Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Trans Am Photos => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: SnapOnBilly on November 08, 2009, 08:01:47 PM
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ok, so i finally got the garage cleaned out enough to start- so i did! the car is in really good shape with 48K original on it. some of you might think i'm nuts for doing this since it's in good condition- however, i'm a perfectionist and although it looks good in pictures, it's still 30 years old! a lot of "worn" looking things that i want to look brand new again. so rather than paint this or that, replace a few parts here and there, i decided to do a frame off.
my goal for now is to do the drivetrain and undercarrige first so the car can be started and moved around when it comes time to do the inside and paint work. here's the catch- (this is where i might get differnt schools of thought ;D). i'm going to be "modernizing" the car a little bit. the OE engine is getting the Jim Butler treatment as we speak to the tune of about 600+ HP. the entire suspension is getting replaced including tubular upper and lower control arms with coil overs in the front and lowered springs in the rear, and the factory 4-speed is getting replaced with a Tremec 5-speed. not sure what to do with the rear axle yet, might beef up the OE unit or look into a 12 bolt. all the brakes are getting replaced as well with larger Baer units front and rear. don't know what i'm gonna do for wheels yet since the new brakes make it impossible to use the OE wheels. i was looking into something in the 18" range but not sure which brand or style yet.
BTW- can someone please tell me how to post pics on here so i can show my progress??? thanks ;D
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BTW- can someone please tell me how to post pics on here so i can show my progress??? thanks ;D
Check out the top of the page on this thread:
http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=14821.0
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Use the IMG code from photobucket or the gallery ...
Sounds interesting ... I'm more of a purist but it's your car. I've the same car as you so I'll be watching the build.
(edit: took out IMG example)
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http://www5.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=546346025/PictureID=16882953025/a=1105671025_1105671025/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
http://www5.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=546346025/PictureID=16884341025/a=1105671025_1105671025/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
http://www5.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=546346025/PictureID=16882955025/a=1105671025_1105671025/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
hopefully this works!
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...or not
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(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22650-1/resto+pics+001.jpg)
think i got it this time...
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ok, here's what she looks like now...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22653-1/resto+pics+002.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22657-1/resto+pics+005.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22659-1/resto+pics+006.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22665-1/resto+pics+013.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22665-1/resto+pics+013.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22668-1/resto+pics+014.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22671-1/resto+pics+024.jpg)
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Looks nice
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(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22677-1/resto+pics+008.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22679-1/resto+pics+013.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22681-1/resto+pics+014.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22685-1/resto+pics+023.jpg)
this is why i call it "freshening up" rather than "restoration". like i said, the car is in good shape...
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Wow, great lookin car. I'd agree, just a bit of freshening up, she looks good!
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bravo billy...great to see someone do a protour TATA. .....there are some here that get a little crazy if you dont go back to bone stock
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I like the fact that you "dare" to do something like this to something as rare as a TATA 400/4-speed ;) My 403 TATA may get a little modernised as well ;) The engine at least got some power in it, although its hard to see the difference:)
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HA! you guys hit it right on the head. i wasn't sure how it would be taken by others, however, i've had this car since '92 and (yawn) it could use a little more "fun" in my opinion. at this stage in the game, i don't plan on doing anything that couldn't be put back to stock if i ever wanted too. although i really like the pro-touring cars and love the look they have. we'll see what happens when i get to the back of the car and find out what size wheels i can squeeze back there w/ out doing a mini tub.
the Butler engine might be done next month so i have to plan for that at this point. the engine in the car is not the original. it came out of another '79 TA my father had. it was a project in back in college that basically was a stock balance and blueprint. the OE engine was always in storage wrapped up in a plastic bag, so i decided to send it out and get the "works" ;D
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bravo billy...great to see someone do a protour TATA. .....there are some here that get a little crazy if you dont go back to bone stock
thanks for the motivation! um yea, bone stock is boring for a '79 in my opinion. the cars LOOK like they should be quick but well, they aren't. my '06 silverado is faster than this car haha. prior to my business, i was a GM master tech for over 10 years. driving all those newer cars that had tons of power made me jealous! i wanna be able to make the guy in the new mustang or 'vette jealous ;)
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agreed... love to see these cars slammed to the ground w/ huge rubber...they already look mean in stock form...the protour look puts em over the top. keep the pics comming did you ever get w/ dave @protouringfbody? he can make it happen
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thanks for the motivation! um yea, bone stock is boring for a '79 in my opinion. the cars LOOK like they should be quick but well, they aren't. my '06 silverado is faster than this car haha. prior to my business, i was a GM master tech for over 10 years. driving all those newer cars that had tons of power made me jealous! i wanna be able to make the guy in the new mustang or 'vette jealous ;)
I think all the Firebirds from 70-81 looks quick, the greatest looking cars ever :) Just look at the Burt Reynolds Trans Am, that thing looks fast and IS fast, although it may not be put back to stock :P Maybe you should get some silver Snowflakes billet wheels for the car? :D That would look awesome :)
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I actually prefer the 77-78 front end, and would love to build a pro-touring Trans Am with the 77-78 look :) Maybe with an all aluminum engine from Butler Performance :D and a complete DSE suspension?
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agreed... love to see these cars slammed to the ground w/ huge rubber...they already look mean in stock form...the protour look puts em over the top. keep the pics comming did you ever get w/ dave @protouringfbody? he can make it happen
i sure didn't. i kinda jumped the gun before i joined here and bought all my suspension stuff from Global West. it won't be slammed to the ground, the rear will be lowered 1 1/4", and the front is adjustable with the coil-overs. so i'll make it match the rear
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I think all the Firebirds from 70-81 looks quick, the greatest looking cars ever :) Just look at the Burt Reynolds Trans Am, that thing looks fast and IS fast, although it may not be put back to stock :P Maybe you should get some silver Snowflakes billet wheels for the car? :D That would look awesome :)
[/quote]
i looked at those. they do look good, but Year One isn't very helpful when it comes to answering questions. i don't know how snowflakes would look on a TATA though...
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Billy I like what you are doing to the car, I think it is way cool so good luck.
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... it's a nail biter for me but you're the master tech
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Billy I like what you are doing to the car, I think it is way cool so good luck.
thanks for the kind words :)
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something else i should mention here: i'm not going to make some radically outrageous street rod. i'm basically doing what i think the factory should've done. i want the car to have a factory "look" if that helps. for example- i'm keeping leaf springs in the rear, plan to keep all the factory accessories under the hood, etc. i'm even gonna leave the OE digital 8 track in the dash! in fact the only change that will be noticable will be the new wheels that i pick out- until it starts up >:D
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i was feeling like i got a second wind this evening after work, so here's what i did...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22708-1/resto+pics+038.jpg)
i wish this thing didn't come with A/C. it would be so much cleaner...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22710-1/resto+pics+039.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22718-1/resto+pics+025.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22716-1/resto+pics+035.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22720-1/resto+pics+026.jpg)
RULE #1: DO NOT scratch the tool box!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22714-1/resto+pics+037.jpg)
...and i had to mention my pretty boy who sat there the WHOLE time and kept me company :)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22712-1/resto+pics+041.jpg)
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I really agree with you on keeping the original look:) These cars look great without any modification, but could use some more performance ;)
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here's what i did last night...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22761-1/resto+pics+050.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22757-1/resto+pics+063.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22754-1/resto+pics+064.jpg)
it's coming apart very smoothly, no real problems so far. thankfully it was garage kept all its life, so no real rust or stuck bolts i've had to deal as of yet...
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hey guys, just wanted to let everyone know, i had a hard drive failure last week. in the process of getting all my programs loaded back on here, so i'll get more pics up soon. i've still been working on the car despite the computer being down. got the engine and trans out of the car at this point...
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Cool Billy good progress.
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(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23188-1/restoration+pics+109.jpg)
...and she's coming out
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23186-1/restoration+pics+111.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23184-1/restoration+pics+114.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23182-1/restoration+pics+119.jpg)
the trans was a PITA to get out without a lift (and a helper)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23180-1/restoration+pics+120.jpg)
as she sits now. next i'll be working on getting the frame off, then sent out for stripping. once thats done i can start working on the rebuilding of the front suspension and new brakes... more to come...
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Cool Billy good progress.
thanks my friend!
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Looks good ... new clutch & pressure plate recently?
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Looks good ... new clutch & pressure plate recently?
actually it's about 9 years old. shows how much i drive the car huh LOL? i thought about re-using it when the new engine shows up...
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600HP & the Tremec, eh. At 9 years old, you'd really want to look hard at that - I don't know if the material holds up that well - it may. Definitely a new pilot/throwout would be in order.
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like i said i "thought" about it, i'll probably just get a new clutch...
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It looks great :) And it's seems like a great car to start refreshing :) Good luck with it :)
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HOLY COW, you've been busy. Looks like the project is coming along great! I've been watching, drooling, watching, taking a sip of a Soda, got some potato chips and dip....thinking this was on TV and thinking.......I love this movie. Then I realized I wasn't watching TV...LOL. You're doing the work like a pro, excellent job thus far and I commend you for just starting something like this in the first place on a rare car.
Suggestion, now may be the time to do a heater core change as they are only about $30 bucks and you don't have to be cramped due to the fenders and wheel wells being on the car. It would save you a lot of time to do the job now rather than later if it was never changed and it's just good insurance. ;)
OUTSTANDING WORK and I'll be watching, with popcorn, or a soda, or.......see there I go again. LOL
yep- i already thought of that :) i actually need to replace the a/c accumulator, evaporator, heater core, and blower motor. anyway, i'm glad you like the show haha
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It looks great :) And it's seems like a great car to start refreshing :) Good luck with it :)
thansk again for the compliments! yes, when you start with a car thats never been wrecked and has 48k original on it, it comes apart relatively easy. i expected a nightmare of stuck/ rusted hardware... but it's all coming apart with minimal effort.
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I had it just as easy with my TATA, when we removed the engine, its got nearly 80k on it, and has been in Norway since 1980, so I was expecting a whole lot of trouble and rust on it, but it wasnt :) The only thing that we had some minor problems with en the engine bay was the metal line for the power steering pump, but other than that, everything came apart, every nut and bolt on the engine, without breaking a sweat.
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I had it just as easy with my TATA, when we removed the engine, its got nearly 80k on it, and has been in Norway since 1980, so I was expecting a whole lot of trouble and rust on it, but it wasnt :) The only thing that we had some minor problems with en the engine bay was the metal line for the power steering pump, but other than that, everything came apart, every nut and bolt on the engine, without breaking a sweat.
oh cool! did you restore yours? if so, i was trying to figure out what to do in regard to paint on the underside and fire wall/ cowl area. the factory looks like they just shot the firewall, and let it go about 6 inches or so down onto the undercarriage. the rest of the undercarriage appears to be just primer or the same silver they used on the rest of the car, except without using any clear. the cowl looks like they may have just oversprayed the dark charcoal color when they shot the hood cuz the outer edges aren't the same color as the center section of the cowl. i was thinking of using the firewall paint all the way down completely covering the undercarriage all the way to the rear bumper.
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I've only repainted the exterior, and repainted everything in the engine bay when the engine was out for an overhaul\paintjob :) Got some extra power now as well =D Haven't done anything with the undercarriage, just the inner fenders both front and rear, painted that, and the subframe + control arms and sway bars in a gloss black color (not factory ;) , but I like it )
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billy, just want to repeat a "well done" you have alot of people following your project...keep those pics comming. sounds like you have the knowlege and means to do most of the work yourself...what will you have to"farm out"?
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thanks again for the compliments ;D. being a GM tech for a long time helps with the actual work ;) having all my tools and toolbox at home AND being a Snap On Tools dealer helps with getting stuff i need for the project :)
farming out? well, off the top of my head, all major paint/ body work will have to be done by someone else. i'm going to have the frame stripped, but it i'll probably refinish it myself, along with all the small pieces. i plan on doing the whole underneath first so the car can be started and moved if need be. after all thats done, i'll move to the interior. after that, repaint with new decals. at this point, the next "step" will be to get the frame off the car and dissasembled. one of my customers does stripping and powdercoating, so thats where it will go...
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got the frame off this past weekend, despite a bad cold and holiday travel...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23650-1/restoration+pics+122.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23652-1/restoration+pics+123.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23654-1/restoration+pics+124.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23656-1/restoration+pics+125.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23658-1/restoration+pics+126.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23660-1/restoration+pics+127.jpg)
... and here's some the goodies that will be going on when the frame is done >:D
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23662-1/restoration+pics+128.jpg)
the guys at Butler performance said it best- "big motor= bigger brakes"
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23664-1/restoration+pics+129.jpg)
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Billy, youre making me drool!
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Are you using the stock wheels or larger custom wheels...I gues what I'm trying to get at is will the upgraded brakes and rotors fit the stock rims?
i'm curious for my application
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Billy, youre making me drool!
control yourself man- get a napkin or something ;)
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Are you using the stock wheels or larger custom wheels...I gues what I'm trying to get at is will the upgraded brakes and rotors fit the stock rims?
i'm curious for my application
unfortuneatly i can't use the stock wheels with those brakes. i plan on going with some 18's maybe...
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Looks awesome :) what control arms, springs, shocks and brakes are you using? any links?`^^
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Billy,
Nice work man!
Soon one day my TATA will get the same treatment. Its got 170,000 miles so restoring it to original factory specs won't be my goal. It'll still look factory...but thats about it.
Wouldn't mind if you sent me all of your pics so I can have a good reference ;)
--Brian
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Are you using the stock wheels or larger custom wheels...I gues what I'm trying to get at is will the upgraded brakes and rotors fit the stock rims?
i'm curious for my application
unfortuneatly i can't use the stock wheels with those brakes. i plan on going with some 18's maybe...
Do you have anything in mind yet to wrap rubber around?
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NEXUS- haven't made up my mind yet. might go with CCW's
BHOORAY- most of my pics are in the gallery
FRODE- i'm using Global West suspension parts, and Baer brakes
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Hard to keep up with all the questions eh!!!!
lol
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not at all, i can handle it haha ;)
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here's a couple more. got the front suspension all taken apart and will taking the frame down to get stripped and possibly powdercoated
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23853-1/restoration+pics+131.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23855-1/restoration+pics+130.jpg)
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hey guys, sorry for the delay. took a short break from the car with the holiday and me getting sick. however, i'm back on it now! it's officially half of a car now with the frame out of the garage and being dropped off tomorrow. got the master and booster off, and started cleaning the firewall in preporation for paint.
there is ton of this "gooey" crap all around where the evap case was, and it's taking me forever to scrape it off. i've noticed the firewall paint job the factory did (or lack there of). they seemed to have just sprayed the center, and didn't even take it down the trans tunnel. this has led me to question how exactly i plan on painting the firewall.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23966-1/restoration+pics+132.jpg)
notice the silver on the right side of the firewall.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23968-1/restoration+pics+133.jpg)
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Man looking at your project has sure encouraged me. Nice job, cant wait to see the end result.
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Man looking at your project has sure encouraged me. Nice job, cant wait to see the end result.
thanks, glad i could be a source for motivation.
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question for everyone who is undergoing a project: what did everyone use to clean up the firewall? i've been scraping all this gooey crap off and i'm thinking of scuffing it all up then hitting it with some kind of primer. then maybe eastwood's chassis black or underhood black. thoughts/ input?
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I use paint stripper and a razor blade scrapper. and the next day use a soft wire wheel on a grinder. if you what to see if GM put an thing on the firewall I put paint stripper on it and after a bit wipe it of with a rag of thinner. i did it so I could get pics of it, before it was gone forever.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/004-10.jpg)
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I use paint stripper and a razor blade scrapper. and the next day use a soft wire wheel on a grinder. if you what to see if GM put an thing on the firewall I put paint stripper on it and after a bit wipe it of with a rag of thinner. i did it so I could get pics of it, before it was gone forever.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/004-10.jpg)
yep, i was thinking the same thing- soft wire wheel on a grinder. what did you use to paint it?
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ya know as i 'm cleaning the firewall/ underside of the car, i'm noticing how clean it is. just needed a good bath! now i'm wondering if i should even paint the underneath at all!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24017-1/restoration+pics+134.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24019-1/restoration+pics+135.jpg)
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I will be using POR15 its hard and nails. and not UV sensitive. its almost as hard a powder coat.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/006-9.jpg)
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SnapOnBilly is that the way it looks now? or did you already clean it. thats nice. what year? 79-81 black. 78-older red oxide. mine is 77
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SnapOnBilly is that the way it looks now? or did you already clean it. thats nice. what year? 79-81 black. 78-older red oxide. mine is 77
basically, thats the way it looks now. i cleaned it up with some soap and water, thats it. i've seen people paint the whole firewall and undercarriage black, but it doesn't look like the factory did that in my case.
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I will be using POR15 its hard and nails. and not UV sensitive. its almost as hard a powder coat.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/006-9.jpg)
i've heard of that stuff. does Eastwood sell it? will you be using a spray gun to apply it or a brush?
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POR15 makes a solvent for it, so it can be sprayed. I got it at my local auto paint store. the mix is 4 to 1 . I also got the red oxide sealer for under the body. PPG DP90 red epoxy sealer.
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AWE that's good to know!! I will likely spray the under side of my car with POR when I get there
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That's a very desirable car. TATA with a W72. I'm not sure I would have taken it apart though. It looked to be in really great shape. It's gonna be perfect when you get done with it!
Does your wife wonder what the heck you're doing? Does she wonder how you'll know how to put it all back together? I get that from my wife. She doesn't understand how I can do what I do on these cars.
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That's a very desirable car. TATA with a W72. I'm not sure I would have taken it apart though. It looked to be in really great shape.
stop with the neg. vibes man...we are all living through billy and thinking we could do this if we really tried....plus hes giving me the first ride when its done.
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yes i realize its a desirable car, however, like i've mentioned before- thats why i'm not doing anything that can't be put back to stock if i ever had too. i was notified that my sub-frame is finished and i can pick it up whenever.
anyone wants a ride when it's done, come on up to VA ;)
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That's a very desirable car. TATA with a W72. I'm not sure I would have taken it apart though. It looked to be in really great shape. It's gonna be perfect when you get done with it!
Does your wife wonder what the heck you're doing? Does she wonder how you'll know how to put it all back together? I get that from my wife. She doesn't understand how I can do what I do on these cars.
haha, she did ask if iknew what i was doing.... i said quickly said "not a clue". this is my first resto, so we'll see how it turns out. thats i ask a lot of questions to all my body shop customers ;)
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wish i had the stones to even START a project like that (not to mention time and money) im a "turn key" type
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wish i had the stones to even START a project like that (not to mention time and money) im a "turn key" type
i don't like modifying things. so most, if not all, the parts i'm using are "bolt-ons". i'm not a fabricator at all, so i ask a ton of questions. to be honest i was pretty scared at first, but now i've been pleasantly surprised how easy most of it has been. these cars come apart pretty easy in my opinion.
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wish i had the stones to even START a project like that (not to mention time and money) im a "turn key" type
i don't like modifying things. so most, if not all, the parts i'm using are "bolt-ons". i'm not a fabricator at all, so i ask a ton of questions. to be honest i was pretty scared at first, but now i've been pleasantly surprised how easy most of it has been. these cars come apart pretty easy in my opinion.
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... so i was gonna pick up the frame but we kinda had 2 feet of snow. guess i'll have to wait until next week haha
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SnapOnBilly,
I see your wheels in the background, and they look great. What did you do to get them like that? Mine were really bad, but I found that Wesley's Bleach works great to get off the brake dust. Now I'm slowly working on getting them to shine.
BTW, car is looking great!
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actually, like most things on the car, the wheels look better in a photo then real life. the clearcoat is strating to dull, and for whatever reason pics don't show it. if i were re-using them, i'd have them refinished to look like new. thanks for the compliment ;)
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i still say YO grey 17s with huge rubber...keep it poncho...(if they fit your brakes)
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Wow...they still have clearcoat on em, nice :D
I'm definately thinking about having them refinished and re coated, polishing them after every wash is getting old!
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i though about using YO's wheels in the 18" version. however YO isn't very helpful, and they tell you up front, that if you get the wheels, and they don't fit you're SOL 'cuz they won't take them back! i'm not good with figuring out backspacing, offset, etc. so i have to see which ones i'll go with when i'm ready for the wheels. as far as huge rubber, i'm probably not gonna do a mini tub so i don't know what i can fit back there. again- i'll have to see when the rear is completed.
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depending on offset ive heard of 315s fitting on rear...check w/ dave @ PTFB
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really? on what size wheel? i know YO did 18x9.5's on a green '73 they did. they put 275/40's on there with no problems.
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A 295 tire comes all the way out to the top of the wheel arch on the rear.
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ok people..... need some ideas here... take a look at the pics below. having trouble trying to decide what to do with the cowl area. clearly, it isn't black, and i don't know what to do as far as paint. i'm noticing a reoccuring problem i'm having- my car isn't a total loss like most frame off resto's are. so when i come across a part of the car that is in good shape, i find myself asking should i redo that area or leave it alone and just clean it up? sometimes i wish the car was a lot worse and some of these desicions might be easier haha...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24096-1/restoration+pics+136.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24098-1/restoration+pics+137.jpg)
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what I see in the pics , is correct. the body was painted and the painted parts were put on it as it went down the line.
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POR15 makes a solvent for it, so it can be sprayed. I got it at my local auto paint store. the mix is 4 to 1 . I also got the red oxide sealer for under the body. PPG DP90 red epoxy sealer.
hmmm, i'm doing this project on jackstands so spraying in my garage with a spray gun won't work i'm sure. can POR15 be brushed on and still good? otherwise, i've got Eastwood's rust encapsulator and chassis black to use on the underside.
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what I see in the pics , is correct. the body was painted and the painted parts were put on it as it went down the line.
oh no doubt it's correct. i just don't know whether to leave it alone since it's in good shape or refinish it...
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every car I have taken apart looked the same. mine is a black dash so the top of all that was black but the rest white.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/012-4.jpg)
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Looking at page 1 again, I'd leave it alone. You've hit the nail on the head about redoing this particular car in that you're on the fence as to what to do with things that don't really need to be "fixed".
I'd hit things that are in an obvious state of needing attention and do no more. It looked great from the earlier photos but you're in the garage, not us. Freshen up the engine bay, rebuild the motor, redo the suspension, higher diameter rims/tires ...maybe nicer seats, store the originals?
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yes I would let the firewall alone. they did go nuts with the seam sealer. but GM did that back then.
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i was thinking of scraping off the seam sealer, and putting down a nicer bead. looks like they painted over the sealer- so if i did that, i'd have to repaint the cowl. hence my question to you guys...
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I am not a purest for them, I like a clean look. I would of already cut that crap off. but I'm sure you will get 10 post telling you to leave it alone.
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Great looking build so far.
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I am not a purest for them, I like a clean look. I would of already cut that crap off. but I'm sure you will get 10 post telling you to leave it alone.
EXACTLY!!! i like the clean look as well. from what i've seen on here, everyone seems to be painting the cowl black. however, i thought of something cool last night. the factory didn't paint it black, it appears to be a gray-ish color. maybe i'll refinish it in that same color to give it a cool contrast to the black hardware and cowl screens.
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Great looking build so far.
thanks Chili ;)
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it should be your TATA color silver. you car is to nice to change any thing on it. I would clean it up , but put it back to the OE color. something little like that color change will be a modification at the t/a Nats.
but she's yours and I'm cool with what ever you do with it. she's a beauty
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It looks very good :) I would like to see how it looks with the TATA silver color on the cowl area;)
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it should be your TATA color silver. you car is to nice to change any thing on it. I would clean it up , but put it back to the OE color. something little like that color change will be a modification at the t/a Nats.
but she's yours and I'm cool with what ever you do with it. she's a beauty
X2...you have something worth keeping the same
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yep thats what i was thinking. i think it'll look good when it's time for paint- but thats a long way off
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talked to Butler performance today- the engine will done next month!!! wooooohooooooo! i chose a really, really cool option to go with that i won't tell anyone about ('till it shows up and i get some pictures ) >:D
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Come on, Billy. Give us a hint ...
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Come on, Billy. Give us a hint ...
fuel delivery...
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A blower requires increased fuel delivery .... or maybe it's going to be a fuel injected monster, eh?
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you'll find out in January. meanwhile it's painting the firewall and putting the frame back together.
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twin turbo? and fuel injection?
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twin turbo??? wow you guys have wild imaginations haha
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twin turbo??? wow you guys have wild imaginations haha
Butler Performance builds Twin Turbo engines ^^ And they can make some solid ammounts of horsepower :)
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pretty much anything that comes out of Butler's shop makes a ton of power. i think they have mine tagged for around 600HP. originally i was shooting for 450-500 but it really doesn't cost that much more to go a little higher. my biggest thing was i wanted driveability over anything else. i didn't want some wild race engine that shakes the teeth out of your head. i wanted it to be smooth with a nice little rumble to it...
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so i decided to refinsih something that no one will ever see... the cowl defrost vent assembly.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24209-1/restoration+pics+142.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24211-1/restoration+pics+143.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24213-1/restoration+pics+144.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24215-1/restoration+pics+146.jpg)
not too bad eh? i was pretty proud of myself. my first paint job. i even refinshed the vacuum diaphram assembly...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24217-1/restoration+pics+147.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24221-1/restoration+pics+148.jpg)
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Cool - looks great.
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...and i shot the firewall afterward. after all my stressin'- it turned out really good! i think i'm gonna leave it a matte black rather than a gloss.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24223-1/restoration+pics+150.jpg)
the flash from the camera kinda makes it look glossy but it isn't...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24225-1/restoration+pics+153.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24227-1/restoration+pics+154.jpg)
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Cool - looks great.
thanks!
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cool glad you didnt go with a gloss this looks really good. cant wait to see more of it.
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that's good work. its not the point that any one will never see it. you are preserving and protecting your car. A+
in 10 years when your car is ready for a restoration that surface rust on there would be bad pits.
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yea me too. the matte finish looks awsome! it's the same finish i had the frame powdercoated in also.
i had a cool idea while i painting the top of the firewall-i took it all the way down to the seam where the firewall panel is spot welded to the body. i taped it off and will use a differant finish on the rest of the bottom. if i'm picturing it right in my head, the contrast should look great! i'll post some pics when the paint dries ;)
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that's good work. its not the point that any one will never see it. you are preserving and protecting your car. A+
thanks Doug- my thoughts exactly!
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KeePat would be proud!
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KeePat would be proud!
haha- you're right he would! i didn't think of that...
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great now i need to make sure i do mine as your right I have looked at it several times and thought about it but havent touched it. no better time than now i suppose lol. gives me an additional side track tomarrow whille working on my interior.
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i am SO happy with the way the firewall turned out!!! the paint i used worked perfectly!!! i can't beleive how good it looks... sorry, just impressed the hell out of myself since i've never painted before haha...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24260-1/restoration+pics+153_001.jpg)
i decided everything passed the tape line back will be a glossier black rather than a matte. i think the contrast will look cool...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24262-1/restoration+pics+155.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24264-1/restoration+pics+156.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24266-1/restoration+pics+157.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24268-1/restoration+pics+158.jpg)
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arrg the two things i did not do to my y82 was the frame or firewall. you guys are all making me consider taking it apart again and going to town with it.
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What paint was that Billy? ...
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looks good bubby, that's my biggest pet peeve. is a clean engine compartment,
rick you better not. do it next winter. you got car shows to go to in the spring.
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well i am re detailing under the hood i just didnt do the frame and i didnt really clean up much of the firewall. it would atleast appear that i did it as long as you dont look under the car. my thoughts were driver and not show stopper as i plan with the 71
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What paint was that Billy? ...
ah sorry, i used Eastwood's rust encapsulator in the rattle can! first i used prep-sol to clean it up, then a scotchbrite pad to scuff it, wiped it off with a wet towel, and sprayed away. i honestly was going to "settle" for the results since i was using a rattle can AND doing it my garage- but WOW! after it dried i couldn't beleive how it came out.
arrg the two things i did not do to my y82 was the frame or firewall. you guys are all making me consider taking it apart again and going to town with it.
well how does it look now? when i started this i didn't intend on taking the frame off. however once i took it all apart i said i might as well do it since i'm here. i understand you not doing it yet- it's a lot of work and the car will be down for a while. i'm a little OCD and am kind of a perfectionist. most people would've been happy with how it looked before i took it apart...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23853-1/restoration+pics+131.jpg)
looks good bubby, that's my biggest pet peeve. is a clean engine compartment,
thanks Doug! i agree, i like a clean look as well...
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Looks incredible for a rattle can ... great work.
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this is why i am hesitant of it now
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/21972-2/PA252054.JPG) (http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/v/y88rick/PA252054.JPG.html)
fresh paint, fresh everything except the frame. someone else painted the frame once so its more dirty than anything. and when I was priming some stuff over spray fanned under my paper and got 2k overspray on virtually everything it seems.
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Cmon Rick, I have fresh paint also. No biggie.....Just dive in and be carefull
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fresh paint, fresh everything except the frame. someone else painted the frame once so its more dirty than anything. and when I was priming some stuff over spray fanned under my paper and got 2k overspray on virtually everything it seems.
i'm all for you jumping in, however i agree with Doug- the spring time is right around the corner. you might want to wait 'till the season is over. if you think you can get it done by then- go for it!!! get some pics on here so we can see what you're working with...
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Looks incredible for a rattle can ... great work.
thanks again! yea i agree about the results. i literally was shocked how good it came out. i just hope it stays that way ;)
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I may I need to get the interior done first, it may be a better idea to wait until next year as it took me until october just to get the cars outside put back together. the frame is one thing i thought about before i dumped in my motor and then after it was done i said eeeeeeh i should have done that.
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rick with some help, you could bust that out in a weekend. no problem.
calling all cars , calling all cars --- he got a 911 at ricks house---- need sub-frame painted ------ calling all cars ---- 911 at rick house...
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here is a thought to cure my problem. I had to take the inner fender out to access the heater box area. before i put it back in i can clean and paint that side of the frame and firewall and even be able to touch up my radiator support. now if i drop my other inner fender out i can do the same on that side. it wont be like dropping the frame but its better than nothing. next year i planned on tearing out the front suspension and rear end and rebuilding both of them so painting them areas would be a must at that point. but i am also very eager to get on the 71 as well.
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as most of us have felt during a restoration- i'm sure you were just eager to get it done and start driving it.
the fender wells, hmmm, good idea! i didn't even think of that...
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rick with some help, you could bust that out in a weekend. no problem.
calling all cars , calling all cars --- he got a 911 at ricks house---- need sub-frame painted ------ calling all cars ---- 911 at rick house...
i can see it now- we'd all be tripping over each other, dropping tools, and arguing how too "do it the right way" haha
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thats alright i'd be like alright guys i have to feed the kids a minute change diapers put on their pjs and put them to bed, i'll be back in 3 hours or so and let you figure it out lmfao.
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OR even better, it would the 3 stooges out there ::)
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one question who gets poked in the eyes?
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hopefully not me ;D
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well I gave it a shot last night as i needed to be left alone. cleaned up the frame and upper control arm. I discovered that the frame infact was painted before as it was really easy to get that paint off the car. it also has new busings under it so that frame was out once. so i repainted that side and will be touching up the rest under there as i said i had overspray bust in ther with the primer even though i covered the engine and such. just a great side track for me on my interior lol. it needed to be done though. I wouldnt want to disappoint 4speed at all. lol
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Any pictures of the job you did?
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not yet. camera need batteries and I also need to upload the software to accept my pictures
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does it look a little something like this. :P
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/000_0153.jpg)
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(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22650-1/resto+pics+001.jpg)
think i got it this time...
You know, lets just say WOW. You got it this time.
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one side does again atleast.
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does it look a little something like this. :P
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/000_0153.jpg)
ouch!
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how is the car coming. or just to cold to even look out side?
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HA it's funny you said that! i was gonna post on here that it is just too damn cold to go out in the garage with my little heater and work on it! i tried last night and fired up the little guy and let it run for an hour before i went out there (which usually helps), but not this time...
i think i just need a better heater. i bought a propane uint but, i'm kinda apprehensive to use it. thinking i should get a bigger electric one...
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lmao..... I have a 130,000 btu reddy heater for my garage 32 to 95 in less than one hour.
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yea! the one i bought is similar to that but it warned of using it near flamable stuff. then i thought about it and said hmmm, there are some gas cans and paint in here... is this a good idea? and of course i brought it home, got ready to use it and realized the propane fitting on my tank is differant than the one on the heater- grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. so i'd have to go out and get a new propane tank....
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My heater runs K1
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i think i'm just gonna get an adaptor so i can run the propane tank i already have. it's been so damn cold outside...
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ok, so i got a good heater and worked on the car today! refinsihed some more parts on the firewall area in preperation for when the frame is reassembled and ready to go back on. i also cleaned and painted some more of the floorboard area, but the paint isn't dry yet so no pics of it.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24455-1/restoration+pics+161.jpg)
am i becoming to anal when i refinish washers and bolts?
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24457-1/restoration+pics+162.jpg)
...oh! i need some help on this one- looks good so far right?
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24449-1/restoration+pics+159.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24451-1/restoration+pics+160.jpg)
then..... UGH! can someone please explain to me WTF happened here????!!!!???!! i don't know what i did wrong, and i'm not happy about it...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24453-1/restoration+pics+163.jpg)
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it's to cold to paint or there was a bit of oil's on it and the paint fish eyed. wet sand it and let it and the paint worm up inside over night. and try agen.
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I'd tend to agree ... you can't paint in this mess. There was sleet in West Palm Beach tonight!! That's an hour north of Miami. This weather has been insane for us.
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hmmm, well i've been painting everything else in the back yard and no issues yet. i keep the paint and whatever i'm painting inside. it's outside for a few minutes before i spray it. i washed that thing with soapy water and a brush. next, i dried it, then i used prep-sol on it, wiped it off, then i scuffed it all up with a 3M scotchbrite pad and wiped it off with a damp towel. let it sit for a bit and took it outside to spary it. just so everyone knows, i used Eastwood's golden cad for the base coat...
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I don't know Snap, it's like 35° in my garage. Most paints want, what, 50°F to 80°F as a range to adequately adhere. If that metal was abnormally cold, perhaps that was the issue. Maybe the cooler temperature extended the time required before the paint could cure and left the splotches? Colder temp changed the paint density? There's a lot of maybe's to consider.
You're skilled - it's a do over ... ;)
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well i had the new big a** heater cranked up most of the afternoon, so it wasn't that cold in the garage. i wouldn't imagine the booster was that cold but i'll figure it out...
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if you took it from room temp. to out side , it had condensation on it and froze.
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who knows, i'm gonna strip it and try again. plus i heard metallic paints are more difficult to deal with anyway.
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2 steps forward and 1 back on these cars. been there. on my 79 , some weeks was 2 forward and 3 back
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2 steps forward and 1 back on these cars. been there. on my 79 , some weeks was 2 forward and 3 back
I hate those days. Seems to be a common theme with these cars.LOL.
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My problem is I start one project, then I'm like if I am doing that I might as well do this and so on. At this rate I am never going to get my car back on the road. haha
I have just come to the relization that I am going to do everything twice before I get it right...ha
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HAHA right! originally i wasn't gonna take the frame off mine and not paint the bottom of it. hence the name of this thread "freshening up". looks like i was wrong ;)
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I know what you mean
And then The little phrase rolls through your head
" Well I have it apart this far, so I might as well do this...It's only a couple of bolts"
That's exactly why mine is now completely stripped and I'm doing a complete rebuild. I should have been driving it from the start
Oh well, whats done is done and it will look exactly how I want it to when I'm done
Keep the updates coming
TA/TA's are one of my favorites
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agreed. i'd rather take more time then say to myself " i wish i would've done that"...
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hey does anyone have or know where i can get a '79 GM service manual for my T/A?
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you can get it from Hitman on C/D or find one on the ebay. its the supplement manual, its and add on for the 78 manual
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ah ha! got it, thanks. i'll hit him up
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ok, so it warmed up and i did some more on the car this evening- HOWEVER- this is where it will start to get ugly depending on your "views" ::)- so love me or hate me, but here are the aftermarket parts (gasp!) >:D
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24531-1/restoration+pics+166.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24533-1/restoration+pics+167.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24535-1/restoration+pics+168.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24537-1/restoration+pics+169.jpg)
...and the front brakes...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24539-1/restoration+pics+171.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24541-1/restoration+pics+173.jpg)
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I LIKE!!! :o
That is going to be one cool setup! and handle like a dream!
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looks good to me. I almost did all that to mine. can you set your ride height with that set up?
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yep, thats why i went with the coil-overs. you can put it where ever you want pretty much. the springs i have for the rear will lower the back 1.25 inches, so i'll adjust the fronts accordingly. not to mention how easy it was to put together- way easier than the old coil spring. the brakes came all put together from Baer, so that was a snap as well...
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Nice .... Baer brakes/rotors - Global West Suspension from what I can see ... very nice.
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I really like the setup, it's a great addition to the car. Good work!
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Looks sharp. I will probably be doing the drilled and slotted rotors also......when I can afford it.
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just keeps gettin better n better...any update on wheel/tire choice?
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thanks guys, glad you like it ;D.
HADA- no haven't even thought about it in a while. when i was looking, i remember having a hard time deciding- definately didn't want to go anything to "flashy". any thoughts or ideas are welcome, since i don't know much about wheel choices when it comes to aftermarket...
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I like the setup Billy...that's what I want to do but like everthig else it will depend on what I can afford
Besides if one really wanted to they can reinstal the original setup later on
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yep- thats why i used those parts, so if i ever wanted to back to stock i could.
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I like it and I like how you can adjust your height. you will be able to determine if it sits to high or to low for you and adjust from that point. I am thinking about a set up like such on my 71. how much were the calipers. I think it looks very very good. but i am also one for liking custom features.
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don't rememebr the price- i bought ALL the suspension parts together and they gave me a "package" discount.
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really what was the package price and through who?
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don't remember the price, since it was back in September when i bought it all. i'd have to go back and look at my c/c bill. i got it directly from Global West.
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thanks I am going to consider this on my 71 I am digging the pro touring look and dont dare do it to the y82.
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just checked out www.globalwest.net
I would want to forget the price to. thats the price you pay to play.
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my only regret is that damn mini tub. i really want to do it, but not on this car. MAYBE if i finish this one, i might look for another project car that isn't a specialty unit and hack away ;)
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just checked out www.globalwest.net
I would want to forget the price to. thats the price you pay to play.
thats for sure...glad it's over though... oh wait the engine will done this month ;( that one is gonna really hurt
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ya the motor bill, forgot about that one. witch reminds me. I got to go sell some blood to help pay for it.
mine will be done in 2 weeks :D
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wow only blood? i had to give a body part or two for mine HAHA... (when it's paid for) it'll all be worth it when it starts up and we just smile away >:D
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Thats why Im glad I cut my teeth in a hotrod shop and was a heavy tech for 20 years. I dont have to pay to get it done. Just buy parts. I never thought I would say this but "Thanks Dave Koffel!"
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well I think I can say this from the rest of us..... :P
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I know, I know. I did have to pay to get it painted though. Cant do that at home. When I did my Vette I worked at the dealer so I had access to everything I needed. I miss that! I HATE paying for stuff I can do.
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I really like the looks of it :) Maybe a later T\A project will get some seriously modernised suspension and engine :) The look of the car never needs it ;) Maybe lower it a bit :)
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FRED- i'm with ya! when i was in the dealership, i also had everything i needed at my disposal. i miss having an air compressor and a lift HAHA. but you're right, at least i'm doing the labor and not someone else who probably doens't care about my car like i do ;)
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fred, you can rebuild engines.....we may need to have a talk buddy i got a 455 that i would like rebuilt either this summer or next winter.
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Rick, I would be happy to talk with you about that.
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Can I ask how much it cost for the set of brakes and suspension? I couldn't find the price :/
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it should all be on thier web sites, but the packages were in the mid 2K range each...
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Snap On,
I am pissed you TOTALLY stole my idea for my TATA lol. I think like you I want it different but not ruined. Ya know? I have to say I am escited to see how it turns out as I am now starting a frame off on my TATA. You won't be pissed if I steal some ideas will ya LOL
Where at in VA are ya? I was in Richmond for 2 years.
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I hear ya on Year One. I have tried to get the details on the rims on that Brewster Green TA they did and they never reply to emails, kinda jerks if ya ask me. Thats why I will probably buy very few parts from them
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I hear ya on Year One. I have tried to get the details on the rims on that Brewster Green TA they did and they never reply to emails, kinda jerks if ya ask me. Thats why I will probably buy very few parts from them
thanks for the compliment, it's your car- do whatever you want to it ;)
i've got all the details on that green Year One T/A. what do you want to know?
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i'm in Fairfax county, 20 minutes outside of DC...
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worked on the other side of the brakes and suspension tonight. it's starting to come together! i'm actually surprised to see how easy its been to put back together with the new tubular arms. even the coil overs went right in with little effort on my part...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24600-1/restoration+pics+175.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24602-1/restoration+pics+176.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24606-1/restoration+pics+177.jpg)
i'm going too take the Global West stickers off the arms, to keep it clean looking
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24608-1/restoration+pics+180.jpg)
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i'm in Fairfax county, 20 minutes outside of DC...
I used to be in Richmond for 2 years and loved the area. My son lives in Woodbridge VA
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I hear ya on Year One. I have tried to get the details on the rims on that Brewster Green TA they did and they never reply to emails, kinda jerks if ya ask me. Thats why I will probably buy very few parts from them
thanks for the compliment, it's your car- do whatever you want to it ;)
i've got all the details on that green Year One T/A. what do you want to know?
I am looking for the detail on the honeybomb wheels. I dislike the turbos but want something different than the snow flakes. I thought the honesycombs would be a good mix.
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worked on the other side of the brakes and suspension tonight. it's starting to come together! i'm actually surprised to see how easy its been to put back together with the new tubular arms. even the coil overs went right in with little effort on my part...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24600-1/restoration+pics+175.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24602-1/restoration+pics+176.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24606-1/restoration+pics+177.jpg)
i'm going too take the Global West stickers off the arms, to keep it clean looking
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24608-1/restoration+pics+180.jpg)
That is just too F'ing sexy
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This looks very good :) Good to know we can get aftermarket parts for these cars ;)
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Very Very nice! Love it!!!
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i was actually surprised how many aftermarket parts are available for these old cars
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i was actually surprised how many aftermarket parts are available for these old cars
yeah i was too when I did some research before my purchase of my 79. I am dying to get started again!
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take your time. i find myself trying to rush, but i keep telling myself to relax and do a really nice job ;) it doesn't happen overnight...
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Yeah the good part is the budget will keep me on a nice slow schedule =) Mine is a little rogher than the one you are starting with but will be fun just the same. I am still trying to decide if I want to keep the 403 in it or swap it out and tuck the 403 away since it is numbers matching. I tend to go back and forth on that one.
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I would keep it #'s
if your dead set on a 400 or 455 thats cool to, but keep the 403 with the car. #'ed car are hard to find
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i second that! it's YOUR car, do whatever makes you happy. however, keep all the OE parts just in case. the engine that came out of mine isn't the original but i'm still gonna save it. the engine thats getting rebuit IS the original and i kept it all these years wrapped up in a plastic bag in the corner of the garage ;)
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Oh for sure I will keep all the original parts. This car will be driven alot so I like the idea od saving the opriginal 403 for something I can "play with" and if it breaks so be it, I still have the original engine.
I meant swapping the 403 for a motor I can play with and saving the 403.....
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same here, thats why i'm keeping the non-OE pontiac 400 that came out of it. it's not like you can go buy one if you need it. these things are getting hard to come by.
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so i can't seem to get things in order so i can get back on the damn car HAHA. one thing after another keeps coming up! ugh..... :-\
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so i can't seem to get things in order so i can get back on the damn car HAHA. one thing after another keeps coming up! ugh..... :-\
Thats the story of my life
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hopefully i can get back on it this weekend ;)
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Anything new today?
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ok so i've been doing really boring stuff to the car- refinishing bolts and hardware on the frame wooohooo. so now i'm putting the frame back together. however- i ran into a problem!!! anyone seen this? the issue is with the little frame support brackets that go on the rear, lower control arm housing(?) to the frame. the driver's side went back on with no issues. the passenger's side is another a story- the holes don't line up! i tried swapping both brackets and the outcome is the same. i'm totally confused here- it lined up when i took it apart....
ok, the pic below is the one that won't line up. that is the closet i can get it...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25187-1/restoration+pics+197.jpg)
below are two pics of the driver's side which line up no problem...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25189-1/restoration+pics+199.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25191-1/restoration+pics+200.jpg)
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uh oh, was the frame dropped or anything? if not im sure youve tried every possible way of putting it on there......so id elongate one of the holes......
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dropped? not by me. the only time it was out of my sight is when it was getting stripped and powdercoated.
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Wish my car was readily available I would go look for ya.
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i sat there staring at it for like an hour last night wondering how the hell that could've happened. i don't get it- i really don't.
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well how about this since it was a pontiac during the "odd" years of bad documentations and other mixups, have your tried installing the one you already got on on the side that isnt working out? maybe they are a left side,right side piece?
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yea i tried that. it doesn't seem to matter which side or orientation they are used. the braces are identical as far as i can see. i mean it's not just off a tiny bit, it's off a lot! like half an inch maybe... this one has me totally puzzled and frustrated. >:(
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have you measured for squareness?
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measured for squareness??? enlighten me here...
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take some measurements of diagonal spots on the frame, everything should read the same, id really check where your lower control arm mount is since that seems to be one of the only problem areas...... hopefully someone will post up the picture that has all the measurements of a factory straight frame for you to compare with....i unfortuneately dont have it
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even if it's tweatked, that brace was on before i took it apart. i don't remember it being difficult to remove.
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Is this what you need?
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n236/79ws6resto/FRAMEMEASURES-1.jpg)
Measurement A: this is between the two front radiator support mounting holes from edge to edge......36 3/4 inches
Measurement B: this is from the upper shock mounting hole to the edge of the radiator support mount hole.......21 5/8 inches
Measurement C: this is taken from the rear most subframe mounting hole to the very front inside corner of the frame rail.......78 inches
Measurment D: this is the measurement from the edges of the upper control arm mounting brackets toward the front of the subframe......31 3/4 inches
Measurement E: measurement from the edges of the upper control arm mounting brackets toward the rear of the subframe......34 1/2 inches
Measurement F: this is taken from the edge of the rear subframe mounting hole to the edge of the middle subframe mounting hole........27 3/8 inches
Measurement G: this is the measurement from the edges of the rear most subframe mounting holes.......31 5/8 inches
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Thanks for the info...very useful
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that waas exactly what i was talking about! i had a feeling youd pop in with that jeff...thanks
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Again...a picture for the topic...Jeff is good!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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awsome! i'll check it out and get back to you guys! thanks!
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ok so while i waitied for the blizzard to stop, i worked on getting the frame back on the car. by myself it was a little challenging, but i got it and it looks great!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25411-1/restoration+pics+201.jpg)
notice the new body bushings from GW...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25413-1/restoration+pics+202.jpg)
back on the car
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25415-1/restoration+pics+203.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25417-1/restoration+pics+204.jpg)
some close ups of the new bushings
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25419-1/restoration+pics+205.jpg)
here's a shot of the new bushing and some of the hardware AND bolts i refinished before i put it back together
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25421-1/restoration+pics+206.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25421-1/restoration+pics+206.jpg)
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Looks great snap-on...
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Looks great snap-on...
thanks!
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Drool!!!!
I'm envious!!
;D ;D ;D
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Drool!!!!
I'm envious!!
;D ;D ;D
glad you like it! just heard from Butler Performance, they're putting it together now and will have it done shortly after the break-in and dyno run :):):)
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Drool!!!!
I'm envious!!
;D ;D ;D
glad you like it! just heard from Butler Performance, they're putting it together now and will have it done shortly after the break-in and dyno run :):):)
OOOHHHH...better have some pics and sound bites with it...you know how we get!!!
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Looks AWESOME!!!!
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i'm sure i'll have pics, but i won't have any sound...
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she's looken good. did you get that brace bolted on the frame?
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i'm sure i'll have pics, but i won't have any sound...
What the.....
Why not? :( :( :( :(
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she's looken good. did you get that brace bolted on the frame?
thanks for the compliment! i sure didn't get it back on. i couldn't figure it out, so i put the frame back on. i'm gonna keep putting it back together with the weight of the engine etc. if it still doesn't line up, i'll just elongate the front hole a little to get it to match up to the hole in the frame. thats all i can think to do.
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What the.....
Why not? :( :( :( :(
[/quote]
well, the engine is in Tennesse, i'm not. plus i don't think BP will do a video of the run. they'd probably roll thier eyes if i asked them to do that haha. also, i'm not computer savy, so i wouldn't know how to put it on here anyway ;)
with my luck i'd wind up posting some inapropriate video on here and get kicked off the forum- ooops- HAHA
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billy this thing is looking awesome
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thanks again for the compliments!
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What the.....
Why not? :( :( :( :(
well, the engine is in Tennesse, i'm not. plus i don't think BP will do a video of the run. they'd probably roll thier eyes if i asked them to do that haha. also, i'm not computer savy, so i wouldn't know how to put it on here anyway ;)
with my luck i'd wind up posting some inapropriate video on here and get kicked off the forum- ooops- HAHA
[/quote]
ahahaha...ok your forgiven!!
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LOL, thanks ::)
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What the.....
Why not? :( :( :( :(
well, the engine is in Tennesse, i'm not. plus i don't think BP will do a video of the run. they'd probably roll thier eyes if i asked them to do that haha. also, i'm not computer savy, so i wouldn't know how to put it on here anyway ;)
with my luck i'd wind up posting some inapropriate video on here and get kicked off the forum- ooops- HAHA
[/quote] by inappropriate you mean a ford vid right?
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Why not? :( :( :( :(
[/quote]
well, the engine is in Tennesse, i'm not. plus i don't think BP will do a video of the run. they'd probably roll thier eyes if i asked them to do that haha. also, i'm not computer savy, so i wouldn't know how to put it on here anyway ;)
with my luck i'd wind up posting some inapropriate video on here and get kicked off the forum- ooops- HAHA
[/quote] by inappropriate you mean a ford vid right?
[/quote]
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight haha
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ok, gotta love the guys at Butler Performance. they ARE doing a video of the dyno pull tomorrow, and they have been taking photo's of the bulid. cool huh?
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Your Kidding!!
That's awsome...It will make a geat edition to this chapter!!!!
Can't wait to hear it
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im up to seeing the video and pictures, thats awsome that they did that not a lot of places (well around here) would do that for there customers
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in the beginning when i sent it to them, i asked them to take pictures of the project for my records and stuff. i figured they would've forgotten but i was wrong. i'll give them a call next week and see how it did...
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so.... round 2 with the brake booster. you all may remember this:
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/24453-1/restoration+pics+163.jpg)
took it back down to bare metal again.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25694-1/restoration+pics+207.jpg)
this time i used self-etching primer
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25696-1/restoration+pics+211.jpg)
...and first coat
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25698-1/restoration+pics+213.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25700-1/restoration+pics+214.jpg)
...and second coat
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25702-1/restoration+pics+215.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25704-1/restoration+pics+216.jpg)
i'm gonna let it dry overnight. then i'll give that red and green "tint" a shot to give it that OE look. we'll see how it turns out, but so far it looks MUCH better!
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That looks a whole lot better. Cant wait to see it tinted.
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thanks- that makes two of us ::). one of my customer's told me the tinting is hard to do. we'll see how it goes. i'll post some pics of the "process". i also noticed that the paint is a lot like dust. whatever is in the golden-cad paint from Eastwood made a bunch of dust accumulation on top of the trash can that was under the hanging booster. weird huh?
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Looks great!
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THE ENGINE IS DONE ;D ;D ;D!!! Butler called me this evening. they did the dyno pulls on friday- it made 595HP and 650 ft lbs of torque!!! apparently going with the Edelbrock torquer manifold made a huge differance in the torque numbers. orginally they wanted to use a Victor, but ended up going with the Edelbrock due to the shaker hoodscoop staying on the engine. they said it made a wide, flat torque curve and they were very, very pleased with the outcome.
they're waiting for the polished valve covers to come back before it gets shipped...
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Cool ... that'll grab some groceries in a hurry! Congrats, can't wait to see pix of the beast.
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Thats awsome!!!!
i bet your just chomping at the bit to get it back eh?
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WOW...Those are some great numbers! You are going to have one fast car! Keep up all the good work and thanks for keeping us updated.
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ohhh them numbers sound great. i want 595 hp on 87 octane in the 71....im sure thats impossible though.
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thanks again guys! yes i'm eager to get it back ;) >:D
they kept the compression below 11:1 so it'll run on pump gas no problem! i told them driveability was my number one concern. i didn't want some radical race car that shakes the teeth out of your head.
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11:1 no 87 octane for you my friend. atleast you will have that cool smell coming out of your exhaust.
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Is 10:1 an ideal goal for pump gas?
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i can run 91 no problem in it. the factory compression on the '02 camaro and firebird's, for example, with the LS1, had 11:1 compression from the factory. those cars ran on 91 or higher octane per the owner's manual requirements. most cars these days have higher compression but still can run on pump gas (91 or higher). most people don't read the owner's manual when they buy a new car and just fill it up with 87 and then complain of "engine noise" at the dealer. take the Mini coopers or the little Smart cars for example- they require you put 91 or higher in them due to high compression.
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I am soo jealous lol
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really? i thought you had to be at 9.5:1 or less. can you email me a break down of what you have going on in there so i know what to do with the good old 455 i have to get done.
ittakesmoney @ yahoo. com without the spaces of course to avoid spam bots.
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really? i thought you had to be at 9.5:1 or less. can you email me a break down of what you have going on in there so i know what to do with the good old 455 i have to get done.
ittakesmoney @ yahoo. com without the spaces of course to avoid spam bots.
i can send you the build sheet, but it will differ from car to car depending on what you want. JB performance is widely known for thier work and i wanted a bad a** engine that could hang with a new 'vette while being a turn key set-up. they can take a factory engine and make internal changes leaving the outside appearing the same like what KeePat did on his '72. only problem there is you're limited to what kind of H/P numbers it will do. being an ex-GM tech i could've put it together myself, but i'm a firm beleiver in letting a "pro" do a job. that project i didn't want to have to guess on anything you know ;)
plus, with the fuel injection i went with, i couldn't have relyed on a "service manual" to tune it. basically it's a slippery slope if you know what i mean LOL. it all depends on what you want out of the project.
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:-X ooops, well i just realized i let the cat out of the bag. i was gonna surprise everyone with pics, but yes, the it's fuel injected >:D ;D
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BTW snap on billy
the ls1 only had 10.1:1
the ls6 had 10.5:1
the lt1 had 10.5:1
the lt4 had 10.8:1
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:-X ooops, well i just realized i let the cat out of the bag. i was gonna surprise everyone with pics, but yes, the it's fuel injected >:D ;D
looks like us here in the dc metro area want the nice luxury of a fuel injected ls motor......you and i have what seems to be the same plans for drivetrain.....
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Sounds like an awesome engine, for an awesome car :) Did you use a original block for it? or did you go all out with an aftermarket block?
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:-X ooops, well i just realized i let the cat out of the bag. i was gonna surprise everyone with pics, but yes, the it's fuel injected >:D ;D
looks like us here in the dc metro area want the nice luxury of a fuel injected ls motor......you and i have what seems to be the same plans for drivetrain.....
i've always wanted a fuel injected older pontiac. i'm a big fan of classic with a modern twist. it will be nice to take it to dinner in the winter and not have to wait for it to warm up ;)
what year car do you have?
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Sounds like an awesome engine, for an awesome car :) Did you use a original block for it? or did you go all out with an aftermarket block?
thanks- i can't wait to see it when it shows up! yes i did use the OE block, although thats about the only OE part left haha. it's been bored and stroked, so if i ever wanted to use all the OE parts again, i'd just have to replace the top end and leave the bottom end untouched.
Butler has been doing these stroker jobs for people who want more power out of the "factory" engine. cool idea, i just took it a step further. i'm still gonna have the shaker on the engine, and the new drop base air cleaner housing will pretty much cover up the fuel injection lines and throttle body. it will still have a factory "look", using all the OE accessories. the main differances will be the edlbrock heads and the headers if i choose to go with them.
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:-X ooops, well i just realized i let the cat out of the bag. i was gonna surprise everyone with pics, but yes, the it's fuel injected >:D ;D
looks like us here in the dc metro area want the nice luxury of a fuel injected ls motor......you and i have what seems to be the same plans for drivetrain.....
i've always wanted a fuel injected older pontiac. i'm a big fan of classic with a modern twist. it will be nice to take it to dinner in the winter and not have to wait for it to warm up ;)
what year car do you have?
mines a 79/80/81 kind of a custom mutt......ttops came out of an 81, i didnt like the single front speaker so the cowl came out of an 80 as well as some of the 1/4s.....hahahaha i am really interested in seeing yours...... where in nova are you
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i'm in Fairfax county
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got some pics from JB Perf today. it's shipping out next week and on it's way!!! very pleased with the "look".
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25778-1/engine1.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25780-1/engine2.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25782-1/engine3.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25784-1/engine4.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25786-1/engine5.jpg)
i asked them to paint the Edelbrock intake and aftermarket oil pan to match the block (they usually leave it bare) and it turned out awsome! i LOVE that blue painted intake! makes it look totally differant than most that come out of there...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25788-1/engine6.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25790-1/engine7.jpg)
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I know it's just an engine but...that sure is pretty ;D
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i almost don't wanna put it in the car. just leave it on the stand and stare at it :P
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Billy,
Motor looks awesome!
Pat
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Wow it is perty!!!
You should get an 8x10 for the Garage!!
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WOAH! That looks awesome. Do they have my shipping address? I will put it to good use.
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thanks guys! it does look good doesn't it?! maybe i'll make it my new avatar >:D. i haven't seen the custom valve covers yet, but they are supposed to be killer! polished units with the PONTIAC logo on them.
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very nicely done. I wish I could say the same for my 400. cant wait to see the video of the start up.
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thanks my friend. i can't take the credit though, i just picked the parts LOL. the start up, unfortuneatly, will be a ways off. we'll all have to live with the dyno run video when i get it.
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nice when you get this thing im gonna come over and take a reall good look at it, cause you and i are thinking alot alike
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Wish my 400 looked like that!
Nice progress.
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WOW...Very nice! I love it!
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i almost don't wanna put it in the car. just leave it on the stand and stare at it :P
lol thats how i felt too
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glad you all aprove ;D
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got some more pics yesterday. installed are the polished v/c's, drop base air cleaner and filter.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25799-1/engine8.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25801-1/engine9.jpg)
this one is cool. you can see how the drop base a/c housing covers up the fuel injection...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25803-1/engine10.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25805-1/engine11.jpg)
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That is one Awesome looking engine! I can't wait to see it in the car! Keep up all the good work.
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You better sell a lot of sockets bub! LOL! That looks puuuuuuuurty!
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haha- yes, sales will have to be good in the near future :-\ ::)
i should have it sometime next week. not sure when it'll make in the garage though. have more work to do on the car before it gets put back in...
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hay bub, did you get the guy my shipping address ? and I will make sure you get your motor safely. It may not look the same, but I'll get it to ya. and the shipping is on me. sound like a plan? ;) ;D
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sure no problem. i'll get right on that
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Snap-on???? I didn't connect the dots. Do you give discounts to forum members? You could pay for that engine with Hitman forum sales.
That is one sweet looking engine. I really thought you were insane for taking that car apart. It was beautiful the way it was. But, I've got to hand it to you. It's now magnificent!!!!
Is that a drain valve on the side of the block?
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sure i will. if anyone wants anything from the company, let me know, i can ship just about anything.
thanks for the wonderful compliment, glad i made a believer out of you haha.
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Billy, she is looking sweet. I wish I had the talent (and $$) to have done my TATA like that. I am getting there, but very slowly.
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sure i will. if anyone wants anything from the company, let me know, i can ship just about anything.
thanks for the wonderful compliment, glad i made a believer out of you haha.
Ask Brett to add you as a vendor below. I order snap-on stuff all the time. I'd rather order from you than through the snap-on web site. Any excuse to buy tools!!!
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Billy, she is looking sweet. I wish I had the talent (and $$) to have done my TATA like that. I am getting there, but very slowly.
thanks for the input! i see you have one also. what kind of wheels do you have? i have to get new wheels since my new brakes are too big. i'm having trouble deciding which ones to go with...
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sure i will. if anyone wants anything from the company, let me know, i can ship just about anything.
thanks for the wonderful compliment, glad i made a believer out of you haha.
Ask Brett to add you as a vendor below. I order snap-on stuff all the time. I'd rather order from you than through the snap-on web site. Any excuse to buy tools!!!
who's Brett? technically i can't SAY i sell Snap-On tools online. i'd have to use my INC. name and "quality tools" on here. however you all know who i am and what i sell. these days i can get all kinds of stuff through them, not just snap-on brand! it's been cool being able to sell things that aren't Snap On in case the customer wants a lower price option.
-
... oh, and THE ENGINE SHOWED UP TODAY!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
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... oh, and THE ENGINE SHOWED UP TODAY!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Where are the Pictures!!! haha
-
who's Brett?
Brett = Hitman = 78TA.com ;)
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... oh, and THE ENGINE SHOWED UP TODAY!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Where are the Pictures!!! haha
it's in a major auto coccun haha! looks like a spiders nest. covered in shrink wrap inside a huge wooden homemade crate. it's at my storage unit with all the Snap-On stuff. have to uncrate it first, however i'm not bringing it back home until i'm ready to put it in. pics to come...
-
thanks for the input! i see you have one also. what kind of wheels do you have? i have to get new wheels since my new brakes are too big. i'm having trouble deciding which ones to go with...
I have the 17" Snowflakes from Year One. I almost went with a 17" Cobra style wheel but everyone warned me against using knock-off wheels. I'm close to buying bigger brakes for mine too, want to do the a-arms, coil-overs and brakes all in one shot.
Keep the pics coming, it's good motivation!
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thanks for the input! i see you have one also. what kind of wheels do you have? i have to get new wheels since my new brakes are too big. i'm having trouble deciding which ones to go with...
I have the 17" Snowflakes from Year One. I almost went with a 17" Cobra style wheel but everyone warned me against using knock-off wheels. I'm close to buying bigger brakes for mine too, want to do the a-arms, coil-overs and brakes all in one shot.
Keep the pics coming, it's good motivation!
i'd really like to see what the YO snowflakes look like on the TATA. got any pics? i thought about going with the 18" versions, but i heard they kinda difficult to deal with.
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got all the new steering linkage parts painted and installed on the frame, along with the refinished steering box.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25862-1/restoration+pics+217.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25864-1/restoration+pics+221.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25866-1/restoration+pics+228.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25868-1/restoration+pics+229.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25870-1/restoration+pics+230.jpg)
also did some work on the A/C box. took it apart and cleaned it a little
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25872-1/restoration+pics+223.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25874-1/restoration+pics+225.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25876-1/restoration+pics+227.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25878-1/restoration+pics+233.jpg)
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Billy...Everything is turning out great! I can't wait to see the engine. You are going a great job.
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I don't want to hijack your thread with pics of my car so I'll just post a link that has some pictures. The ride height is wrong in these pictures, but it'll give you an idea of how the wheels look. Also, you'll quickly spot that I didn't go with a factory TATA paint scheme.
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=21952.0
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I don't want to hijack your thread with pics of my car so I'll just post a link that has some pictures. The ride height is wrong in these pictures, but it'll give you an idea of how the wheels look. Also, you'll quickly spot that I didn't go with a factory TATA paint scheme.
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=21952.0
wow! that looks really good! its funny, i toyed with the idea of changing the paint scheme when it comes time for that but wasn't sure how i would do it. i was thinking of lots of differant ideas, and glad to see someone else actually did it. the wheels look good as well. i didn't know how snowflakes would look on TATA, but i have to say i like it. how were the people at YO? i heard they were are pretty tuff when it comes to choosing wheel offset, and backspacing. they are like "these are custom wheels when you order. if you order the wrong ones, you're stuck with them."
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the 17s come set up for our cars why would you need custom offset...are you thinking of superwide rubber?
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i liked the look of the 18's. i want to get as much tire on the rear as i can without mini tubbing
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ive heard of some guys running 315/45/17 on rear...thats pretty wide,unless you think there will be brake issues w/ 17". im sure youll figure it out, i know the 18s" are outta my price range.
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wow! that looks really good! its funny, i toyed with the idea of changing the paint scheme when it comes time for that but wasn't sure how i would do it. i was thinking of lots of differant ideas, and glad to see someone else actually did it. the wheels look good as well. i didn't know how snowflakes would look on TATA, but i have to say i like it. how were the people at YO? i heard they were are pretty tuff when it comes to choosing wheel offset, and backspacing. they are like "these are custom wheels when you order. if you order the wrong ones, you're stuck with them."
Hey, thanks for the compliments, really appreciate another TATA owner approving of the changes.
My wheels are off the shelf items so ordering was a breeze. I was thinking about a custom size from another manufacturer, but that was for a different type of wheel. I kept dragging my feet with the custom wheel, then YO came out with these and I pulled the trigger.
Since the width was close to what I wanted to run, I figured just to order them and be done with it. I got lucky as the stock Silver wheel matched up with my paint almost exactly. I am using a Nissan Silver with the factory Charcoal color. Not sure how the stock Silver would compare.
Now I would like to investigate having a 17" turbo wheel and am talking to a few local shops to have them made, but we're talking several thousand $$. Maybe in the future, but I'm still trying to dial-in my car mechanically.
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i thought of that also. an 18" turbo flow wheel would be really cool wouldn't it?!
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This looks awesome, will be nice to hear it run ;) Also, I like the look of the 17" Snowflakes on the TATA;) I'm considering it myself now, since I don't have the original turbo wheels anyway (got some om my Turbo Trans Am :P)
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This looks awesome, will be nice to hear it run ;) Also, I like the look of the 17" Snowflakes on the TATA;) I'm considering it myself now, since I don't have the original turbo wheels anyway (got some om my Turbo Trans Am :P)
i have a set of turbo flow wheels i bought a looooooooong time at a show in case mine were ever damaged. they aren't off a TATA however. i think two are white and two are gold ('80-'81 models i beleive). you can have them if you want them. they are in decent shape but need to be refinished.
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i'm also considering those 18" silver snowflakes by Year One. however, they don't help much when it comes to correct backspacing, so i'll have to figure all that out on my own i guess.
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i guess you could copy the backspace of the BRE birds...the YO guys should know those specs. dont know the tire size offhand on those cars...anyone know???
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have you ever seen that YO green '73? they didn't tub that one and used 18X9.5's all the way around. i think they used 275/40's. i really wanted to go bigger on the back, but i have to accept the fact since i'm not doing a mini-tub, my choices are very limited. i wish those guys were easier to deal with in regards to the wheels.
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i know thier pricing is high but i havent heard that they are tuff to deal with...what kind of probs have you had?
have you ever seen that YO green '73? they didn't tub that one and used 18X9.5's all the way around. i think they used 275/40's. i really wanted to go bigger on the back, but i have to accept the fact since i'm not doing a mini-tub, my choices are very limited. i wish those guys were easier to deal with in regards to the wheels.
is the '73 the one w/ the 18" h/combs?
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ive heard of some people running a 10" wide on the back..... i think it was PHR that said that, but the fronts to run any wider you have to get narrowed control arms....
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still think if you went w/ the BRE wheels you could go w/ pretty wide rubber
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Yo can allways run c6corvette rims the rear tires got 285/30/19 that tires is wide I can get some pics for u tonight and messure it out I know its huge just rember bigger tires equals bigger $
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i know thier pricing is high but i havent heard that they are tuff to deal with...what kind of probs have you had? have you ever seen that YO green '73? they didn't tub that one and used 18X9.5's all the way around. i think they used 275/40's. i really wanted to go bigger on the back, but i have to accept the fact since i'm not doing a mini-tub, my choices are very limited. i wish those guys were easier to deal with in regards to the wheels.
is the '73 the one w/ the 18" h/combs?
i'd heard that they are difficult to deal with from others. personally, they weren't very helpful when i called. didn't seem to know much about it and told me i had to provide all the specs, and they'd better be right cuz you we can't help you once you place the order.
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the BRE wheels are the ones i like, but the BRE cars are running 9 inch Ford rears i think- which would change the backspacing if the rear is narrowed or differant from the OE axle.
i've also heard of people using 10 inch wheels, but wow, that must be really tight back there. i don't want to order wheels i can't return and find out they're to big...
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best thing you can do is go to a wheel dealer who knows his stuff and have him tell you what back spacing you need for the front and back per what you want to do with the car.
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riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight... key phrase "knows his stuff" haha. not to many of those... ::)
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i know of only one wheel shop near me the guy has been in the business since the early 70's he knows what he's talking about. i have had him measure up several builds for me in the past based on vehicles that were channel body dropped and the wheels needed to clear the wheel wells to tuck up in them when laid out on the ground.
tell me exactly what you'd like to have and maybe i can give him a call and see if he can be of assistance over the phone or i can even give you his # and you can talk to him personally
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i had a tool that you bolt up to the rear.....and itll give you every measurement possible for what size wheel you want and it will allow you to check clearances too.....cost me like 120 or something which is cheap compared to a 500 dollar wheel that wont fit....only problem i have is no car to bolt it to.....
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i had a tool that you bolt up to the rear.....and itll give you every measurement possible for what size wheel you want and it will allow you to check clearances too.....cost me like 120 or something which is cheap compared to a 500 dollar wheel that wont fit....only problem i have is no car to bolt it to.....
i think YO sells one for around $70
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i did see one on there, but forgot how much it was.
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by the way- did anyone reuse thier OE brake lines and just cleaned them up- or did everyone replace them?
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by the way- did anyone reuse thier OE brake lines and just cleaned them up- or did everyone replace them?
I am assuming you are talking about the metal lines...I did reused my OE break lines. When I had them off the car I inspected them and then cleaned them up. They look brand new after I got some steel wool to them.
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Nothing left of mine...it will be all new for me and maybe even s. steel
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i bought all new 140.00 for all hard lines from npd the fit and look great
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$140 for brand new prebent lines? did they have the metal coils around them as well like factory? for $140 you can hardly want to clean your old ones.
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;D
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yea it appears as if they aren't to expensive. so far i called Ames, and quoted stainless steel. not to bad. i was only asking you guys cuz mine are in good shape and i was trying to decide if i wanted to spend the money or just clean 'em up... i suppose i'll just buy new ones haha
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Well
If you buy new ones you won't have to worry about them again... you always have that risk if they are old lines
just my 2 cents
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yep- i ordered my new A/C parts, and a complete S/S brake line set earlier today. should have it later in the week ;)
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Right on...if you don't mind me askin, how much for SS set?
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got the whole set, front, front/ rear, and rear for $199 from NPD. only problem for me is i have to figure out what i'm gonna do with the fuel line since i have the fuel injection now. the two lines run together on the frame so i have to figure out if i'm running a whole new one or if i'm using the existing line, then making changes at the connections. the engine and all it's boxes that came with it are still wrapped up waiting for me at my storage unit.
i have to open up the boxes that have all the FI parts in it then figure out (based on instructions) how i need to run the fuel line. like the rest of the car to this point, i want it to look clean and perfect. i guess i'm a little anal about it ::)
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im going to guess youll need a bigger fuel line......
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haha maybe. the kit i bought was a complete set up with the fuel pump and lines to go back to the tank. i just have to do the plumbing...
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199 for all them lines? were they stainless or regulars?
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ALL stainless! i wanted them to last (not that the OE lines looked bad at all though).
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ok guys- calling out for pics here please! i need to see what everyone else's A/C systems look like!!! i've ordered new parts to replace what i think are the originals, but i fear some of them may have been replaced in the past before i bought the car in '93. so.......... i need comparison photo's. also, those of you who removed the evap box off of the firewall, what did you use to seal it back up to the firewall when it got reinstalled?
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when i put my evap box back on, i used clear silicone in the groove, that way any that squeezed out i could cut off in the visible areas, and then the rest that was unseen i just left.....but thats because everything of mine is red.....so with black i could use black urethane or dummy tape
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yea i was thinking to use like a black silicone or something
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made some nice progress this evening since the weather was gorgeous...
got the evap case back together with a new evaporater and blower motor. turned out real nice with a couple coats of clear
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26178-1/restoration+pics+236.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26180-1/restoration+pics+238.jpg)
...and hope no one laughs, but yes, i refinished the case to firewall bolts ::). i had extra brake booster paint left, and they were originally painted some kind of gold color, so....
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26182-1/restoration+pics+239.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26184-1/restoration+pics+240.jpg)
...oh, and my brake/ fuel line clamps were originally painted blue. so i found some GM corporate blue in my toolbox- bonus!!! so...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26186-1/restoration+pics+242.jpg)
while i waited for the paint to dry, i laid a bead of silicone on the evap case...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26188-1/restoration+pics+245.jpg)
...and wlaa laaa! it's back on the firewall
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26190-1/restoration+pics+246.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26192-1/restoration+pics+247.jpg)
my new brake lines on the frame also
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26194-1/restoration+pics+252.jpg)
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Looks good man. Cant wait to see that engine in there. THAT will look awesome!
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thanks guys. i wonder sometimes if i'm getting a little OCD with it all :-\. a friend of mine came over the other day to see it and he said "dude you're repainting all the nuts and bolts"? i said yea.... well..... ::)
speaking of the engine, i wanted to ask everyone with headers- did you install the headers on the engine BEFORE you put in, or just install the engine now, and do the headers later...
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dude looks great. like i said to everyone a couple coats of clear sure waken up an a/c box then with the painted bolts and new blower it really sets it off.
good job.
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yes it does look great! i'm pleased with the outcome, too bad the fender will cover up most of it haha. glad you like it and thanks again
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I am going to put my manifolds on before I put the heads on. The block is already in the car though. You may have some fighting to do if you try putting headers on first then dropping the motor in. Clearance issues. Probably be best to set them in, drop the motor down in the hole and then bolt them up while the motor is still unbolted from the mounts.
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my suggestion on the headers, get your motor in to where its about 2 inches off the mounts and keep it on the hoist, then from the bottom bring the headers up and you can bolt them on at that time, then drop the motor down and whala done
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X2
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uh huh i see. now i guess i have to decide which ones to buy. i keep hearing Doug's are the best so far, JB performance also reccemended as well...
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well since butler built your motor see what they would reccomend, might be dougs, might be some cheapos, either way there gonna tell you whats best for the motor....
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two differant people down there said they liked Doug's
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I like what you've done. Very impressive
A small page outta Pats car page I think ;)
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The evap case looks great. What did you clean it with and what product did you use for your clear coat? I have mine all apart and thought I cleaned it but it doesn't look anything like yours. You are doing an amazing job! Thanks for the pictures.
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thanks Nexus for the compliment.
-Sooner- i just used prep-sol with a clean shop rag to get all the dirt and leftover grease off of it. it looked perfect after i did that. as far as the clear, well i just went up to the local ACE hardware and bought a spray bomb rattle can of clear. i did two light coats on each side, and also taped off that riveted on bracket and painted it seprate. it's the way i like it- cheap, easy, and it turned out great!
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and the best part of the $5-10 project is THEY LOOK BRAND NEW!!!
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Thanks Billy and Rick for the help. I have jumped on the band wagon and going to clean mine up before it goes back in the car. Great work guys!
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yeah we soon enough will be looking under hoods at that part first lol
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haha you're so right!
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Here is a quick question about the evap case. How did yall get this stuff off (see picture below)?
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26213-1/DSC04753arrow.jpg)
Thanks for your help. I have everything really clean except for this stuff. I took a grinder with a wire wheel to take it off the firewall but know I can't use that same process with the case.
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well, if its the same stuff i had (looked like hard RTV type of sealer), i used a scraper or a tiny flat blade screwdriver on mine, and the firewall. i used light pressure obviously, and it just kinda flaked off in chunks. hope that helps...
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well, if its the same stuff i had (looked like hard RTV type of sealer), i used a scraper or a tiny flat blade screwdriver on mine, and the firewall. i used light pressure obviously, and it just kinda flaked off in chunks. hope that helps...
This stuff is hard but when I take a wire brish to it, it gets softer and harder to take off. haha. I will get it, just really no easy way. Thanks for the help.
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no problem ;)
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This looks great :) when do you plan to drop the engine in ? :) And you have to make sure you post some videos from when you fire it up :D
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the engine? hmmm, probably soon, but i have to work out a few details first- such as fuel line/ location, which headers i plan on using, etc. i also have to get the mounts on the frame ( have to use solid mounts), and make room in the garage so i can bring it home from the storage unit where i'm keeping it.
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Ok, will be nice to see this car complete ;) It's one hell of a TATA you got here :)
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thanks my friend! i really don't wanna use headers, but i also don't wanna lose the H/P i paid for either... ugh... i hate headers :-\
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did you consider the RARE manifold idea?
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did you consider the RARE manifold idea?
I think he is using an LS engine. Am I right? WE WANT PICTURES! haha
I know it's in a crate but when it is out, you know what we want.
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did you consider the RARE manifold idea?
yea i did, they are basically shorty headers, which don't do S**t. they are better than factory manifolds for sure, but for a high H/P configuration they won't work as well as long tubes. the technology behind long tubes are basically the way to go due to the scavenging effect of the longer tubes. shortys can't do this hence the differance in torque curve and H/P.
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did you consider the RARE manifold idea?
I think he is using an LS engine. Am I right? WE WANT PICTURES! haha
I know it's in a crate but when it is out, you know what we want.
uh.... no LS engine here my friend
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25788-1/engine6.jpg)
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if you dont want to put the headers in ill be more than happy to come help one day ?
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did you consider the RARE manifold idea?
I think he is using an LS engine. Am I right? WE WANT PICTURES! haha
I know it's in a crate but when it is out, you know what we want.
uh.... no LS engine here my friend
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25788-1/engine6.jpg)
Sorry, for some reason I thought you had said that at one point in time. I am glad to see a Pontiac engine in it! :)
Thanks for the pictures!
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no problem!
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that motor been on a dyno yet? looks too fast for that stand.
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yep. Butler dyno'ed and broke it in before it got shipped to me
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Looks awesome!
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;D
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worked on stripping and priming the EVAP lines on the passenger's side of the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26465-1/restoration+pics+254.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26467-1/restoration+pics+260.jpg)
also painted the little brackets. they appeared to be blue originally, so i painted them as well
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26469-1/restoration+pics+259.jpg)
they look real good once installed back on the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26471-1/restoration+pics+256.jpg)
also stripped and painted the prop valve and A/C drier brackets
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26473-1/restoration+pics+258.jpg)
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Lookin good Bro.
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Lookin good Bro.
thanks my friend. all this little crap is taking forever ::)
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yes it does. worth every second though
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those look good!!
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what kind of dyno numbers? (sorry if you already posted them i didnt read all 27 pages)
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thanks again! the blue paint i used is actually engine paint. it isn't sticking very well. looks good in pics, but not as good in person- oh well.
it dyno'ed somewhere around 598 HP, with like 650 ft lbs of torque. the paperwork is buried somewhere with the engine. i have to dig it out...
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did butler set up/supply the FI?
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yep they sure did. i bought a complete FI kit including lines, pump, etc. that i have to plumb when i get to that point.
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that should be one FINE ride...prob. give the BRE a run for its money...any more thoughts on wheels?
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i'm considering the 18" snowflakes again. found out who makes them, and also found another vendor who sells them besides YO. he restores T/A's and uses them all the time. he was very nice to talk to and was more than willing to help me out with size and backspacing.
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i'm considering the 18" snowflakes again. found out who makes them, and also found another vendor who sells them besides YO. he restores T/A's and uses them all the time. he was very nice to talk to and was more than willing to help me out with size and backspacing.
Oh yeah.
Right on
Who makes the wheels anyway?
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US Wheel makes them for YO. the guy i spoke too was at Restore a Muscle Car. very cool guy and very helpful
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I've been to their website a bunch of times. That's good
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yea that guy i talked too was way cool! he answered ALL my questions and had some really nice suggestions. he was very knowledgable about our cars, unlike the guys at YO, who just get the parts info out of a catalog ::)
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good to know for sure
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got my evap lines and additional brackets painted and installed last night. the brackets turned out nice!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26585-1/restoration+pics+261.jpg)
i just realized the frame is starting to get dusty ::)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26587-1/restoration+pics+262.jpg)
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very nice.
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thanks!
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Better get the motor in there to keep the dust off!
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yea that guy i talked too was way cool! he answered ALL my questions and had some really nice suggestions. he was very knowledgable about our cars, unlike the guys at YO, who just get the parts info out of a catalog ::)
probablly dave, thats the guy doing my cars paint, should be home in about a month.....i cant wait!
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ive dealt w/them also...good guys
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yea that guy i talked too was way cool! he answered ALL my questions and had some really nice suggestions. he was very knowledgable about our cars, unlike the guys at YO, who just get the parts info out of a catalog ::)
probablly dave, thats the guy doing my cars paint, should be home in about a month.....i cant wait!
wow, your car is with that guy? cool! he seemed like he really knew what he was doing
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i am having a little issue with the master cylinder >:(- Baer sent me a new one but it was differant. the flange is too big, and the reseviors are swapped. they want me to grind down the flange so it fits on my booster, and swap the brake lines coming off the proportioning valve front to rear.
i told them i really don't wanna grind a new unit, and the lines coming off the prop vale are very short and can't really be swapped. so we are trying to find a solution, and also looking into just using the factory master and just rebuilding it. i didn't know if any of you guys have upgraded brakes...
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Billy,
Is this about the same info you got from Restore a Muscle Car?
For our cars with
unmodified wheel wheels we use 18x9 wheels, 4-1/4 back space front,
5-1/4 back space rear and 275-40-18 tires. This is what we recommend for
unmodified cars.
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um that looks close, except i wanted wider in the back so we chatted about differant backspacing to get that "look"
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What look you going for?
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let me know too. would the back spacing alter from disc to drum rears?
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What look you going for?
W I D E
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You have done an outstanding job on this T/A-T/A.I know the work will pay off keep up the great job.
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What look you going for?
W I D E
you got it ;)
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hmmm, i have no idea if the drum to disc rear will change anything. i've had my car since i was in high school (bought it in '92) so it's the only one i've ever had my hands on in real life. the only other T/A in my family is also a '79 with disc's in the rear. however as i'm writing this, i'm remembering that the '78's had drum rears with the same size wheels and tires i thought. so maybe the backspacing wouldn't change since the factory just did a carry-over of the 15x8 snowflakes on the WS6 cars.
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turbos should have same B/S as flakes
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oh yea i'm sure! GM isn't going to make a whole differant wheel just because. they may have made a new wheel, but i'm sure it had the same dimensions as all the others since they used the same rear axles on all the cars with the WS6 package.
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what are the next major steps to do... and... do you have a date your shooting for to hit the street? not trying to jump the gun but cant wait to see vid of that thing rolling.
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hmm makes sense tome. what kindof wheel you going to run?
im thinking e.a. 212's on the 71
or a centerline galaxy 901 on it not sure which one yet.
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what are the next major steps to do... and... do you have a date your shooting for to hit the street? not trying to jump the gun but cant wait to see vid of that thing rolling.
date? ha! no clue :)
still have to finish the front, get a new clutch, exhaust, and headers. then move to the back and refinish/ replace stuff. of course, money dictates how fast one can go with these projects...
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hmm makes sense tome. what kindof wheel you going to run?
im thinking e.a. 212's on the 71
or a centerline galaxy 901 on it not sure which one yet.
i'm liking those 18" snowflakes, but not 100% sure yet...
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hmm makes sense tome. what kindof wheel you going to run?
im thinking e.a. 212's on the 71
or a centerline galaxy 901 on it not sure which one yet.
i'm liking those 18" snowflakes, but not 100% sure yet...
Sounds like me I want something different than the turbos but for the life of me cannot decide what!
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the guy at restore told me they are working on a turbo wheel thats bigger in size, like the snowflakes, but it won't be available until the summer maybe. however, i'm not sure i want turbos on there again. they cover up all the pretty brakes i bought haha!
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I actually hate the turbos I think they are really ugly.
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i never thought of them as ugly, just boring. they don't have any "sex appeal" like some of the other wheels they made. just my two cents...
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get a 20 inch rally II wheel. lol that would be interesting.
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uh....... no ;)
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WHEW! I was scared ya might have considered it Billy =)
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Was just looking through your bck pages, I wanted to look at how the coil overs look as I am really debating to go that route or not. I have to say you've made a ton of progress and it looks incredible so far.
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thanks! i'm getting anxious though. would rather be finishing it by now ::) i was thinking of starting on the rear of the car since i have the parts- get as much done as i can- finish the core support and the rest of the front pieces later. with the under side and suspension done, i could at least see what it will look like on the ground (with new wheels of course). havne't made up my mind yet...
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cant go wrong w/flakes 17or18 (did you determine that 17s were to small for brakes?) if so 18s painted TATA silver are my choice
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I don't know, I love snow flakes but the TATA had a different wheel to set it apart. My thoughts are it should be different than a snow flake, I am 99% sure of the ones I am going for but thats my secret =)
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cant go wrong w/flakes 17or18 (did you determine that 17s were to small for brakes?) if so 18s painted TATA silver are my choice
ah! what silver are you speaking of? we have 2 shades on ours...
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I don't know, I love snow flakes but the TATA had a different wheel to set it apart. My thoughts are it should be different than a snow flake, I am 99% sure of the ones I am going for but thats my secret =)
ya know i feel the same way, but i've grown to dislike the turbo's because they're kind of boring. i agree they set the car apart from the rest but i wasn't crazy about going with an aftermarket style. plus everytime i see those big 18's on a 2nd gen i love the way they look! the 18's look totally differant in my opinion. they get that extra row of triangles on the outer edge due to the bigger size of the wheel. the 17's don't get that.
i'm awaiting pics of a fellow in texas who has a TATA and put those 18's on his. i suppose that will give me a real good idea of what it will look like. plus, i may even change the paint scheme when it comes time for that (GASP! i know everyone just had a heart attack)
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not at all...the whole idea is go with what YOU like. even if the TATA was a limited edition a few personal touches makes it a 1 of 1 (BTW, the darker silver)
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Well Billy I am putting a 78 nose on my TATA so we will kill them together!
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well it looks like we're gonna desicrate the whole car haha. i'm not sure if i wanna paint the rims or not. i was thinking of maybe polished faces with non-polished inner triangles. i don't know we'll see- i'm not even there yet. gotta get the engine home and install it...
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well it looks like we're gonna desicrate the whole car haha. i'm not sure if i wanna paint the rims or not. i was thinking of maybe polished faces with non-polished inner triangles. i don't know we'll see- i'm not even there yet. gotta get the engine home and install it...
I know we should be shot of course you're worse since your is a 400/4 speed...haha
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if u havent totally decided on the yearones there are allways these http://www.forgeline.com/products/premier-series/ta3.html i think they look way better :)
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if u havent totally decided on the yearones there are allways these http://www.forgeline.com/products/premier-series/ta3.html i think they look way better :)
Those are sweet! But over $1,000 EACH! WOW
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i know but you know what they say you get what you pay for :O so these look good and must be good right? :D
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yea, i've seen those before. i don't like them, but thanks for the advice.
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try these in an 18 x 10 in the back
http://centerlinewheels.com/wheels_detail.php?mw_id=35&sw_id=646
im about 82% positive this is what im going to run on the 71
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hmmmm, nah not for me. i don't care for the newer style look. i like the classic styles but something that would look period correct for my year. don't get me wrong, there are some newer styles i like. some of the wheels by CCW i liked, but i keep going back to those big snowflakes haha
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You should look into the Billet Ralley II wheels. I think those would look pretty sweet on your car. Also check into the New Gen five-hundred wheel, which can be ordered any way you want with custom backspacing to fit your needs.
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i keep going back to those big snowflakes haha
right
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You should look into the Billet Ralley II wheels. I think those would look pretty sweet on your car. Also check into the New Gen five-hundred wheel, which can be ordered any way you want with custom backspacing to fit your needs.
Sorry but those two would look horrible IMO on a trans am, a chelle maybe but not a TA
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these the ones your going for???
http://images.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_0711_07_z+1977_pontiac_trans_am_bandit_edition+wheels.jpg
if so i def think these are awesome :)
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these the ones your going for???
http://images.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_0711_07_z+1977_pontiac_trans_am_bandit_edition+wheels.jpg
if so i def think these are awesome :)
ahhhhh! yes! thats them! those things are so gorgeous! i was gonna go with the same size- an 18" version front and rear. no paint, just plain silver, or maybe even polished...
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Yeah a polished finish would be sick or even silver to match the body would be sic
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or.... polished with the dark charcoal color that is behind the bird on my car...
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Those are gorgeous rims!!
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do it :)
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I say go with the 18" YO Billet's, then have the surfaces lightly scuffed - give it that machined look. Paint the insides Charcoal to match the top of the car. Sweet.
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or.... polished with the dark charcoal color that is behind the bird on my car...
glad thats settled
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BILLY.....We need some more pics, You working on this?
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I say go with the 18" YO Billet's, then have the surfaces lightly scuffed - give it that machined look. Paint the insides Charcoal to match the top of the car. Sweet.
yea those damn things are sweet! i'll probably end up going with those...
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BILLY.....We need some more pics, You working on this?
haha, the work as of late has been to clean up the work area (garage) so i can bring the engine home. hopefully, this weekend, i can get it back to the house and MAYBE even installed in the car. i've been waiting for the new clutch to show up and getting my hands on a "bar style" engine hoist adapter so i can pick up the engine w/out scratching it. then i think i'm gonna move on to the rear end since i have all the parts for it.
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ok, so more pics.... guess what made it home this afternoon >:D?
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26887-1/restoration+pics+263.jpg)
prepped and painted the motor mount brackets...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26889-1/restoration+pics+265.jpg)
...and the motor mount bracket bolts....
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26891-1/restoration+pics+266.jpg)
... a rear shot. while i waited for the paint to dry, i installed the new clutch...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26893-1/restoration+pics+269.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26895-1/restoration+pics+272.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26897-1/restoration+pics+273.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26899-1/restoration+pics+274.jpg)
tomorrow i will attempt to get the engine back in the frame.
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I am so jealous!
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i forgot to mention, i DIDN't paint the bolts on the pressure plate- i know i know, you're all dissapointed right? ::)
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Looks awesome Bill. Cant wait to see it in the car.
Just an observation, Did you know your distributor is 180 off?
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thats how Butler put it together. so i assume it was for a reason, plus it looks the same as the engine i took out of it.
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It wont matter so long as your wiring harness will reach the connector. If it does then it is ok. Hell, maybe MINE is the one that is 180 off. LOL!
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It wont matter so long as your wiring harness will reach the connector. If it does then it is ok. Hell, maybe MINE is the one that is 180 off. LOL!
haha Fred, i was thinking that but didn't wanna say it out loud ;) i've been messing with old T/A's for almost 20 years now, since high school, and every one i've seen and laid hands on had the vacuum advance on the driver's side of the engine. i'll consult the factory service manual and see if it has any pics of how it's supposed to be in there. hell- maybe i just saved you a bunch of headache! LOL
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...and she goes in...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26901-1/restoration+pics+278.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26903-1/restoration+pics+279.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26905-1/restoration+pics+280.jpg)
...and after some wiggling and cursing i got it in. AND i didn't even scratch anything- go me!!!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26907-1/restoration+pics+281.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26909-1/restoration+pics+282.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26911-1/restoration+pics+283.jpg)
the oil pan even made it in without any scratches ;D
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26913-1/restoration+pics+284.jpg)
test fit some pieces
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26915-1/restoration+pics+285.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26917-1/restoration+pics+286.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26919-1/restoration+pics+287.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26921-1/restoration+pics+288.jpg)
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worked on stripping and priming the EVAP lines on the passenger's side of the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26465-1/restoration+pics+254.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26467-1/restoration+pics+260.jpg)
also painted the little brackets. they appeared to be blue originally, so i painted them as well
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26469-1/restoration+pics+259.jpg)
they look real good once installed back on the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26471-1/restoration+pics+256.jpg)
also stripped and painted the prop valve and A/C drier brackets
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26473-1/restoration+pics+258.jpg)
worked on stripping and priming the EVAP lines on the passenger's side of the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26465-1/restoration+pics+254.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26467-1/restoration+pics+260.jpg)
also painted the little brackets. they appeared to be blue originally, so i painted them as well
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26469-1/restoration+pics+259.jpg)
they look real good once installed back on the frame
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26471-1/restoration+pics+256.jpg)
also stripped and painted the prop valve and A/C drier brackets
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26473-1/restoration+pics+258.jpg)
your doing a fantastic job .i am doing mine as well realy does take over your life painting every nut and bolt.also just to let you no you have a rusty clip just below the servo ha ha
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ah ha smart a** ;D! i actually haven't gotten to that part of the car yet. doing that piece when i get to the interior part of the project. thanks for the compliments...
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if mine looks nearly as good as yours i will be a very happy guy. keep up the good work. kev
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I think I just had an "O" moment
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Oh man...That is going to be one sweet car! Keep up the great work!
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Motor looks Awesome! I look forward to seeing it in the car!
Pat
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thanks Pat, coming from you that is a big compliment ;). i ran into an issue a little while ago- i'm not thrilled with the fuel injection. i was reading the instructions and opened up the box with all the other components in it for the rest of the kit. hmmmm, yea, it's a very involved project with large wiring harnesses and all kinds of very detailed instructions. i thought it was going to be a lot simpler. i might see about just going with the ol' carberator set-up. i want this project done sooner rather than later, and this FI set up is a big undertaking.
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I am sure whatever you decide will be awesome!
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A+A+A+A+A+
I cant think of any thing else to say that hasn't already been said. :)
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thanks guys! i always love the compliments. i'll keep everyone informed regarding this FI thing...
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well, i did a bunch of research today. turns out the EFI isn't as bad as i thought it would be. got some positive feedback from some who already have it. however, i may or may not have an issue with the dropbase air cleaner Butler sold me and the EFI fuel lines going into the throttle body. the lines come straight out and i would need some 90 degree fittings to help with this. i'll be calling Butler and FAST tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions.
also, i found out today that my factory A/C brackets won't fit with the new valve covers grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr >:(. i don't know how i'm going to remedy that issue...
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is the only one that doesnt fit your a/c. the top bracket over the valve cover/
I have the bracket you need. I found out this bracket is early 70's it replaces the bracket over the valve cover.
you will need to put a head bolt in with a stud on it.
in the pic I'm holding it at the wrong bolt. it go's on the one with no bolt in it yet.
this braces the rear of the a/c unit the same as the bracket that crosses over the valve cover.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/PARTS/000_0172.jpg)
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i'm not sure if that will work or not. it's a great idea however! anyway, here are some pics. first are the OE brakets on the factory engine...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27004-1/restoration+pics+289.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27006-1/restoration+pics+290.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27008-1/restoration+pics+291.jpg)
on the new motor, the brackets make contact with the valve covers before they are flush with the mounting holes
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27010-1/restoration+pics+293.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27012-1/restoration+pics+292.jpg)
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well, i talked to Butler today. unfortuneatly the A/C brackets won't work on the car with the mods to the engine. they actually felt bad and offered me a killer price on the March serp belt set-up. i'm gonna think about it and let them know.
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So does that mean you can't use the AC?
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Let me know what you decide. I could use that rear a/c bracket. That is the only one I Dont have
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This is looking great :)
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the serp belt kit comes with everything. one kit is a classic look, with the A/C compressor way over the valve cover, and the other one is a more condensed design with everything tight together, and a remote p/s resevior. if i go with it, i suppose i have to decide which one i like.
this is a pic Butler sent me of the new "style track" design, which is the compressed version. obviously this is NOT my engine-
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27170-1/style+track.jpg)
this is the "classic" version. i can also get most of the pieces powdercoated black at no charge-
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27172-1/march2.jpg)
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I vote for the classic version!
Looking great Billy, when your done swing by Dayton and help with mine :)
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the compressed version, there is nothing about your motor stock looking so my vote is the compressed version.
start a poll
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I like the compressed version. Looks very clean. I would love to have something like that on my car.
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the one thing i don't like about the compressed version is that i have to mount a remote p/s resevior
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All I'm going to say is that on the "classic" version the serp belt comes very close to the power steering box on a TA. I had to use a header bolt for one of the bolts for the top plate on the box. I originally thought it was because of my motor mount adapters (69 block in 79 TA) but I asked around and a few others complained of it being very close as well.
Plus the compressed "track" style I hear has a better tensioning system than the "classic" style. Of course the "track" style wasn't out when I bought my setup.
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I take it that with either setup, you have to run their a/c compressor?
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I vote compressed also, it fits your car
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how big is the tank for the p/s ?
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my vote is compressed as well. your going all out you may as well continue to do so. with this heavy of a mod under the hood who cares about mounting the ps res. that thing is going to look wicked when done. just looking at one of them engines says i am too powerfull for you so back off without even hearing it run.
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true true ;)
and we like spending your money for you. ;D
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Compressed for me as well. I dont like the a/c compressor hangin way out there like that on the other style.
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i was kinda of leaning towards the compressed version anyway, since i hated having the A/C compressor hang way out there and cover up the engine. yes i have to run thier compressor and accesories. the p/s resevior doesn't look to big in the pics. i'll have to have someone fab me some a/c and p/s lines though. i can still run the factory evaporator, accumulator, and condensor. the only question now is do i want the black powder coat or stick with the polished. if i tell them i want the powdercoat, the brackets and pulley covers will be black. the rest will still be polished or gray.
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You have a couple options from march
http://www.marchperf.com/black.html
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You have a couple options from march
http://www.marchperf.com/black.html
yep i saw that, however i'd go with one or the other, not mix it up. you have any pics of your set-up?
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I only have the "classic" style in clear powder coat without AC. You can see how close the belt is to the power steering box in this shot.
EDIT: I just noticed you are doing a TBI setup. You have to let me know how that turns out as I'm on the fence between a TPI or TBI setup on this car down the road.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/LilSKi/Trans%20Am%20Resto/IMG_5292.jpg)
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yep i see it! wow thats close! as far as the TBI vs TPI i can tell you this- the multi port thing is WAY more expensive, you have to fab a lot of stuff, and come up with your own pump, lines, etc. the kit i got is a turn key set up that self tunes AND lets you tweak settings after it learns your set up. it comes with everything you need and is supposed to be very user friendly. the multi port kits aren't very user friendly and you really have to know what you're doing to get it right. i was more interested in ease versus complicated, so i went with this one.
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Sounds good. I just converted my 85 TA to a custom TBI setup using a GM TBI with a megasquirt computer and it worked out pretty well. I used it as an experiment so learn the ropes on EFI so my 79 won't be such a mystery.
Sounds like a good setup there. I can't wait to hear how it works out!
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one thing i noticed in reading up on the differant EFI configurations, is differant companies do it differantly. so what you did may have givien you some insight, using the set up i bought might be differant. anyway, from what i've seen so far, the company appears to be very helpful if you have any issues with tuning after the base line is learned bythe computer. i just wish i was closer to having it fired up haha. still have to finish the rest of the front, then move to the rear of the car.
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this afternoon's work: took apart the drop base air cleaner and painted it to match
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27283-1/restoration+pics+294.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27285-1/restoration+pics+297.jpg)
looks good doesn't it? with the hood scoop installed, all you'll see is the black base like it was originally
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27287-1/restoration+pics+298.jpg)
i also caved and decided to use the master cylinder Baer sent me. i ended up grinding the bottom of the flange where it contacts the booster so it would fit, like they suggested. i'll also have to swap the brake lines since the ports are reversed. i might just make new short little lines that come off the prop valve...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27291-1/restoration+pics+222.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27289-1/restoration+pics+295.jpg)
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very nice, your not gonna want to drive it when your done, because it so nice and clean.
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very nice, your not gonna want to drive it when your done, because it so nice and clean.
funny you mention that! i was thinking the same thing ;)
i'm like that whenever i get a new car also. i freak out if it gets dirty even on the bottom. i've only driven this thing in the nice weather, so i think i can keept it looking good for a while after it's done.
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yes sir that looks really good.
what intake are you running on that?
looks as tall as my edelbrock performer rpm intake.
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yes sir that looks really good.
what intake are you running on that?
looks as tall as my edelbrock performer rpm intake.
its as tall because thats what it is haha.
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they are just daym tall arent they?
I'd love to have my hands on one of them drop bases so i can have my brother fab up some at work for a fraction of the cost
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they're not expensive. all its made of is aluminum with some sheet metal screws holding it together. then they cut a hole in it and mount the PCV fitting.
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I like what I see!!
Nice work
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Hey billy, I'm trying to manufacture my own air cleaner for my shaker to fit on my 455 with a performer RPM intake and I need to know how far down your drop base drops and how tall is that piece that you painted black?
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more like billy want to rent that thing out and get one more in return?
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not sure how much the drop is. when i talk to the engine builder later today i'll ask them.
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Thanks a lot!
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n/p
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interested in renting that thing out to me at all?
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well I just got done reading all 36 pages and i must say that I am very impressed. It is giving me many ideas about my 77 that I am about to start. my only input is to go with the track setup. I just got done putting this same setup on a project we have been doing in my shop on a (GASP) chevy C10. I did all the powder coating myself as it was all polished but we decided the motor needed a little color to break up some of the chrome. Here is a pic of it installed. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing this project through.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-3/974107/510515660-IMG00527.jpg)
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interested in renting that thing out to me at all?
haha no way ;) you could always call Butler performance and ask them about it. i'm sure they will give you all the info. i think, it's made by WFO products, but i'm not sure...
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ok, the serp belt kit is ordered and on it's way ;D
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i decided to start on the rear of the car since my serp belt kit didn't come on Friday...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27467-1/restoration+pics+305_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27469-1/restoration+pics+308.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27471-1/restoration+pics+317_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27473-1/restoration+pics+322.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27475-1/restoration+pics+326.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27477-1/restoration+pics+331_001.jpg)
...so nothing to exciting, just dissasembled everything and took a good look at what i needed to do. not too bad, just dirty. i'll be working on it today as well. i have all the parts for the suspension and rear brakes, so it should go together nicely with no issues (hopefully ::))
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funny how many ingnorant bends they put in them brake lines ehy? im sure this will turn out really nice too.
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I guess I never noticed the brake lines are solid all the way to the caliper. is there enough play in the line to change the pads? or do you have to disconnect it and then bleed the brakes when done
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ya know, now that you mention it, you're right. i don't know whythey put so many bends in those lines! it was the first year for 4 wheel discs, so maybe it wasn't thought out very well?
yeppers! straight lines ALL THE WAY to the calipers! pain in the a$$ to change rear brakes. some people would just carefully bend the lines when removing the calipers and leave them connected, others just took the lines off, and bled the rears when finished.
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Those are great pictures for me
Thanks
Makes for a good reference...if I ever get to that stage
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oh i have a lot more! those are just some highlights.
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I havent been on here in a while and it's great to see everyones cars coming along nicely. This one is one of my favorites. Your sure a patient worker.
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Looks good, I am glad to be starting on mine finally!
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patient? HA! patience is not one my virtues, but thanks for the compliment ;) i actually want it doen as fast as possible.
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thats how i get too. just get the dang thing done and done right now. but one thing to remember sometimes you will regret that.... now i wish i would have flipped mine over and done the underside too... not that its rusty but now i wouldnt want to paint under there with the new paint on top.
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i agree. however, i am painting the bottom. eventually i'll repaint the top, but for now, i just tape off at the pinch rails and spray away haha. the front section turned out real nice. all weekend, i dissasembled the rear, and have been cleaning using prep-sol so i can continue the paint to the back of the car. i'm mostly doing it for protection purposes, not so much for looks (although the front came out really nice).
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ok got the bottom all cleaned up...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27527-1/restoration+pics+332.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27529-1/restoration+pics+333.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27531-1/restoration+pics+336.jpg)
...and all painted. turned out nice. just like the front half i did not to long ago...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27533-1/restoration+pics+338.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27535-1/restoration+pics+339.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27537-1/restoration+pics+343.jpg)
the only thing i'm pondering now is should i do another coat with the chassis black gloss? this is a matte finish. i accidently ordered 3 cans of the gloss. wonder how it would look? what do you guys think?
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how tired are your arms????
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look how far you've come with it. do it correct or go with what you got. your call.
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how tired are your arms????
OMG!!! too funny! yes they were tired for sure!
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look how far you've come with it. do it correct or go with what you got. your call.
hmmmm, interesting. explain yourself- what is "correct"?
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it really looks nice under there. maybe touch up a few spots and call it good.
or are you going after a cleaner look with no silver over spray?
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def no silver overspray! i just was looking at the cans of gloss chasis black i bought, and thought- hmmmmm. wonder if that would look good? i sprayed a little of it where the gas tank goes since it will never be seen, just to get an idea of what it looked like. i couldn't decide if i liked it or not. ,
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So how did you clean it up? Lots of sanding?
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Billy,
The bottom of your car looked awesome with just a clean up! It’s rare to see a rust free car. The matte black looks great, nice job!
Pat
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Do say what you used to clean up the underside?
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thanks guys for the compliments! fortunatly, my car is in good shape already. so a good cleaning is all it needed. i basically used soap and water, and sponge, and a lot of prep-sol. the factory was really cheap when they made this thing, so all it got was overspray on the bottom- very little intended paint. i wanted it to look uniform, so i decided to paint it for protection and the occasional individual that wants to look underneath. too bad the only way to really appriciate it would be to drive it up on a lift :-\.
now that its painted i can start running the FI lines and pump, new suspension, and rebuild the rear with the new brakes.
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looking better and better every day man keep it up
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i decided to go with Eastwood's chasis black in the satin finish on the bottom. i ordered it today to use as a top coat over the rust encapsulator. when it's done i will do some kind of bedliner in the rear wheel wells for protection there.
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the only thing i'm pondering now is should i do another coat with the chassis black gloss? this is a matte finish. i accidently ordered 3 cans of the gloss. wonder how it would look? what do you guys think?
It's probably a little too late now but I say go gloss black! That's what I did and I love it.....
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HOLY SHINY,
but anyways billy do you have a free night or something I can come over and see your car? I need to see how some things are mounted i keep looking at pictures but cant for the life of me get it right....
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whoa! that is way shiney!!! i don't even think my rattle can of gloss would do that! very differant- looks cool!
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HOLY SHINY,
but anyways billy do you have a free night or something I can come over and see your car? I need to see how some things are mounted i keep looking at pictures but cant for the life of me get it right....
free night hmmmm? lately i've been stuck with meeting after meeting in the evenings for work. hard to do right now and NOT have the wife pissed at me for not being around haha. in the mean time, let me know whats giving you trouble and i can go out there and take some detailed photos for ya (if i don't already have them)
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HOLY SHINY,
but anyways billy do you have a free night or something I can come over and see your car? I need to see how some things are mounted i keep looking at pictures but cant for the life of me get it right....
free night hmmmm? lately i've been stuck with meeting after meeting in the evenings for work. hard to do right now and NOT have the wife pissed at me for not being around haha. in the mean time, let me know whats giving you trouble and i can go out there and take some detailed photos for ya (if i don't already have them)
well right now its the brake line on the rear axle, ive looked at how yours is mounted over and over, but mine seems to not fit right....also since you are close and have easy access what size is the brake booster for that car? trying to think if there is anything else?, right now i think thats my major snag
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did you get a new brake line, or are you bending your own? if you're bending your own, it can be a real pain in the a$$. i can send more pics of the rear for comparison if you need them. as far as the booster goes, i don't know what "size" it is. it's the factory unit that came on the car.
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Holy cow that is shiny. Looks good to me. I used flat on mine and should have gone to something with a little more shine. The flat holds the dirt more than a gloss does. I used semigloss on the frame and thought it would stand out better if the underside was flat. That was my reasoning anyways.
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the March kit showed up today. the pieces are amazing! very high quality machining and finish. i originally wanted to powder coat black, but i may just stay with the original clear powder coat, since it looks real good. not sure yet, i'll install it and see what i think...
this is the only thing i don't care for in the kit. it's the main bracket that everyting bolts to. it's a fine piece, it's just not very "subtle". however, when it's installed in the car and you're looking down on it, you don't see very much of it.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27555-1/restoration+pics+347.jpg)
oh and i have to swap out the water pump to the Edelbrock unit that comes in the kit.... sigh :-[. i really didn't want to have to wrench on the brand new engine...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27557-1/restoration+pics+346.jpg)
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That thing looks cool!!!
It will look awesome in front of that engine
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I think it looks awesome :) And this will be one hell of a car when it's done :)
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i knew you guys would say that ::). i just think it looks to futuristic for the car, but whatever, it's my only option.
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If it's your only option, then you can't complain about it :P ;) I really likee what you've done with the car :) Maybe I'll do the same with my TATA in a few years ;) can't afford it right now
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the March kit showed up today. the pieces are amazing! very high quality machining and finish. i originally wanted to powder coat black, but i may just stay with the original clear powder coat, since it looks real good. not sure yet, i'll install it and see what i think...
this is the only thing i don't care for in the kit. it's the main bracket that everyting bolts to. it's a fine piece, it's just not very "subtle". however, when it's installed in the car and you're looking down on it, you don't see very much of it.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27555-1/restoration+pics+347.jpg)
oh and i have to swap out the water pump to the Edelbrock unit that comes in the kit.... sigh :-[. i really didn't want to have to wrench on the brand new engine...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27557-1/restoration+pics+346.jpg)
You should look into the "Sharkskin" Its a clear rub on sealer so you can keep the metal look. I saw it on Two Guys Garage a few weeks ago. It protects the bare metals and keeps it looking great.
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nah, i wanted the factory color on it
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Billy,
That March kit looks awesome! and it will look great with your motor!
Pat
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I meant for the peice you were going to clear coat.
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started installing the March system last night. pretty straight forward, they sent me the wrong p/s bracket (grrrrrrrrrrr) otherwise i would've had it finished last night. however, i thought you guys would like to see the pics ;D
i also installed the new Edelbrock w/p. i couldn't see a differance but they said i had to use it ::). i did have to make a small modification on the pump body to get it fit, but i got it.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27583-1/restoration+pics+349.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27585-1/restoration+pics+351.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27587-1/restoration+pics+353.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27589-1/restoration+pics+355.jpg)
i will be using the OE cooling fan and clutch. so the water pump pulley and cover won't be installed. i can always change it later if i decide to go with an electric fan set-up.
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Looks amazing. Haven't seen any like that before.
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You can use the march pulley with the factory fan setup. You just don't use the cap and screws they give you. I am using a fan clutch for now until I go with an electric setup. Or did I misunderstand your post?
Either way it looks great!
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What is the website for the place where you got your March bracket?
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You can use the march pulley with the factory fan setup. You just don't use the cap and screws they give you. I am using a fan clutch for now until I go with an electric setup. Or did I misunderstand your post?
Either way it looks great!
did you have to use that spacer to get the fan closer to the radiator? with the style track system they said i had to use the Edelborck W/P which came with the kit. however, they also told me i had to use a spacer for the OE fan. i measured the two pumps from top to bottom and they are both the exact same height. i don't see why a spacer is needed. anyway, i didn't know if you used one or not.
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What is the website for the place where you got your March bracket?
http://www.marchperf.com/index.html
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Nah I didn't use any spacers. the fan clutch fits right inside the pulley. The only thing They may be talking about it that it can be a little hard to get the bolts tight as everything goes inside the pulley a bit. But as long as you are careful you can get the bolts (or nuts of you have studs) tight without scratching the pulley. I can take a pic if you want.
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That looks awesome!!!
Very cool
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Nah I didn't use any spacers. the fan clutch fits right inside the pulley. The only thing They may be talking about it that it can be a little hard to get the bolts tight as everything goes inside the pulley a bit. But as long as you are careful you can get the bolts (or nuts of you have studs) tight without scratching the pulley. I can take a pic if you want.
pic? sure why not ;)
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I'm pretty sure the track and my style use the same pulley.
Also don't mind my ugly fan. I haven't had time to blast and paint it.
As you can see it fits right inside. I'm using a bolt with a small head but I can still get a wrench on it no problem.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/LilSKi/Misc/024.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/LilSKi/Misc/026.jpg)
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looks good. thanks for the pics!
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That is sick! Awesome setup.
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thanks ;D
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ok got the rest of the accessories on there minus the fan and p/s pump. turns out i'll need a bigger spacer as the fan makes contact with the pulley covers. so i'll need to swap out a bigger one with March.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27687-1/restoration+pics+357.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27689-1/restoration+pics+358.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27691-1/restoration+pics+361.jpg)
also took apart the rear axle. lucky me- the pinion shaft bolt didn't break when i took it out! those of you who know GM rear axles know what i'm talking about ;)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27693-1/restoration+pics+371.jpg)
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I have just that issue with one of my units!!
Broken pinion shaft. Not sure how I'm going to get it out without destroying the carrier
Broke with one thread left on shaft
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did you break the shaft or the bolt that holds it in?
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i forgot to post the pics of the new paint i used on the bottom. i taped it off at the body seam right where the sub frame ends. i used chassis black in the satin version for a slight gloss, but not to shiney. i wanted more protection than just the base coat i originally showed you guys. it turned out real nice even though the flash from the camera kinda made it look to shiney...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27704-1/restoration+pics+375.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27706-1/restoration+pics+376.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27708-1/restoration+pics+377.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/27710-1/restoration+pics+378.jpg)
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I have just that issue with one of my units!!
Broken pinion shaft. Not sure how I'm going to get it out without destroying the carrier
Broke with one thread left on shaft
When I've run into that in the past I destroyed the spider gear shaft. You can get a replacement shaft and pin bolt fairly easily. I usually go to a 4x4 place. They deal with gear swaps more than most.
on topic, that TATA is looking sick!
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we used to get them out with a small pic and a strong magnet.
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It's been a while since I read through this - looks incredible. Great job...
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thanks man ;)
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outstanding job! ;D ;D
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thanks
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read end parts showed up yesterday ;D! wooohoooo! get pics up soon
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did you break the shaft or the bolt that holds it in?
Sorry for the delay!!
I have been MIA for a few days!!
It broke right at the bottom thread so i can't just slide it out, I will have to get it to turn some how. I have left hand drills that I plan to try and use but we'll see. If I have to cut it out, I am hoping the unit in My R.I.P. T/A will be in good enough shape to use.
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hmmm, sorry to hear. i'd post some more pics, but this site's server is having problems and i upload any of the newest pics of the rear...
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ok, so its up and running. here are some pics of the rear axle rebuild
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28170-1/restoration+pics+379.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28172-1/restoration+pics+381.jpg)
you can't tell in the pic here, but i used two differant colors for contrast. the center section is a little darker than the tubes
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28174-1/restoration+pics+383.jpg)
...and some goodies ;D
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28176-1/restoration+pics.jpg)
tomorrow, i'm gonna try to get some rear end pieces sandblasted at one of my shops, so they can be prepped and painted.
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Looks sweet!
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it turned out nice! i was skeptical at first, but i in the end i was pleased.
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Billy,
As I'm flippin through your post and jealousy sets in, I noticed it may be time to change the subject line! Maybe changing it from 'freshing up' to 'kick _ss TATA!
Looking great!!
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i was trying to be subtle ::). its funny you mention that, i was actually thinking the other day how this was just supposed to be a freshening up- but look what it turned into haha...
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I've been throwing around ideas in my cranium on how to restore my TATA.
It was going to be brought all back to stock but after seeing your work I've been rethinking my plan!
Car looks really great!
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i'm a fan of unique myself. i liked the car in its original state, but it needed something. i had a rough idea in my head, and it changed as i went along. anyway, it is what it is. the cars were cool when they were new, but everybody see's them that way. i wanted something that people haven't seen before. just my 2 cents...
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I agree Billy, the TATA needs some bling to it. I am working hard on mine now, but taking a slight different approach than you as far as parts selection. Since mine is no longer a numbers mathing car, I am even thinking of going marty Blue with it.
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i dunno, i'd keep it a TATA but make changes to it based on your liking- or have it be a clone. just my 2 cents
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got a question, when you did your rear brake line was it bent right? or did you have to modify it, after hours of comparing my line to the ones in pictures, mine seems bent wrong...
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I have thought of that but who knows
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got a question, when you did your rear brake line was it bent right? or did you have to modify it, after hours of comparing my line to the ones in pictures, mine seems bent wrong...
my lines in the photos were factory, untouched lines! i have the new S/S lines, just haven't put them on yet since the rear isn't finished.
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I have thought of that but who knows
in the end, it's your car! do what you want to it, so it's yours! personally, i'm all for modifying, however i wouldn't kill the original TATA "base" your working with. i'd use it as a platform to start your own ideas!
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billy i caught up with the bandit run group in daytona and saw the YO BR edition TA up close...just the tire/wheel set up your after, will post pics asap
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cool thanks!
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I have thought of that but who knows
in the end, it's your car! do what you want to it, so it's yours! personally, i'm all for modifying, however i wouldn't kill the original TATA "base" your working with. i'd use it as a platform to start your own ideas!
Yeah I am back and forth, I am a ways away from paint, I am sure I will change my mind 4 or 5 times by then!!
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for sure you will...
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I can't remember how many times I changed my mind. I've had my car 10 years and only settled on something this past fall
It will come to you!!
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The force you will harness young Jedi.......lead you to a paint scheme it will
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do like I did, I got it down to 2 colors and when it was time I called the wife. and told here I got both colors in front of me , you choose and hang up.
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do like I did, I got it down to 2 colors and when it was time I called the wife. and told here I got both colors in front of me , you choose and hang up.
I don't have a wife, can I borrow yours? =) I keep asking my dog but he just looks at me with a dumb look on his face....which come to think of it, was just like when I asked my ex wife a question!
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hey guys, sorry for the delay. took a short break from the car with the holiday and me getting sick. however, i'm back on it now! it's officially half of a car now with the frame out of the garage and being dropped off tomorrow. got the master and booster off, and started cleaning the firewall in preporation for paint.
there is ton of this "gooey" crap all around where the evap case was, and it's taking me forever to scrape it off. i've noticed the firewall paint job the factory did (or lack there of). they seemed to have just sprayed the center, and didn't even take it down the trans tunnel. this has led me to question how exactly i plan on painting the firewall.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23966-1/restoration+pics+132.jpg)
notice the silver on the right side of the firewall.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/23968-1/restoration+pics+133.jpg)
It's funny my TATA is painted exactly the same way!
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yea! it seemed like somone just stood in front the firewall with a spray gun and started spraying. the firewall color just went where it went apparently ::) gotta love the 70's quality control- but WE are making them perfect!
i shouldn't even put out this on here, but when i finish this one- i would actually consider doing another one and making it even more of a pro-touring car and NOT worrying about originality. i'd use all the stuff that requires cutting, like wheel wells, frame connectors, etc! we'll see how this one turns out first i suppose :-X
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You know what, the great thing about TATA's is that there are tons of low-mileage examples out there. So unless you want to try and make money on one I dont really think its necessary to keep them 100% original.
my .02
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You know what, the great thing about TATA's is that there are tons of low-mileage examples out there. So unless you want to try and make money on one I dont really think its necessary to keep them 100% original.
my .02
Yeah it's tough to compete against the low mileage 400/4 speeds. They will be the most desireable and the 403 cars will come up in value eventually as the 400 cars get out of most people price ranges.
IF I were to keep mine a TATA, I am thinking maybe the same pant scheme but not so many pin stripes. That might be kinda cool.
Billy, sorry to high jack your thread!
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no problem ;)
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yea! it seemed like somone just stood in front the firewall with a spray gun and started spraying. the firewall color just went where it went apparently ::) gotta love the 70's quality control- but WE are making them perfect!
i shouldn't even put out this on here, but when i finish this one- i would actually consider doing another one and making it even more of a pro-touring car and NOT worrying about originality. i'd use all the stuff that requires cutting, like wheel wells, frame connectors, etc! we'll see how this one turns out first i suppose :-X
x2
as long as there out on the road . I dont care how they were built. except the big wheels and 4x4's ( no big gotty mods)
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it's funny i was remembering a clean '79 my father had. it was a four speed car, and he sold it to a guy i used to work with, who then eventually sold it to another guy i also used to work with. i was thinking the other day- i wonder where that car is now since i still can get a hold of the two fellows. i might be able to get it cheap haha- it even had a warmed over 455 installed in it! that one definatley needs a frame off and a rotisserie.
however, it was never wrecked and didn't have any rust that i'm aware of. very clean car- it was originally that blue color with blue interior, 400, 4 speed with gray aluminum 8" wheels. the engine that came out of my car is the OE engine that belongs to it!!! the engine i had built for my project the OE for mine. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm :P
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You're obsessed lol. After working on this one I think it will be awhile for a get into another one LOL
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obsessed? nah...... i just enjoy working on it. so far it's been a pleasure- hopefully it will stay that way ;)
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Yeah I am guessing my 92 F-150 will be next after the TATA
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hmmm, yea. that sounds lime fun...
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hmmm, yea. that sounds lime fun...
Lime.....are we drinking corona????
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bead blasted the rear axle parts
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28688-1/restoration+pics+385_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28690-1/restoration+pics+384.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28692-1/restoration+pics+386_001.jpg)
poor man's paint tree
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28694-1/restoration+pics+388_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28696-1/restoration+pics+393_001.jpg)
turned out nice!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28698-1/restoration+pics+398.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28700-1/restoration+pics+396_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/28702-1/restoration+pics+397_001.jpg)
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Billy,
Great job on the two colors for the rear! looks awesome!
Pat
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thanks Pat! got the idea from you ;). made sense when i thought about it, the pumpkin is a differant material than the axle tubes. i figured a cast color on it would fit nicely, and a "steel" metal color on the tubes would look the best.
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So is that Eastwood Detail Grey and Detail silver paints?
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That looks like new Bro. Im gonna be getting to my back half in the fall. Gotta get the front half done now!
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So is that Eastwood Detail Grey and Detail silver paints?
detail gray and brake gray i think.
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nice
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looking great excellent work 8)
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thanks!
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Are you done yet?
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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you're a funny guy
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lol...i try!!!
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yea ya do haha
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ok....so..... i have news! i'm proud to announce that on June 7th, i begin my career in law enforcement with the Metropolitan Police Dept (Washington DC)! this has been a long standing dream of mine and i've been trying to get into law enforcement for a long time now- and i finally got offered a job! i'm super excited and i'll be in the academy for 7-9 months- so no more Snap On for me.
i realize this has nothing to do with the forum, LOL, but i just wanted to tell everyone since the income level while i'm in the academy is gonna suck, hence the parts buying will come to a halt for a while. however, i still have plenty to do to the car in the meantime with the parts i've already purchsed, so it may slow down from my current pace, but i'll keep working on it and continue to post pics.
i'm currently waiting on axle seals so i can finish the rear end and the back of the car. next up will be running the fuel lines and setting up the fuel injection, then the rest of the front end.
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Congratulations Bill. I guess we can still call you SnapOnBilly since Handcuffs Snap On!
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Right on brother!!!!!!!!
I'm happy for you...sir!!!
Good luck at the acadamy...shouldn't be a problem though...just hard work
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thanks guys! yes it will hard work, but all worth it in the end ;)
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Absolutley...
I had tried to get into some sort of lawenforcement, security,etc for almost 10 years.
When I got hired at the provincial jail in my city, it was the last attempt I was going to make before I went back to school to become an electrician. I finally made it and i love my job so far and I get paid well.
The 2 months with no pay kinda sucked though because we didn't get paid while at the basic
now I just have to wait for my oportunity to get full time!!
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ouch- that sucks. at least it's over with now and you're in!
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hope you dont go to SE DC......
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in the end i don't have any control over where they send me. if i get stuck in SE, i look at it as a faster learning curve with more experience ;)
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in the end i don't have any control over where they send me. if i get stuck in SE, i look at it as a faster learning curve with more experience ;)
probably all your career training in one day? haha congrats by the way, now i know cops from charles co to dc.....
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Congrats!!!! Good luck in the acadamy, you seem like a smart guy, now with 2 months of you being gone maybe I can catch up to ya with my restoration!
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2 months???? i wish!!!! it's a 7-10 month academy my friend! i don't live there- i'll be driving back and forth from my house to DC everyday. i think i might go buy a little economy car, like a Chevy Aveo or something. my full size pick up will kill me on gas if i used it to commute with.
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is the academy in md? st marys co ?
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Billy,
Awesome! Now if I drive my T/A down to DC and do a burnout in front of the White House and get pulled over, I can drop your name and get off with just a warning. lol.
Congrats & good luck with your new career!
Pat
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is the academy in md? st marys co ?
it's in SW DC, almost in MD
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Billy,
Awesome! Now if I drive my T/A down to DC and do a burnout in front of the White House and get pulled over, I can drop your name and get off with just a warning. lol.
Congrats & good luck with your new career!
Pat
thanks Pat for the nice wishes!
um yea, good luck with that- that isn't MPD juristiction- thats US Secret Service/ uniformed division- and they don't mess around! so go ahead, i'll stand across the street and take a really cool picture of you doing it. it'll look nice in your jail cell ;)
hopefully, when i graduate the academy i can get some OT and start buying parts again for the car! or maybe a part time job on the weekends hmmmm, need an assistant LOL?
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7-10 months with no pay???? WOW!
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no, no we get paid form day one with full benefits! there is just no O/T in the academy thats all.
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I'm happy for ya bro. good luck in you new job. just please be careful out there.
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thanks my friend! of course i will... who's gonna finish my car is something happens to me haha?
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well I was kinda thinken you could sign it over to me, you know . just in case. ;D
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billy congrats on the job!! hope it all works out for you man.
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no, no we get paid form day one with full benefits! there is just no O/T in the academy thats all.
Well thats good then! I think they should let you just use your TATA as your patrol car and save all the high speed stuff for you!
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no, no we get paid form day one with full benefits! there is just no O/T in the academy thats all.
Well thats good then! I think they should let you just use your TATA as your patrol car and save all the high speed stuff for you!
haha cool story- i knew a guy when i worked in the dealership who had a son that works for FFX county police. he and his father restored a '69 GTO. anyway, occasionally they let him use it as a chase car when doing radar on the major highway nearby. i thoguht that is way cool!
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That sound really fun :) and a 4 spd TATA with some engine mods should probably hold up with most cars on the road? :)
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sorry for the delay- been super busy with the new job! anyway here's my rear axle work from last weekend
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29185-1/restoration+pics+401.jpg)
for anyone wondering how to torque those ring gear bolts to 80-100 ft lbs, here's a trick we did at the dealer
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29187-1/restoration+pics+403.jpg)
8-10- perfect!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29189-1/restoration+pics+406.jpg)
so i decided to roll the dice and use all the factory shims and see where the pattern went- it came out almost perfect!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29191-1/restoration+pics+408.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29193-1/restoration+pics+409.jpg)
here it is w/out the calipers. at this point they are installed, i just forgot to take a photo of it
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29195-1/restoration+pics+411.jpg)
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Looks great!
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thanks!
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thanks! after the rear is finished up, i have to get it under the car, then the rear suspension goes in.
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will it look like this?
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Now that is Awesome!
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thats a BRE bird from the 2010 bandit run
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Wow, great lookin car
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I think those are tubbed though
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Yeah it has to have a mini tub for sure.
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Yeah I think they are mini tubbed if I remember right.
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fella's- let me clear it up for ya's..... yes, the BRE cars are all tubbed and use 18x12 rear wheels if i'm not mistaken. i'm not tubbing the rear wheel wells. i'm told i can get an 18x10 back there with no issues with the correct offset and backspacing, however i'm not there yet in the project. the new job has me on a much tighter budget until about next spring, so the wheels may have to wait for a bit :-[
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i know you had said you didnt want to tub...just thought id post a pic of "koool" good luck with new job and keep up the good work
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heres another
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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one more
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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last one...yes thats a dent, happened in parking lot
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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HAHA awesome how did that beauty mark happen ?
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HAHA awesome how did that beauty mark happen ?
no kidding...Thats crazy. And not just a little ding.
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yea that sucks! was the BRE carburated or fuel injected? i'm guessing carburated since i see a stock appearing fuel tank...
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its both.... i know the ls7 motor they put in was fuel injected, and i wish they would sell the shaker base setup for that....
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i forgot to post the pics of what i did last week. hopefully will be able to do some more this weekend
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29562-1/restoration+pics+413.jpg)
the rear kit came with flexible lines but the mounting hardware has me using a big hose clamp to secure it to the axle tube. don't know how i feel about that
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29564-1/restoration+pics+414.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29566-1/restoration+pics+415.jpg)
pressed in the rear leaf spring bushings
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29568-1/restoration+pics+416.jpg)
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Man, you might as well be assembling a space shuttle for NASA, that's how clean it looks in there! Great work, as usual.
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haha, thanks! it's my first doing this and i'm purposely not showing everyone my mistakes ;)
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ok....so..... i have news! i'm proud to announce that on June 7th, i begin my career in law enforcement with the Metropolitan Police Dept (Washington DC)! this has been a long standing dream of mine and i've been trying to get into law enforcement for a long time now- and i finally got offered a job! i'm super excited and i'll be in the academy for 7-9 months- so no more Snap On for me.
i realize this has nothing to do with the forum, LOL, but i just wanted to tell everyone since the income level while i'm in the academy is gonna suck, hence the parts buying will come to a halt for a while. however, i still have plenty to do to the car in the meantime with the parts i've already purchsed, so it may slow down from my current pace, but i'll keep working on it and continue to post pics.
i'm currently waiting on axle seals so i can finish the rear end and the back of the car. next up will be running the fuel lines and setting up the fuel injection, then the rest of the front end.
Just getting back to this thread after a LONG absence. Lets look at the career moves here.
1: Worked for Snap On Tools. Got ALL the good tools at bargain basement price.
2: Car nears completion with 600+ HP Fuel Injected 400 Pontiac
3: DUMPS Snap On after he gets all their tools available, then joins the POLICE.......
Lets follow the numbers.............Car+Snap On+HORSEPOWER(!)-Snap On+DC Police Force=?
Methinks I see a method to his madness here. He gets his car built like a monster, and joins the police. Thats ONE way to keep the insurance costs down ;D
CONGRATS on the new job, and WELL DONE on the car
Gunner
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too funny! i like the enthusiasm haha. unfortuneatly, the car is far from finished. there's a few more high dollar parts needed, which will have to wait :( however, i have plenty to do with what i have so far...
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Billy, I really don't care for the work you've done on to your TATA
Because you're making me want to rip mine apart and upgrade everything :P
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i'm evil and infect your thoughts with bad things hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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im with rascal...your makin us look bad
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ok ok i'm sorry guys. i'll stop posting pics and/or start doing crappy work and cutting corners. ::) :P
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I'm lovin it. your givin me tons of ideas for my 77
or at least a really good wish list. keep the pics rolling in.
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glad to hear it Doug. although if i had to do it all over again i would've went with some differant components. i thought i did enough research before i started buying stuff, but it turns out i was wrong. oh well, what i got will work just fine. if i ever do another one, i'll change a few things.
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If I ever do any of the mod's your doing, I'll get hold of you to pick your brain about parts.
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sounds good...
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I for one love what your doing if i didnt have a 782 or y88 i'd be doing this stuff too. matter of fact it was on my list to do for the 71. i know one day i'll buy another project and i'll be updating it as well. I'll just make sure its a car i Must have and also at that point it will be a car that isnt so rare or highly sought after.
keep up the good work dude.
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ok, so i was putting the rear suspension together. the driver's side went together no issues. the paasenger side is another story... it appears as if i have an issue with the rear bushing mount hole in the frame.
this is how its supposed to look- these are shots of the driver's side
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29984-1/restoration+pics+424.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29986-1/restoration+pics+425.jpg)
notice how the spring is nice and straight
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29994-1/restoration+pics+433.jpg)
now here is the passenger's side. the spring is "twisted" because of the rear mount. when you line it up, it forces the spring to sit like this!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29992-1/restoration+pics+429.jpg)
this is a shot of the rear hanger that is offset due to the bushing in the frame being off
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29988-1/restoration+pics+427.jpg)
i can't even get the front srping pocket to bolt up the body because its off so bad
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/29990-1/restoration+pics+428.jpg)
has anyone ever run into this?
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try starting in the front first thats what i do
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tried it both ways. either way you do it, when it comes to lining up that rear shackle, it won't work. keep in mind that i'm using aluminum solid bushings, not rubber, so there is NO give what so ever! so if it isn't real close, it won't line up...
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nice. sounds like you need another bushing.
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i don't think its the bushing. its a tight fit that has to be pressed in. it looks like it has to be the hole where the bushing sits in.
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what did the original spring and bushing look like when you removed it. Did the spring sit all katywhampus?
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yes actually it was a little "off"
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body shop frame machine maybe? has the frame rail been damaged/tweeked somehow? if the old spring was tilted there must be an issue... are you using solids on the front eye? ive heard bad things about that... may have to settle for rubber/poly bush
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yes its aluminum all the way around on the bushings
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i had this happen to my 78 redbird thinking on that. come to find out, my whole floor was kinked up some didnt look to be to me but there was an upward dent in the rear floor pan on one side and the rest appeared to be fine. I had one heck of a time putting that car together. new bushings and leafs along with a new rear to later find out it was in the car. the shame of it all was the car was 100% rust free.
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On the shakle does it matter which end of the shackle plate is up?
Maybe the hole is set for top and bottom fitment?
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i wish! no, they are both the same either way you install it. there's definatley something wrong with the welded in bushing mount.
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Can you change it out?
probably at a price of course
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the piece is welded in the frame. the weld doesn't go all the way around, so i'd have to grind away the weld, reposition it, then reweld it in correctly. doesn't sound like a big deal, but i'm not a body man so i have to find someone to help me i suppose
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Sounds like a giant PITA
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What kind of help do you need? I've done tons of bodywork and even more welding check out the Wilson bridge I got stuck doin the control tower part of it and numerous beams for that dang thing
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to be honest it doesn't look that bad, but we'll see. i've got a few avenues i can persue to get help. i'll see how it turns out
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so this is the latest on the issue- obtained an air compressor and started using my cut off wheel to remove the welds on both sides of the frame in hopes to knock the insert loose and weld it back in place correctly. i'm not thrilled about this at all...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/30514-1/restoration+pics+447.jpg)
crappy picture but you get the idea
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/30516-1/restoration+pics+450.jpg)
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Well at least it will be fixed properly when your done
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Just go slow and methodical and you will be ok!
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my cut off wheel is a little to big to get the tight areas. i'm gonna have to borrow a dremel tool with a small wheel on it to really get it in there. what a PITA! everything has gone smoothly so far, so i guess i was due to have a FUBAR huh? i know, i know, you guys are all saying "welcome to our world" right? ::)
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FINALLY got that damn sleeve out of the frame. after using a dremel tool to grind away the factory weld, i used a ball joint press to pop it out. now i have to do a little grinding to make the hole slightly bigger so i can weld it backin properly.
oh and i realized Baer sent me to two right hand side rear brake calipers... it never ends when you "modify" does it? ::)
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no, no it sure doesnt.
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...and even after i wrote that i just found out, the new leaf springs are thicker than my OE's, and the new QA1 rear shocks don't extend as far as the OE's so they don't reach the base plate on the axle to bolt up.... ugh, more effin' phone calls tomorrow it appears.... >:(
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sounds like you need a beer. dont worry, your problems arent over just yet. oooooh the joys of putting togther a car lol.
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haha right you are my friend!
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now you can test the "customer service" part of the suppliers
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yeah and give us feed back on how it was. npd's customer service seems to be pretty good. i had issues with their window felts they sent the wrong ones' they sent me new ones pronto. also their door handles sucked they sent me a new pair
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so far so good.
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i really like this freshin up thanxs for sharing cant wait to continue on mine thanx for sharing!!
now lets see some more updates
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Sorry to hear that you got some issues with the car now :( hope it turns out well :) I really like this car :)
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GOT IT! popped that sleeve with a ball joint press and did some minor grinding on the hole to allow the sleeve to sit in there level. i basically ground away material until the spring hanger lined up. it wasn't that bad, now i just have to get the welder over here to weld it back in place...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31202-1/restoration+pics+451.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31204-1/restoration+pics+452.jpg)
some of the rear end going back together. the new springs, i didn't realize, are much thicker, hope it isn't an issue
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31206-1/restoration+pics+453.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31208-1/restoration+pics+454.jpg)
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Congrats ... looks good Snap.
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thanks buddy! ;D
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are those bolts fully tight? (last pic) read somewhere on here(maybe this thread?) guys were having issues with the spring plate warping when the bolts are torqued...also would there be any advantage to add a U bolt in place of those T bolts?
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are those bolts fully tight? (last pic) read somewhere on here(maybe this thread?) guys were having issues with the spring plate warping when the bolts are torqued...also would there be any advantage to add a U bolt in place of those T bolts?
no, they aren't tight yet, however when they are tightened, the base plate still doesn't make contact because the new springs have 5 leafs, where the OE units had four. i have contacted G/W too check and see if this is ok before i finish it up.
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read on camaro site that some guys leave the top pad off, some top and bottom...they fabbed a small plate to take up the space. not sure how that affects ride
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yep, tried all that. there is a gap if you remove the pads completely. G/W is making me some pads out of poly that are thinner to use. waiting for those before i can put it back together...
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great job you are doing. think i will have the same problem when mine goes back together as mine are 5 leaf as well. will be watching to see how you get over this . i am getting lots off help from watching your restoration. i think this is a bit more than a freshening up.thanks so far kev. 8)
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haha, yea, learn from me. im making the mistakes for you ;)
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Looks awesome!!!
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thanks! ;D
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It sure does look Awesome :D Wan't to build my TATA the same way? :P
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sure, if the price is right haha
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hey everyone, just wanted to let ya's know i didn't forget about you. still trying to deal with the rear suspension issue. G/W has been very helpful so far and seems very willing to make it right, it's just hard when we're on opposite sides of the country. i did get the new brake lines, brackets and, fuel lines back up last week. now i'm wondering if i want to stick with the fuel injection. it might make things "busy" under the hood and under the car. i don't know, i'll see how it goes i guess...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31473-1/restoration+pics+458.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31475-1/restoration+pics+460.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31477-1/restoration+pics+461.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31479-1/restoration+pics+462.jpg)
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Not sure you noticed but your trans is missing =)
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Well I'm glad you just checked in because it gave me a chance to catch up on my reading about your project ;D That is coming along SO sweet. Mine goes under the knife at the end of the month for major surgery. I HOPE mine looks as good as yours when it gets done.
Gunner
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Not sure you noticed but your trans is missing =)
ya know- i thought there seemed to be more room under there then i remembered ;)
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Well I'm glad you just checked in because it gave me a chance to catch up on my reading about your project ;D That is coming along SO sweet. Mine goes under the knife at the end of the month for major surgery. I HOPE mine looks as good as yours when it gets done.
Gunner
thanks for the compliment my friend. fortuneatly for me, i started with a car that was in great condition. otherwise, it wouldn't be as far along as it is
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I think that mine is gonna be a grim, expensive slog getting her back up in shape. But we'll see.
Gunner
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Hey Billy I am curious why you chose to go with the stock leaf spring set up in the rear and not a coil over in the back as well?
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Hey Billy I am curious why you chose to go with the stock leaf spring set up in the rear and not a coil over in the back as well?
the coil over set up was very expensive and required mods made to the car. i wanted to keep a "factory" appearance rather than a complete change back there. the front can simply be unbolted and the old stuff put back on if i ever chose to do so.
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Hey Billy I am curious why you chose to go with the stock leaf spring set up in the rear and not a coil over in the back as well?
OK just curious
the coil over set up was very expensive and required mods made to the car. i wanted to keep a "factory" appearance rather than a complete change back there. the front can simply be unbolted and the old stuff put back on if i ever chose to do so.
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did that answer your question?
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Yes thanks. I am probably going to go with the Heidts rear coil over. Supposed to bolt in other than welding a tab onto the axle
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just be sure you really, really check out that bolt-in set up. i thought i remembered someone telling me they weren't as sturdy.
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Sure will, thanks
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no problem ;)
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hows the new job bill...are you able to work on the car?
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the new job is awsome! can't wait to finish the academy. the car unfortuneatly slowed down, but i still get time to work on it. i got some nice progress done on it yesterday and this morning... FINALLY got the rear squared away to a point where i put most of it back together. still waiting on a few small things, but here's some more pics...
here are the rear brakes, lines and unions. i had to come up with a way to rerun the lines to mate up with the supplied bracket. it's not pretty, but it will work....
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31703-1/restoration+pics+473.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31705-1/restoration+pics+475.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31707-1/restoration+pics+476.jpg)
the "mostly back together" rear area haha
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31709-1/restoration+pics+477.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31711-1/restoration+pics+478.jpg)
the refinished lines, brackets, and bolts
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31713-1/restoration+pics+482.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/31715-1/restoration+pics+484.jpg)
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Wow, everything is looking great! I love the blue tube hold downs, great accent. Which QA1's are you using?
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Lookin good man! Thanks for the pics.
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Wow, everything is looking great! I love the blue tube hold downs, great accent. Which QA1's are you using?
the blue hold downs are the factory pieces, i just refinished them. the reason i painted them that color is because when i took them off the car, i noticed they were once blue when they were new. so i decided to paint them back to the OE color. i don't remember which shocks they are. at this point, i bought them last year! wow, time is flying on me isn't it?
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thanks Fred and Hammer for the compliments. i get side tracked with the new job, and miss working on it as much as i used too.
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Billy,
Great Job! looks AWESOME!
Pat
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Just posting another complimentary reply to your great work....amazing! I wish that I had kept my 10th that I owned in high school so I could do a build like this...working on T/A #3 and I'm 21 haha.
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Billy,
Great Job! looks AWESOME!
Pat
Pat! you're still here!!! haha, thanks buddy
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Wowzers. Awesomeness. Great job. Great looking parts.
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Looks awesome!!!
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thanks fellas!
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Don't forget to tighten that link bolt!
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Billy cars is coming along nicely. I like the rotors and calipers.
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I just drop in here from time to time so I can salivate like Pavlov's dog and leave a big puddle of druuuuuuule on the floor ;D
Man that is HOT! When you gonna post more pics?
Gunner
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haha, yea a lot of the bolts under there are still loose. i was waiting to get that sleeve welded back in before i tightened everything back up. just got the weld done yesterday, i'll get some pics up soon. have clean it up a bit first before i get the shackles back up...
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This looks awesome :) great looking car man :)
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quit messing around with the new job and get back to the car!
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quit messing around with the new job and get back to the car!
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight
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hi billy did you sort out your little problem with the leafsprings as i have the 5 leaf as well but i will not be fitting mine till next summer
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hi billy did you sort out your little problem with the leafsprings as i have the 5 leaf as well but i will not be fitting mine till next summer
yep, G/W sent me some washers to install between the base plate and the perches. i then used the OE top rubber pad only, and it all went together. i think you can see it in my pics
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FINALLY- i'm very happy to announce, i got the rear end finished up!!! got that sleeve welded in, and painted. then put the rear suspension together, and its now officially holding the weight of the car!
here's the sleeve weld job. it isn't pretty, but it definately works
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32137-1/restoration+pics+488_001.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32139-1/restoration+pics+489_001.jpg)
...and the shackles all together
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32147-1/restoration+pics+498.jpg)
the completed rear holding the car's weight
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32141-1/restoration+pics+490_001.jpg)
passenger's side with all the lines and parking cables hooked up
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32149-1/restoration+pics+502.jpg)
and the other side
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32151-1/restoration+pics+505.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32153-1/restoration+pics+506.jpg)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/32155-1/restoration+pics+507.jpg)
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OHHHHHH SHINY! :o
Hoping mine looks that good when they get done with it. ;D
Gunner
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HA! yep shiney is good ')
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So I am assuming since you have a 79 10th Anny that your car already had rear disc? The kit you got..would that work as a drum replacement? Would I need something completely different? I am not in the market for it but just figured I would gain a little knowledge on the matter since you are at this point in you build. Thanks
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So I am assuming since you have a 79 10th Anny that your car already had rear disc? The kit you got..would that work as a drum replacement? Would I need something completely different? I am not in the market for it but just figured I would gain a little knowledge on the matter since you are at this point in you build. Thanks
i beleive starting in '79, if you got the WS6 handling package, you got 4 wheel disc brakes on a TA. the kit i got, replaces everything regardless whether it was a drum or disc. the whole backing plate gets changed out either way, so it shouldn't matter.
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oh ok. Where did you go for yours?
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What kit is that Billy? Looks good!!!!
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What kit is that Billy? Looks good!!!!
thanks guys! the brakes are from Baer. however, it isn't a "direct replacement" . i had to modify a few things to get it to work, but it looks like it should be fine. the set up for the front was a snap. the whole knuckle came fully assembled..
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oh ok. Where did you go for yours?
i got it directly from Baer
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Hope everything is going good with the job, heard about the crash that killed a cop and injured a passenger just hoping wasn't you.
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OMG. I am realizing after being on this site a week that my car may be a POS.....lol So much work to un-do because of the previous owners.
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OMG. I am realizing after being on this site a week that my car may be a POS.....lol So much work to un-do because of the previous owners.
We have all started out exactly where you are. I haven't driven mine in a couple years but it will be worth it in the end.
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Don't feel bad...10 years I have been "working" on my car
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Don't feel bad...10 years I have been "working" on my car
All of our cars are a work in progress.
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Charlie, arnt you done yet. it going to be your lifes work, isent it? comin to the NATS next year? I owe ya a tall one..2,3,4
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Charlie, arnt you done yet. it going to be your lifes work, isent it? comin to the NATS next year? I owe ya a tall one..2,3,4
I don't know if I'll ever get it done
I guess sooner or later it will happen
not likely be at the Nats until 2012 or 2013, kinda shooting to maybe have the car done by then...time will tell I guess
when I do get down there I will hold you to your beverage offer!!!
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OMG. I am realizing after being on this site a week that my car may be a POS.....lol So much work to un-do because of the previous owners.
there are a few on here (like billy's) that will humble you very quickly...some are truly "better than new"
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I think we hijacked the thread here...sorry about that!!!
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Hope everything is going good with the job, heard about the crash that killed a cop and injured a passenger just hoping wasn't you.
hello my friend. no, it wasn't me. it was an officer who had been on the job for a little over a year. i didn't know him, but i heard good things about him. he was responding to an emergency call and lost control of the car, hitting a telephone poll. he was beleived to have been killed instantly. his partner survived however. it was very sad- i was working traffic at his funeral. the totaled car is at the academy as a reminder for us to be as safe as we can out there. i have pictures of it, but i feel it would be disgraceful to post on the internet. his name was officer Dittamo.
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on a lighter note, it looks like i'll be making my way back to the front of the car, starting with refinishing the core support. at the same time, i need to figure out a way to run the fuel lines and connect them to the fuel tank/ sending unit using the new EZ EFI fuel injection. i've been having trouble locating info/ articles on this install. if any of you all stumble across any info, please shoot it my way, thanks ;)
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OMG. I am realizing after being on this site a week that my car may be a POS.....lol So much work to un-do because of the previous owners.
Hey you're in better shape than I am. I bought a car that I thought I was gonna fix, drove it for a couple of years, then found out the only thing it was fit to be was a parts car. I just gotta be different, I guess ;D
Gunner
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oh man that sucks...
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billy did it come with its own fuel pump and sending unit setup ? i used a company tanksinc.com for my ls fuel system... they make a universal pump that goes in the tank with a sump, and it all fits without cutting the trunk floor.....looks factory too....
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OMG. I am realizing after being on this site a week that my car may be a POS.....lol So much work to un-do because of the previous owners.
Hey you're in better shape than I am. I bought a car that I thought I was gonna fix, drove it for a couple of years, then found out the only thing it was fit to be was a parts car. I just gotta be different, I guess ;D
Gunner
You're gonna part out your T\A ? :(
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Well kinda. I've got a 79 body w/Fischer t tops that I'm going to be doing instead of the 78. Unfortunately the 78 was so rotten (even the doors were rotten) that it just wasn't economical for me to repair the 78. The 79 is very clean, rust free, and the good parts off the 78 will work very nicely restoring the 79. It hurt losing the 78 to be sure, but I'm going to end up with a much better car in the long run.
Gunner
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some unfortuneatly just can't be saved :-[
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That's true :( It's a shame though :( wish everyone could be saved
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I think I might turn R.I.P into a wall ornament...what do you guys think
Soon after I build my garage
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sounds good to me
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kinda off topic though...I've been doing that a lot lately...sorry
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kinda off topic though...I've been doing that a lot lately...sorry
It happens to the best of us ;D
Gunner
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man this new schedule is killing me! haven't been able to touch the damn car haha! i did get moved out of my storage unit and found some stuff i might want to get rid of. anyone know if '80 model year turbo flow wheels are worth anything, or should i just pitch them?
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man this new schedule is killing me! haven't been able to touch the damn car haha! i did get moved out of my storage unit and found some stuff i might want to get rid of. anyone know if '80 model year turbo flow wheels are worth anything, or should i just pitch them?
some people want them some people dont..... if they are in decent shape and nobody wants them i could use them as rollers?
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hmmm, ok. sounds like they're gonna get pitched then haha
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cl is worth a shot...might bring a couple bucks (beer money)
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hmm, i'll take that into consideration
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don't pitch them, are they 8"
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yep. all the turbo flows were 15x8's.
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someone, somewhere is looking
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oh i'm sure. just don't know if i feel like going through the hassle of selling, shipping, etc for such a cheap investment
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true...but better than trashing good wheels
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not all are 15x8 some are 15x8.5 those are the ws6 wheels in the later models
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thats weird, i didn't know that.
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billy...check this
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=40618.0;topicseen
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hmmm, interesting, thanks for the thread.
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hey all, i'm back on the car again haha. i need help locating a good wiper motor and pump, a new fan clutch, and a new prop valve (unless it can be rebuilt). any ideas? so far i've striking out with a few places i've called.
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do you want gm stuff, or what? I think autozone carries everything you want. i might have some things in the garage, let me know if you are interested
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yea i found out the local auto parts carry some stuff. thanks though!
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Let me know where ya find the wiper motor as I am in need to one also!
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i found one from my local parts store. its a reman, but after i paint it, it should work
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Thanks
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billy, I am now a member of your club. that 10th club.
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billy, I am now a member of your club. that 10th club.
you are? explain...
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check out my newest thread under restoration projects. you will then understand buddy.
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i copy... standby...
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here is a recent project... the washer pump. rebuilt/ refinished
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34511-1/002.jpg)
however i'm having a little trouble with a spot on the cover. it doesn't seem to matter if i prep, prime and paint, the fish eye keeps coming back in the same spot every time! ugh!!! see it? the flash from the camera kind of hides it
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34513-1/001.jpg)
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wipe it down with wax and grease remover before each coat of paint.... or primer,
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ya if its getting fish eyes , you didnt get all the oils off it.
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thanks guys, however i did use prepsol before each coat. i'll try it again tomorrow
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I used prepsol and got them also. I think it was because the metal was too cold down in the basement. I had the window open and fan going so I think it brought the cold air in. I sanded everything down again and waited until a warm day and it turned out good.
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yep, its warm here today, so i'm gonna try it again :-\
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HA HA Success!!!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34632-1/002_003.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34634-1/003_002.JPG)
Installed.....
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34636-1/004_002.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34638-1/005_002.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34640-1/007_002.JPG)
... and now the part i'm totally DREADING..... plumbing the fuel system. this is gonna be rough...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34642-1/009_002.JPG)
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It will work out well in the end :)
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ugh i hope so ::). not to good at fabricatnig stuff. haha
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Ok, opinion time... what do you guys think of me running the fuel feed line like this? does it look bad? having trouble deciding if looks good or not...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34913-1/022.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34905-1/018.JPG)
i'm gonna run it to the stock line using an AN fitting...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34909-1/020.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34907-1/019.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34911-1/025.JPG)
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oh and by the way... is anyone good at using AN fittngs? need some advice/ help with this. i'm thinking that i'm going to use some kind of fuel line bracket to secure the fuel lines going up the side of the engine, since there are so many tapped holes for mounting hardware in the heads. anyone know where i can get differant kinds of brackets?
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No help on the AN fitting but this will look really cool!!
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http://www.amazon.com/Joker-Machine-Billet-Clamps-Small/dp/B000GTZPPU
?
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looks really detailed. i like it. was this car a 4 speed or was it an auto originally?
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glad you like it :) yes, it was a 4-speed car. my "plan" is to go with a 5-speed when i save enough pennies.
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I just redid my lines with all stainless AN fittings. Yours looks great. That's a hell of an engine bay, brother!
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that sounds cool! thanks for the compliment, however its still a work in progress. found out the crush style AN fittings won't work. so i have to convert to the tube nut and sleeve style with a flared end on the fuel line.... (sigh)... ::)
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Been awhile since I have been on but looks awesome!
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I just redid my lines with all stainless AN fittings. Yours looks great. That's a hell of an engine bay, brother!
I'd love to see some pics of your stainless AN lines. Always good to get ideas...
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So here's my attempt at making a fuel feed line. I just couldn't use the rubber braided line it came with. So my goal was to fab some lines, and use as little of the rubber braid as possible...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35527-1/001_001.JPG)
the picture kinda sucks, but the 37 degree flares came out pretty nice
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35529-1/003_003.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35531-1/006.JPG)
This one is going up the front of the engine...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35533-1/008_002.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35535-1/016.JPG)
...and I'll use a little of the hose to connect this end to the frame rail section...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/35537-1/013.JPG)
Looks WAY better than this........ ;)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/34915-1/026.JPG)
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That looks Awesome! Great job Billy!
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Nice
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thanks! glad you guys like it. of course it all has to WORK when its done haha. I'm gonna try to use as much hard line as I can to keep it clean looking.
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WOW!!! That looks fantastic! Keep up the great work!!
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great thread! your car looks great!
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;)
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Where did you get those valve covers, and how much did they cost?
Gunner
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Where did you get those valve covers, and how much did they cost?
Gunner
Jim Butler put them on the engine when it got built. Give them a call, they sell them. WARNING- they are really tall and will not clear factory A/C brackets- hence me having to go with an aftermarket belt drive system (which i really didn't want to do).
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Copy that. I priced a set of those Butler valve covers. Came to about 435 dollars for a set of them............a little to pricey for me right now.
Gunner
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They are sweet for sure. the only i don't like about them is that you have to double gasket them (see my engine photos). other than that, they are very nice.
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Soooooooooooooo...... I got the core support and all the related pieces powder coated! Just got them back- pics coming!!! Looks awsome ;D
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oh who did you use for powder coating ?
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One of my old customers in Manassas. They do really good work at very reasonable prices.
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is it extreme powder coating? I have a friend who needs a frame done
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they're called American Stripping. They are in Manassas Park. Very reaonable, as they do really big parts as well as little itmes, so they tend to be cheaper. They did the frame on my car for like $250...
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Turned out nice!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/36500-1/045.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/36502-1/046.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/36504-1/047.JPG)
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Nice, I am surprised you are going with the stock fan though.
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Despite the serp belt set-up, I wanted to keep a "factory modified" kinda look. So I decided to keep the fan.
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Does anyone know where I can get those little "U nuts" that GM used on these cars? Trying to put the core support back together. So far all I have found are master body bolt kits, but not separate pieces...
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speed nuts? I get them by the box at the old auto parts store in town. 25 in a box for like 7 bucks. thehelp section has them too. but you'll pay out the bum for them. like 4 bucks for a small hand full.
try Ace Hardware I just got them in bulk , auto store was out. had both 3/8" and 5/16" also in mm
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fastenal or auveco or there is another hardware company in pa i order from.... i think its harrys hardware ?
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You guys are awsome- thanks! there is an ACE and a Fastenal store close by, so i'll check them out ;)
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powder coating looks great, nice work.
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i think your pulley kit look the dogs. i live in england and my trans am as a buick 455 fitted i want to fit a kit like yours. could you let me know where you got yours thanks kev
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A comapnyn called March Performance. I actually got the kit from the folks who built my engine, which is Jim Butler Performance.
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Oooooooo the custom fuel lines have arrived! They are all S/S factory lines that are flared for AN fittings to convert over to the rubber fuel line that came with the fuel injection kit. Should look great once it goes on. I had them use two factory feed lines- one for the feed, and an identical one for the return so they run parallel to each other along the frame.
<img src="http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37395-1/IMG_1404_001.JPG" alt="IMG
<img src="http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37397-1/IMG_1406_001.JPG" alt="IMG_
<img src="http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37399-1/IMG_1407_001.JPG" alt="IMG_
<img src="http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37401-1/IMG_1408_001.JPG" alt="IMG_
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Um not sure why the images are all of a sudden not working on here..
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Sorry, here we go....
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37401-1/IMG_1408_001.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37399-1/IMG_1407_001.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37397-1/IMG_1406_001.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37395-1/IMG_1404_001.JPG)
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Nice!!!
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Very nice touch.
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INSTALLED! finally got the fuel lines on. They took a little tweaking, but I got them on. I'm most likely going to tweak a little more, but here are some good shots. There are more pics in my gallery...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37460-1/IMG_1411.JPG[/img
Scratched up the nice job I did on the fllor board installing them :'( A smart guy would've remembered to tape it up...
[img]http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37458-1/IMG_1412.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37454-1/IMG_1414.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37450-1/IMG_1416.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37446-1/IMG_1418.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37444-1/IMG_1419.JPG)
This will be the feed side...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37442-1/IMG_1420.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37440-1/IMG_1421.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37438-1/IMG_1422.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37434-1/IMG_1424.JPG)
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Wow, what a very clean look! All the new tubes look Great!
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Hey your frame is dusty....haha Looks awesome. I love the clips are all painted blue all the way back.
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Yea, I know the frame has like an inch of dust on it, because it's taken me so long ::). I painted the clips blue, because beleive it or not, the OE clips had the remains of blue paint on them! However when the new lines came in, I was to lazy to paint the clips they came with :P
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drool!!!!!
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drool!!!!!
agreed
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adding that extra fuel line next to the OE fuel and brake line was a pain in the a$$. It was pre-bent, but it was meant to fit in a certain spot, and I was forcing it to fit just outside where it was meant to be. Sounds easy, but it wasn't. Thats why I'm probably gonna have to tweak it some more 'cuz I'm anal like that ::)
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Looks great. Fuel lines don't look bad but I understand the sickness about everyting being just right. Keep up the beautiful work.
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Thanks ;)
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If I haven't said it already, a big thanks to all the guys at Restore a Muscle car. They've helped me out a whole bunch, and I kinda wish I found them before I ever started my project. So many things I would've done different Grrrrrrrrr... oh well. I'll get some pics up shortly of the new fuel lines ON THE CAR!
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Looks good, sometimes we can be out own worst critic!
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Tell me about it! I can't tell you how many times I've stood there, staring at the car for how ever long, saying to myself- what would look better? ::)
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ok, some photos of the fuel line work. The rubber push style fuel hoses are horrible to work with. extremely difficult to push on the AN fittings, but i got it...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37711-1/IMG_1425.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37713-1/IMG_1426.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37715-1/IMG_1427.JPG)
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Sweet!
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Yeah. Those fittings suck arse. They look awesome when done though. Great Job Billy
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I saw this video of a guy installing them on youtube. He put some grease of the fitting and shoved them on. He made it look WAY easier than the time I had...
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Ok, here are some shots of the finished feed line and regulator
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37855-1/IMG_1432.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37857-1/IMG_1434.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/37859-1/IMG_1435.JPG)
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Great job Billy! Huge inspiration for my TATA.
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Billy I've been away for a while, and am just getting caught back up. Just going over your thread and MAN that is GEORGEUS! I can't WAIT to see the whole package! Have you got it rolling yet or are you still putting on the finishing touches?
I REALLY want to know what your thoughts are on your F.A.S.T fuel injection system. I plan on replacing the carb on my car (A 600 CFM Monster Demon with mechanical secondaries) with this system and was wondering what your impressions of it were. Is it REALLY as easy as the advertisements say? (I'd really doubt it). Does it fit a stock breather? Any other issues? How does it cold start without a choke? I'm REALLY curious about it because I'm SERIOUSLY considering installing one, and doing it sooner than my wife would probably like ;D
Gunner
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well done Billy, the detail work is awesome
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@ Gunner, I hate to dissapoint you, but it's no where near rolling or even starting up. I have a lot more to do, and need to save the funds to do it. Its moving painfully slow :-\. Anyway in regards to the FAST system, It looks good, and I've heard good things about it, but since It hasn't been fired up yet, I can't answer most of your questions. The engine was broken in and dyno'ed when it was built, and the FAST system performed flawlessly. If my memory serves me correctly, it made like 600HP. The push lock fittings are really hard to install, thats the only issue I've run into. If you stick with straight fittings, there is an installer tool you can purchase that makes installing the hose on the fitting pretty easy- but the tool ONLY works with straight fittings, nothing angled. I gotta be honest, at this point, if I stayed stock, or very close to it, I'd be almost done by now... You modify one thing, and a bunch of other things have to be changed to accomodate it... ::)
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@ Gunner, I hate to dissapoint you, but it's no where near rolling or even starting up. I have a lot more to do, and need to save the funds to do it. Its moving painfully slow :-\. Anyway in regards to the FAST system, It looks good, and I've heard good things about it, but since It hasn't been fired up yet, I can't answer most of your questions. The engine was broken in and dyno'ed when it was built, and the FAST system performed flawlessly. If my memory serves me correctly, it made like 600HP. The push lock fittings are really hard to install, thats the only issue I've run into. If you stick with straight fittings, there is an installer tool you can purchase that makes installing the hose on the fitting pretty easy- but the tool ONLY works with straight fittings, nothing angled. I gotta be honest, at this point, if I stayed stock, or very close to it, I'd be almost done by now... You modify one thing, and a bunch of other things have to be changed to accomodate it... ::)
Well thats ENCOURAGEING anyway. I was expecting all sorts of unadvertised nightmares that came with the system, and the only one you really talked about was the hose fittings. That's impressive. It will probably be a year or two before I can take the plunge on this (as all my buddys have bad mouthed that Demon carb on my car and she wouldn't quit nagging me to put a Holley on it even though it seems to be one of the few that acutally runs RIGHT), and I have a LOT left to do on mine (won't go into it but it should be rolling by April). But I'm watching with interest on this one. REALLY curious how that FI system is going to work out for you.
KEEP ON ROLLING MAN! You''re doing an AWESOME job. Can't WAIT to see more pics.
Gunner
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I have done some more work recently, and have to take some new photos for everyone.
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I have done some more work recently, and have to take some new photos for everyone.
QUICK GO GET THE CAMERA!
I'm like the cat who ate the cheese and waited for the mouse with baited breath ;D
WE GOTTA SEE EM MAN!
Gunner
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Here are some pics of the latest work...
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38139-1/IMG_1446.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38137-1/IMG_1444.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38135-1/IMG_1443.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38133-1/IMG_1442.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38131-1/IMG_1441.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38129-1/IMG_1440.JPG)
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sweet i like the tbi
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AWESOME work! Why didn't you go with electric fans?
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ReDONKulous!
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AWESOME work! Why didn't you go with electric fans?
Well thats a long story. The short version is that my intention was to use all of the OE brackets and accessories inluding the V-belts. However, when the engine was built, they used those big valve covers to accomodate the bigger valvetrain. They were too tall, so the factory brackets for the A/C compressor wouldn't fit anymore. So with that mistake in mind, the company offered me the March system at a discounted rate, so I said ok. Basically I was trying to do a "factory modified" car, not a wildly radical design. So I elected to keep the fan for originality sake, plus it's a "different" look.
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I gues that March set up is so pretty except for that fan on it, although it is a pretty fan
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HAHA thanks
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The 5-speed trans kit is ordered!!! ;D
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Sweet!
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The 5-speed trans kit is ordered!!! ;D
Ok thats April 12th. What kind of pics have you shot for me lately? ;D
Gunner
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haha! The trans got here last week! Took way longer than they said it would- oh well, its not like I'm in a hurry right? ::) I "plan on" working on it today and tomorrow (my days off) and will take some pics for you guys! I'm told the original Hurst shifter handle will work (very cool), so on the inside it won't look any different- although I'm told getting the old shifter out of the OE shifter base is going to be a strong test of my patience. I have to remove the bell housing off of the OE 4-speed trans, clean it up and possibly paint it so it looks fresh. Then I have to test fit the new trans, and if all goes well, I'll have to take measurements for the new drive shaft to be made.
Times like these I miss having my old business where I had more $$$ to throw at it. The whole project is currently moving as slow as a glacier :-\!!!
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Ok here's some new shots...
The finished engine bay fuel feed and return lines
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38291-1/IMG_1462.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38293-1/IMG_1463.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38295-1/IMG_1464.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38297-1/IMG_1465.JPG)
The crossmember and related parts
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38299-1/IMG_1466.JPG)
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WOW! Talk about Chistmas coming early!
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Ok man......you got us like the cat that ate the cheese and waited on the mouse with baited breath!
Gunner
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Ok man......you got us like the cat that ate the cheese and waited on the mouse with baited breath!
Gunner
HAHA!
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So I decided to finish the gas tank today...
This is what it looked like after It was pulled out of the car. not in bad shape, but It was bare metal, and I wanted to have some kind of protection on it yet still look similar to OE.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38352-1/IMG_1467.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38354-1/IMG_1469.JPG)
I scuffed it all with a scotchbrite pad, and then wiped it down with Prepsol. I bought some of that "Tank Tone" from Eastwood.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38356-1/IMG_1470.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38360-1/IMG_1474.JPG)
..and WaaaaaLaaaaaa! painted gas tank. Didn't look too bad
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38360-1/IMG_1474.JPG)
...and in the car! (it got a little scratched during my "all by my self" installation. Don't judge haha)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38358-1/IMG_1477.JPG)
I decided to refinish the tank straps a slightly different shade of gray for some contrast. Turned out nice!
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38362-1/IMG_1481.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/38364-1/IMG_1478.JPG)
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Turned out very nice! ;D
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Thanks! Now to finish the fuel system, I have to find a spot to mount the pump so I can connect all the fuel lines. I also have to work on getting the new trans in the car as well. Have to remove the bell housing and get the OE shifter off of the factory trans- i was told it will be " a whole lot fun" :-\
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Billy, the build is looking great, as always! Can't wait to see more...
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Thanks! I'm also waiting to see more haha. I can't seem to find the time to go ut there and work on it :-\
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What's the word?
Anymore work done on her?
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ill bet its done and hes been running the heck out of it
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What's the word?
Anymore work done on her?
THE bird is the word,yes no HA/HA joke funny funny.
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Been super busy with work lately! I've run into an issue with the crossmember that came with my trans kit. The holes for the trans mount don't line up with the mount on the trans (the trans is in the car already). I've been waiting for them to make me a new crossmember. In the meantime, I need some help picking out wheels for the car. I like the Year One 18" snowflakes, but they are SO expensive, I'm gonna consider something cheaper. Thoughts? suggestions? ;D
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cant go wrong w/ snowflakes, but some guys like these
http://www.restorationperformance.com/servlet/the-127994/boss-338-wheels,-boss/Detail
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Yea, the torque thrusters look good, just don't want them on my ride. I don't think they would look good on a TATA
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I say keep it completly stock ,you will thank me down the road trust me. I am the trans am gu, ru. I will tell you this if you find a 301 trans am build it the way you want it not a tenth anniversary trans am. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
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I say keep it completly stock ,you will thank me down the road trust me. I am the trans am gu, ru. I will tell you this if you find a 301 trans am build it the way you want it not a tenth anniversary trans am. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
or do what you want with your car and your money, I like your build, keeping it stock is boring....
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I say keep it completly stock ,you will thank me down the road trust me. I am the trans am gu, ru. I will tell you this if you find a 301 trans am build it the way you want it not a tenth anniversary trans am. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
ironically a na 301 ta is almost more rare than a tata
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Wow, ok it's been a while... not sure where I left off with you guys. The car unfortunately has taken a back seat to work and responsibilities. The latest is that I finally ordered those 18" snowflakes. They'll take a while to get I'm told. I've been going round and round with the company that makes the 5-speed trans. They apparently had an idiot working there who screwed up everyone's orders. I finally got the trans mount correct, and now I'm waiting for the new drive shaft to show up, since the first one they sent was made too long...
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good to hear from you, good luck on rest of your build
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After two plus years, Its finally back on the ground on it's own weight... The new wheels showed up last week ;)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/39217-1/new+wheels+1.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/39219-1/new+wheels+2.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/39221-1/new+wheels+3.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/39223-1/new+wheels+4.JPG)
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good to hear from you, good luck on rest of your build
deja vu
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You ain't lyin' my friend lol!!!
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Headers.... need advice. I'm told to go with Hedmann/ coated since they fit easily and install easy. Thoughts? GO.....l
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Doug's headers, or tribal tubes try-y.... Those are top two
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On a side note- the entire brake system has been installed and bled. Also finished putting together the drive shaft and installed it. SO now the entire drivetrain is complete ;)