.

NorCam

02-18-2021, 10:00 PM

Hope so. Just waiting on a set of Z/28 frame mounts to come up from the US so I can finally get the motor into the car and mount the shifter and the headers. Full steam ahead after that and hopefully no more delays.

NorCam

02-20-2021, 01:47 PM

Just finishing my coffee before heading out to the shop for the day. Going to finish up the carpet install. swap the clock out for a center fuel gauge, install a new 3967939 heater switch and reinstall the column, boot & carpet shield. After that, I have some gauges and an ignition box to install and prewire ahead of the motor and trans going in.

https://i.ibb.co/xX8y30K/IMG-5912.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ynRLSnS/IMG-5913.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/CwvRF01/IMG-5914.jpg

Z28Project

02-20-2021, 02:34 PM

Looking great! Since the console/gauges aren't going to be used due to the shifter, what about a gas gauge? This would seem to be a good application for a U16 gauge setup, replacing the clock.

NorCam

02-20-2021, 02:52 PM

Looking great! Since the console/gauges aren't going to be used due to the shifter, what about a gas gauge? This would seem to be a good application for a U16 gauge setup, replacing the clock.

Yup...but you didn't read my last post John. (lol)

Z28Project

02-20-2021, 04:16 PM

Doh! I was looking at the pictures and missed the text. :)

NorCam

02-20-2021, 05:33 PM

I'm the same way when there are good pictures to look at John. The carpet is now trimmed and installed but I'm going to leave the cuts for the seats and seat belt holes until I'm ready to install the interior. Next up I will pull the dash and make a few changes before installing some new gauges.

https://i.ibb.co/mzHqmXP/IMG-5921.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/tX9FLLT/IMG-5925.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/rvpQy0p/IMG-5923.jpg

big gear head

02-20-2021, 06:26 PM

Carpet around that shifter box looks great.

Bernhard

02-20-2021, 06:30 PM

That turned out nice.

R68GTO

02-20-2021, 07:53 PM

Looks fantastic! Where did you get your bowtie floor mats?

vince

02-20-2021, 08:53 PM

perfect.:beers:

NorCam

02-20-2021, 10:31 PM

Looks fantastic! Where did you get your bowtie floor mats?

OER through HeartBeatCity

L_e_e

02-20-2021, 11:10 PM

Excellent and creative work!!!

NorCam

02-21-2021, 02:02 PM

I found an old Nova console harness kicking around here yesterday and robbed the plug and some terminals from it. I have now added a tan wire to extend the fuel tank wire up to the new fuel gauge in the dash, but also need to extend a pink 12V ign lead to it. As luck would have it, I have every color wire here but pink. I spent an hour running around looking for more wire yesterday and came up short locally, so I'm headed into the city this morning to see if I can find some pink ignition wire to run under the dash.

I need some for this plug and also need to run some pink for a couple of other hidden objectives. It's the little details that eat up your time I'm telling you. (lol)

njsteve

02-21-2021, 03:54 PM

Bernhard

02-21-2021, 04:10 PM

big gear head

02-21-2021, 05:31 PM

I've got several large boxes full of wiring harnesses from old cars. If you were closer I would gladly cut out a pink wire for you.

The dates have been set for SCR 24. Are you going to try to bring this car down for the event? It would be great to see this car go down the track at Beech Bend.

NorCam

02-21-2021, 06:45 PM

I'm sorry but that's waaaay too professional looking for a true Day2 look. Back in the actual Day2 era (or as we Boomers say, IN MY DAY...) there would be half-a-dozen, fully ripped out carpet threads that were caught on the drill when you tried to drill screw holes for the shifter boot. And add to that a really uneven sledge hammered/peeled back wall of sheet metal forming the side of the transmission hump to add to the "authentic mess".

;-)

LMAO...yeah. :headbang:

I've had my share of threads wrapped around my own drill bits. Actually did one on the previous carpet from this car as I drilled the holes for the carpet plate and thought I was clear of the edge...but wasn't. It made a nice little run in a brand new carpet LOL. My problem now is that with age I have become anal and a lot fussier about my schtuff. Come to think of it...I actually have someone to thank for making me as anal as I have become. :grin:

Yesterday as I took those pictures I was saying to myself. I'll need to put a new blade in the knife and trim a small spot right under the edge of that chrome ring so I can miss hitting that carpet. I'll probably even use a pilot sleeve to make sure I don't catch it. :dunno::dunno::dunno:

I've got several large boxes full of wiring harnesses from old cars. If you were closer I would gladly cut out a pink wire for you.

The dates have been set for SCR 24. Are you going to try to bring this car down for the event? It would be great to see this car go down the track at Beech Bend.

I have enough here to do that if needed Freddie, but thank you for that. I found some wire and some connectors so I am golden for now.

JRC99

02-21-2021, 08:43 PM

NorCam

02-22-2021, 12:53 AM

Wires were spliced, the fuel gauge is installed into the cluster and the dash is all back together with the dash pad and the glove box liner back in place. Now to get back out there and install the gauges under the dash.

https://i.ibb.co/PhdHxSh/IMG-5938.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/s1sXCZY/IMG-5939.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1QHc0nq/IMG-5941.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Z2rsd6W/IMG-5943.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/5MdNLNf/IMG-5944.jpg

NorCam

02-22-2021, 02:24 AM

day2killa

02-22-2021, 12:27 PM

Sneak a Peek...

I got sidetracked a little tonight and banged in the rear seat so I could see what was going to look like. Also wanted to see if a Lakewood bar would interfere with what's going on here and I think it would kill the pattern on the houndstooth where the rear leg would need to fit in between the seat folds. . Suffice to say...roll bar is out on this one. I have to say though...I am liking the colors here. The seat and the side panels are going to need a little more fitting and tweaking before they are ready to go in for good but it won't be long now.

https://i.ibb.co/s5H4qLx/IMG-5950.jpg

i had the same problem with my 3pt roll bar for my chevelle I did not want to ruin an original back seat. so i made a new bar that was just short of going between the seats and put a rubber cap on the end to not hurt the seat. If you look in the car you cannot tell that it isnt attached to the car. Just a thought if you still want the day 2 look of a 3pt.

NorCam

02-22-2021, 06:15 PM

I think I'm going to stick to what I stated above...

I think it would kill the pattern on the houndstooth where the rear leg would need to fit in between the seat folds. . Suffice to say...roll bar is out on this one.

I'm all good with that. :headbang:

Chuck_Burg

02-22-2021, 09:08 PM

LOVE the shifter Graeme, and your install... real nice! I agree with Steve though, most kids back then would've done a hack job so they could get to the races the same night they installed the shifter. I like your approach much better. Slow and steady wins the race, at least the clean install race:scholar:

I thought about doing the same shifter but ended up with a boring old Competition Plus so I could keep my original console and not cut my virgin floors.

NorCam

02-22-2021, 10:53 PM

I figured...I have time right? It was -30 to -40 here a couple of weeks ago and the shops heated so I might as well do something that looks clean versus hacking a big ol' hole. I'm so happy I did this now as the standard Comp Plus is just so sloppy when compared to how this shifts.

Now if FedEx would just deliver the frame mounts to me. (lol)

Chuck_Burg

02-23-2021, 02:39 AM

It was 81 in Long Beach today:burnout:

NorCam

02-23-2021, 10:13 PM

I really like mechanical gauges for their accuracy so I decided to install a couple of Stewart Warner gauges with a mechanical temp and an oil pressure gauge rather than the Sun gauges. Jason's hunting for a matching Green Line tach for me, and if I can find suitable gauges and chrome cups for the cowl, I may add a vacuum and fuel pressure gauge later on. Also picked up another pair of engine frames so I can get the motor installed later today. The headers are wired up out of the way and I'm headed back after my coffee to get the gearbox filled and make some final adjustments before everything goes in.

Boogity boogity. :naughty:

https://i.ibb.co/CQMSv9B/IMG-5975.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/zfdfJtm/IMG-5978.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/YpS7Lwy/IMG-5983.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/M9m0Zsm/IMG-5977.jpg

big gear head

02-24-2021, 12:41 AM

Use that oil for break in and then put this in it. https://www.amsoil.com/p/manual-transmission-transaxle-gear-lube-75w-90-mtg/?code=MTGQT-EA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB6rakf-LuGprinVHyonlDPYFT4xGuT_sxUJcsneW87HIkLxyB3tonAaAj 9iEALw_wcB
I had an oil related failure in my M23 when using the Driven oil. The synchronizer engineer from New Venture Gear, who is also working for AutoGear as a consultant, told me that they had done a lot of testing and the Amsoil MTG was the best that they found and recommended that I use it. So far it's working great. Also pay attention to AutoGear's oil capacity recommendations. Don't fill it to the bottom of the fill hole like you would a Muncie. If you plan on running it hard then you will need to modify the vent or you will have oil running out. It's best to fix it now before it's in the car. Use a 90 degree fitting in place of the vent and run a hose toward the front of the transmission with a vent in the hose. Under hard acceleration oil will come out of the standard vent.

NorCam

02-24-2021, 02:35 AM

Engine and transmission are both installed. Headers are in place and I am headed back out now to button them up and wipe down some greasy handprints. Still need to install the trans cross member and will then start on everything else including the ignition, starter, and wiring.

https://i.ibb.co/XSFRb8H/IMG-5989.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/x2vXcFK/IMG-5993.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FV0m2jp/IMG-5992.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/R083wSP/IMG-5991.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4g30ghs/IMG-5995.jpg

big gear head

02-24-2021, 05:25 AM

I was looking at the picture of the engine and transmission and I don't see the vent in the top of the tail housing. The AutoGear transmissions must have the vent. They don't vent through the front bearing retainer like the Muncie transmissions do. They have a seal in the bearing retainer and must have a traditional vent. If you already installed the vent then disregard this.

NorCam

02-24-2021, 05:08 PM

Morning Freddie...

A couple of things on this trans case if I may? Firstly, it has a 10 spline input with a nut and does not have an internal oil seal input, therefore it vents through the threads of the nut and has no need for the addition of a rear vent. It has 1 quart of driven gear oil for break-in and in talking with Nate at AGE last year, he schooled me on the approved oils for their gearboxes. He also gave me a list of which oils they were sold on. Amsoil MTG was on that list as were other ML-1 rated GL4/5 synthetics including Royal Purple Max Gear, Redline MT-90, and some others.

FWIW...my preference (much like Nathan's) lays with petroleum-based oils such as Joe Gibbs and Brad Penn and I would offer that it is all relevant to how you are going to use a gearbox, or should I say...how you plan to punish it. Different oils shift better at higher RPM, while others don't work well when downshifting from 4/3, and some are friendlier to bronze and brass than others are but are also subject to change when they add or delete friction modifiers and formulas from year to year. There's no one magic bullet IMO.

At present, I'm OK with the Driven gear oil for the break-in but may change to something else when that's complete. Thank you for the cautionary warnings. It's all good information.

big gear head

02-24-2021, 06:01 PM

OK, sounds great. I didn't know that you had the input with the nut and no seal. I noticed that the vent was missing and wanted to be sure that you had something in place to vent the transmission. As you know I abuse my transmission a lot. 7000 RPM clutch dumps with 14 inch wide slicks on the drag strip is kind of hard on it.

NorCam

02-24-2021, 07:12 PM

No tracks around here anymore unless I want to drive up to 3 hours away...and even then, it's not like anything you guys still have in the US (although I see many US tracks closing up now). Nowadays, if I were to end up at a track event, it would likely be a one-off thing just to see what the car is capable of between the poles.

Any intended abuse that this car will likely see includes me stopping on a remote strip of two-lane blacktop (amidst the Rocky Mountains) to drop the clutch and buzz the car through 4 gears. In fact, most of what I do now is two-lane blacktop cruising between 3500 to 6500 rpm while rowing up and down the box in hills or twisty terrain. If I'm lucky enough to find someone to run against, I'd maybe stop to bang it through 7500 once or twice and that would likely be about it.

It's more about building it to be capable of a high 11.0 - low 12.0 ET in street trim than to satisfy an urge rather than go to the track every other weekend. I do like drag racing, but those types of events are just not in the cards anymore. And I'm ok with that too. I like driving them and it's always nice knowing it's built to handle the clutch being dropped whenever I feel the need to stop and smoke the tires.

Yes...I'm impulsive that way. 3gears.gif

big gear head

02-24-2021, 07:35 PM

I think you had mentioned that you would like to come down here to the SCR. Is that something that you might do? I know it's a very long haul, but it's fun.

NorCam

02-24-2021, 08:35 PM

I'd love to do SCR sometime and really enjoy traveling across the US with a good road trip, but until Covid is behind us and our borders re-open, that's not a reality. If I were a betting man, I'd think we won't see the border re-open until at least the end of 2021 or possibly the spring of 22.

Until then...I'm gonna have some fun with it up here.

SMS

02-24-2021, 09:24 PM

Those headers look waaaaaay too hot to touch.

NorCam

02-26-2021, 12:31 PM

OK...

I have already read enough nonsense for one day. Headed out to enjoy working on a car and getting my hands dirty.

NorCam

02-26-2021, 06:52 PM

Out to button up the transmission this morning and get the shifter installed. I also got the Moroso cross-member bolts installed and added a Prothane mount to help keep the transmission where it's supposed to be. Heading back out after lunch to finish installing the shifter and the boot.

https://i.ibb.co/7260svN/IMG-5132.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3yhW41q/IMG-6026.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0q6rdNX/IMG-6027.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ccnV5xG/IMG-6029.jpg

Z28Project

02-26-2021, 07:50 PM

My Z has those Moroso cross member bolts on it too. Those things are great!

NorCam

02-26-2021, 08:53 PM

OK...everything is bolted in now and it's shifting great. Still need to make one more small adjustment to the 3/4 rod and add the locking tabs to the rear legs. Also need to switch handles as this one has some chrome damage from banging around the box for 30 years. I'll switch it out with another NOS handle I have hidden around here somewhere and will then add the line loc wiring before I screw down the boot. Might order a white T-Handle as well.

https://i.ibb.co/ByP1T46/IMG-6030.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/MMdhzSR/IMG-6034.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/x6gB075/IMG-6040.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Hrdx8p7/IMG-6042.jpg

scuncio

02-26-2021, 08:55 PM

Turned out very nicely.

BJCHEV396

02-26-2021, 09:12 PM

Lookin' real good!!

NorCam

02-26-2021, 09:33 PM

My Z has those Moroso cross member bolts on it too. Those things are great!

They are pretty cool. Russell Rosales (Mr.4-Speed) sent these to me. I'm digging them. :scholar:

GrumpyJeff

02-26-2021, 10:24 PM

Just received in the mail today the two repop Hurst white T handles i ordered the other day, Actually very cool for the $$$ , I've been buying all the nice one's I've come across over the years,and having them in both Camaro's, But i think i'll just use these for now on ?

Chuck_Burg

02-26-2021, 11:28 PM

:naughty:

NorCam

02-27-2021, 03:58 PM

We all know you wanna cut your tunnel now don't you chuck?

I mean it's a keeper right?

Chuck_Burg

03-01-2021, 06:44 PM

We all know you wanna cut your tunnel now don't you chuck?

I mean it's a keeper right?

Sorry, can't help myself!

NorCam

03-07-2021, 06:16 PM

As much as I really dislike redo's...the rear end wasn't sitting right with me so I decided to change out the rear suspension with a new set of 4-leaf springs. Unfortunately, that didn't provide much of any change as the original leaf springs were really in excellent condition, so I also added a longer set of (4") rear shackles. This provided another inch of height to the rear so now I have a little more tire clearance. I also put the airlift bags back under the car for some added insurance. I don't want to risk having a tire hit the quarter panel should one of the Gabriel shocks fail. :no:

Now, back to buttoning up the engine!

https://i.ibb.co/Q889GbW/Rear-Springs.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/25fqsdT/Rear-Spring.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FqWkjw1/IMG-6109.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/mR1rVCy/IMG-6107.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/mJn87CF/IMG-6108.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bgHvssB/IMG-6114.jpg

NorCam

03-10-2021, 01:17 PM

I got an original flat bottom breather with the car but it's so rusted and pitted that it's going to need some extra time and work in order to save it. For the time being, I've started putting the motor together with a repro breather base and this NOS flange. Maybe I can bring back the old base and lid...but that will be later on. I do like that the breather covers up the AED 750 Ultra that's hiding underneath it. I'm kinda digging the Edelbrock covers on there too!. Valves are now set, ignition is being wired up today and I am waiting on some hose nipples and gaskets coming from Summit. Shouldn't be long until I can fire it up again as it's starting to take shape here.

https://i.ibb.co/J2VdrgV/IMG-6139.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QXZCFvg/IMG-6144.jpg

L78_Nova

03-10-2021, 07:40 PM

Where did you order your original style leaf springs from ? I need 5 leaf stock height for my 70 L78.
Thanks,
Gary

NorCam

03-11-2021, 12:50 AM

Hello Gary...

Sent you the details in a PM.

NorCam

03-11-2021, 03:47 AM

Got a few care packages in the mail today. A vintage SW tach that will be going into the car, a beautifully restored Hurst RamRod that I may swap in at a later date, some old sun gauges for a future project, and a set of original Z/28 frame mounts that Buddy donated for use on this build. They will likely go in once the DZ motor is built for the car. (Thanks again Buddy!)

https://i.ibb.co/n02zf33/IMG-6145.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PQ19MKx/IMG-6151.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/LdN7n5B/IMG-6146.jpg

And thank you for the bonus care package, Jason. Those little gems are very cool and will be utilized.

Graeme

x77-69z28

03-12-2021, 01:17 PM

There they are! Glad they finally arrived. Keep up the great work! Truly inspirational!
Buddy

Xplantdad

03-12-2021, 02:07 PM

Buddy is good people!!:biggthumpup:

napa68

03-23-2021, 12:33 PM

13 days and no post from Graeme!

You pinned under the car? You okay bud?

I figured by now we'd have a drive video!

This is not the time to take a break........your adoring fans need a fix!

NorCam

03-23-2021, 03:32 PM

Bahaha...I was wondering when you'd start firing off flares.

I took a pause while some parts were sent for powder coating at the last minute. Once they are back I can button up the core support and start putting more things back together. In the interim, been busy with business, and a sudden spring runoff as we had a heatwave up here and it melted a lot of snow really fast. Finally...my eldest boy wanted to squeeze in some driver training with dad as he went to get his driver's license and tested last Sunday (WIN). I'll be back on the car soon enough. Here are a few engine pics to keep you going for a few more days.

https://i.ibb.co/vmZmyNp/IMG-6207.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/R6S4mGm/IMG-6210.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gyx677x/IMG-6216.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/C9rmNJQ/IMG-6208.jpg

napa68

03-23-2021, 03:44 PM

more better........carry on!

chevyman0429

03-23-2021, 05:17 PM

Been wondering what was going on. I look every day for updates on the coolest build Iv seen in a while. Thank u!

BARNFOUND YENKO

03-23-2021, 07:08 PM

Been wondering what was going on. I look every day for updates on the coolest build Iv seen in a while. Thank u!

Definitely a cool build!

ruralrte66

03-23-2021, 09:14 PM

Keep up the Great work!! Enjoy following your work. Thanks

NorCam

03-24-2021, 12:07 AM

Thanks, everyone. I really do appreciate the comments and do enjoy showcasing the build in its entirety. Sometimes those little things like life just jump in and throw a wrench at you but I'm back out there tonight and will be hard at it again all week. I hope to be picking up the pace again real soon.

Chuck_Burg

03-24-2021, 02:39 AM

Lookin good…

NorCam

03-27-2021, 10:34 AM

Lookin good…

Thanks man! At the pace your car is coming along at now, you may finish up ahead of me. I'm still having fits trying to get my driver's door fitting better before I start fitting the front clip back onto the car. Hoping to get more of that done real soon.

Chuck_Burg

03-31-2021, 05:03 PM

Thanks man! At the pace your car is coming along at now, you may finish up ahead of me. I'm still having fits trying to get my driver's door fitting better before I start fitting the front clip back onto the car. Hoping to get more of that done real soon.

I doubt it, I have a LONG way to go! I don't even have the drivetrain in yet... I am catching up, but still several laps behind!

NorCam

04-01-2021, 02:09 PM

Won't have to catch up to me any longer my friend.

I had a really good offer on the car yesterday and agreed to sell it as it sits...and where it stood at about 85% completion. The guy that bought it returned this morning with piles of hundred dollar bills and we just got finished loading it into his trailer as it goes to a new home. I kept the N50 wheels and tires for future use. The new owner will finish up the car and I'll now be looking for a 55 Chev that's already built. No more projects for me!

https://i.ibb.co/Jjcb64R/IMG-6347.jpg

SuperNovaSS

04-01-2021, 02:16 PM

Nooooooooo! It is your decision and I can understand it. Sometimes the fun is in the hunt and build. I am just selfish and wanted to see that final drive video. Congrats on the sale.

Jason

Z28Project

04-01-2021, 02:20 PM

Oh wow!! Sorry to see this project end prior to completion, but I understand that sometimes those offers come along that you can't refuse! It's really been exciting to follow along on this project!

olredalert

04-01-2021, 02:40 PM

----Congrats! I imagine it would be difficult to find a 55 Chev that meets your approval as you do such clean professional work....Bill S

Mr70

04-01-2021, 03:02 PM

You April Fools..

napa68

04-01-2021, 03:03 PM

X66 714

04-01-2021, 03:17 PM

OH NO!! Graeme's page has been hacked....Somebody else must be posting this information

cruiserofland

04-01-2021, 03:45 PM

:wink:

Z282NV

04-01-2021, 03:56 PM

Graeme is just taking it in for a front wheel alignment.:burnout:

Chuck_Burg

04-01-2021, 04:07 PM

:haha:

NorCam

04-01-2021, 09:40 PM

Graeme is just taking it in for a front wheel alignment.:burnout:

You know....you're not far off on your guess. :haha:

Bahahaha Not a chance I'd sell this car. Just hauled it over to friends to scale the car and measure out all points using frame gauges. All good and square...now back to finishing the car. Just wanted to have a little fun with all y'all and thought a pic of the car in the trailer would make it appear believable. ��

This car is going nowhere but down the road when I drop the clutch this summer. :burnout:

Z282NV

04-01-2021, 10:08 PM

That's pretty funny, you had a few people going! :haha::haha:

SuperNovaSS

04-01-2021, 11:15 PM

GRRRRRRR...... You got me Graeme!

Jason

NorCam

04-01-2021, 11:38 PM

Also taking that fiberglass stinger hood out to my painter and I'm hoping to have that back when the car is ready. It needs a lot of help to get it fixed and ready for paint so it really depends on how much time he can spend on it. I should know that in the next week or two.

https://i.ibb.co/0J8FcLd/IMG-5317.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/rFR8b1n/IMG-5404.jpg

carnut4life

04-02-2021, 12:43 AM

That stinger hood is going to be the cherry on top! Glad to hear we'll get to see it finished, you had me Graeme.

Ryan1969Chevelle

04-02-2021, 01:29 AM

All that Day-2 stuff on display and I am jealous of the garage heater!!!

Ryan W31

NorCam

04-02-2021, 01:50 AM

Ryan...

A 60,000 BTU heater like this is fairly cheap to buy and install. You gotta have heat to work in a garage so that went in years ago before any car restorations or projects were started. Makes life a lot more enjoyable when you don't have to combat cold tools or floors.

Xplantdad

04-02-2021, 02:28 AM

Great stuff Graeme!!:beers:

GrumpyJeff

04-02-2021, 05:53 PM

Cant wait to see the stinger hood done and on the car , You never see them with the Z stripes painted on . Very cool look

x77-69z28

04-04-2021, 05:00 AM

I knew better!

napa68

04-08-2021, 01:53 AM

Now that we are past that SICK FREAKING JOKE........how bout we get this car to MCACN?

Of course, assuming your Prime Minister gives you a permission slip;)

NorCam

04-09-2021, 02:05 AM

Hard to say if Chicago will even be a go for this year as Covid is coming at the world with a new strain just about every other week it seems. The northern borders are locked down in both directions to everyone but essential workers, and there's no sign of that opening before year-end at best. I'd bet you won't see it open for another year from now. (April or May 2022 is my guess)

I know they just canceled the World of Wheels show here and that comes on the back of three other car shows just canceled in the US and Canada. And I'm sure there will be more. Besides, I'll have so much burnt rubber and dust built up on those yellow panels by end of the summer that most people wouldn't stop to look at this old banana. (lol)

I will post lots of videos though.:burnout:

NorCam

04-12-2021, 01:21 AM

I'm now starting to reassemble the front end and with that, I took the old fiberglass stinger hood out to my body man hoping that he could work that into his schedule. It has a few cracks in the inner bracing that keeps the integrity of the hood...and after reviewing the hood with him today, he explained to me exactly what each area was going to need in terms of repair work before getting to the restoration of the top side.

In addition to the bracing, the top of the scoop has an inverted (or concave area) that has buckled down into a good size dent and that's going to need some relief work before the section can be reformed. He added that it may require a brace to help form it back into its original shape. I should have it back in a few weeks if all goes well.

https://i.ibb.co/KmRh5vz/Hood-top.jpg
The topside showing the concave section and the areas needing repairs.

https://i.ibb.co/LDFncnP/IMG-6544.jpg
Old repair that's again cracked right at the front center of the support brace.

https://i.ibb.co/XXFnzy8/IMG-6546.jpg
Crack along the rear brace under the hood cowl.

https://i.ibb.co/Fg4GyTN/IMG-6543.jpg
Crack along the front brace to the right of the centerline.

I'm really hoping this sets the car off when it's all done and said (fingers crossed).

BJCHEV396

04-13-2021, 05:13 AM

NorCam

04-13-2021, 03:33 PM

Ron started working on the hood yesterday and is attempting to get the concave area to pop back up and stay there. He'll work on that some more today and then he'll start working to fix its broken back as he calls it. Once those are templated and fully repaired, it will move outside so he can put on a full suit and strip the surface back to raw fiberglass. He'll then apply a new layer of fiberglass and resin to the entire surface before starting to bodywork all of the topsides. It's going to need about 20 hours of repair work to bring this hood around prior to paint. A very costly save but one I am hoping is worth it in the end?

I'll add some pics as it progresses along.

NorCam

04-14-2021, 01:38 AM

Here are some pics of the top side as it was stripped down today and the first layer of fiberglass was applied to one of the repair areas. Lots of work to come but real happy that he's getting on it for me.

https://i.ibb.co/znFBN61/IMG-6557.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Xjj92sN/IMG-6558.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0nZwCVz/IMG-6560.jpg

NorCam

04-15-2021, 12:49 AM

Few more pics of the inside bracing being repaired with new fiberglass. Ron tells me the hood has been repaired at least twice in its life. Third time lucky I said. (ha)

https://i.ibb.co/bjhC26Z/IMG-6563.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gwDr9Cb/IMG-6564.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/CVDbRm1/IMG-6562.jpg

napa68

04-15-2021, 11:28 AM

Ron should be bronzed! He's really taking good care of you bud;)

Chuck_Burg

04-15-2021, 06:08 PM

NorCam

04-15-2021, 07:48 PM

Very interesting hood... Was this made by A&A Fiberglass? Many differences between this "original" hood and my reproduction hood. My entire hood was gel coated giving the underside a more refined smooth, but very wavy, look. Yours looks more "homemade". I really like how it looks, reminds be of a race boat.

I'm not sure who made it at this point, but from everything I have seen for pics of early glass hoods made in the 60's and 70's, they all seem to look pretty crude like this and have an unfinished look on the underside with layers of glass visible under the resin. I know A&A was a big player back in the day, but don't know if it was actually made by them? Does anyone know who was making hoods for the cars built by Motion, Dana and whoever else was putting out hi-performance cars with fiberglass hoods back in the day?

In discussing the underside of this hood with Ron, he asked me if I wanted the underside fluffed up and I told him no. It's an old original glass hood so lets retain that look on the underside. Also told him that when I roll into cruise night (or where-ever I take the car) that I'll likely gear down, and idle in with that lumpy cam only to shut it down and walk away with the hood pinned down. That'll keep most people guessing or trying to figure the car out from what they can see under and around the car.

:biggthumpup:

big gear head

04-15-2021, 10:58 PM

Oh, that's mean. My favorite part is under the hood.

GrumpyJeff

04-16-2021, 12:10 AM

I never pop my hood !

NorCam

04-16-2021, 01:07 AM

The underside was finished up late this afternoon, then dusted with some black paint and sanded smooth to take away all the sharp edges in the fiberglass. This helped keep that vintage look that it had prior to the structural repairs. Ron then flipped it over and applied nearly two packs of matting and 4 quarts of resin to completely layer the top. It will be sanded smooth tomorrow and then it'll be body worked and prepped for paint. It should get some color this weekend.

https://i.ibb.co/kgJnYYW/IMG-6573.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0MpPC39/IMG-6572.jpg

Motorhead848

04-16-2021, 03:21 AM

Great hood! Glad you are saving it. Berry (spelling) plastics of southern ca was another player making hoods. They made the infamous dana hood as well as a lot of the early short back seats for the trans am cars and other race cars.

rszmjt

04-16-2021, 01:31 PM

Graeme, FWIW - You May want to hold off on any primer or colour until you trial fit that hood into your opening. A lot of times those old Fiberglass hoods need material added ( or removed ) to the side & front edges to close up the gaps. We saw that a lot at Western Corvette with the A&A & other manufacturers on Corvette hoods, some of the gaps were brutal wide and not consistent. The repo crossram hoods are sometimes the same in that they need material added along the edges to maintain consistency at fenders and front of hood. Guess it depends how fussy you are.

NorCam

04-16-2021, 01:57 PM

Got all that handled Mike. The Hood will be trial fit before it gets any color added.

Thanks for that.

dykstra

04-22-2021, 11:56 AM

Any updates Graeme? Inquiring minds wanna know....lol

Too Many Projects

04-23-2021, 12:16 PM

Few more pics of the inside bracing being repaired with new fiberglass. Ron tells me the hood has been repaired at least twice in its life. Third time lucky I said. (ha)

https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ibb.co%2FCVDbRm1%2FI MG-6562.jpg

Scary seeing it repaired on a stand. Hope it was test fitted on a vehicle for accurate body lines....:eek2:

Chuck_Burg

05-06-2021, 07:27 PM

This is Major Chuck to Graeme Control....
Are you floating in the most peculiar way??? Three weeks without an update! That's gotta be some kinda record.

Xplantdad

05-06-2021, 07:48 PM

This is Major Chuck to Graeme Control....
Are you floating in the most peculiar way??? Three weeks without an update! That's gotta be some kinda record.

Love it! Creative, too :haha:

NorCam

05-07-2021, 02:50 AM

This is Major Chuck to Graeme Control....
Are you floating in the most peculiar way??? Three weeks without an update! That's gotta be some kinda record.

https://i.ibb.co/xhp99K5/Major-Tom.jpg

1967 4K

05-07-2021, 01:03 PM

I think your hood is a Harwood because I have one very similar to it. RobR list a hood for sale here a week or so ago that the underside looks like mine and yours. He and I have discussed the hoods in length and compared them to others he had on race cars back in the day. The one he posted for sale the other day had a Harwood sticker still on it.
My hood is very light and fragile and Rob said his was also. Mine has a stress crack in the front center where you point yours does.
I have some pics of mine if you want to see them.

Richard

Chuck_Burg

05-07-2021, 04:40 PM

I see... Floating through space hunting for chocolate chip cookies!

NorCam

05-07-2021, 04:40 PM

No need for a debate here on who's hood it is or who's it may have been? There were several manufacturers of hoods back in the day and most of them copied each other's processes and looked very much the same. At the end of the day...it's old, it's a stinger, and it's now been restored & fitted to the car prior to being refinished. I'll try and catch up on more of the car sometime next week as I'm up to my neck in business contracts right now. Lots of things on the go around here...including a new DZ build that's developing. :scholar:

https://i.ibb.co/xCfQXcL/IMG-6635.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PCJVSgS/IMG-6638.jpg

Jonesy

05-07-2021, 05:01 PM

Wow, great transformation. Turned out really nice. :beers:

Chuck_Burg

05-07-2021, 05:48 PM

Stinger club :beers:

Xplantdad

05-07-2021, 08:10 PM

Awesome Graeme!:beers:

SuperNovaSS

05-07-2021, 08:20 PM

Well hot damn! I know if was more work than planned but it looks great!

Jason

NorCam

05-07-2021, 08:36 PM

About 30 hours in total to repair, prep, and paint the hood. Don't ask me if I'd do it again...but it is pretty cool. I'll take some better pics outside when the weather clears up around here.

carnut4life

05-07-2021, 09:07 PM

Damn, that looks amazing Graeme! Can't wait to see more pics later.

olredalert

05-07-2021, 09:20 PM

----Graeme,,, I always wonder weather the factory chrome and black trim fits these aftermarket hoods. At least to me it would be the finishing touch.....Bill S

NorCam

05-07-2021, 10:17 PM

----Graeme,,, I always wonder weather the factory chrome and black trim fits these aftermarket hoods. At least to me it would be the finishing touch.....Bill S

What chrome/black trim are you referring to Bill. I'm going to add 302 emblems to the side of the cowl but I'm lost on any other trim for a hood?

Chuck_Burg

05-07-2021, 11:04 PM

He's probably referring to the trim that goes on the Stinger Scoop like a factory 67 big block Corvette. People ask me about that all the time. I'm sure it would look nice but I don't want to deal with it

NorCam

05-08-2021, 12:58 AM

Those are cool Bill. Obviously, I didn't even know those were available as I have never owned a Vette nor have I ever really looked at the 67 stinger hood to notice that trim piece before. This hood was modified and the front was opened up to flow air through it so I don't know if one of those makes sense at this point. Perhaps something I can look at down the road. Thanks for the enlightenment on this part guys.

dykstra

05-08-2021, 12:25 PM

Hood turned out fantastic! Thanks for the update. As you can tell, we all love this car and what you are doing to it!

BJCHEV396

05-09-2021, 06:21 AM

Very cool! Well worth the effort!

napa68

05-09-2021, 11:33 AM

[QUOTE=NorCam;1547563] Lots of things on the go around here...including a new DZ build that's developing. :scholar:

You can't just do a mic drop and leave it at that!!!!!

NorCam

05-09-2021, 02:49 PM

Remember in post #80 when you said "Before you know it, there will be a properly dated 302 and M21 sitting beside it all!"...well, you were right Tim (oh mighty Kreskin). Since buying the car, I've been quietly going about my business while chasing down the right parts and pieces to build a 302 for the car. Well, it took about 5 months for the right one to come together, but I bought a block last week with an 1178 crank and all the tin work. A Valentine's day 3956618 block cast February 12th and stamped V0214DZ with only a partial 19N viewable in the roughcasting. Being that the car was built in late February with a BU0224 dated rear, this block lines up being dated within 10 days of the rear end and is very well suited to the car. The transmission was still with the car in the late 80s and I do have a prior owner trying to chase down the friend who may have ended up with that transmission.

As for the block, I now need to get it shipped up from the states and will work on that in the coming weeks. Once it's here I will rebuild the short block at .030 with some high-quality internals. The 1178 crank is freshly turned .010/.010 and my plans include it being fully balanced and blueprinted with some lightweight 2618 pistons and a set of pro-stock rods with good hardware. Heads will be fully ported with the spring pockets opened up to fit some good-sized springs and I'll likely get another solid lifter bump stick from Crower.

Planning to keep it looking bone stock, but be unable to hide the fact it's really well built once it's sparked up. :beers:

https://i.ibb.co/2vbKdjj/IMG-4210.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/HXKR10C/IMG-4214.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/TRp61xn/B18-9-Cylinder-Heads.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4YjRQV6/DZ-VIN.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ZWVQ5d8/DZ-Pad-Stamp.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/XspXWQL/DZ-Casting.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/WPCFkMq/DZ-Bore.jpg

napa68

05-09-2021, 05:03 PM

I just love project creep!!!

Nice job bud!

NorCam

05-10-2021, 01:45 AM

Hood turned out fantastic! Thanks for the update. As you can tell, we all love this car and what you are doing to it!

Roger that. :headbang:

Sorry I hadn't got back to you on your earlier post as I did see it and every time I got around to start a reply, I got interrupted and spun around. It's been a busy couple of weeks for me with business projects but yes, the car and hood were united to ensure a good fit prior to the hood being painted.

Mike (RSZMJT) had actually told me years ago that many of the glass hoods were really poor for fitment so I made sure it could be measured on the car prior to it being final prepped and painted. It turned out pretty good after all the repairs were made and it actually fit very well when we measured it.

More on all of this later in the week.

NorCam

05-12-2021, 09:31 PM

OK, now that the car is back home where it belongs, here's a bit of an update that explains the hiatus as of late. With the front end taken apart, I was talking to my painter about the fitment of the driver's door and fender which I really wanted to dial in better. He said to bring it out to him and he would take care of anything it needed to ensure I was 100% happy with the fit. Upon seeing what the driver's side needed to bring it up another level, he then asked me to bring the front end parts out so he could install the clip, align the door and fender gaps, and get it all dialed into where I wanted it.

To first ensure everything was spot on, he set up his frame gauges and began to measure out the car, the suspension, and the entire chassis from front to back to make sure it was all square. With everything spot-on from front to back, he then installed the front end sheet metal and got the driver's door dialed in nicely. There were also a couple of small spots that needed some more work on the car and he corrected those concerns before starting onto the fiberglass hood. The timing of the hood was perfect as he already had the car in his shop so test fitting the hood was easy.

With all of the fiberglass repairs taken care of on the hood, he then sprayed the hood, striped it to match the car, and mounted it all up when it was done. Needless to say, Ron took care of my wish list, got everything dialed in nicely, and did another round of cut and polish to have the car ready for the final push.

https://i.ibb.co/2PLsMr8/IMG-6401.jpg
Rear suspension being checked for alignment using old school frame gauges

https://i.ibb.co/QDvRsfm/IMG-6396.jpg
We set up 5 gauges to measure the car front to back and everything was dead-on straight and aligned perfectly.

https://i.ibb.co/5G0y7mn/IMG-6405.jpg
The car back on the ground and ready for the front clip to be assembled at the end of March.

https://i.ibb.co/59yzdLW/IMG-6591.jpg
The front end back together and the car being used to test fit the fiberglass hood as it was repaired in mid April.

https://i.ibb.co/cyvRWYT/IMG-6796.jpg
After Ron reworked the doors and fenders to get the right fit, the entire front end was sanded and re-cleared at the same time as the hood.

https://i.ibb.co/Lh05xLr/IMG-6798.jpg
Stinger Hood is looking great with the black stripes and fresh paint. Re-clearing the front clip also allowed us to address some minor concerns with the header panel fitment.

https://i.ibb.co/QJ9cY9z/IMG-6794.jpg
Here's the first look at it coming out of the booth earlier today. It really popped when the sunlight hit it.

https://i.ibb.co/ZdN30s2/IMG-6806.jpg
Here's the final fit on the right-side door to the rear quarter. The other side is identical to this.

https://i.ibb.co/y60tnqb/IMG-6821.jpg
And here's a look at the left side after getting it home and back onto my lift earlier today. I'm very happy with the fit and finish now.

https://i.ibb.co/qDyPbJb/IMG-6822.jpg
And a rear end shot with the door open with the sunlight shining in. It really plays with the colors when the light hits it like this.

And with all that being said, you now know why there was such a hush over the past several weeks. The car went back to Ron at the end of March and didn't come home until it was finished earlier today. That kind of took away a lot of momentum, but it won't take me long to get this back on track now. Stay tuned....

cruiserofland

05-12-2021, 09:47 PM

Absolutely stunning, Graeme! Congrats on all the progress, in particular how that hood has turned out :beers:

Too Many Projects

05-12-2021, 10:06 PM

I don't see that you lost any momentum, you gained better fitting body panels, that you wanted all along anyway. Looks great with the hood and it's ready for the next stage.

NorCam

05-12-2021, 11:30 PM

I don't see that you lost any momentum, you gained better fitting body panels, that you wanted all along anyway. Looks great with the hood and it's ready for the next stage.

You have a good point there. :scholar:

HuggerSS

05-12-2021, 11:49 PM

Looks amazing

scuncio

05-13-2021, 12:01 AM

Very nice, you must be pleased.

NorCam

05-13-2021, 01:11 AM

Yes Tony, I am quite pleased with how it's come about.

Now starting to think again of what wheels and tires I will actually run on the car. Might be better off with a 9" tire and 7" rims and tuck them into the wheel openings rather than 12" tires sticking out the fender lips.

Maybe save those wide ones for another car?:hmmm:

big gear head

05-13-2021, 01:52 AM

Well at least they are easy to change. In about 30 minutes you can give the car a different look just by swapping wheels and tires.

NorCam

05-13-2021, 03:10 AM

This week...I reached out to Rob W who I hadn't spoken to in a little while to ask how he's doing and see how his car is coming along. It's kind of funny because he's going back to Day 1 stock after his 69 Z lived a day 2 life for many years, and it was his reply that quickly reminded me of that as he said...

Your yellow brat looks fantastic! I’ve found it entertaining to see my Z going back Day 1 and the brat Day 2. Mine had a super shifter at one point. The chopped-out shifter hole is no more. Now the console will fit again and the 3 SW gauges pulled out. The clock will gain its rightful place where a center fuel gauge was put in. The traction bars are not going back and the holes from the air shock lines gone. The hood pin holes on the cowl induction were a bigger mess than expected but also came out nice. I had them paint the flat hood also and plan to go with it.

So ironic that 2 similar cars are going in opposite directions at this particular moment, yet funny as they could both flip/flop again in 25 years from now. Wouldn't that be something? I love this hobby.

Too Many Projects

05-13-2021, 12:41 PM

So ironic that 2 similar cars are going in opposite directions at this particular moment, yet funny as they could both flip/flop again in 25 years from now. Wouldn't that be something? I love this hobby.

With the current green movement of "no gas engines" by 2030, our cars may well end up with 4 electric motors and the engine compartment full of batteries...:mad2:
And I thought it was sad to see so many classics with LS swaps being done in the last 15 years.

Chuck_Burg

05-13-2021, 04:53 PM

I love the hood, but then again I'm a little biased:blush: I also love the meats you have on this thing, I bet your scared of messing up that purty paint ain'tcha? I have 8" Cragars out back right with 4.5" backspacing and Pro-Trac 275/60-15s, probably L60s?? Would be a lot cooler if they said L60 on the side instead of 275/60-15. Tight fit in a stock wheel tub but they fit.

NorCam

05-13-2021, 06:18 PM

I think the only way you'd fit an L60 on a 69 is by perhaps trying to fit them in there using 7" wheels. Even then you'd probably still need rolled lips to make them work other wise they likely rub on a 69. On my green car, I had at one point set it up with Pro Trac L60's on 8" Cragar's and it still needed air shocks or they'd rub. Eventually went stock with that car but learned a little from the mockup.

I want to try dropping the back down on this one and utilize the air bags, and that means a smaller tire being in there. Not that I won't switch it around every once in a while. Air bags only take 30 minutes to remove and install so no big deal to remove them if I want to air up the shocks and mount the N50s.