An average man's mild Grand National Build- Revision 2

[sik87gn]

I wanted to share my build, so I’ll start with a recap of what’s been done to the car, along with what’s happening next.
I purchased this project back in 2001 from Kirban Performance in PA. I wanted a muscle car but I knew I couldn’t take on a rust bucket project. So, I was browsing the web and below was the first look I got of the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Pic001_zpsejm0ot9f-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Pic001_zpsejm0ot9f.jpg.html)
Shortly after that I brought the car home.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Pic002_zpsngau5y8l-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Pic002_zpsngau5y8l.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Pic003_zpsdlahwykq-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Pic003_zpsdlahwykq.jpg.html)

Kirban had already added the front and rear frame bracing, the frame bushing that only the GNX’s got from the factory, and a Hooker stock location exhaust to the car. Otherwise, the car was stock with 107k miles on it. The paint was far from perfect but the car was in overall good condition and seemed pretty tight. My initial plan was to keep it mostly stock and just do some basic maintenance items including replacing the injectors, installing a high flow Walbro fuel pump and upgraded fuel pump harness, adjustable fuel regulator, a mild chip for the computer, and slightly larger tires. Shortly after that we all know how the story goes…..I started looking for more power AND handling.
So, Revision 1 of my plans for the car had started and I put together a plan in my mind of developing a “Jack of all trades” build. You see, I grew up an American muscle car guy…..I enjoyed going to Atco Dragway to watch some drag racing. But, back when I was in college (Clemson) I was introduced to auto-xing and eventually became the president of the college’s sports car club. Nobody was running big American cars at those events. So, years later when I decided to build the GN I knew I wanted it to handle.

[sik87gn]

2002 and 2003 I started researching, planning and purchasing some parts but not much work actually got done. I added some rear seat bracing, swapped out the powermaster brake booster for a standard vacuum booster, replaced the timing chain and valve springs. Then, I actually made it to the track for a pass. Drove to the track, tool box and spare in the trunk, pump gas no adjustments made and I ran a 13.9 my first time ever going down the strip. Not super impressive but nothing to sneeze at for a barely modified 80’s GM with 110k miles on it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/GN6476a_zpsbnxvwwor-1.png (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/GN6476a_zpsbnxvwwor.png.html)

[sik87gn]

2004
This was a big year for progress on the car…..
First, the engine mods:
I added a more efficient TE-44 turbo and larger intercooler along with a new downpipe with a “Jersey” dump and high flow catalytic converter. I had the headers and downpipe jet-hot ceramic coated for more efficiency and to help keep the under hood temps down.
To match the turbo I added 50 lb/hr injectors, upgraded to a 3” LT1 mass air flow sensor, along with the MAF translator to make it work. I also had to upgrade the chip to match the injectors and went with Bailey Engineering “Extender” chip which offers some limited tuning capability.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2004_0819_135134AA_zps2aczrjsj-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2004_0819_135134AA_zps2aczrjsj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2004_0819_135228AA_zpse0co0udz-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2004_0819_135228AA_zpse0co0udz.jpg.html)

Then it was time to start installing some of the suspension components I had been collecting.
This included:
Hotchkis lowering springs
Hotchkis Sway Bars
Bilstein Shocks
Baer Brakes w/ B-Body Spindles to improve camber gain
Global West upper control arms
PST front end rebuild kit
Baer Tracker Bump Steer Kit
I had also purchased Global West rear lower control arms, which came with no provision for the factory rear sway bar. I called several times and never got a call back from Global west. So, they didn’t get installed….
Of course, the 13” Baer brakes would no longer fit behind the stock wheels so I went with 17x8” ROH Snypers with 245/45/17’s all the way around. At the time of the build I thought the 17” wheels were pushing the limits and was trying to keep the car usable and road trip friendly. I wanted to be able to swap a rear tire onto the front in the case of a flat since the spare wouldn’t fit over the front brakes so that’s why the front and rear wheel/tire selection were the same size and backspacing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2004_0819_135057AA_zps9e6ky6xj-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2004_0819_135057AA_zps9e6ky6xj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2004_0819_125921AA_zpsfr9nsjz4-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2004_0819_125921AA_zpsfr9nsjz4.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2004_0819_125845AAa_zps384ieutn-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2004_0819_125845AAa_zps384ieutn.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/DSC00941a_zps51wherpb-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/DSC00941a_zps51wherpb.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/PIC00012a_zps3nyb8b1m-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/PIC00012a_zps3nyb8b1m.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Jack20of20All20Trades_zpsbuq3yq9l-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Jack%20of%20All%20Trades_zpsbuq3yq9l.jpg.html)


And, because I wanted to make the car look a little nicer I added some interior updates:
I re-did the upper door panels with ultrasuede, added billet window switches and billet hollow point bullet door lock pulls.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/DSC00947_zps4gymoled-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/DSC00947_zps4gymoled.jpg.html)



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/DSC00949_zps99xikvjm-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/DSC00949_zps99xikvjm.jpg.html)

I also re-did the rear seat side panels with ultrasuede and “turbo 6” logo.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/DSC00948_zpsmyd9awdx-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/DSC00948_zpsmyd9awdx.jpg.html)


And the headliner I decided to take a shot at adding flames to it….

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/DSC00950_zps8fovtu2g-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/DSC00950_zps8fovtu2g.jpg.html)


I had also installed a B&M hammer shifter but had issues with it interfering with my anti-theft device. I know what is needed to make it work but have never taken the time to modify things. Hopefully that will go back in the car in the next year.

[sik87gn]

2005
I bought my first place, a townhouse with a 1 car garage. Finally I had a garage and was looking forward to getting to use it. Unfortunately, I was going to need it immediately as on the day I moved the GN to the house, the transmission failed. So, I bought a barely used trans that was already rebuilt and added a 2800 stall converter.
After getting the trans back in the car, and installing a freshly rebuilt turbo I took the car for a drive. In my excitement of getting the car back on the road, I forgot the gas was old and the turbo wastegate hadn’t been adjusted. Well, the car pulled harder than ever. Then as I went to sneak a peak at the boost gauge something went wrong. I limped the car home for a mile. First, I found one of my sparkplug wires connected to a plug that was missing the other half (still in the block). I was hopeful that I had just cracked a plug by leaning on it while reinstalling the turbo and it had completely failed during the first drive since. I swapped in another plug I had sitting around but that didn’t fix it. So, upon further inspection I realized I had found the safety valve on the engine…

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0001_zpshimtgwt9-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0001_zpshimtgwt9.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0002_zps0pwla7yb-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0002_zps0pwla7yb.jpg.html)


But hey, that just gave me a reason to pull the heads, smooth things out and do some gasket matching! So, with my high tech tools of a corded Craftsman drill, a tv dinner tray table, and a summit racing porting kit I went to town…

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0092_1_zpsqyly5vsf-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0092_1_zpsqyly5vsf.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0091_zpscw7pygl1-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0091_zpscw7pygl1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0087_zps5kdapvp7-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0087_zps5kdapvp7.jpg.html)


So, after I got the car back together and slowly creept up on a tune I made it back to the track. This time I ran a 13.4 @ 102 with traction issues. Hmm…the 17’s didn’t seem to be the best choice for the track. Not a real surprise. After a couple passes with too much tire spin, the car died at the line and then didn’t want to run. It ended up being an issue with my computer but that ended the day for me at the track.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Track20Rental20011a_zps2zrlrjew-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Track%20Rental%20011a_zps2zrlrjew.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Track20Rental20003a_zpsirlyanew-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Track%20Rental%20003a_zpsirlyanew.jpg.html)

- - - Updated - - -

2006
It was time to get back to upgrading the car. This time I was tackling the rear suspension so I added some UMI Rear lower control arms and Edelbrock upper control arms.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0189_zpsihpylbvj-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0189_zpsihpylbvj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG0001_zpsilih1glz-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG0001_zpsilih1glz.jpg.html)


Picture below is from during the install…..with barrett Jackson on the small TV…probably not good for productivity!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0196_1b_zpsn7rdqs8r-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0196_1b_zpsn7rdqs8r.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0197_zpswyfxrbkh-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0197_zpswyfxrbkh.jpg.html)


That year I managed to get back to the track and ran back to back 12.9’s at 104 on pump gas.
Later that year I added an alcohol injection kit….that still has never been sprayed…..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0215_zpsjynrqlsm-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0215_zpsjynrqlsm.jpg.html)


Then, I picked up some used drag radials and bought some wheels to use at the track…


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0335a_zps5nsubjbx-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0335a_zps5nsubjbx.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0346_zps007kdlpt-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0346_zps007kdlpt.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0340a_zpspi62ddze-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0340a_zpspi62ddze.jpg.html)


And the car still hasn’t been back to the track.

- - - Updated - - -

2008
I lost a little focus and went and bought a partially assembled 1986 CJ7 and the GN went on the back burner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0515_zps8hsdy1vd-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0515_zps8hsdy1vd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_0517_zpsqx57jqx7-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_0517_zpsqx57jqx7.jpg.html)


I ended up going through almost every nut and bolt on it, added fuel injection, new wiring harness etc etc…
Later in 2008….I met my wife, eventually we got married, bought a house and we had a couple kids. So, the GN (and Jeep) went and have stayed on the back burner.

[sik87gn]

2017
Which brings us to the present…..still have the wife, 2 kids, AND the Jeep and GN somehow!
In late 2016 I made it too the Optima Ultimate Street Car event in New Jersey and it kind of got my mind going again. No, I’m not building a car for Optima. But, it was obvious I needed to get the car going again.
So, I’ve got updated plans for the car or “Revision 2”. The goal is still a Jack of all trades build. Realistically, it will be for cruises and occasional auto-xing more for fun then competition.
The car handled well for what it was but the B-body spindles were not the right answer (bump steer and twitchy on bad highway roads). So, I’ve purchased the new UMI front control arm kit for stock spindles that utilize tall ball joints and are designed for coil over shocks. I’ve also purchased C5 brakes that I’ll be running with this setup.
The UMI arms are a solid piece….

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170219_132227_zpslgjfmsxo-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170219_132227_zpslgjfmsxo.jpg.html)

I only had a pic of the lower arm sitting on my bench so I snagged a pic from UMI’s website to show the uppers as well and some info from their site.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/UMI20a20arms_zpsdsl928d3-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/UMI%20a%20arms_zpsdsl928d3.jpg.html)

• Total of 10 degrees caster potential while maintaining spindle pin location.
• Upper ball joint moved rearward to add 5-6 degrees caster potential.
• Lower ball joint relocated forward to increase caster 4-5 degrees which improves steering feel and straight line stability.
• UMI built Delrin bushings improve steering response and reduce deflection.
• Taller upper ball joints to improve camber gain, optimize roll center and improve traction during cornering.
• Upper and lower a-arms built from USA Made DOM steel tubing.
• Removable double shear mount to allow spring/shock replacement without removing spindle.
• Adjustable steering stop.
• Double shear swivel sway bar mounts and hardware work with UMI P/N 3035 and most other factory eyelet style sway bars.


I’m currently replacing the body mounts with energy suspension poly mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2918_zpsyantosjd-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2918_zpsyantosjd.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/2909_zpsqnzqt7ap-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/2909_zpsqnzqt7ap.jpg.html)


Of course, I found some frame rust which has slowed my progress significantly. I toyed with the idea of lifting the body off the frame but figured the car wouldn’t make it out of the garage for another 8 years if I did that. So, I’m currently removing and replacing the rusted metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Resized_20170307_165745_zpsunhmpcyh-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_20170307_165745_zpsunhmpcyh.jpeg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170102_111803_zpsr0hgqznw-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170102_111803_zpsr0hgqznw.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/20170102_125251_zpsuzyd9smh-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170102_125251_zpsuzyd9smh.jpg.html)

While I’m at it I plan on installing the stainless fuel and brake hard lines that have been sitting on my shelf at 3 different houses!

[sik87gn]

The next decision to make is which brand of single adjustable coil-overs to use. I’ve been in contact with both Ridetech (Josh) and UMI (Ramey) during the process and they have both been extremely helpful. If you ever have any questions or concerns about a build, I strongly suggest reaching out to either or both of these companies!

I like the warranty on the Ridetech’s and the very positive feedback they get on this site. UMI has a new shock coming out they developed with AFCO and Sam Strano, it’s not released yet and I’m not sure if they will need a modified (extended) upper mount. I’ll have to follow up with them on that.

Both the Ridetech Strong-Arm and new UMI control arms utilize a “dropped” lower shock mount to obtain a longer shock length. That said, to feel comfortable everything will work, I’ll need to get the body mounts done so I can measure the existing ride height (I like how it sits currently), then swap in the new UMI a-arms and set the ride height and measure the shock length at ride height to confirm the Ridetech selection if I go that route.

I’ve even considered going with the Ron Sutton valving if I go with the Ridetech’s. This is probably overkill for a car that will not regularly see timed competition. But, if it can help me be a little more competitive when I do run at some auto-x’s maybe it’s worth a few bucks…

[SSLance]

Sweet, another G body build...always love these. Your experience sounds like many of us and I'm glad you kept (and are getting back to) your GN.

Sounds like you have a solid plan, I've been there done that on the frame repair, it's not that bad once you get used to working in tight spaces. I repaired #2 Pass side and #6 Driver side on my car. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to hit me up. More than likely I've already done what you are working on with yours.

Nice car...

[sik87gn]

Lance,

Thanks! I've read through your build several times and even used it to prepare for the body bushing replacement/repair. Great info, thanks for sharing!

[Ffdawson]

Nice ride :)

I dig the Skyway Mags on that freestyle bike you got hanging on the wall!

[sik87gn]

I dig the Skyway Mags on that freestyle bike you got hanging on the wall!

Ffdawson,

Thanks! That bike is an 86 Diamond Back Hot Streak. I have 2 of them (Grey and Chrome) and a Hawaiian Blue '86 Dyno Compe!

[Ffdawson]

Ffdawson,

Thanks! That bike is an 86 Diamond Back Hot Streak. I have 2 of them (Grey and Chrome) and a Hawaiian Blue '86 Dyno Compe!

Nice! I raced BMX for years, never really got into the freestyle scene, but love all the vintage BMX stuff. Hang onto those bikes, they're making a huge comeback (as nearly all things 80's are) and folks will pay a pretty penny for them. Do you still ride?

[UMI Tech]

Very cool. Subscribed!

[focused313]

those billet window switches are awesome.

[sik87gn]

those billet window switches are awesome.

Thanks...I looked all over to find what I wanted (many years ago). They came from Watsons Streetworks.

[Wraith]

Great to have another G Body build here, looks good! And I just finished a Jeep build too.

[sik87gn]

Unfortunately I haven't made a lot of progress but I have made some. Removed the old control arms, spindle and brakes. Started to mock up the new a-arms.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Resized_IMG_20170508_081714_zpsyvjxp7ub-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_IMG_20170508_081714_zpsyvjxp7ub.jpeg.html)

You can see I'm using the Blazer spindle in the mock-up but I've changed directions on this and I'm going back to a factory style spindle...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Resized_20170509_210925_zpsajmtovyp-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_20170509_210925_zpsajmtovyp.jpeg.html)

With the wheel mounted to the spindle showing approximate ride height...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Resized_20170509_210725_zpsgpyklypk-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_20170509_210725_zpsgpyklypk.jpeg.html)

And some goodies I purchased including camber/caster gauge...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Resized_20170509_210945_zps7azvtvwr-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_20170509_210945_zps7azvtvwr.jpeg.html)

And a GrimmSpeed manual boost controller hoping to get a little quicker spool over the stock set-up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Resized_20170509_210823_zpstzbi2ekz-1.jpeg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/Resized_20170509_210823_zpstzbi2ekz.jpeg.html)

Hoping to start making more progress during the summer. Should be ready just in time for winter to come along at this rate!

[sik87gn]

About time a give a little update. Progress is slow, and sometimes I feel like I'm actually getting further away from the car going back together but I'll keep chipping away with 20 minute windows when I can.

I had made a little pressure tester out of plumbing equipment from Home Depot to make sure I didn't have any vacuum or boost leaks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20161223_112824_zpsbogtyqme-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20161223_112824_zpsbogtyqme.jpg.html)

I found some air leaking around the idle air control motor and when I attempted to tighten it this happened...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20161228_121701_zpshslfhq47-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20161228_121701_zpshslfhq47.jpg.html)

It was a little tricky getting it out after that but I managed so at least that is fixed now.

[sik87gn]

The parts are also starting to build up.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/IMG_20170607_140227_zpslw7phbmw-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/IMG_20170607_140227_zpslw7phbmw.jpg.html)

You'll see I decided to go with the Ridetech shocks...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170609_222755_zpsgkgoy8tr-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170609_222755_zpsgkgoy8tr.jpg.html)

And, I even spent the money and got a little extra sauce on the side...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170607_141440_zpspamrhnik-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170607_141440_zpspamrhnik.jpg.html)

So, it was time to really get some work done on the car. Here's the start to modifying the upper spring locator to fit the Ridetech coil overs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170623_134615_zpsomklfjmo-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170623_134615_zpsomklfjmo.jpg.html)

[sik87gn]

I also did some weight comparisons of the new parts and it looks like in total I'm saving ~16lbs per side....not a bad improvement on top of being stronger and having better geometry! And that is before cutting up the spindle for the brake up grade!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_195721_zpsnyahfuke-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_195721_zpsnyahfuke.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_195101_zpsx3iprfll-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_195101_zpsx3iprfll.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_195807_zps4ca4qxik-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_195807_zps4ca4qxik.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_195815_zpsudex92kf-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_195815_zpsudex92kf.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_195928_zpsamtyskm1-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_195928_zpsamtyskm1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_200226_zpsvgp5ojg7-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_200226_zpsvgp5ojg7.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_204106_zpsucehm9dh-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_204106_zpsucehm9dh.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170628_204230_zpserxmglek-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170628_204230_zpserxmglek.jpg.html)

[sik87gn]

Now, back to some progress on the frame. Got the one side all prepped and ready to go.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170630_111817_zpsomhbrs1y-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170630_111817_zpsomhbrs1y.jpg.html)

After reading SSLance's post I went ahead and made the copper piece to keep the backside of the weld clean so I wouldn't have to do any cleanup in a really hard to get to spot!

This was my first time doing anything more than a practice weld....and I did lots of them. Still have a lot to learn but I am learning! Here it is after smoothing it out so the body mount can sit flat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170630_123758_zps4zzhr3iz-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170630_123758_zps4zzhr3iz.jpg.html)

And, finally got some paint on it....more paint to come still....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170701_155009_zps0qjjzso6-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170701_155009_zps0qjjzso6.jpg.html)

Now I can get this side back together soon so that I can start on the other side!

[sik87gn]

I also managed to get the new spindles cut up and ready for the UMI brake conversion kit. More weight loss too!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/20170703_1311441_zpstu400udo-1.jpg (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/sik87gn/media/20170703_1311441_zpstu400udo.jpg.html)

[focused313]

weight savings are always good. keep it up.

[chevymike]

Cool car! I love the GN's from that era. You are like the only other person I have ever seen using ROH Snypers. I had them on my '92 Camaro Z28.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/MVC_322S-1.jpg

[SSLance]

Right on! I like the parts choices!! And great job doing the frame repair... Keep up the good work.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Nice! Always good to see G bodies getting built! Can I buy your Blazer spindles?? :)

[sik87gn]

Mike- I wish ROH still made the Snyper and in an 18" wheel because I want to upgrade my wheel size and I like the look!

Lance- Thanks for all the info you've shared on this site.....it's definitely helped me and I'm sure it's helped others as well!

Ben- I'll send you a message...we can probably work something out.