Yes, I have a car. Here's an update. [Archive]

zbugger

02-20-2007, 02:24 PM

Yeah, so I did make a tiny bit of progress on my car lately...... Sort of. I decided to go from painting my engine black to the stock Corporate Blue color the factory shipped my car with. Just a look I want to go with. So, here's a few shots of the beginning of the process.

I started out with the valve covers I had already painted black. I taped off everything I wanted to leave unpainted. The strip of natural finish going across the cover, and the lettering. The taping off took close to 2 hours to do, but that's only because I made it REALLY close so the thing would look well detailed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The next step...... Yeah, paint. Kinda obvious.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And here's the finished product.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

So, what do you guys think? The engine compartment will be black. The intake is a natural finish Edelbrock Performer intake. The headers will be silver thermal coated. I thought about black for them, but that's still up in the air. What do you guys think I should do with that? Oh yeah, for the rest of the engine, everything that has a machined finish is going to stay that way. I'm not painting over that. I kinda want it to look like it was painted, and then machined. And I'm also using ARP stainless hex head bolts to finish off the detailing. Now that the valve covers are done, the heads are next in line.

Oh yeah, and to finish off the engine compartment, I'm thinking about the fender struts from Twist Machine. I just don't know if I want to leave those with the finish they come with, or to make them more subtle by painting them black. Just an idea.....

1971novaSS

02-20-2007, 02:40 PM

Wow, that looks really good. I would def go with ceramic headers to accent the machined look. specially having a black painded block. Where did you buy those valve covers from?

Rennskii

zbugger

02-20-2007, 03:11 PM

I got the valve covers a couple years ago off a fellow member here. I had previously planned on painting the engine black, but recently changed my mind and I'm going with the stock corporate blue color. Silver finish, or black finish would look good on the headers. The black would give it more of an old school look. I'm still thinking about what to do on that note.

mdprovee

02-20-2007, 05:28 PM

Looks good Allen. I like them, as if my opinion counted.

Steve1968LS2

02-20-2007, 05:47 PM

Those are my favorite Chebie valve covers.. nice job!

Sure will "pop" in that black engine bay.

Brandon Miller

02-20-2007, 06:28 PM

I am particularly impressed with the Lego. :) Valve covers look good.

zbugger

02-20-2007, 06:33 PM

I am particularly impressed with the Lego. :) Valve covers look good.

Thanks. And the Lego addiction makes it really easy for my family to get me any gifts.

aussiebj

02-20-2007, 07:02 PM

Nice job

formula

02-20-2007, 08:59 PM

legos for the win!

Here's a shot of a gm corporate blue engine in a black engine bay that i happen to be all too familar with...

I love the color combo, though. Yours will look even better since you have legitimately nice engine dress-up stuff.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/CIMG2787small-1.jpg

trapin

02-22-2007, 08:19 AM

Looks good Allen. I particularly like the choice of music I see in those CD cases. A little Godsmack,
some Sepultura, Tool, Deftones, Linkin Park, and a Santana offering thrown in to make it interesting.

zbugger

02-22-2007, 09:01 PM

Thanks Tony. I gotta have something to show that I'm a man as I drive my Sentra.... 4-door..... At least the music will make people think I'm nuts, if my looks don't do it. Although I've been stuck on 30 Seconds to Mars lately.

Martin71RS

02-23-2007, 12:47 AM

good to finally see some progress Allen!

now quit playing with Lego and FINISH your car!!
(or at least get it back on the road)

Martin

David Sloan

02-23-2007, 05:27 AM

Lookin good Bug.
keep up the good work. as for the music you might here any one of those when you come in the shop. we love to build hot rods to music.

whytry

02-23-2007, 08:33 AM

I was beginning to wonder if you still had your car Allen. Those valve covers are going to look really good in an all black engine compartment.

30 Seconds to Mars, me too, but now making shift to Red Jump Suit Apparatus and a little Bullet for my Valentine.....

Keep up the good work!!

jeffandre

02-23-2007, 02:08 PM

Nice work, and after all these years I thought you just got rides everywhere...:enguard:

j/k, hope all is well with you. Keep up the good work, maybe all of this love will speed you up a bit.

Bandit

02-23-2007, 03:46 PM

Very pro-looking paint job, nice attention to detail. They will look outstanding in the blacked-out engine bay. BTW I hope you are using a semi-flat black for the engine compartment, as I believe that will draw the eye toward the engine and all the cool aluminum parts. I think shiny coated headers would look great with your combo, just get them done right, by a good powder coater like Jet-Hot or somebody, so it lasts. Just my humble opinions.

Anyway good luck with the engine install!

zbugger

02-23-2007, 05:15 PM

Thanks, guys.

Bandit, the engine compartment will be semi-gloss. Kinda like stock. Being it's such a budget build it's gonna be spray bombed. I have a bad habit of making that painting style look decent, actually. I still have to decide on header color. I can't picture silver or black.

Norwoodx55

02-24-2007, 04:41 PM

I kind of like the black coated header look. A little subdued look helps with the surprise.

camaro608

02-25-2007, 12:46 PM

thats not his lol looking good

Larry Callahan

02-25-2007, 08:42 PM

Looks good Allen!!

Gotta love Tool and Linkin Park too!

BonzoHansen

02-25-2007, 08:53 PM

GM Blue!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/01/IMG_3113_Acc01-1.jpg

zbugger

03-07-2007, 09:11 PM

My struts are in!!!!

Thanks a bunch Steve!! I love these things!!! The finish is beautiful and the fit is perfect. Sorry about the pic size. I suck at resizing. Anyway.....

Here's the crappy chrome replacement for the stock ones. I was never really happy with the look they gave the engine compartment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

This is the new one. Billet aluminum is puuuurrrdyyy.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And here it is mocked in before I final install it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

My plans are to actually paint them black so the blend in to the engine compartment better. I'm hoping people do a double take when they see them in there. Now if only I could afford those damn billet hood hinges.......:rolleyes:

RobM

03-09-2007, 09:54 PM

so whats the deal with the blue chevy motors? an engine i bought for a core came blue from the factory was this any thing special?

zbugger

03-10-2007, 09:13 AM

No, nothing special. GM wound up painting all their motors the same color since they were being used in so many car lines. In the mid-80's some time they started painting the engines black. I'm painting mine blue because that's how the original motor came.

MrQuick

03-11-2007, 08:15 PM

looks great bug...clean them fender wells...gosh.

They would looks BA painted black too.

whytry

03-12-2007, 07:46 AM

zbugger

03-12-2007, 11:53 AM

Flat black, Satin, or gloss? I would like to see them in a Satin style finish, I think if you want the double take you would not want then in gloss...

**side note are you and Vince heading to Goodguys all weekend or just 1 day?**

Kinda a basic underhood black. Something to match the fenderwells, so it may be a semi-gloss. Either way it'll match the radiator support, and the fenderwells, and the firewall.

As for Goodguys, I can do both days if the price is right....

LowBuckX

03-12-2007, 01:32 PM

Thought I posted here . Oh well.

Those Billet supports are sweet.

zbugger

12-29-2008, 05:43 PM

So I got a bug up my butt and decided to test fit another set of wheels on my car. I believe the fronts are 18x9.5's and the rears are 18x10.5's, but I'm not positive on it. They did come off a Z06 though. The front tires are 275/35-18 and the rears are 315/30-18. I'll start off with a shot of them on the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Here's some shots of the rear. I've got a little over an inch clearance to the spring, and I'll have to beat in the seat belt hump to clear better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Here are some clearance shots.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Now this is with a 2.75" adapter on there. In the back I am debating a 2.25" or a 2.5" adapter to clear. My original goal was to run some 295's back there, but when I test fit these I damn near crapped myself. I had more space than I had originally thought.

zbugger

12-29-2008, 05:44 PM

And now for a couple shots of the front.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)
[/URL]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img367/dscf0946jf4.jpg/1/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img229/dscf0944ry4.jpg/1/)
[URL=http://g.imageshack.us/img165/dscf0945ti1.jpg/1/]

Once again, this is with a 2.75" adapter on it. I need a 2" for it to fit right. I still gotta buy a pair. Anyone got a set they don't need? Anyway, it clears the 1.25" sway bar with this adapter at full lock turning, but hits the rear fender well. I'm thinking I'd have a little better luck with the 2" adapter. Oh, and there's no engine weight on the front end, so that's why it sits so high. When the motor was in it, it sat just low enough to barely tuck the top of the tire with the uncut Hotchkis coils. I'll also be installing a hollow 1 3/8" front bar I got from Detroit Speed, so I'll have to see how it fits with that as well.

Roadbuster

12-29-2008, 09:54 PM

So I got a bug up my butt and decided to test fit another set of wheels on my car. I believe the fronts are 18x9.5's and the rears are 18x10.5's, but I'm not positive on it. They did come off a Z06 though. The front tires are 275/35-18 and the rears are 315/30-18. I'll start off with a shot of them on the car.

Here's some shots of the rear. I've got a little over an inch clearance to the spring, and I'll have to beat in the seat belt hump to clear better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Now this is with a 2.75" adapter on there. In the back I am debating a 2.25" or a 2.5" adapter to clear. My original goal was to run some 295's back there, but when I test fit these I damn near crapped myself. I had more space than I had originally thought.

Those rear tires look good on there. some slightly thinner spacers and you will be set for the look from the outside. Looks like you have some work to gain some clearance at the top of the tubs to get it to work. Hopefully not too much. The look of the big rear tires is worth it!

Jon

TonyL

12-29-2008, 11:23 PM

Whoa! progress! No way!

They look sick on there!

Martin71RS

12-29-2008, 11:45 PM

Have you been struck by lightning Allen..????? you actually worked on your car:jawdrop:

I think those wheels will look good on your car, now go and finish it before the tires get dry rot.... :lol:

BonzoHansen

12-30-2008, 01:03 PM

Big bumpers!

Progress!!!

minendrews68

12-30-2008, 06:20 PM

Hey Heeeeezzzzz, I really like the valve covers! I might need to try to pick up a set of them The color is perfect too. The headers, I think I'd leave them silver. Just my 2 cents.
Carl

Andrew McBride

12-30-2008, 07:44 PM

nice progress bugg. The wheels look good

zbugger

01-01-2009, 10:26 PM

So I installed the DSE front sway bar this afternoon. I had none of the issues others have had with the big Hotchkis bars. This one is the same thing. here's a comparison shot of it next to the solid 1.25" bar it's replacing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)
[/URL]

I also started the restoration/cleanup of the tail light housings. I started with this...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img49/dscf0956ze1.jpg/1/)

Primed it...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img49/dscf0954jq9.jpg/1/)

And then sprayed the "chrome" paint on it. Here's the finished product.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img237/dscf0955qm7.jpg/1/)

It's good enough to make the lights bright enough to be seen. Once the paint fully dries I'll be installing the LED light panel. Oh yeah.... Here's a shot of that too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img396/dscf0957rg8.jpg/1/)

I'll see if I can hook up a battery to see how bright it is. I got it at [url]www.musclerodz.com (http://g.imageshack.us/img135/dscf0947dr6.jpg/1/) if you want to get one for yourself.

zbugger

01-01-2009, 10:26 PM

Here's a few more parts I've collected and am going to be installing soon. Start with the DSE solid body bushings with the stainless bolts and a custom steering shaft and coupler. The coupler will replace the rag joint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)
[/URL]

There's also the DSE tie rod adjusters and a GM Type II power steering pump. The pump won't be installed till I get the engine in. It's mounted to a DSE bracket. I still have to get the pulley, hoses, and remote reservoir for it. Oh, and a cooler too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img165/dscf0951dp6.jpg/1/)

Then I have the DSE subframe connectors. That one will take a bit to install because I gotta get the car someplace where I can weld them in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img75/dscf0953th2.jpg/1/)

I also plan on driving the car in the rain. I get very tired of turning the wipers on and off during a slight drizzle, so I got the DSE wiper motor. It's the recessed park version. I'm glad the washer pump is on the bottle instead of on the stock wiper motor. You'll also see the billet hood pin. I'm kinda into the clean subtle touches...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/img84/dscf0952jl5.jpg/1/)
[URL=http://g.imageshack.us/img205/dscf0950mv5.jpg/1/]

If you look at that last picture, you'll see the wiper switch. I had to custom make the bracket that it mounts too. DSE sends one that mounts to the stock instrument bezel. I'm using a custom bezel and had to make that bracket to hold it in place. I just have to paint it black and get a button installed to be able to use the washer option.

TonyL

01-01-2009, 11:33 PM

Cool update! Nice to see you finally working on it

T_Raven

01-02-2009, 12:02 AM

Bitchen car. Looks cool with black wheels. I want to paint my 79 ta a flat olive drab green and put black wheels on it with a black hood bird.

And TonyL....thanks alot...D**K!!! lol

class67

01-02-2009, 10:52 PM

You're on a roll, Allen!

Don't stop now....

zbugger

01-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Thanks a bunch, Mary!!! I really appreciate it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Bow Tie 67

01-06-2009, 02:57 AM

Thanks a bunch, Mary!!! I really appreciate it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Allen,

Those look great on the table, but how the heII are they going to help the car there. :enguard:

Matt

jeffandre

01-06-2009, 09:35 AM

Fantastic news! Nice to see your car getting some love again, keep up the good work. Nice wheel/tire combo too!!!

I have a set of spacers, but they are 1.25", used them to bolt 17x9.5 Vette wheels onto the front of my 71.

zbugger

01-06-2009, 05:30 PM

Allen,

Those look great on the table, but how the heII are they going to help the car there. :enguard:

Matt
lol... I posted this pic almost literally ten minutes after she gave them to me. I'm a little busy to get them on the car at the moment, and I want to get it on the road before I sit the car on them. Don't worry though. They'll be put to really good use.

Fantastic news! Nice to see your car getting some love again, keep up the good work. Nice wheel/tire combo too!!!

I have a set of spacers, but they are 1.25", used them to bolt 17x9.5 Vette wheels onto the front of my 71.
Thanks Jeff. Good to hear from you again. How's your car coming along?

jeffandre

02-13-2009, 03:43 PM

Car is coming along slowly but surely. My son is in boot camp (Marines) and graduates in April. Goal is to have car running (may not be completely legal) and cruise around the court system I live in. I want to hook up with you and Vince soon, need to start my roll cage...

Let's hook up in the next few months!

trapin

02-13-2009, 07:22 PM

Allen, I'm taking it you're in "mock-up" stage on this project. Can you give us a sneak peek at what your intentions are for the finished ride? Any renderings?

Glad to see you're back at it and making progress. I think G28 showed that these big bumpered Camaros (known in the business as mid cycle enhancement cars) can be kick ass in a Pro-Touring application.

BonzoHansen

02-13-2009, 07:29 PM

Let's hear it for "mid cycle enhancement cars"!

zbugger

02-13-2009, 07:41 PM

Yeah, very slowly but surely. I'm working on funding so I can get Kris going on a rendering for me. Hopefully soon. And yeah, G28 showed that you could make these cars cool, but I had the idea in my head since around 2000. Just no money to do it. Mine won't be as show, but it will be driven. Possibly even harder than most around here.

BonzoHansen

02-13-2009, 07:56 PM

Oh snap!

rockdogz

02-13-2009, 09:25 PM

Progress! Nice job man!

MrQuick

02-13-2009, 10:06 PM

you know, having a cleaned out garage would make your life so much easier...just a thought.

Jeff.....give me a few months to get the shop back in order. New rack coming soon. good to hear from you again. Devildog??? Man they get old quick. He was what...13 the last time I saw him?

Damn True

02-13-2009, 10:25 PM

zbugger

02-13-2009, 10:50 PM

you know, having a cleaned out garage would make your life so much easier...just a thought.
lol... That might cost me more than the car will. You still haven't seen it.

jeffandre

02-14-2009, 10:39 AM

Vince,
I'll PM ya in a bit, would like to have you come up and check the car out, share ideas as to how to proceed with cage work. Yeah he was 13 or 14. He is pretty cool now, but his high school years almost killed us!!!

Damn Tru,
I will ask him about Douglas Munroe. He is digging boot camp so far, into week 4 already. I try to write him one letter per week, giving him praise and encouragement.

craigs73

11-23-2011, 10:56 PM

lets get this thing going allen :)

Rod

11-23-2011, 11:08 PM

updates please

MrQuick

11-23-2011, 11:22 PM

yeah updates, you facebook freak

Kenova

11-25-2011, 07:08 PM

Allen?
Allen who? :poke:

Ken

craigs73

11-26-2011, 08:28 AM

hes MIA

MrQuick

11-28-2011, 02:42 AM

I got him slaving away at the shop. He would have had a few updates up but....Larry set up a Facebook Pro-touring thing soooo...we'll he might end up MIA.

lol

zbugger

11-28-2011, 10:20 PM

Updates, huh? Well, ok. So yeah, I've been kind of apprenticing at a fabrication shop and that's been keeping me real busy learning and assisting with some parts development. That and my regular job being a little crazy too. BUT.... I've been able to do a little something lately. A little while back I FINALLY picked up the short block for my motor.

51810

It's a 400 bored .040 over running an Eagle forged/internal balance crank, Scat 5.7" rods, and Ross Racing forged pistons. It's a 2 bolt main running ARP main studs. Attached to that will be a Milodon Diamond Stripper windage tray. I decided to test fit the oil pan and the heads the other day too.

51811

The oil pan is a Milodon 31505 road race pan. I'm also running the appropriate pump and pickup for this pan. The heads are some World Products Sportsman II strait plug heads with a 64cc chamber. I'm hoping for between 10:1 and 10.5:1 and still pass smog. For that the cam will be limited to a Comp HE268. Then I got a bug up my butt.

51812

The headers will be similar and I have to make sure the EGR valve clears the valve cover, but that's what it should be looking like. I can't wait to get it done though. I still have a few things to get for it. I know I can probably get it running sometime early next year, but putting it in the car might be a little while.