Introducing JimL78...he wants to say Hi!

[Xplantdad]

Jim contacted me about helping him out by posting some pics of his cool Camaro....so here is the email, in full...and the pics that he sent to me.

Let me be the first to say...Welcome Jim, to the best musclecar site on the net! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif



[ QUOTE ]
Bruce,
Thank you for agreeing to do the post. The following is what I wanted to say in the post along with the pictures:


Hello I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jim House. I joined this site a little while ago and have really enjoyed reading all of your comments. I did not know it existed until I talked to Jason L78 and he told me he posted some pictures he took of my car last summer. I have been looking at the site ever since.


I am the original owner of an unrestored 1969 SS 396 coupe with NL 78, TH400 and 410 posi rear. When I got the car out of the barn as of July 07 it had 21,066 original miles on it. When I put it away at the end of October it had 22,070 miles on it. The car is not a showpiece; it is my driver. I took the car to a cruise night and could not believe the interest it attracted, so I went to another and another and then a few car shows. One of the shows I went to was Hemmings Musclepalooza VI at Lebanon Valley New York. It caught the eye of the editors of Hemmings Muscle Machines. They decided to put it in the original owner February 2008 issue. Maybe some of you have seen it in there also. I am really looking forward to getting it out again this summer.

Jim


Bruce thanks again for your time I really appreciate it. I hope the pictures come out all right. Jim

[/ QUOTE ]

And here are Jim's pictures...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro005.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro007.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro010.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro011.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro5005.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro5006.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro5007.jpg

[akcamaro]

Very cool. What are the hanging white things, that look like bottle caps, used for?

[prototype]

Welcome Jim!!!

I suspect the white thingies help keep the critters away.

What a great engine bay. Nice upper rad hose and clamps, engine lift hooks, clutch fan, etc, no wonder you had such interest. This is the proverbial "car in the barn".

Keep on being the wonderful custodian that you have been. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[plumL78]

Check out the curved neck rad. in a L78. I read his hemmings article and he said it had heavy duty cooling. So I guess that ment it got a copo curved neck rad. Hats off to you. Hope you bring it to the all GM nats. in carlisle so we all can enjoy seeing it.

[JQ]

Welcome to the site Jim,
Would you happen to have pictures of the interior.. Cool car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[jimbo]

Nice. Dont change a thing.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice. Dont change a thing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto on both! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Weoclme to the site. Is the car orig paint and if it is can you confirm how glossy or non glossy the black paint on the tail panel is ?

[plumL78]

Charlie if you see his article in hemmings it shows the top of the right quarter next to the tail panel where the black goes inside the lip it looks like some one has welded the quarter to the tail panel by hand. I know some times on these cars you do see some mig welds where usally spot welds shoud be. Could have been a factory problem or some thing has been repaired or replaced

[Z28DZ]

Very nice http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif. I love looking at cars with that type of patina http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

ps - I'm looking at it in HMM right know http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

This car is about a 1/2 hour from our house....amazing time capsule....they're only original once.

We need to see more survivor type cars... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

wilma

[jasonL78]

Let me just tell you that I have seen this car in person and it is just amazing. It made the hair stand up on my arm's. It is a great example of an original car. I turned Jim onto the site this past fall and I am glad to see he has signed up.

Jason

[JimL78]

There was a question about the weight hanging things they are moth cakes to keep to mice away. I should have removed them and the battery tender before I took the picture. I have some interior shots and will post them when I can figure out how. There was a question about the black back panel I believe it was flat black but with the wax it shines a pretty good. The parts that I have replaced are the rear shock absorbers in 1969, the tires in 1970 or 71, the carburetor in 1983 went to a double pumper, lower radiator hose 1983, several batteries but the last one in 2006, chambered exhaust system August 2007, valve covers and air filter cover August 2007 the old ones were pitted and I couldn't stand it. The radiator cap just to shine things up, floor mats spark plug wires and fuel pump August 2007. I have all the old parts except for the shocks I also have the airpump and plumbing for it. There has never been any bodywork or painting done to the car everything you see is 1969 the way Chevrolet built it. Jim

[Mr70]

Don't ever change. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
This car is about a 1/2 hour from our house....amazing time capsule....they're only original once.

We need to see more survivor type cars... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

wilma

[/ QUOTE ]Well you got a couple Tommy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[JimL78]

The photo in Hemmings that you spoke of was there because the editors, George , Matt and I were talking when they shot the car about the angle that the paint colors joined and not flat like a lot of people restoring their car do. The other reason was and I know it will be hard to believe that Chevrolet actually didn't build the cars as perfect in 1969 as the people are restoring them to be. We just accepted their workmanship as okay because it was a Chevrolet. A lot of people have taken photographs of that car so that they could put everything in the proper place when they are restoring their cars since nothing has been moved or changed. Jim

[Steve Shauger]

[ QUOTE ]
Weoclme to the site. Is the car orig paint and if it is can you confirm how glossy or non glossy the black paint on the tail panel is ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Trouble maker, its semi gloss, that gets glossier when polished and waxed over time. Oh, what is "Weoclme"

[Steve Shauger]

[ QUOTE ]
The photo in Hemmings that you spoke of was there because the editors, George , Matt and I were talking when they shot the car about the angle that the paint colors joined and not flat like a lot of people restoring their car do. The other reason was and I know it will be hard to believe that Chevrolet actually didn't build the cars as perfect in 1969 as the people are restoring them to be. We just accepted their workmanship as okay because it was a Chevrolet. A lot of people have taken photographs of that car so that they could put everything in the proper place when they are restoring their cars since nothing has been moved or changed. Jim

[/ QUOTE ]

Jim is a great guy with an absolutely stunningly orig car.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Gloss...

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
There was a question about the black back panel I believe it was flat black but with the wax it shines a pretty good.

[/ QUOTE ]

Flat to semi-gloss is how I remembered them......... but then I'm a lot older than Charley so maybe I'm suffering some memory loss. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

To be continued,...... I'm sure. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[firstgenaddict]

My original paint 43k mile 68 RS/SS 396 had a semi gloss tail pan...

[Charley Lillard]

Got a pic ?

[firstgenaddict]

I wish... it was definatley not Gloss... looked very similar if not the same as the inner fenders and rad support. maybe 60degree gloss. Those parts begin to look glossier the more they age and are polished but they still have that blue black sheen that is definatley not high gloss.

[jasonL78]

[ QUOTE ]
Weoclme to the site. Is the car orig paint and if it is can you confirm how glossy or non glossy the black paint on the tail panel is ?

[/ QUOTE ]

This is one of a bunch of pictures I took of the car.

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Welcome to the site Jim,
Would you happen to have pictures of the interior.. Cool car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


John...just for you...courtesy of Jim! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/interior%20pics/tn_camaro7007.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/interior%20pics/tn_camaro7010.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/interior%20pics/tn_camaro7005.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/interior%20pics/tn_camaro7004.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/interior%20pics/tn_camaro7011.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
I know it will be hard to believe that Chevrolet actually didn't build the cars as perfect in 1969 as the people are restoring them to be. We just accepted their workmanship as okay because it was a Chevrolet.

[/ QUOTE ]

Amen to that, Jim http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Love that fold-down rear seat http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Welcome to the site and thanks for maintaining that car just as it is!

[jasonL78]

I have pictures of the interior I will post for Jim tonight!

[Schonyenko2]

I have a theory on the black. While it may have been flattened, I tend not to think so. I think on an X66 that maybe the tailpan, and rockers were painted at the same time.
Remember that we're working with laquer. If you buff the primary color to a high gloss,(and you had to buff laquer to get it to shine) but you just sprayed the black on, and left it, no buff. It would have a dull sheen to it with out being flattened.
Over time as you waxed, and rubbed on it, it would actually get a higher luster.
I don't think you can really duplicate this with bc/cc. I think you'd need to use laquer.
Just my humble opinion, as someone who shot laquer back in the day, and have seen this effect. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Very cool car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[LITTLE TOMMIE]

a friend and i have been watching and researching L78 cars, and the ones that came with the curved neck rad all had a 410 rear end gear.

[firstgenaddict]

The tailpans even rubbed on and polished for years never looked like the black on a car...

[nuch_ss396]

Jim,

Let's have a look at the engine (without the air cleaner).
I'm particularly interested in seeing survivor wiring and
bracketry for the THM400 kickdown & idle stop solenoid.

Great find. Love to see it in person...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Steve

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a theory on the black. While it may have been flattened, I tend not to think so. I think on an X66 that maybe the tailpan, and rockers were painted at the same time.
Remember that we're working with laquer. If you buff the primary color to a high gloss,(and you had to buff laquer to get it to shine) but you just sprayed the black on, and left it, no buff. It would have a dull sheen to it with out being flattened.
Over time as you waxed, and rubbed on it, it would actually get a higher luster.
I don't think you can really duplicate this with bc/cc. I think you'd need to use laquer.
Just my humble opinion, as someone who shot laquer back in the day, and have seen this effect. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Very cool car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That would give the effect I recall. Good theory. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Jim,

Let's have a look at the engine (without the air cleaner).
I'm particularly interested in seeing survivor wiring and
bracketry for the THM400 kickdown & idle stop solenoid.

Great find. Love to see it in person...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Steve

[/ QUOTE ]


Since you asked...Jim sent me some more photos...which I forgot to post. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Anyways...here they are...



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9001.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9002.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9003.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9004.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9004.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9006.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/yenko%20site%20misc/tn_camaro9007.jpg

[JimL78]

Bruce, thank you for posting the pictures.
Steve, I hope these pictures let you see what you wanted to see. I should note that the original valve covers had a tab that held the idle stop solenoid wire. The new valve covers do not have this tab and the bracket for holding the spark plug wires is also in the wrong place.
Jim

[WILMASBOYL78]

What is that relay on the firewall (left of the distributor)??...almost looks like a TCS relay from 1970. very cool pictures.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif


wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[firstgenaddict]

Cowl induction relay...

[nuch_ss396]

What's of high interest here boys is the almost total lack of orange overspray http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

Nuch

[nuch_ss396]

Observations:

The throttle return spring looks light green and a single spring at that. Am I crazy, or is that THM400 kickdown
switch mounted cockeyed on its bracket? Also, look closely
and notice the bracket for the oil line. Nice to see an
original. However, is that oil line black plastic? I was
under the impression that all BB applications used the copper line. No criticisms here, just observations of what
appear to be anomalies of an original build. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Lastly, can you post the part number stamped on the idle stop solenoid switch? If original, I'd love to know which
one it is. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Nuch

[m22mike]

[ QUOTE ]
What's of high interest here boys is the almost total lack of orange overspray http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

Nuch

[/ QUOTE ]

The orange overspray thing is WAY to exaggerated on alot of todays resto's
Just my obsevation http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Mike

[WILMASBOYL78]

On the kickdown switch: there may be a slight difference in the base plate of the Holley from the factory carb...I think there was an indentation to help position the switch...kind of like the 70 LS6/L78 throttle bracket....just a thought...perhaps the carb guru will check in.

wilma

[nuch_ss396]

Tom,

I own originals of both bracket varients. I don't recall
a problem with the switch mounting like this one.

Nuch

[JimL78]

The relay is for the cowl induction hood and it was disconnected in 1969 when I removed the door on the hood.
I taped the air cleaner so that all of the air would come through the hood.
As for the Orange overspray it is a wonder that there is any paint left under the hood because it was pressure washed every time we washed the car after racing it. At Lebanon Valley the dirt oval track was right alongside the return road for the dragstrip. On Sunday morning there was a tremendous amount of calcium laden dirt all over the return road and the dirt pits. After running through that all day it was important to wash the car to prevent rust. The oil line is plastic and it is the original.
Sorry about the green return spring I forgot to mention that I replaced that last year. The original one had the end break and I had to get a new one. The one that's on there now is almost an exact copy of the original.
The kick down switch was adjusted so that it worked with that carburetor. If you'll notice in the pictures there is a Mr. Gasket half inch spacer under the carb necessitating the adjustment.
The idle stop switch is the original but as far as the numbers go you're going to have to wait until spring and remind me again.
I hope I've answered your questions and if you have more post them and I will try to answer them.
Jim

[WILMASBOYL78]

[ QUOTE ]
Tom,

I own originals of both bracket varients. I don't recall
a problem with the switch mounting like this one.

Now that I think about it....that seems correct...I have an original switch on my 68 car with a late model Holley and it works fine....did the original Holley auto carbs have some kind of add on piece that helped make the contact to the switch plunger..??? I think the QJ equipped cars had something...

wilma

Nuch

[/ QUOTE ]

[VintageMusclecar]

[ QUOTE ]
On the kickdown switch: there may be a slight difference in the base plate of the Holley from the factory carb...I think there was an indentation to help position the switch...kind of like the 70 LS6/L78 throttle bracket....just a thought...perhaps the carb guru will check in.

wilma

[/ QUOTE ]

The kickdown bracket on this car appears to have been purposely bent in order for the aftermarket carb linkage to make contact with the plunger on the switch since the aftermarket carb doesn't have the same style throttle lever as the original carb(s) did.

Eric

[Steve Shauger]

[ QUOTE ]
a friend and i have been watching and researching L78 cars, and the ones that came with the curved neck rad all had a 410 rear end gear.

[/ QUOTE ]

That may be true, but I know of a dozen orig 410 L78's cars that did not have a curve neck. It might have been a substitute that was used on 410 cars when inventory of the standard l78 radiator were low.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Met JimL78 yesterday...he came down to the shop for a visit and lended a hand with the 70 car....nice guy with lots of storys of drag racing back in the day at the valley....looking forward to seeing his car in person when the snow melts.


wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gifhhhh man...the originality even smells good from here!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif.

Survivor cars like this w/ their imperfections and history intact are a treat to see...way more than the 'correct' cars that've had their's wiped away during the resto process!.

Welcome Jim...you belong here!.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
~ Pete