Project Sabre, a 1971 Cutlass Pro-Touring car for the average Joe

[SRD art]

As we all are...

['71cutlasluvr]

Sparky, will you be providing a parts and price list as you go or can we expect a compilation at the end of the build? I am trying to figure my budget priorities and what funds I should have in reserve when I start ordering parts.
Thanks.

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

I have a lot of the parts listed on our website (www.projectsabre.com) but I will be compiling a full list along with prices that I'll post on our website once completed. Shoot me an email to either [email protected] or to [email protected] and I can go over what we used, why, price, where purchased, etc

['71cutlasluvr]

I have a lot of the parts listed on our website (www.projectsabre.com) but I will be compiling a full list along with prices that I'll post on our website once completed. Shoot me an email to either [email protected] or to [email protected] and I can go over what we used, why, price, where purchased, etc

Good info. Thanks Sparky. Will email you when the time is right.

:cool:

[SparkyRnD]

We just updated the Project Sabre website to include the new bodywork pictures in the April Gallery (http://www.projectsabre.com/Apr12.html) and added the May Gallery (http://www.projectsabre.com/May12.html). The May Gallery has the recent chassis pictures and beginning suspension install. We will update the May images once the seats are mocked up and the upholsterer starts on the interior, and also when the body guy starts the finish bodywork.

Here are the body pictures:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812g-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812h-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812i-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812j-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody042812k-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody043012a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody043012b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/SabreBody043012c-1.jpg

['71cutlasluvr]

Greats Pics Sparky! I think the '71 cutlass hardtop has the nicest lines of all the gm a-bodies, especially the bulge over the rear wheels. And that has to be the smoothest I've ever seen in primer. NICE!!

[CornHusker4Life]

Sparky,

I cannot believe how far sabre has come in such a short time. I could swear I was just at Bulldawg and Jeremy was grinding away. Sabre Looks great!!

[Jeff70]

Do you plan to keep the bench seat or go after market?

[SparkyRnD]

Greats Pics Sparky! I think the '71 cutlass hardtop has the nicest lines of all the gm a-bodies, especially the bulge over the rear wheels. And that has to be the smoothest I've ever seen in primer. NICE!!
Thanks. That is based on a relatively straight car to start with, and then FOUR weeks of rough body work. We still have TWO weeks of final body work before it'll be ready for paint (not including replacing the front floorpans).


Sparky, I cannot believe how far sabre has come in such a short time. I could swear I was just at Bulldawg and Jeremy was grinding away. Sabre Looks great!!
Thanks, it's coming along and nearing the finish line


Do you plan to keep the bench seat or go after market?
Bench was sold off several months back. I bought buckets and a rear bench seat from a 2003 Monte Carlo. Joe found that 3rd or 4th gen f-body manual seat brackets bolt on, and they are going to modify to work on Sabre's floor. Then, the upholsterer is going to reupholster the seats in new leather, make new door panels and kicks, and narrow / modify the rear seat and then reupholster it as well.

[SRD art]

Looking good sparky!

[ryeguy2006a]

That body work looks excellent. Nice work. Can't wait to see the car in paint.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. I got word last Wednesday night that my dad had passed away, and I have been out of town since. I just got back into the shop today. The good news is that the chassis is assembled, and as soon as we finish detailing the brakes it will be ready to put the wheels and tires on. I'll try to get some pics posted before I leave today.

[SparkyRnD]

Joe, as mentioned before, sorry to hear of your loss. It's always hard to lose someone you care about.


On the wheels, I ordered up the hidden valve stems, and they should be here sometime early next week. They said they would call when in.

[RS_Customs]

Joe, sorry to hear about your Dad.

Robert

[car_designer]

Joe, sorry to hear about your Dad.

The body work looks great.

[csouth]

Sorry to hear about your dad Joe. I'm sure the shop will provide some therapy in your time of need.

[SparkyRnD]

I'll try to get some pics posted before I leave today.

Did you have time to download the pictures?

[deejai35]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have been motivated by this build and I hope you find encouragement in the many views, posts, and comments.

[CruizinKev]

Joe, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

[SparkyRnD]

...the chassis is assembled, and as soon as we finish detailing the brakes it will be ready to put the wheels and tires on. I'll try to get some pics posted before I leave today.

Joe, I was following up to see if you had downloaded the pictures for the assembled suspension? I ordered the flat-valve-stems, but they didn't call yet to say they were in. Manager is out until tomorrow, so I'll follow up then. If they are in, I'll swing by to get the wheels and get the tires mounted.

Also, another update: I ordered the brake cooling ducts and flanges from Jegs. I checked several places, and they had the best price, were in stock, and had free shipping to boot. Those should be here in the next couple of days.

UPDATE: hidden stems are in, going to get the wheels tomorrow and will bring them up to be mounted.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Joe, I was following up to see if you had downloaded the pictures for the assembled suspension? I ordered the flat-valve-stems, but they didn't call yet to say they were in. Manager is out until tomorrow, so I'll follow up then. If they are in, I'll swing by to get the wheels and get the tires mounted.

Also, another update: I ordered the brake cooling ducts and flanges from Jegs. I checked several places, and they had the best price, were in stock, and had free shipping to boot. Those should be here in the next couple of days.

UPDATE: hidden stems are in, going to get the wheels tomorrow and will bring them up to be mounted.

Yeah, sorry, been playing major catch-up since I got back.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1338-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1339-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1340-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1341-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1342-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

Those pictures look great, thanks Joe! I will be at the shop tomorrow afternoon to grab the wheels and take them to get the tires installed.

I also spoke to Joe earlier, and it sounds like Sabre is going to the upholsterer's shop tomorrow to start on the interior mock-up!!!

I also got word from Digi-Tails: they have the prototype panels on-hand, and they are populating them with parts and programming them with the appropriate software. They are shooting to have picture and videos tomorrow. Once everything looks good the production panels will begin. Can't wait to get them!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The wheels are at the tire shop being mounted, and we're just waiting on a call from Dark Dog to take the body over.

[SparkyRnD]

I got a message from Joe that the body is now at the upholstery shop!

Also got word that Joe was on his way to pick up the mounted wheels & tires too!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The Hankooks look awesome mounted on the Rushforth Wheels! Yes, the rear one is not the correct side...we were in a hurry and wanted to snap a pic!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1345-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1343-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1344-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_1346-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

absolutely stunning. I love that combo, and can not wait to see it all together.

[SparkyRnD]

duplicate post

[Carguello08]

great build.

[SparkyRnD]

Looks like we now have the gold too, so we can pick out paint for the engine & trans, as well as for the body. Maybe later this week I can run up to the paint shop. Joe, you want to join?

[SparkyRnD]

Dropped off the door panels, and we went over some concepts.
The rear seat still needs to be modified and mounted

['71cutlasluvr]

Joe. Sorry for the late response. Been out of town for training with limited internet access. So sorry for your loss.

Sabre is looking fantastic. So much has been done since my last log in. You guys are magicians!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Thanks Gus, for everything.

I am getting anxious too... the body should be going back to the body guy soon, and before long we'll be reuniting the painted body with the chassis. To me, that is when these projects really come to life.

['71cutlasluvr]

I agree Joe. The mating of body and chassis is a big milestone. Looking forward to it.

[SparkyRnD]

Spoke with Joe this morning at the monthly meet & greet. They are going to try to get the gold paint and start striping / cleaning / painting / reassembling the engine & trans this week. The goal is to get them both completed and back together before they have to move across the street. Plus, that will get some progress on Sabre while the body & interior work are going on.

['71cutlasluvr]

Looks great guys!! Been away for a while. Looks like I missed a lot. Time to catch up! We must be getting close to completion, eh?

Can't wait... very cool. :)

[kainedogg]

Looking forward to seeing the progress for July. Gave me a lot of inspiration for my '68 Lemans...especially the rear end option.

[SparkyRnD]

Unfortunately, not much has happened in the last 6-8 weeks. They weren't able to get the paint before the move, but Joe said now that they are settled he should be able to take a wheel to the paint & body supply shop and get the paint, and can get started on painting the trans and painting / reassembling the engine. Once they do that and get it installed, I can get a driveshaft made to fit, and then they can start on exhaust. I still need to finish the gas tank, but will need the body installed before I can finish modifying the prototype we built.

Upholsterer has been working on the interior, but needed a different rear seat. The mounts for the Monte Carlo rear seat weren't made in time before the body went to the upholsterer, and proved too difficult and time consuming once there. So, we found a stock rear seat for $100 and he is going to repad it and make it match the front Monte seats. He should be done with his mock ups by the end of the week.

At that point, the shell will go back to the body shop for finish bodywork. The body guy has already started on the finish bodywork for the front fenders and hood. He estimated 2 weeks for finish bodywork based on what was left, but with his current schedule, it might take a month or two to get to it and get it finished. Once he's done, then it's ready for paint, then back to Bulldawg for final assembly and wiring, then the interior goes back in last.

If there are no delays or issues that come up, at best, we are looking at end of September to middle of October (far cry from our original February / March deadline!). Hopefully though we can get some seat time in the car before winter and get the suspension dialed in, which will help a lot for next year's events.

[kainedogg]

Thanks for the update, we all appreciate it and are rooting for the finished product.

[GeoffP]

Sparky how about Good Guys Charlotte as your first event in the car??? Is that doable?

[SparkyRnD]

I'd like to, but don't see it happening yet.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The move has really slowed things down for us, but we should have our compressor up and running either tomorrow or Monday, and the plan is to have the engine and trans painted and reassembled, and back in the chassis by the end of the week. We should have everything done that we can do before the body goes back to the body man.

[SparkyRnD]

how is the progress going?

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Compressor is wired and plumbed. Planning to get the paint ordered tomorrow, and it should be ready for pickup by Monday.

['71cutlasluvr]

Still here guys. Waiting with great expectations. Moving is a real damper on productivity. So a September/October completion date is not unreasonable. Keep on keepin' on guys. I know the finished product will be worth the wait for all of us.

[SRD art]

Moving is a real damper on productivity.

Boy, you can say that again...

[SparkyRnD]

We are quite a bit behind the original release date of March 2012, and the later updated date of mid-summer 2012. But, we are chugging along and hope to be done in the next few months. That will give us seat time before next year's events, which we will need.

Bulldawg was shooting for having the engine and trans painted, and reinstalled in time for our upcoming Meet & Greet at their shop, this coming Saturday. Haven't heard from them in a few days, but hopefully they were able to get that tackled, and we'll get new pics this weekend.

Upholsterer is handing the shell back to the body shop, as they have all the measurements and mock up pieces they need to start the interior. Hopefully the shell will leave their shop tomorrow or Saturday morning.

Body work: they are estimating about 2 weeks worth of work on finish body work. But based on his current schedule, that may take 4-8 weeks to get done. Once it is finished, it will be ready for paint, and then back to reassembly.

LED update: Spaghetti Engineering has finished the prototypes, and we are getting the first production unit! It should be here next week sometime, and we are very excited. Here are picture of the kit that they emailed to me:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/LED1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/LED2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/LED3-1.jpg

[csouth]

Very nice...I may have to get a set when they go into production

[HectorM52]

Those lights look sweet!! I want some!!

[SparkyRnD]

Here are some updated pictures I took at the meet & greet this morning:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112g-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Sabre081112h-1.jpg

[70OldsSportsCoupe]

Man those lights are sweet, but what I really want is for them to be Olds Rocket logos. The shape of the vertical '70 housings on mine is perfect for it.
Going to have to research LED drivers for automotive use and build my own, I guess.

I hope my chassis looks that nice some day!

[SparkyRnD]

the chassis was one of the least expensive parts of this build. We removed everything, then for around $550 it was blasted and coated at ProCryo in Cumming, Georgia. I find it funny to see so many nice builds that neglect the chassis, considering how cheap it is to have it blasted and coated. When you pop open the hood or have someone lay under the car to check out components, a clean chassis just shows attention to detail and helps the other parts stand out more. If I could, I'd have the rolling chassis and suspension on display all the time, without the body. Seems a shame to cover up all the Ridetech components!

['71cutlasluvr]

Those lights look sweet!! I want some!!

Sign me up too. I'll take a set. Very Nice!

['71cutlasluvr]

Thanks for the update Sparky. As always with this type of project, delays are almost always part of the equation. But sounds like things are starting to move again. Everytime I see a notice in my email from this thread, I get motivated to get my own project going! I'm sure it will be worth the wait as there is NO WAY I could ever come close to doing something like this on my own without this kind of guidance. That Chassis looks fantastic! Drive On!

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks for the support, and I get just as excited when I see an update here too. I would like to have the car done and on the road before the end of the year, which barring any major issues, shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully Bulldawg will get some nice days here in the next week where they can paint the engine and transmission, since they don't have a dedicated booth. And, hoping that the shell goes back to the body shop soon, and the upholsterer can finish his work as well.

[SparkyRnD]

Joe, did you get paint down today on the engine / trans? Weather held up nicely :)

[deejai35]

Nice updates. The lights look great. I will have a production set one day. The frame is $550 well spent. It looks like new.

[SparkyRnD]

Nice updates. The lights look great. I will have a production set one day. The frame is $550 well spent. It looks like new.

Thanks, I agree. The frame, although covered by the body, tends to be something that the eye naturally gravitates to; and if not addressed, will stand out like a sore thumb. I love to go to car shows & cruises, and look underneath cars to see what has or hasn't been done. A majority of the nice looking cars have crappy undercarriages. Just shows that many of those people either miss the importance, or cut corners.

Update: Just got tracking for the LED lights, which should be here early next week. The body is also now back at the body shop, and they are getting started on finish body work. A little hiccup is that the car needed floor pans up front due to miniscule pin holes. I ordered pans that arrived, but unfortunately Summit sent one of the pans for a '64, and not for my '71. So that is going back and I'm waiting for the replacement to bring to the body guy. Hopefully, he can have it all finished in about 6-8 weeks, as he has a lot of other projects ahead of mine. In the meantime, the interior guy is going to work on the seats and panels.

Joe also got the transmission painted (pic below) and the engine painted (waiting on pics). Hopefully he can get them put together along with all the clutch parts, and permanently install it in the chassis. Once that is done, I will measure for and order the driveshaft. I will also be ordering the brake lines and fuel lines. The goal was to have all of that (and possible the exhaust) done and installed before the body is finished and ready for paint, and I'm hoping now that Ben is at Bulldawg, we can still achieve that.

Here is the painted transmission and bellhousing:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/SabreT56-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

I also just updated our website gallery:
http://projectsabre.com/Gallery.html

Click on the August image, and it'll take you to the August Gallery with more pictures

[gardnerme]

Looking good, Sparky! I am really digging the color choices and painting the engine to match.

Body back to paint, huh? I will have to sneak over there sometime and take a peek (except, of course, that I am really not exactly sure how to get there). :-)

[SparkyRnD]

not back to paint yet; it's back at the body shop for finish body work before paint. He estimates there is about 2 weeks worth of finish body work, plus the floor pans, but it will take 6-8 weeks to get it done based on his current work load.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The engine is mostly back together, and should be reunited with the transmission and chassis for the final time later in the week. Pics soon!

[SparkyRnD]

Cool, thanks for the update Joe!

[SparkyRnD]

I spoke with Joe last friday, and the engine was closer but not done. He said that it would be ready to mate up with the transmission this coming friday, and we should have it installed (engine, bell, clutch, trans) in the chassis by the end of the day. Body guy also put in 12 hours the previous week, and more this past weekend, so it's also getting closer.

[SparkyRnD]

A few delays set us back, but another few steps closer. Went by the shop tonight with some freshly painted parts: front cover and intake valley cover. Picked up the pan and heads, and will have those cleaned / prepped / painted over the weekend. Helping out on the project as I know Joe & the guys have a lot on their plates at the moment. Plus, this gives me something I desperately needed: time with my car! Body guy hopes to have a few more hours in next week, and the interior guy should be knocking out some work on the seats in the near future.

After we get the engine back together and mated to the transmission and installed, I'll be installing the brake and fuel lines, as well as getting a driveshaft made. A few little things like this each week will add up to a lot once the body is back from bodywork jail.

['71cutlasluvr]

Sounds good Sparky. Progress is progress. Just got my 468 in my 71 vert installed and running. Well over a year to get the engine machined right, custom brake lines with conversion to manual brakes due to the long duration, high lift cam. She pulls strong for the limited about of rpm's I am doing for break in. But Now, she doesn't stop!! Wilwood d52 two piston replacements and b10 pads on the way plus zinc plated rotors from brakeperformance out of CA. I am determined this thing will lock up the brakes like it should. She's just a driver/cruiser that I wanted to be able S&#@ and git... no autocross for this baby. That's reserved for my '71 "S".

Soooooo, I know what it feels like for things to take forever to get completed, and my project is not nearly the level of yours. I feel your pain man! Keep posting as we all have our own projects, jobs and families that keep us from checking in. I need to see you total project completed so I can stay motivated to start on my "S" this winter now the the 'vert is drivable.:drive:

Wishing you good luck on keeping the ball rolling.
:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

Bodywork is a little closer. Front fenders and hood are done, and the rest is coming along. Should hopefully be ready to paint in a few more weeks. Ordering up more bodywork supplies so the body guy can keep moving.

Interior: seats are supposed to be done in about 2 more weeks, keeping fingers crossed.

['71cutlasluvr]

Good progress Sparky. Any pics available??

[SparkyRnD]

I have a few of the engine, will get those loaded tonight. I hope to make it by the shop friday to do some work (installing the clutch, mating engine to transmission, and getting them installed (or close to it)

['71cutlasluvr]

Great! Would love to see em'. Thanks.

[BigO]

Love those LED lights. Keep us updated!!

['71cutlasluvr]

BigO, I connected with the manufacturer of those led lights, Spaghetti engineering I believe, and they are available now. They do not have the front round turn signals for a 71/72 available yet. I think I will wait and get the set. Didn't ask for a price but comparable sets with fewer led's are $199. Very reasonable for such a quality piece, IMHO. :)

[BigO]

Thanks for the update. Spaghetti told me they will be on the web site this coming Monday. I think they are going to be a great upgrade especially if done with a headlight upgrade. You could put in a nice bright LED for the front signal and have really nice lights.

['71cutlasluvr]

I didn't know led's for the stock sockets were available. You're right, that would be a nice upgrade, especially with newer headlights. More to ponder for the upcoming winter months here in new england. :cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

I completely forgot to upload the pics. I'll do that tomorrow. I don't think anything has been done to the chassis / drivetrain in the last few weeks, but I'm going to Bulldawgs shop tomorrow to check it out and put in some hours working on it, so I'll see then. I know that the body shop that has the car has done more work, and I had to order more materials for him to keep going. I hope to see it / get pics of the body in the next few days. I'll also follow up with the upholsterer to see if any progress has been made. Bodywork / Paint / Interior jail sucks.

['71cutlasluvr]

Hang in there Sparky. I'm sure the wait will ultimately be worth it. I have moved my '71 "S" out of the corner so I can start working on her now that my vert' is running. Your coverage of project Sabre will be my blueprint for my build so I am really appreciative of the pics and descriptions you post. Thanks for your efforts and please keep it coming. We look forward to the pics.
btw: I am especially interested in the mods made to the hood vents to make them functional. Detailed pics and description on how that was done would be great! Thanks. :worship:
:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

Here is how it sat a month ago (9/12/12) at Bulldawg Musclecar's shop:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3059-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3081-1.jpg

[atam]

Hey Sparky love all the bling!! You might score some points on the Lowrider circuit also. LOL.

[SparkyRnD]

you must be reading another thread, no bling here

[SparkyRnD]

No updates on pics, as it's still in the same spot with the engine beside it. I did order the brakelines today, but will have to make my own for the rear as the explorer axle has been modified with the truss and a pre-bent line won't fit. I'm also going to figure out what lines to use for fuel and get those. Also have to order the flexible brakelines to go from the stainless hardlines to the calipers.

[SparkyRnD]

Here are some pictures of the front fenders and the floorpan progress:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Drfender-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Pafender-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Pan1-1.jpg

The front fenders are done and ready for paint. The body is still being worked on, but it getting much closer. Hopefully another few weeks and it'll be ready for painting. The front floor pans had some very very tiny pin holes. Not much to worry about, but since it was down this far, I went ahead and got some new front pans to have installed, as I don't want to mess with it again.

The seat mounts are going to be redone, as they currently are just tack welded and don't have any supports or tie-ins to the structure. The body guy is tackling that as well as the floor pans. His goal is to have it in the booth between mid to late december and early january. That would put us starting to reassemble around the second week in january. With any luck, all the pieces will fall into place and it'll be on the road within a month of finishing paint. That would give us several weeks of road testing and tweaking to get it ready for spring-time events.

On the upholstery, nothing so far. He is slammed and hasn't had time to get to our seats or doors yet.

[SparkyRnD]

Met with the body guy today, and also met the painter. We went to the supply shop and bought the last of the body work materials they will need to get it ready for paint. They anticipate having it ready to go into the booth in 4 weeks. Paint should take a day or two, roughly, then it will sit in their shop for a few weeks to cure before going back to Bulldawg.

I haven't had a chance to get to Bulldawg's shop in a while, but hope to carve out some time an evening or two next week. I will skip measuring for the driveshaft until the body is mated to the frame and everything is installed, so that the measurement is 100% correct. The brakelines I ordered came in, but not to me. Someone, somewhere has a new set of stainless brakelines for a 71 cutlass. Thankfully InlineTube is filing a claim and sending me another set, which I hope to have in a week or so. Bulldawg bought the flexible lines for the fronts, so those are already at their shop. Now comes the fun part: the mad dash to finish everything before spring arrives.

[gardnerme]

I know you can't wait to see it in color, and I can't either!

[SparkyRnD]

talked to inline tube again today, apparently they neglected to file a claim and send out a replacement set last week. The rep did say he was sending out a set today, so hopefully I'll finally have brake lines early next week.

[csouth]

Joe, will you guys be in the shop on Wed this week? I'm spending Thanksgiving in Atlanta again and I was gonna stap by to check out the new place.

[SparkyRnD]

We finally received the brake lines. Funny thing was the same day they were delivered, a store a few doors down that swore up and down that they didn't receive our package, had an employee bring us the missing package. So we shipped it back to the vendor and let them know it was coming.

No real updates other than the body guy and his helper are cranking away on getting it ready for paint hopefully in a few more weeks.

['71cutlasluvr]

I see progress since my last visit. Fantastic. Looking forward to the pics guys. Keep on truckin'!

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

Been a little over six weeks since my last update on this thread. The chassis and all parts except the body are now at my house, and I will be completing the build myself from home. I also had to get all my interior parts back from the upholsterer, as nothing had been done in 9 months other than to procure some parts. I will install what I have, and after the car is back on the road I will worry about upholstery work as it's not critical to being able to drive the car at events.

The good news is that the bodywork is now completed, as is the final primer. We are waiting for a slot to open up at the paint booth so we can have it for a few days. That should be happening in the next few weeks. Once the paint is on, it will sit for 5-8 weeks at the body shop curing before reassembly onto the chassis.

During that time, I will be cleaning / painting the engine, installing new gaskets and getting it back together. I will then remate it to the trans / clutch and drop it in the chassis. I will also be installing / plumbing lines (fuel and brake), as well as installing the rest of the brake components and the headers. I will also take this time to torque all chassis and suspension bolts. I will also start mocking up the dash since it's out of the car, and getting everything else I possibly can put together, so that when the body is ready to reattach, it will speed up the process.

I have a tough few months of work ahead, but the goal is to get it on the road before the end of spring. I appreciate all the support and positive comments over the last 16 months, and will ensure there are more frequent updates as the project progresses.

[GeoffP]

Go Sparky Go!! I expect to see Sabre at no less than 1 event this year!! :)

[SparkyRnD]

God willing, I will be at every southeastern event, and maybe a few outside of there!

[deejai35]

God willing, I will be at every southeastern event, and maybe a few outside of there!

I hope you make it to Good Guys in Columbus. I would love to see the car in person and shake your hand.

[SparkyRnD]

If not this year, next as it would be fun to go north for a trip.

Looks like we may have a little delay in the paint being applied. Looks like our body man / painter came down with a nasty virus and is in the hospital for a little while. I'll be praying that he gets better and makes a full recovery, as he's a good friend besides one heck of a body man.

['71cutlasluvr]

You're on a roll Sparky. Keep goin'... she'll get done before you know it. Can't wait to see the pics. I hope to use as much of your formula as possible on my '71 "S". In fact, I bought a rottiserie to allow me to really get the body cleaned up and ready for the already blasted/primed/painted chassis. Lot's of work, as is your's, but will be worth it in the long run. Winter is slowing down assembly of the rottiseire though. Too cold to paint and prep before assembly, but we'll get there eventually. Every time I get a bit depressed on the progress of my project, I look at this thread and realized we all go through this type of ups and downs during a project like this.

So hang in there and keep the faith... you're getting there.:twothumbs

btw: Any chance you coming to southern New England in the future? Probably not, I'd guess, but thought I would ask anyway.

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks Gus! Over the next couple weeks I should have more updates coming along, as well as pictures. The body guy is still sick, and keeps going in and out of the hospital, so that part is on hold until he's back to a stable level.

For a trip to NE, it's not in the cards at this time, but I would like to get to some events up that way later this year or next if time / money allow it.

['71cutlasluvr]

Bummer on the body guy being sick. Hope he gets well soon.
I look forward to the pics. And if the cards allow, looking forward to a visit by you and Sabre to Connecticut.

:cheers:

[darksider1911]

I cant wait to see this thing finished. I have a '71 s that Im borrowing some ideas for from this thread. hopefully your bogy guy gets better so you can have some paint laid down on the cutty.

[SparkyRnD]

You and me both!

The body guy called a little while ago; he and his helper are going to get back on it today and were double checking the fenders and hood to make sure there wasn't any shrinkage or areas that need a final touch up before the booth. Based on current plans, if they can get in the booth by the first week of February, we're looking at the shell being reattached to the body around the middle or end of March. Then I would anticipate 2-4 weeks of reassembly as I have to do it during evenings and weekends.

Also, one of my old engine builders who had retired contacted me the other day, letting me know that he was looking to take on some engine projects if I knew of anyone looking. Lucky for me, as the LQ4 for Sabre needed to be gone through and checked / cleaned. Unfortunately, when it was painted there was dirt / rust / scale that was painted over, and there was paint over the deck surface, etc. The only way to get it truly cleaned and to the level that it needed to be is to completely disassemble it, have it baked to remove the paint and oils, and then have it shot-blasted. Since I needed to go down that far, I might as well have the bearings, rings and everything else inspected and replace what I can while in there. My buddy retired after 40 years of building engines, and is the best I've ever known (multiple magazine builds, drag and other race car team builds). He's going to go through it, check every single part and make a game plan for us. Hopefully we won't have to bore it or replace pistons, as those will make it expensive. The best part is it is someone I have a long standing relationship with, I trust him, and he'll make it perfect. He had a trip planned already, so he won't finish the build until around mid-march, which will be right on time with the body.

The above being taken care of will allow me to spend the next 6-8 weeks finishing up the plumbing along the chassis, reinstalling all the brake components, buttoning up the rear end, and finishing up the suspension and torquing it all down.

[SShep71]

Sparky, if your gonna bake/blast it your going to have to at least hone it. But your doing the right thing.

[SparkyRnD]

yes we know that, but honing is easy and inexpensive; boring and changing pistons adds a lot more that may not be necessary, which is why we're going to check everything and set up the map.

[SShep71]

The whole time I was in an automotive machine shop I have never tried to hone a block after shot peening it. I am not saying it cant be done. I have always gone through the works when someone went that far, line hone, deck, bore, hone w/tq plate, burinsh the lifter bores, etc. I have on several occasions used several methods to protect the machines surfaces to shot peen a block for a customer that wanted to paint it. I know that old pistons with rings and bearings are a hell of a way to protect bores, and bearing surfaces. I hope it works out for you guys

[SparkyRnD]

I spoke with our body guy and while he's still not 100%, he and his helper have the body sanded with 220 (after final bodywork was done). they are working on 320 this week / weekend, and then will hit it with 600 wet before going into the booth. We're shooting for next weekend to lay paint, if all the stars align.

[SparkyRnD]

Looks like the rough sanding is done, and still have to do the 320 after primer is finished, then the 600 will be done the day before we go into the booth. They are just about ready, and we are only waiting for a slot to open up at the paint shop. I hope to have good news in the next week or two.

[gardnerme]

I can't wait to see it (as I am sure you can't either)!

[SparkyRnD]

Yep, been a while coming. The last bit always takes the most time, but we're close.

Ordered the front and rear brake pads today, and will be ordering the flexible brakelines later this week.

[SparkyRnD]

Brake pads are in. Primer is finally done. The body guy found a few areas he wasn't happy with, so he went over them again and completed it to his liking. they now are getting ready for 320 sanding, and then we'll schedule the booth.

I also ordered all the flexible brakelines and fittings, as well as the hydraulic clutch lines and a remote bleed kit so I don't have to crawl under it to bleed the clutch. Will also be adding a driveshaft loop now, as they require drilling some holes in the floor and I don't want to do that after paint / interior / undercoating.

[GeoffP]

The remote bleeder is a must with an LS T56... wish I would've put one in!

[T.K.]

Kind of embarrassing that i tracked this entire build read so many cool things and the only thing that I can remember is that if I ever do a cutlass im cutting out the quarters and replacing with chevelle or buick quarters. doors and fenders if i have to, to make it look right.

love the look riding on ride tech, and im sure the ride will be just as great. great car i wish atlanta was closer

[SparkyRnD]

thanks, and filling those holes made a great difference. Jason Rushforth had amazing vision when he came up with the Project Sabre concept. I can't wait to have it on the road and the track

[ent72olds]

Kind of embarrassing that i tracked this entire build read so many cool things and the only thing that I can remember is that if I ever do a cutlass im cutting out the quarters and replacing with chevelle or buick quarters. doors and fenders if i have to, to make it look right.

love the look riding on ride tech, and im sure the ride will be just as great. great car i wish atlanta was closer

Huh?....:confused:

[SparkyRnD]

I believe he's referring to the body on Sabre, where we filled in the front and rear side markers in the body, making the bottoms smooth similar to the chevelle. if that isn't what he meant, then I have no idea ;-)

[SparkyRnD]

The body man called, and other than the hood, the 320 is all finished on sanding. That means the last step (other than the hood) before paint is 600 wet, and they'll do that the night before we go into the booth. I'll be meeting with him hopefully tomorrow to discuss when we can get in, and get Sabre out of paint jail!

All the rest of the brakelines and fittings are in, and we'll be starting on installing those next week sometime.

[SparkyRnD]

Talked to the body guy today, and they are going to knock out the last round of sanding on the hood this weekend if all works out. There were a few things they didn't like (was warped pretty bad when others had cut / welded the hood for me) so they were going over it again (makes about 3-4 rounds so far). The goal is to be in the booth in 1-2 more weeks if nothing else stalls it. Slow going, but the quality will be worth the wait.

[SparkyRnD]

A little update ;-)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0091-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0092-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Well it's about time! Lol! Congrats man, good to see it in the booth!!!!

[csouth]

Good to see you back at it....

[SparkyRnD]

Epoxy was put on last night on the floor and trunk. They are masking now and should have some paint pictures shortly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0093-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0094-1.jpg

['71cutlasluvr]

Whoo Hooo! Progress! Can't wait to see her painted. :yeah: It has been a miserable winter up here and I need some motivation to get my "S" on the rotisserie and start the undercarriage cleaning. Well, once it gets out of the 30's anyway.
:crying:

[SparkyRnD]

You and me both! For motivation, use up that cold time to get as much done as you can, as when it's warm and nice, you'll want to be outside doing fun stuff

[SparkyRnD]

The painters got the car masked where needed and applied sealer. The paint will go on hopefully tomorrow morning.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0095-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0097-1.jpg

[KnightMare]

I know it's going to feel good to have paint on the car again after years of waiting

[ent72olds]

:bananna2:Yeah Sparky!

[SparkyRnD]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0098-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0099-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0100-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0103-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0104-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0105-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

And the first rounds of clear:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0107-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/E41A0108-1.jpg


I will have much better pictures posted tomorrow night.

[KnightMare]

Can't wait to see it with the wheels you got already. It should really pop

[GeoffP]

Lookin' good Sparky!

[atam]

Aw Man that is awesome!!

[Mr T81]

Looking very good. Can't wait to see final assembly.
Keep the pics coming....

[SparkyRnD]

the body is going to sit for 6-8 weeks so the paint will have ample time to cure properly. We'll be installing brakelines, and going through everything else we can in the meantime. Once it's cured, we'll reattach to the body and start final assembly. We will be adding undercoating, but have to wait for the paint to properly cure before we mask it off for that.

[car_designer]

Looking good. Can't wait to see the next round of pics.

[ent72olds]

I love brown! Glad to see you are actually going with it! The vista cruiser will be in the same family!

[SparkyRnD]

Got a chance to go to the booth and take a look at Sabre this morning. The color is unbelievable, and the depth and pearl are out of this world. My camera just can't do it justice. The color also changes a LOT depending on the lighting. At night, it will look black; at dawn and dusk it almost looks burgundy; during the day, vibrant rich brown. I sat for about an hour just looking at it from several angles and am completely in love with this car and paintjob. Now the worst part, waiting the roughly 8 weeks to finish assembling it. At least the good part is there is a ton of work on the rest of the car between now and then, that will hopefully keep me distracted from staring at the paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Brown6-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

oh, and we did not go with the Venza brown. This is a different color I found that I liked MUCH better.

[csouth]

Looking good. Did you decide against the stripes?

[SparkyRnD]

hood stripes are still going on, but will be after.

[ent72olds]

Sparky....thank you for the real pictures today! The cell phone pics weren't cutting it! Brown and Gold is gonna look killer in the sunlight. I hope the plan is to get some pro photos done once she is on the road.....something like these! My buddy's Javelin...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[SparkyRnD]

those are great photos. Eventually I'd like professional pictures, but those will be a ways out after I pay for everything that's left

[darksider1911]

what color did you end up going with? that is beautiful. I cant wait to see a pic of it in the sunlight should look amazing.

[SparkyRnD]

can't give away all the details ;-)

This color is pretty much everything I never knew I wanted. I really have to thank Jason Rushforth for the rendering and the bold color choices. It is the difference between a great looking car, and a truly memorable car that stands out.

[SparkyRnD]

minor update: we dropped off the body with the cutter / buffer on Saturday, and he will be starting on it later this week or early next.

I also spoke to our engine guy, and we have to install new rings. During the tear down (by others) a ton of debris got into the rings, and they rotated the engine which broke a portion of the rings. Had we tried to run it, the scrapers wouldn't have removed the oil and the engine would have been a massive blue smoker. Live and learn I suppose. They are going to check the line bore and the bearings, but should be able to get it all rebuilt in the next couple of weeks.

[GeoffP]

Man that stinks. At least it'll be right! What heads are you using on it?

[SRD art]

Likin' the color Sparky! Are you still going to add stripes?

[SparkyRnD]

Heads are going to be stock heads, and yes stripes are coming

[gearheads78]

Paint looks incredible! Looking forward to seeing it all together.

[SparkyRnD]

spoke to the cutter / buffer, and after he sanded the whole car with 1,000 grit and then again with 3,000 grit, he started polishing. Called me to say that there were still waves and he wasn't happy. Said he would spend more time and call me back. About two hours later, the phone rings and he says 'no problem, all is good again. I sanded the whole car again, started buffing and its coming out like a mirror'. I love good news. They will hopefully have it ready in another week to bring home, where I will let it sit for a while to allow the paint to fully cure before we start reassembly.

[SparkyRnD]

Spoke to the buffer and he was out sick for about a week, and will be back on the last of the buffing in the next week or so. he said it's coming out like smooth glass :)

My engine builder was knee-deep in the rebuild, and was having issues installing the cam bearings. Turns out, 2003 had a mid-year change to the cam bearings. The parts I was sold were for the first generation style, while the engine turned out to be a second generation style (of course this wasn't noted with the engine, nor was it an option when I was ordering parts). He was able to source the correct cam bearings and is moving right along. The odd thing is that the rings and mains I received were correct for the second gen version, but would have been wrong for a first gen style. Odd. He hopes to have it done soon and back to me for painting / finish assembly.

[SparkyRnD]

Got a picture from our buffer / polisher showing a little detail on Sabre:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/SabreBuffing-1.jpg

He was about 20' up in the rafters. the reflection is the skylights about 25-30' above. He hopes to have it finished this week.

Also, the engine rebuilder returned the engine to me today. Going to block out some time to properly mask it and paint it over the next week or so, and then finish reassembly and get it mated to the transmission. It's starting to come together!

[ent72olds]

Yay! Lookin great Sparky! That wouldn't be an Audi brown.....would it?

[SRD art]

Lookin good!

I think you made the right decision to go through the motor. In the end you won't have regretted it. About 15 years ago I had a choice to do or not to do with the 400 that's in my wagon. I chose to do. about 90,000 miles later and after being in 3 different cars it still runs fantastic and holds 55 lbs of oil pressure at idle, even after driving for 18 hours straight.

Besides, you're gonna need the extra power of a fresh motor when you and I meet at an event one day. Lol! :poke:

Keep the updates coming... :cool:

[SparkyRnD]

No, not from an Audi ;-)

Went to the painter's place this weekend and he had the first layer of the stripes put down. We had decided to try following the contours of the raised section of the hood as it seemed more natural to put it there. But after doing so, we realized the Jason's rendering was dead on, and we are going to follow the concept on the stripes. Another week or two and the hood will be ready to take to the cutting / buffing shop to get it cleaned up.

[car_designer]

The car is looking great so far. If we're taking guesses on the source of the colour, I'll go with Toyota :)

[SparkyRnD]

could be...

[deejai35]

I keep seeing a Toyota Venza with that color. Either way, it looks great.

['71cutlasluvr]

Hey Hey Sparky! Finally made it back! So sorry for the absence. Rough winter plus lots of illness in my family. So glad spring is finally here.

Man, what a BEAUTIFUL shade of brown!! Sabre is looking fantastic! I am so looking forward to seeing the completed car with the Rushforth wheels on. I have no doubts that it will be well worth the time, money, effort and WAITING! :guilty:

btw: I have reignited my Cutlass "S" project with the news of an autocross and road course being added to my local track, Thompson Speedway. They are only about 30 minutes away so I will finally have a venue for my autocrosser.

Since last posting here, I have the body on the rotisserie and in the garage awaiting blasting and body work. Paint is in basically good shape so the color will remain. (it's a dodge color from '91. Neon Blue) Just some rust repair on the drivers rear lower quarter, undercoating, surface rust underneath, and chips, dings and minor dents to be cleaned up. Frame has been tweaked so needs an alignment before I can start on the frame notch mods in the rear.
Here are a few pics. I have a long road ahead of me, but I look forward to the journey. Maybe we will make it to the new autocross track in 2015 :fingersx:

77199772007720177202

Project Sabre continues to motivate me Sparky. Keep the updates coming. It's a joy to see another Olds getting the autox treatment in such a big way.

[SparkyRnD]

Gus, glad to hear the project is moving forward, and thanks for the compliments on Sabre! I got word from our cutter & buffer that he's finished and it's ready to pick up and bring home (except the hood, which we will bring to him once the stripes are done). I'm going to be installing the brakes over the next week or so, and going through the suspension to reorient parts that were installed backwards and check all the torque settings. At the same time, I'll be prepping the engine for paint and once painted, I will mate it to the trans along with the clutch, and drop it in the chassis. Should be a busy month. Once I pick up the body, I'll get some good quality photos and will post them here.

['71cutlasluvr]

Good news Sparky. Your paint men are top notch. The shine is deep and mirror-like. Fantastic! Man I hope my paint comes out half as good as Sabre's!
Still lots of work for you to do but progress is progress!

I initially hoped to duplicate your air intake system through the faux scoops but have since scored a repro OAI hood from a friend who went with a top of the line Thornton. Already painted but I think black stripes will help tone down the neon blue dodge color (hood is painted viking blue here, so imagine with black stripes and the neon blue seen on the body in the previous pics) Do you agree?? see pic below.

I am watching project Sabre closely and taking notes as you have already done the research with input from the industry's best. The Rushforth wheels are a given, but I'm still gathering info for brakes, suspension components (that will augment the hotchkiss tvs extreme that is already in place), tires, frame mods (notching the rear frame for extra space for bigger rear tires... 335mm?) etc.

As always, looking forward to the pics. Can't get enough motivation from project Sabre!

:cheers:

77205

[SparkyRnD]

We picked up the body from the buffer (Scott Dargis) this weekend and brought it home. He sanded and buffed the car 4x, and worked absolute wonders! The body & paint guy is David Sloan, and he is also tackling some fabrication work for the project as well. He did an absolutely amazing job with our budget, and fixed tons of mistakes, warped sheet metal, etc to get the car to where it is right now. I couldn't be happier with what he did, and he will get all my projects, large or small. He did this work in his personal home garage in his spare time, and painted it in a rented booth (he is opening up a new shop shortly and is already lining up a few Pro-Touring.com member's projects).

Here are some pictures with my crappy camera phone, which doesn't show all the detail in the reflections (and the pics were reduced for size). The color changes depending on sun, shade, artificial light, angle, etc and it is just plain awesome in my opinion. The reflections are so clear that standing in front of the car, you can read words on boxes / stickers behind you. I'm blown away.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Buffed-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Buffed1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Buffed2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Buffed3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Buffed4-1.jpg

[HectorM52]

Why didn't you shave the drip rails?

[SparkyRnD]

because I like them and plan on driving it, which will mean driving in the rain sometimes. I know lots of people like to shave them, but I didn't see a need and didn't want to spend the money on it

[protouring70]

Looks incredible. ..what color is that?

[SparkyRnD]

a secret shade of brown ;)

['71cutlasluvr]

Wow! Never new brown could look so gorgeous! Maybe UPS should go with that one, eh? I especially like the shots down along the side of the car... the term "mirror-like" just doesn't seem to the do job justice...

And I agree with keeping the drip rails. If it's going to be driven (and it does rain at times when we don't expect it) those rails definitely help to keep the rain out of a slightly opened window, especially if you don't have a/c to help clear the foggy windshield. Are you going to keep the rails clean, i.e. without the stainless trim piece Oldsmobile installed on the car when new? I had considered adding them as a previous owner omitted them when it was painted last... but the clean, uncluttered look kinda grows on you. I may omit the wheel well stainless as well as the strip that runs along the trunk lip near the bumper. Of course, fat tires may necessitate rolling the finder lips so the trip is out anyway I guess.

Are you going to make Sabre sans stainless trim?

Keep on truckin' Sparky. Lookin' Good.

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

There will be very limited chrome, if any

['71cutlasluvr]

There will be very limited chrome, if any


Very cool. Good choice. Clean is good. Any idea when you think she'll be on the road and on the autox track??

[SparkyRnD]

probably this fall sometime

[HectorM52]

Pssshhhhttt!! We need to get this thing up on AMP!!

[SparkyRnD]

I'd love to have it done sooner, but with as much needs to be done, that's probably pushing it. David is in the middle of another project at the moment, and won't be able to finish the underside and rest of his work until probably middle of July. Then I get it back and will be mating the chassis to the body sometime after that. Then I will have to knock out the wiring and reassembly / details, then off to the interior shop and exhaust.

[ToddW702]

Hello,

I am new to the forum but have been following this thread since Jan of this year. First things first your car is beautiful and I get excited to look at the progress every time I log on. The color is awesome (I think I saw a Nissan Armada with similar color:) I would like to ask one question though do you have the specs on the rims as far as offset and backspacing, I truly believe you have one of the most beautiful Cutlass' I have ever seen I can't wait to see it on the chassis and how it sits.

[Karls73]

This a beautiful car. I love the color. Keep up the great work.

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks guys. I can't stop staring at the paint and the reflection :-)

For the rims, they are 19 up front and 20 in the rear, and I'd have to check on the width. Fronts are a GM bolt pattern and rears are Ford

['71cutlasluvr]

probably this fall sometime

That's great Sparky. Looking forward to seeing some vids/pics of your pride and joy on the autox track. Keep on truckin'!

:cool:

btw: I am intrigued with your custom radiators and fan with shroud package for my 442 clone autox project. When the time comes, I will call you directly to discuss what will be the best package for my engine/tranny combo.

:cheers:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

whooooaaaah.. dont know how I missed this thread..


the paint looks GREAT sparkman.. I couldnt roll around in something that nice!

[car_designer]

The car looks great!

[David Sloan]

Thanks Rayan
For trusting me to do your paint work. I'am working on getting a shop to work out of,
just to hard to do it at home anymore.
Thankyou all for looking and liking my work.

[godlemmy]

very nice ride. i love that color.i plan on painting my 79 monte a brown,but can't find any that don't have a red tint.please let us know if it's a custom mix or a stock color.

[SparkyRnD]

btw: I am intrigued with your custom radiators and fan with shroud package for my 442 clone autox project. When the time comes, I will call you directly to discuss what will be the best package for my engine/tranny combo.
I'd be glad to help, just let me know. Sabre will be rocking one of our A-body radiators and fan kits


the paint looks GREAT sparkman.. I couldnt roll around in something that nice!
Thanks Mr. V. I plan on rocking this sucker, and it WILL get some chips / nicks. Already has two from when we picked it up (my fault, and I'm glad they are there) :)


The car looks great!
thanks!


Thanks Ryan For trusting me to do your paint work. I'am working on getting a shop to work out of, just to hard to do it at home anymore. Thankyou all for looking and liking my work.
David, I should be the one giving the thanks. You not only took my car and fixed issues, you took it to a whole different level, far surpassing my expectations. You also deserve a STRONG recommendation, as you did EXACTLY what you said you would, and had great communication. For anyone looking for someone to handle body / paint / etc., David gets my vote. With any build, there are issues that come up, and when those appeared, David called me to discuss and figure out solutions. He was very fair on price, and everything he said he would do, he did. I will bring all of my projects to him for as much as he is willing to do, even if I have to wait.



please let us know if it's a custom mix or a stock color.
Once it is assembled and on the road, I'll be more than happy to give out the color info :)

['71cutlasluvr]

.............. I would like to ask one question though do you have the specs on the rims as far as offset and backspacing, I truly believe you have one of the most beautiful Cutlass' I have ever seen I can't wait to see it on the chassis and how it sits.

I agree with ToddW702 Sparky. I would really like to know the backspacing and other specs for those beautiful Rushforth rims. You've done all the research and know what will and will not work. It would be a great help to those like me who would like to duplicate your efforts to have those specs in hand before we order our own Rushforth rims.

I am also curious why you went with a staggered 20" rear, 19" front while most autox'ers seem to run the same size wheels on all 4 corners. Aside from the cool look, can you say why you went with this combo instead of 18's or 19's all around?

Keep on truckin' Sparky.

:usa:

['71cutlasluvr]

https://www.pro-touring.com/images/icons/icon1.png

https://www.pro-touring.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by '71cutlasluvr https://www.pro-touring.com/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?p=999422#post999422)
btw: I am intrigued with your custom radiators and fan with shroud package for my 442 clone autox project. When the time comes, I will call you directly to discuss what will be the best package for my engine/tranny combo.



I'd be glad to help, just let me know. Sabre will be rocking one of our A-body radiators and fan kits


Sounds like a plan Sparky. Will do!

:cheers:

['71cutlasluvr]

https://www.pro-touring.com/images/icons/icon1.png

https://www.pro-touring.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by '71cutlasluvr https://www.pro-touring.com/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?p=999422#post999422)
btw: I am intrigued with your custom radiators and fan with shroud package for my 442 clone autox project. When the time comes, I will call you directly to discuss what will be the best package for my engine/tranny combo.



I'd be glad to help, just let me know. Sabre will be rocking one of our A-body radiators and fan kits


Sounds like a plan Sparky. Will do!

:cheers:


Hi Sparky,

Well, looks like I may be springing for one of your kits sooner than I expected. Not a good weekend for me. Was out in my '71 cutlass convertible, fortunately not traveling very fast, when a deer jumped out. I swerved to the right to avoid the deer but hit a telephone pole doing about 20 mph. Not injuries (maybe a bit of whiplash as my neck started to hurt 24 hours later) but my poor 'vert is a sad and sorry sight. Might post a pic after the adjuster has come and gone.. hurts just to look at her.. :crying: .

I have been told it looks worse than it is... mainly core support and sheet metal as I believe the impact was to the right of the passenger side frame horn/core support. Engine is fine... was running until I shut her off. I do have good insurance so we will see how they handle.

To the point, on the cooling side, I had installed a Summit Racing universal radiator, which worked great keeping the big 468 cu in cool, but it was a tedious thing for me to fab silly little brackets to keep the plastic shroud from hitting the metal fan. Lots of trial and error plus the clutch fan is noisey during startup. I will have to see what I get from the insurance company and what the final cost of repairs will be, but perhaps your setup will be a time saver as well as more installer friendly with the electric fans and integral shroud. I will need the trans cooler too as I am running a th350 and eventually (probably now) a th200 r4 i had rebuilt for this car for future use.

Sorry all for taking up forum space, but I'd like to offer some advice to my fellow enthusiasts... avoid deer at all costs! Hitting the deer could have had it come through the windshield and hurt or killed me, so I am very thankful as it could have been worse. In the end, the telephone pole was the better choice, if there is such a thing.....

Sparky, please PM as to when a good time to call would be so we can discuss the proper package for my 'vert.

:help:

[SparkyRnD]

I agree with ToddW702 Sparky. I would really like to know the backspacing and other specs for those beautiful Rushforth rims.

fronts have 5.5" BS and the rears are 4.625" BS. The rear axle is a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer, and is 1/4" wider on each end (1/2" overall), so make sure to take that into consideration. Mine also have a GM pattern up front and a Ford pattern in the back.



I am also curious why you went with a staggered 20" rear, 19" front while most autox'ers seem to run the same size wheels on all 4 corners. Aside from the cool look, can you say why you went with this combo instead of 18's or 19's all around?

Sure. First and foremost, I went with the combo sizes based on the look that we were trying to achieve. The cutlass has some large fenders and the 19/20 looked the best to me. Also, the fact that the front and rear were different lug patterns and backspacing meant they wouldn't be able to be rotated around all four corners, but rather only side to side. That meant there wasn't much need to have them all the same size to be able to be rotated. Why not change the axle shafts to match the GM lug pattern? Because I wanted to have strong components on the car that I could replace with stock units from local parts yards or parts store chains if or when needed. So if I'm driving the car hard at an event and break an axle shaft or strip the splines, etc., I can pull one from any similar year ford explorer in a bone yard and be back on the track immediately (versus having the lug spacing changed, means if I broke one on a track, I'd be down for longer as a standard used shaft wouldn't accept the wheels).


looks like I may be springing for one of your kits sooner than I expected

Sorry to hear about the wreck, but at least you're ok. Cars can always be rebuilt. I'll send a PM.

[kmdracer]

Awesome color!

[SparkyRnD]

thanks! I can't wait to get it all back together and have everyone see the combo with the wheels / hood / etc.

['71cutlasluvr]

Got your PM Sparky and I sent a response today. I'm sure we'll be doing some business in the near future. Probably twice over as I have two cars.

Yes, I agree. If I did not swerve to miss the deer and she came through the windshield, in a 'vert no less, then I may not be here typing this. The little bit of whiplash is a small price to pay for avoiding the deer completely. Even if it didn't kill me, I could have been paralyzed to some degree, so I am thankful for the final outcome. It is actually an opportunity to do the resto I had always wanted so we have the proverbial silver lining. :twothumbs

Posted a couple of pics. Still hurts to look at her this way but plans are in place and parts are getting ordered to make her better than before. Unfortunately, I can only do one project at a time so my "S" autocrosser is off the rotisserie and awaiting the 'vert once I get the ok to start stripping the car down. But I will stay tuned to Project Sabre as the w30 project will only be a cruiser/show car while my autocrosser "S" will be the REALLY fun car.

Keep on truckin' Sparky. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!
:cheers:


7964679645

[Jeff70]

Those pics make my stomach hurt as I have a 71 Cutlass conv also.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/newcutlasspics004_zpse9d0a444-1.jpg

['71cutlasluvr]

Those pics make my stomach hurt as I have a 71 Cutlass conv also.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/newcutlasspics004_zpse9d0a444-1.jpg

Thanks for sharing my pain Jeff70. She has been sitting in my garage in that state since the 5th, but thankfully I got the ok from my body man to start the teardown so out comes the body saw, cherry picker, air ratchet and socket sets. After the shock wore off in a few days, I've been chompin' at the bit to get started. Time to start the resurrection. :yeah:

btw: Nice pic of your vert! Love the blue. Is that viking blue?? Always like that color...the burgundy on mine is not original.. previous owner painted it a 1988 Olds color, a maroon metallic I think. I am wrestling with black or white W30 stripes. Interior will stay white. I like the black better and was thinking a black top will compensate for black stripes and white interior. The other option is to go with white stripes but deviate a bit from stock and basic white to perhaps a subtle pearl white. Decisions decisions. :dunno:

Here's a pic similar to yours (top down windows up, even white walls!) when I did the first firewall forward resto in 2005. She was a beauty, shiney but definitely a 20 footer... paint was pretty bad on the trunk and the drivers side. Can't tell in this pic though. Ah the memories....:crying:

79817

[SparkyRnD]

we've been a little tied up lately with projects and one of our shop trucks, but we'll be back on Sabre in the next week with a few (small) updates. We're trying to schedule time with the paint & body guy to finish up the underside, firewall and dash so we can reattach the body to the chassis and start reassembly. The hood, header panel and headlight surrounds will be done after that, as he's looking for a shop space and wants to paint it in a booth (I may end up renting a booth for a day or two so he can finish it).

[SparkyRnD]

I'll post this here again so I can keep my motivation going.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Sabre1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Sabre2-1.jpg

[67speedfreak]

Rendering looks killer !

[gbledsoe3]

What did you do with the wiper motor recessed area? Just cover it?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMG_1011-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

the original wiper motor area was filled in, and I wanted to use a modern cadillac style hidden wiper system that goes in the cowl area. A recessed area was built and linkage was modified to fit. We'll see if and how it works after I can start getting the body back together, and will have to do some custom wiring to make it all work.

['71cutlasluvr]

we've been a little tied up lately with projects and one of our shop trucks, but we'll be back on Sabre in the next week with a few (small) updates. We're trying to schedule time with the paint & body guy to finish up the underside, firewall and dash so we can reattach the body to the chassis and start reassembly. The hood, header panel and headlight surrounds will be done after that, as he's looking for a shop space and wants to paint it in a booth (I may end up renting a booth for a day or two so he can finish it).

Hey Sparky. Got your PM. Hey, progress is progress. Hope your guy can break free for a while and get back on Sabre. Of course, now the tables are turned and you are waaaaay ahead of me, both on my w30 'vert replica AND my Cutalss "S" 442 (modified replica) hardtop autox'er. I got the most of the front apart Saturday. It was kinda mangled and needed a cutoff wheel for some the brackets. Very labor intensive and after 8 hours I was exhausted. 5 more hours on Sunday of cleanup and picking up the scrap metal off of the driveway with my tractor and I need a day off! I'd forgotten how much WORK taking one of these cars apart really is. We found a new local powder coater who can do full frames. On my autocrosser, I stripped, blasted and painted the frame myself. In those days I had much more free time AND energy. I understand why you would rent a booth just to get things going for Sabre. I'm in the same boat.... I'm going to go the powder coat route. Blasting and powder coat will be about $1k, but I need to get the frame done, body stripped and back on a rolling chassis so my body man can work his magic. My ultimate goal is to have the body completely painted and assembled then back to my home garage for a long, slow reassembly. EVERYTHING will be replaced that I have't already done, i.e. wiring, interior, sound insulation (probably lizard skin before paint is done), a/c components and/or seals, etc. Man this is going to take a long time, but it will be worth the wait, just like Sabre!

Looking forward to seeing Sabre's chassis and body mated. It will be a happy day!!
:yeah:

[SparkyRnD]

David Sloan is coming over today to start working on the underside of the body. Going to get it lifted on stands and start taping & masking off to sand & apply bedliner. One step closer!

['71cutlasluvr]

David Sloan is coming over today to start working on the underside of the body. Going to get it lifted on stands and start taping & masking off to sand & apply bedliner. One step closer!

:twothumbs

[SparkyRnD]

we realized we didn't have enough materials, so made a run to the body supply shop and got epoxy, tape, scuff pads, catalyst and bedliner, as well as a bedliner spray gun. Got the car up about 3-4' in the air and he got almost all of the underside scuffed and ready, and the firewall ready too. Going to hit the underside in a few spots tomorrow with a 4" die grinder and a wire wheel to get it where we want, then tape / bag the car. The following weekend or the one after that we'll hit it with 3 coats of epoxy, then the next day the bedliner. Good progress for a muggy Georgia day!

[SparkyRnD]

got the underside 99% done, just a few spots left to hit where the jack stands are right now. Firewall is also scuffed and ready for epoxy. Waiting on the supply place for the epoxy and a few other items that were not in stock, so hopefully this coming weekend or next to spray the rest of it, as well as the engine. Then we'll be ready to reattach the body to the chassis

[CornHusker4Life]

Seriously Sparky! No pics??? That is like reading a romance novel and not looking at a playboy

[SparkyRnD]

gotta use yer' mind powers! I'll get some pics once we lay down the epoxy and bedliner in the next week or two. But at least we're making progress and it is getting closer to being done. From what I see that has to still be done, it will keep me busy into winter, and hopefully will emerge in early spring for some fun.

[SRD art]

Lol, are they ever done? Good to hear things are moving along. I'm looking forward to seeing the Fat Boy on the road!!! Keep 'er movin' along...

[SparkyRnD]

I feel that everything is always a work in progress. But catching up from long delays and having to redo work that others messed up, replace missing / broken parts and rebuilding an engine that was damaged by others slows everything way down. But we're getting there, and I'm glad to have David Sloan working on the car. He has delivered exactly what he said he would thus far, and I like his work.

[SparkyRnD]

We got the car bagged and prepped, and put down the epoxy this weekend:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/SabreEpoxy6-1.jpg


We will be applying the bedliner undercoating sometime in the next 6-7 days.

['71cutlasluvr]

Man, that is one clean car!! Wish my floors looked that good! Thanks for the pics Sparky. I don't have much of an imagination (ask my wife!) so pics are always a good thing for me.

Closer and closer.. hopefully we'll see the finished beauty in the fall.

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

David got the bedliner applied today:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Bedliner1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Bedliner2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Bedliner3-1.jpg

Next step will be reattaching the body to the chassis in a couple weeks (due to scheduling)

[Ravenworks]

79646

Ouch! That's painful to look at indeed!
Me and my boys (step-sons) just finished restoring the car their Dad left them, a 1972 Cutlass. It was wasn't running for nearly 6 years, they treasure it and it's fun to see them enjoying the car that Dad used to drive them in as little boys.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/61790_10201355641350067_322536661_n_zpsd-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/Ravenworks-PorterMuffler/media/61790_10201355641350067_322536661_n_zpsdadc8765.jp g.html)

Sparky, they are watching this build too! Can't wait to see it together!!!

['71cutlasluvr]

Ravenworks, that is one sweet '72 cutty! Kudo's to you and your boys on the fine job... well done gentlemen. :yeah:

Even though the pic is painful, the teardown was even worse... some unseen damage to the heater box, the passenger side header, etc. But the good news is that we have a change in plans. Have decided to put the 'vert away and concentrate on the '71 hardtop auto cross project... she is much closer to completion and the engine that was in the 'vert was destined for the hardtop anyway. Just waiting for the insurance company to decide on the estimate my body shop has quoted. This would be my silver lining I guess..

I am following Sabre closely (even more so now) as Sparky and his team have come up with some great ideas and mods for their "S". I especially like the idea of turning the faux hood louvre's into functioning heat extractors since I have the same hood (the hardtop has one too, the vert's is trash :crying:)

Keep the momentum going Sparky. The bed liner looks fantastic! Is that product similar to Lizard Skin?

[SRD art]

I'm curious what bedliner that is too?? Looks fantastic!

[howehot]

Looks like the UPOL Raptor we used on the Monte.

[SparkyRnD]

Dan is correct, UPOL Raptor. We ordered black, but when we were about to spray we found out that the shop gave us the white tintable style accidentally. Rather than go back and exchange and lose our window, we tinted it with the epoxy we used for the underside and firewall and made it match. I like that stuff so much, I'm going to be using it on one of our shop trucks in the near future.

['71cutlasluvr]

Good info. Thanks guys.

:cheers:

[70OldsSportsCoupe]

Hey, Sparky - Projectsabre.com appears to have been hijacked by search result ads. Did you forget to pay your hosting/domain bill? :)

[SparkyRnD]

Yeah, got a notice about that. We changed cards and I didn't update it on that domain. All fixed :)

[SparkyRnD]

Met David this morning and picked up the hood. We had a few more scheduling conflicts, but towards the end of this month we should have another shot at mating up the chassis to the body.

['71cutlasluvr]

Met David this morning and picked up the hood. We had a few more scheduling conflicts, but towards the end of this month we should have another shot at mating up the chassis to the body.


Waiting on the edge of my seat Sparky. Looking forward to the pics.

:cheers:

[noob5,000,000]

Just found this thread and read the whole things, looks like I got here just in time! I look forward to seeing the mating of the body and chassis. Subscribed!

['71cutlasluvr]

Just found this thread and read the whole things, looks like I got here just in time! I look forward to seeing the mating of the body and chassis. Subscribed!


Welcome to Project Sabre Noob5million. As I'm sure you have determined with all of your reading, Sabre is a GM A-body so pretty much everything Sparky and his team have done to Sabre can be done to any A-body, with a special nod to the Oldsmobile Cutlass' styling cues. And the overall principals are universal, IMHO. The mating of body and chassis has been long in coming. It will be quite a momentous occasion. I am absolutely dying to see how those custom painted Rushforth Sixshooter wheels fit in the wheel wells as well as the complete look of that fantastic paint and striping per the Rendering by Jason!

Any closer Sparky??

:hammer:

[gardnerme]

At the risk of letting too much out, I heard through the grapevine when and where the mating of the body to the chassis would take place so I showed up with popcorn and folding chair in tow. All I can say is "Holy Cow"! The paint is beautiful, the wheels are awesome, and the stance is going to be spectacular. This is going to be one heck of a car when done, and the uniqueness of it being a Cutlass is just going to be a bonus.

So...with that being said...Sparky - when are you going to post up some pics?!

[SparkyRnD]

I will have some pictures posted hopefully later today

[GeoffP]

Pics! Pics! Pics! You're worse than I am about posting pics Sparky! :hammer:

[LowNfast]

Where can I buy this integrated indicator panel?





Got a few updates today. We worked with New Vintage USA for a gauge cluster for Project Sabre.

Integrated Indicator Panel:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG1029-1.jpg

[SparkyRnD]

That panel was from New Vintage, where the gauges and overlay came from:
http://www.newvintageusa.com/panels.html

[SparkyRnD]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/SabreMa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/SabreMb-1.jpg

I can't thank David Sloan or Jason Rushforth, or any of the other vendors enough! The RideTech suspension is ridiculously awesome, and the stance is perfect. The Rushforth wheels, and Jason Rushforth's choice in colors and his vision for this car were beyond compare. And David Sloan's ability to take a project that was mismanaged, mishandled and had poor quality work, and turn it into what it was supposed to be.....well, I'll forever be in his debt.

We are going to get the engine detailed and painted shortly, and will get the drivetrain installed next. I will be running brake hardlines and unbolting / rebolting all the suspension back together, as most of it wasn't installed properly by others. I will also be adding a few extra braces on the rear suspension too.

Darn happy :-)

[atam]

Man that looks great!!

[howehot]

I like!

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks! I can't seem to get pictures that do justice to the paint job on this car. Over the next few weeks we'll have a push to get more done, and once we have the body mount bolts sorted out (had the wrong size), I'll push it outside in the sun and try to get better pics.

[Ravenworks]

That looks soooo good! Can't wait to see more!

[ent72olds]

Great to see this project back on track Sparky! Love the stance!

[GeoffP]

Yay - proud for you! It looks great! Now get these posted on FB and tag them on PT's FB page!

[SparkyRnD]

pics posted. Packing up the used tilt manual floor shift steering column I bought this weekend, and sending it out to be rebuilt & painted. Also going to order the rear discs and have all of them cryo treated before installation. Also going to schedule a meeting with the interior company to get moving on that too. Should be a busy November around here!

['71cutlasluvr]

Great to see this project back on track Sparky! Love the stance!


Agreed! Keep the motivation going Sparky. Looking forward to more pics. The stance and paint are perfect!!

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks! I am floored every time I walk past it.

[GeoffP]

I would be too!

[analyte]

Wow, the colors on the wheels and body compliment each other so well. Love it!!!

[SparkyRnD]

Thanks, Rushforth's color recommendations were great! And, luckily I saw the Brown in person on the day I was going to buy my first brown color choice, and was able to change it before they sprayed.

[SparkyRnD]

David came by this weekend and picked up the engine. He's going to detail it and then prime / paint it. I also have been speakind with the interior guy, trying to find an opening in his schedule to start discussions about how we're going to proceed. Got a few more parts in, and the column is just about done being rebuilt. Taking apart the front and rear suspension in the next few weeks to fix the incorrect installation by the previous shop, and to get the bare metal items cleaned / powder coated, plus a few items will be getting cryo treatment. Not a bad start to November!

[HectorM52]

Sparky, we are heading to AMP in 3 weeks. You better get this thing done!!!

[SparkyRnD]

not going to happen that soon, but would love to join. If I can get some time away, may run up there to watch ya'll play

[GeoffP]

I am so excited to finally see this in person - SOON I hope! :)

[SparkyRnD]

me as well. I'm just thankful I met David and he helped take the car from its sorry previous state, fix many of the mistakes that others made, and was able to get it to a respectable level for what I could afford. Plus, I now consider him a very close friend. He's also helped out several other friends that had similar bad experiences from other shops, and he's working on their cars too.

[SparkyRnD]

Small update, the engine is now painted, and hope to have it back later this week. Here is a teaser shot:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/Engine1-1.jpg

I'll save the painted color shot for once its been installed back in the chassis. I also got word that the column is pretty much rebuilt, and they are just waiting on the levers to wrap it up. Going to finish up the body mounts and some other stuff over the next week and a half (lost some time due to being sick).

[agto8u]

Great looking ride. Bet u can't wait til it's totally done, if they ever are. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the motivation.

[SRD art]

me as well. I'm just thankful I met David and he helped take the car from its sorry previous state, fix many of the mistakes that others made, and was able to get it to a respectable level for what I could afford. Plus, I now consider him a very close friend. He's also helped out several other friends that had similar bad experiences from other shops, and he's working on their cars too.

Glad to hear it's worked out for the better and your car will be completed at a higher level than some of that prior work. Looking forward to seeing the engine in the car, that's a huge step towards completion.

[SparkyRnD]

painted the valve covers yesterday, and the rebuilt column just arrived. Hopefully will get some time this weekend to finish the body mount / body bolt install, and then I'll be back on the engine.

[SparkyRnD]

body mounts are now all installed properly. David is going to pick up the car in the next week or two and bring it to his shop to finish painting the dash and the core support, and he will be installing the brakelines as well as some other parts, and he's going to fix the incorrectly-installed suspension parts so that its all correct. While he's doing that, I'm going to finish assembling the engine accessories, and then will get the clutch & trans installed. Progress is good.

['71cutlasluvr]

Progress is Progress. Very cool. Hope you have a happy thanksgiving Sparky.

:cheers:

[SparkyRnD]

Figured its time for another update. Over the holidays, I had a little time to work on a few items. I ordered all new tie rods and connectors, and started mocking them up. The adjuster sleeves I had seemed to strip, which leads me to believe the tie rods were threaded incorrectly (and found a few buggered threads). So, I got replacements sleeves and am waiting for more tie rods to arrive. Received and installed the rebuilt Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box on the frame.

On the engine, I bought a set of LS stands so I could start mocking together the engine & trans. Went to install the clutch and found that some of the bolts were missing. Decided to check for the rest of the trans bolts (bell, etc) and found that even more of those were missing. So, had to make a few trips to local shops to get the missing parts. As I went to install the throwout bearing, I found that the dspo broke off a bolt in the front adapter plate and stripped all the threads, as they used the wrong bolt. So, another trip to the hardware store for the correct size tap and bit and a replacement bolt. Get back, and had to drill and tap to the next size, as the hole was wallowed out. Get that done, start installing and the original smaller bolt snaps. Drill and remove, then go to clean up the threads, and the tap snaps off in the hole. Good times. So, ordered a replacement front plate and will have my transmission guy install / reshim it all. That should be done in about a week or two.

Went back to the engine, and installed the Diamond Stage 2 flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, as well as the bellhousing with new dowels. I did find that the new F-body pan doesn't have a provision for one of the two bellhousing bolts at the bottom. Going to do some research and see if there is another bellhousing that I could use, or if it will be ok without that extra bolt. 450-475 hp shouldn't be too bad on it, but worth looking into. I also mocked up the MGW shifter, and bought the pigtails for the transmission reverse light switch, reverse lock out switch and the VSS.

We also got a chance to build our radiator for the car, so one more thing off the checklist. Next will be mocking up the Kwik front accessory drive system and a few other engine related projects. Once I get the trans back, I will mate it to the engine and then drop into the car and cut the trans tunnel for the shifter. Some progress is good.

[GeoffP]

Glad to hear you're making progress - thought maybe you'd dropped off the face of the earth Sparky!

[SparkyRnD]

nah, just been very busy with work and outside stuff.

['71cutlasluvr]

+1 Glad Sabre is still alive Sparky.

['71cutlasluvr]

Glad to hear you're making progress - thought maybe you'd dropped off the face of the earth Sparky!

+1 Glad Sabre is still around. ;)

['71cutlasluvr]

Glad to hear you're making progress - thought maybe you'd dropped off the face of the earth Sparky!

+1 Glad Sabre is Still Alive Sparky

[SparkyRnD]

some progress:

got the engine / trans were mated together, and will be installed next week. We removed the spindles as they were never painted / coated by the shop that had installed them, and they have surface rust. We'll strip and paint those and reassemble. The antisway bar up front was an older design, and turns out they have a new wider one so we'll be swapping those out. David is trying to find time to come and paint the dash, and install brakelines & the wiring harness. He did finish the core support and brought it over, and it looks great. I'm sending the rotors out this weekend to have them cryo-treated, and will do a bit more work next week.

[SparkyRnD]

Rotors were dropped off yesterday at the shop that is going to cryo-treat them, and the spindles are at the coater's getting cleaned up and coated. Hopefully those will be ready in about 2-3 weeks, as to save $$ I'm having both done as they have a larger run (reduces the cost when done with other orders).

For the engine, looks like I was given the wrong lower mounts, which placed the engine too far back against the firewall. I have some replacements arriving that should move them to the correct spot (guessing the previous shop gave me someone else's mounts, and I think I know the guy, so will be sending those to him). Once I get that nailed down, I can finish up with the drivetrain and move forward. Baby steps, but at least its progress and I know its being done right with no more mistakes.