my '66 Chevelle PT Challenge...

[Pt109]

I guess this is where I start my build thread. Coming to you live from North Central Montana. I have a '66 Chevelle 2 door hardtop. Watching the Optima Search program (before Dish tv dropped MAVTV) got me hooked bad. I have always been into cars, 4x4's, boats etc. A few years ago I had to give up on all of these dreams as I started a new venture in Agriculture. You want to talk about spening money... lets compare. Anyway got the bug and for the first time in my life have a place to work on something.. inside... heated during winter... have good tools... and a bit of money, well not for long. Here is what i have,

3-1966 chevelles in various condition, all from the same place so jumped on them.
The one i will be building has some older updates as the project was started then pushed aside, but a great place to start, cleaned and painted. However the body needs new sheet metal all around the back, trunk floor, wheel houses quarter panels, no interior no wiring... you know the drill. But that is exactly what I wanted. Be careful what you ask for!!!
This is what the chassis came with, so a great start:

4 wheel disc brakes (all gm 11 inch I think)
global west tubular upper/lower a- arms
hotchkis rear sway bar
Hotchkis 4 bar replacement bars (if thats the right name)
Richmond 5 speed trans
12 bolt rear end (may be a DTS, need to confirm) not sure of ratio yet
chassis is painted gray (needs repainted)
new set of pedals (but cant figure out which brand)
new power booster and master cylinder
supposed to be 2 inch drop spindles
new rear springs, need to see what they are exactly

In the past 2 weeks I put in my request to Santa and he really came through!!!! (Didnt think I was that good this year)

LS 3 with TR6060, 6 spd from a 2015 Camaro SS (supposedly only had 750 miles before it was crunched)
Tanks Inc gas tank (new)and 255 lph pump ( I think thats right)
American Autowire Classic Update harness (Just ordered today)
Mast Motorsports oil pan with the goodies (ordered yesterday)

So that really get me off and running. Have been talking to lots of parts suppliers. I will get some pics etc when i can figure out how to get them off my phone. Also had to turn an old barn into a shop this fall to help with this, so there is where alot of other money went. I am really looking forward to meeting lots of you, the only bummer for me is my location and where all of the big events occur. But once the car is dependable it will be fun getting there. So the Richmond trans may be for sale once i get into this in a couple weeks.

I guess thats my intro,
Bruce

[keepat]

Sounds like a plan, nice starting off with three parts cars!
Good luck with your build and look forward to seeing your pictures.
Pat

[analyte]

Subscribed. Looking forward to following along!!

[64G-lark]

Sounds like a good start. I will be watching as well.

[Pt109]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your responses. I must admit I am having some difficulty figuring out this forum and how to do certain things. My computer need replacing but that would cut into the parts budget and not gonna let that happen. My car may be done before i get this site figured out...

[tommycomfort]

Lots of good information on the forums and you are definitely on your way to a great build. I look forward to following along.

[steveZL]

Welcome to the club!...I recently started a 65 Chevelle project.

I look forward to follow your updates

Steve

[Pt109]

need some help here... trying to figure out how to add pics. dont see any icons to do this. also does anyone know how to get pics from a android phone onto the my thread??? when i try it says action not autorized...

[analyte]

I've not been able to upload pics directly from my phone either. I use Photobucket for all my pics and videos which then allows me to link either to the site.

Kerry

[Protour_Pinto]

I usually use the gmail on the phone to email them to my regular computer then send them to Photobucket. When you want to add them to your thread you copy the https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL]

[Pt109]

Hey Pro-tour Pinto, pack ur stuff and head this way. What is it about Stevensville u like so much? I lived in Corvallis and Hamilton for many years. Too many ppl there now... Still have lots of friends there but I will stay where I am. That is a great picture. I want to build a teardrop trailer and do alot of traveling that way. One of the reasons I am building this car.
Part of my pic posting is my home comp needs alot of work and some things don't co-operate. I will look into that tho, thanks. I love your signature. That is me to a tee.

[Pt109]

I am wondering if any of you are experiencing the same frustration I'm going thru. I read alot of these great builds and then try to figure out the different things that others are using, I have to go back thru each builld and try to find it, sometimes I do and sometimes not so much. Since my memory isnt all that great with all the things I have going, does anyone know of a fast way to figure this out? I was thinking how great it would be if the products finally installed that worked to put them in a persons signature or someplace like that. I have also been talking to tons of parts suppliers to try and get them to figure out what really works and relay that to buyers. They would sell alot more stuff if it wasn't just a guessing game. I know there are tons of variables but it could be narrowed down some. So as soon as I figure out how to post these things when I get something done hopefully it will help others, especially us beginners. Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions so far. Been buying lots of parts and ready to get started, maybe tomorrow!!!

[Bonehead]

Really interested to see if the Mast pan actually fits and what mounts you end up using.

[Pt109]

Bonehead those are some truly impressive numbers on your '67, I cant even imaginge that kind of power!! Sounds fun though. I will post on here when I get thru that part. More parts showing up and finally learning more about how to do things on my build page. Got my new signature a bit further along so keeping after it anyway... Headed out to the shop wil get some pics today and start this build, finally!!!!!!!!!!

[MTZ28]

I have a feeling this is going to be a good one, following. "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY", thank you for your service.

[Jerems]

Sounds like a cool project, you picked the right car to build! Good luck and keep us updated.

[Pt109]

Thank you guys, I feel very fortunate to have found this style of car building. In the way everyone encourages each other and thus far have not seen any negative stuff like is so prevelent everywhere else. The cars all of you are coming up with are truly inspiring. It feels so great to be back into cars and gives me so much to look forward to. The past 3 winters have been very hard on me and knew I couldn't go thru anymore like that. :banghead: This is just what the Dr. ordered.
The new parts are beginning to to pile up and this week brings alot more. I got a good start this past weekend on the frame and stripping down the engine waiting for the other goodies Santa said would be coming. I am really trying hard to get pics on here, maybe tomorrow after more parts show up. :woot: :woot:

[Pt109]

It Worked!!!! I had to get on another computer to add my build site info.

[Pt109]

I have been getting a few things done with the engine part of this build. Waiting for parts has kept me at a slow pace so far. I did seperate the engine and transmission and decided to look at the clutch as the inside of the bell housing was just covered with a deep layer of clutch dust. Well, I need a new clutch. :banghead: Since this was a lift out engine, someone was having alot of fun right up intil they wrecked the camaro. Also learning lots of other things. This trans is a tr6060 but it has oil lines coming from it, so need to figure out what I need to do there. I did find a plug to go into the left side of the block to plug off water cooling line, and a few other things that are going to cost more money that I wasnt planning on spending. Those things really start to cut into the ol' budget pretty fast. But that is to be expected. idid get started with a photobucket account so getting a bit closer to getting pics!!!!! :twothumbs

[Protour_Pinto]

Well its been a while since I have been to Montana, I would want to avoid large crowds so maybe have to do a recon trip to see whats changed. I liked stevensville for the weather, Seemed like it was pretty mild winter compared to the rest of the state. I worked with a guy (Huey Lewis) that was from there and he had a lot of good things to say about it, It would come down to jobs in the end.

My 66 was a trooper when it came to my trips except for the fuel consumption, Thing drank gas like Lemmy drank Whisky. To do it again it would have a LS in it, A little less soul but more money in my pocket. The Mullet Truck I'm building now is going to be a traveler and be pulling a little trailer. I will head north when its driveable, Notice I didnt say finished as they never really are!



Hey Pro-tour Pinto, pack ur stuff and head this way. What is it about Stevensville u like so much? I lived in Corvallis and Hamilton for many years. Too many ppl there now... Still have lots of friends there but I will stay where I am. That is a great picture. I want to build a teardrop trailer and do alot of traveling that way. One of the reasons I am building this car.
Part of my pic posting is my home comp needs alot of work and some things don't co-operate. I will look into that tho, thanks. I love your signature. That is me to a tee.

[Pt109]

Just a quick update. I have been extremely frustrated the past few weeks with ordering parts and expecting certain things to be included, then open the box's and find I need another item. Well with 3-5 days for shipping it really drags things out. Then I was doing a cam swap and that went ok but installing the new springs, I noticed air leaking, what I thougt was inside of the engine most likely past the rings. Well then I discovered that air is leaking out of the exhaust valves. No push rods or rockers installed yet and it appears to be the same amount on each cylinder so cannot figure that out. Now trying to find someone that can give me an explaination for that. I really dont want to tear into this engine like that...
I did go to a meeting for the closest auto cross events and had a good time. Seems like a bunch of fun people. Now to just get the car moving along faster. So that is about all for now.

- - - Updated - - -

Just a quick update. I have been extremely frustrated the past few weeks with ordering parts and expecting certain things to be included, then open the box's and find I need another item. Well with 3-5 days for shipping it really drags things out. Then I was doing a cam swap and that went ok but installing the new springs, I noticed air leaking, what I thougt was inside of the engine most likely past the rings. Well then I discovered that air is leaking out of the exhaust valves. No push rods or rockers installed yet and it appears to be the same amount on each cylinder so cannot figure that out. Now trying to find someone that can give me an explaination for that. I really dont want to tear into this engine like that...
I did go to a meeting for the closest auto cross events and had a good time. Seems like a bunch of fun people. Now to just get the car moving along faster. So that is about all for now.

[Pt109]

Finally feeling like I am getting somewhere!! Just finished the cam swap and vavle spring change, etc tonight. :attn: I have to admit I have been pretty intimidated with this because I havent done one in about 10 years, and never on the new ls engines. Now just hope it runs well when I get to that point. Got 2 new boxes of goodies from vintage air in the form of a front runner set up. I likey these things showing up!!!!! Hopefully get the new clutch etc on tomorrow and maybe even get to the first test fit into the chassis. Have been waiting for headers and not to happy with it taking this long. Now if I can just get my pics to post. I like seeing everyone elses and feel bad I cant get them on here so far. Thats about it for now.

[MTZ28]

Looking goooooooood! These are such great cars, great choice.

123449123448

[Pt109]

Finally!!! Some pics. Thanks to MTZ28 for his great help, you all can see what I am starting with. OK i know all you guys/gals in the warm climate of the country are jealous because we have snow. The great thing is we have no choice but to work on the cars and not have the constant temptation to drive them as you do. I guess we can chain them up... Spring is coming fast!!!

[Motown 454]

Glad to see your getting your parts coming in. I live in New England and understand what snow can do to a project. We've been lucky so far but I know its' coming. Keep the updates coming.

[Pt109]

123737Here is my new engine and trans.

[Pt109]

123739 Most of the new sheetmetal for the back half of the car anda new 2" cowl hood. The neighbors thought I bought a new furniture set...

[Pt109]

The sheetmetal got here about a month ago. So now that I have finally learned how to add pics, I will go back and do a "from the beginning" series. A huge thank you again to MTZ28 for his patience and help. I did get the engine and trans landed today for the initial mock up. Can't wait to get pics all caught up.

[Pt109]

MY HEADERS ARE HERE!!!!!! MY HEADERS ARE HERE!!!!!!! Finally after 2 very frustrating months of waiting for these things. Pretty much had me on hold cuz i couldnt build my trans mount or get the final placement of the engine mounts nailed down or get the exhaust planned. :banghead:

Super excited to get going again only to find out today i have to have hernia surgery real soon. Well at least I can be on the net looking at all of you peoples car builds and buying parts, as well as other essential car related items. Always a bright side to everything!!

[Motown 454]

Good to hear the parts keep rolling in for you!

[SoopernovaAJ]

Parts coming in is like an every-day Christmas. I love it!

[Pt109]

Parts coming in is like an every-day Christmas. I love it!

The only difference is I get the bill with these presents. Well I guess since it is my car thats only right...
I am finally getting somewhere with my engine frame mounts. All the little things slow me down so much and since this is my first build at this level, I guess I need to give it more patience and try to enjoy it more. Getting frustrated all the time takes the fun out of it. I just want to drive this thing!!!! Ordered some new steering components from Proforged last week and am excited to get them in place. Then I can finally get my engine set where I want it and build the trans x-member.

[MTZ28]

Glad to hear your back at it, how's the healing from your surgery coming. Keep the pics coming our way.

[bello]

Sounds to be a nice build !
Good luck.

Looking forward to following !!

[Pt109]

WOW!!! I cant believe it has been almost 2 years since I have posted on here. Can't be right... Anyway, will be getting back at it very soon. So many things have happened since my last post. I look forward to catching up on so many builds I have lost track of and see what new projects are going.