1970 LeMans... project Grudge [Archive]

car_guy

07-18-2012, 12:48 PM

Well, after a lurking around for about a year, I am happy to introduce my first project. Here's a little backstory;
Sadly after selling off my chevelle project a few years back after my Dad passing away, my father in law had been secretly keeping an eye out for another a-body for me. As luck would have it, less than a 1/4 mile away from the in-laws lived a 70 lemans, family owned, purchased new in Calgary. Not to put too much of a damper on the story, the wife's husband had passed away recently, and he had always wanted to restore the car but never touched it. So for a total of 18 years later in their barn it sat. Their son's (who I knew from back in high school) who were supposed to inherit the car, but were more outdoorsman type guys and didn't have any interest in it. The widow was organizing an acreage clean up, hauling away scrap etc when my father in law spotted it, and inquired. Until this point I was unaware of the goings on, and got a phone call at work from him saying " hey I found you a project....500 bucks and its yours." After a little more in depth description, I was pretty floored, and went to the bank about as fast as a guy could, and then straight to their acreage.

I had always imagined what a barn find must be like, so I was pretty excited when I showed up. We rolled up the door, and there she was...under years of dirt, and oil, and junk tires, hoses, etc. We cleaned up the small barn for an hour or two just to get at the car, hooked up the tow strap and drug it out. I marvelled at it for a while on their driveway, while we talked about the deal. The Family was great. I knew the price was laughably cheaper than it should have been, so I asked " are you sure you want to sell it, and is the price fair, and that I was willing to pay what the car was worth." She just replied, as long as I bring it by when its done, she was just happy to see someone take the car and restore it like her late husband always wanted. So with that said, we drug the car back to the inlaws, 2 flat tires and all, and quickly started to clean the years of neglect off, and take a closer look at the new found treasure. Here's a few out of order pictures from that day, and a little bit of the tear down that ensued once I got it back to my place.

car_guy

07-18-2012, 12:59 PM

So you'll notice there is a giant gap from dismantelling the car, to all the sudden rolling chassis phase...my bad. I had all sorts of pictures taken on my old canon camera of the frame work, and car, but the camera cratered. That being said, here is a little catch up on whats been going on. Before winter hit, I started the gruelling task of removing the body (broke off every body mount bolt, and had to sawzall a couple also). Once body was divorced, I stripped the chassis of all the suspension, and anemic 2bbl poncho 350, and wire wheeled it clean. The frame seemed like it was in good condition (more on this later), so I began to box the center portion, and add some tubing to the lower control arm mounts, to the rear crossmember, and re-weld portions of the frame. What a difference in torsional regidity compared to stock!!

Between no heat in the garage, and getting this completed in short little bursts, the frame was ready for paint by the following spring. I picked up some POR 15, and after etching, i brushed on one coat, and then sprayed 2 top coats for a nice smooth finish. Later on I found out that the POR should be top coated again with a finish paint, as once it starts to see any UV it will start to gray, and degrade...fingers crossed. At this point I was in need of suspension parts. Not really being a fan of re-building the stock arms, and wanting to go in a more pro-touring direction, I picked up a set of knock off global west control arms, just re-using the stock front springs with a coil removed for now, and a set of boxed rear control arms with poly bushings and stock springs as well (thanks to a friend on their gto build trading up parts). Im still unsure if the rear is an 8.2, or an 8.5 as there are a few things that make me think its not the original diff from the car, but more on that later as well too. Save for the crap 2.41 gears that are in it, I also gave it the same treatment as the frame, and then stuffed some disks on it.

I opted for junkyard gm brakes as if you can probably guess this is a budget build car for the most part. I also like this for the fact that when the car is done, and seeing daily abuse, if anything fails, I can just pick up parts at any parts store with gm stuff. The rears are 98-02 Jimmy/Blazer 11.6 disk with single piston pbr calipers. These were on a 4x4 truck and bolted right up once I modified the axle retaining clip to get the right spacing. The rotors are the same truck... but 2wd version. Everything bolts up like its meant to be there, and e-brake cables still pull to the front. I will have to make a new e-brake cable connection, or adapt the old ones to work. The front brakes started out as the 98 and up camaro/ firebird brake swap. After it was together I found out the camaro and corvette calipers can be interchanged, so i picked up some C5 rotors. With some modification to the adapter bracket, the camaro abutment braket lined up nicely with the vette rotor, and voila...13" front brakes with non vette scripted calipers. As for steering gear I found a good deal on a jeep grand cherokee box in good used condition for $50 bucks with hoses. Sway bars are still undecided, but for now, a 1.25" front bar from one of my trans am's lives there. Here are a few more pics of once the chassis came together. The roller wheels sure bring it into the 80's!! haha

car_guy

07-19-2012, 09:06 AM

Now is probably a good time to share on some direction of the car. I can tell you it's changed a lot over the past year. I dubb'd the car "the grudge" as when I first got the car, I wanted to clone it into a judge, and thought the name sounded cool. After considering how hard it is to find gto parts, and realizing the lemans stuff looks cool the way it is, Im just going to change up a couple things to give it the judge feel, but keep it way it is. So as it progresses the car will receive the gto ram air hood, 70 judge spoiler, and Im going to fit the T-37, or 69 judge stripe into the paint scheme. The car is going to be Lemans blue, and the stripe will either be pearl'd, or just slightly ghosted into the paint. That being said, I am a very impatient person on long builds, and there is a good possibility the car will live in epoxy for a while so I can get in some thrills sooner than later. One of the other previous plans was to do an ls swap to the car, but unfortunately I sold the 5.3 project to advance some other things, so maybe one day it will receive an ls again, but for now its going to have a sbc (zz4) with a 700r. Once the car is together, im going to lower it with 2" drop springs, or maybe coil overs, and stick some good gear in it since ive got the overdrive (3.73-4.10 range). As far as interior goes, there is a chance it will be going to black as i have to replace the head liner, and re-upholster the seats anyways. Ive been looking at TMI's sport foam and cover kits, and would like to turn the bench into a sporty bench..haha. I need all the space I can get as the car will haul around me, the wife, and our 3 kids...soon to be 4!!

aidanfancystang

07-19-2012, 01:27 PM

hey thats don in those garage pics! I know him. he has quite a collection of cars, did you pic this one up from him or did he go with you to get it.

car_guy

07-19-2012, 06:49 PM

Don is my father in law. He still has a ton of stuff, really into his fords, and wagons lately.

bhcustomdesigns

07-19-2012, 09:37 PM

Cool project,I always liked that bodystyle :twothumbs

CruizinKev

07-19-2012, 10:37 PM

nice project! looks good so far! :twothumbs

aidanfancystang

07-20-2012, 08:12 AM

wagons and cougars, he has been buying every cougar that pops up lately.

I sold him some cobra rims awhile back. I used to be his snap-on dealer till I had to close my store down.

warpedoak

07-20-2012, 11:19 AM

car_guy

07-20-2012, 08:56 PM

wagons and cougars, he has been buying every cougar that pops up lately.

I sold him some cobra rims awhile back. I used to be his snap-on dealer till I had to close my store down.

Yep, thats him alright, haha. He's got Julie's cougar up and running now, should be able to put some miles on something this year for a change. Ive heard him mention you quite often.

car_guy

07-20-2012, 09:00 PM

Very nice! Frame is looking real nice. I'm also working on a 70 Lemans. Cool cars IMO. I'm not a big fan of the shaker hood idea though, but definitely go with it if you like the look. I had to add hood clearance for my motor so a GTO hood wouldn't work for me so I ended up grafting a 427 Corvette scoop to flat fiberglass Lemans hood. I think it came out awesome, and it was the only thing I could come up with that gave extra clearance and worked with that large center body line stinger. I'm quite jealous of you doing a frame off and having an LS, should be awesome. Good luck and great start!

Here is a pic, please don't think I'm trying to self promote. Just thought it could help illustrate other ideas other than the stock Pontiac stuff can look good also with the stock lines of the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC01665-1.jpg

Thanks for the comments! Its far from some of the other incredible builds on here, but Im just hoping for a fun driver the family can all enjoy. Nice LeMans by the way! The color and stance looks sick. I would have never thought to try the stinger style hood, but it looks awesome. I think your right about the shaker...the more i think about it, the more im starting to secong guess it.

car_guy

07-24-2012, 06:48 AM

No progress on the car this weekend, but I did take some pics of another project on the go. Its not pro-touring in any way...but its still kinda cool.

bonecrrusher

07-24-2012, 06:01 PM

Nice... I need a truck.... lol.

aidanfancystang

07-26-2012, 02:27 PM

tell don i still need to come over and see his collection

aidanfancystang

08-24-2012, 07:50 AM

any more progress on this build?

srh3trinity

08-24-2012, 12:35 PM

I want a crew cab short bed with a Cummins swap. Both are cool builds.

car_guy

09-02-2012, 07:28 AM

delete post

car_guy

09-02-2012, 07:52 AM

Here are some pics of the truck!
The box in its new home for the first time
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/WheatlandCounty2012072700184-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/crewcabshorty-1.jpg
beside the donor truck
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG2012080800200-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/IMG2012080800198-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/WheatlandCounty2012080800196-1.jpg

car_guy

09-02-2012, 08:17 AM

delete post

srh3trinity

09-02-2012, 08:23 AM

Sounds like it is time for a Cummins or D-max swap. To me, that would be the ultimate truck with either of those powerplants, a little lift and some nice paint.

car_guy

09-02-2012, 08:25 AM

Finally a small update on the car. I got it moved around to the middle bay of the garage, and gutted the interior. So far so good! I found about 5 pounds of mouse turd's, but I spent an evening scraping all the sound deadening off to find the floor in perfect condition. It pretty much is preserved like its factory fresh. Its looking like the outer's have a rust hole on both sides in the rear, as well as some neat galvanized patch work (luckily the drops look good). The quarters look like they have a bunch of bondo in them so the car must have been partially repainted at one point, as well as the pass door had been run into at one point in its life, so a door skin on top of quarter skins is in order. Plans are to wire wheel the underside of the car which besides the grease from the old poncho 350 looks to be perfect as well. Then coat it with something, maybe por 15 again since the frame turned out so good, or and undercoat and sandwich the rolling chassis back under it all before the snow fly's....which out here could be tomorrow. Better get my but in gear. I will get some better pics soon.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/WheatlandCounty2012082100225-1.jpg

car_guy

09-02-2012, 08:40 AM

Sounds like it is time for a Cummins or D-max swap. To me, that would be the ultimate truck with either of those powerplants, a little lift and some nice paint.

A cummins swap would be pretty cool, but I was never much of a diesel guy. I thought about trying to find a decent 6.0L with a 4l80e so this thing doesn't have to buzz up over 3k to keep up with highway speeds, but who knows, It will probably be what ever I find first. I think were gonna paint it some newer shade of metallic black, like the dodge color on the magnum's, and trucks.

aidanfancystang

09-28-2012, 09:36 AM

hey i just saw your truck for sale on KIJIJI. how come your selling it?

car_guy

09-28-2012, 01:03 PM

hey i just saw your truck for sale on KIJIJI. how come your selling it?

haha that was fast! I figured i don't really need the truck around right now, and maybe could advance the lemans, and the t/a (newly aquired from Don's place). Im also buying the company truck out soon, and then i just won't need it around. Ive always had to many projects. We'll see.

aidanfancystang

11-28-2012, 02:04 PM

no progress? been waiting.

car_guy

12-05-2012, 09:17 AM

delete post

aidanfancystang

12-05-2012, 02:53 PM

I thought you were selling the truck.

car_guy

05-25-2013, 07:03 AM

Its been a long time coming. Other projects... or maybe my lack of self control is mostly to blame. I've been making lots of progress on the Trans Am, but felt bad for leaving the Lemans in the state its in. Plans have been changing and evolving as time and money allows. I sold the ls project for the car, and for now Im going to set it up with a sbc since I have all the parts. At least if I can get the drivetrain together, there's a solid chance I could get the body into primer this year, and maybe move it around on its own power! I picked up a gallon of epoxy primer being optimistic. Before I set the body back on the frame, I stripped the underside of the car, and its ready for primer and some sort of paint or coating (So far im liking lizard skin). I also picked up a set of body mounts. Once the motor is in, and angles look happy with the 700r4, I will set up the trans crossmember, then the body will come off again to finish stripping it, and lather it in the epoxy. I also made a cool purchase yestuday on a nice set of billet specialties wheels. They are split spoke 17x8's, with 17x11 rears. Originally I wanted to run 18's, but the price was right. I tried a front runner on last night, and with the curved spoke they just contact the face of the caliper. Because im running camaro calipers in not sure if dimensionally they are a little different from the C5 offerings. I have heard that they interchange, but the Camaro calipers have the fins, where as the C5's don't. Everywhere else the caliper has lots of room. With a small spacer I think it would be ok. There is a chance that I may swap out the C5 stuff onto the Trans Am and run something different too. Here's a couple of gratuitous shots! Looking forward to making some real updates this summer. :twothumbs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels7_zps339755c6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels7_zps339755c6.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels6_zpsf66e5e5e-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels6_zpsf66e5e5e.jpg.html)
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels_zpsbc8f70ab-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels_zpsbc8f70ab.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels1_zpsdb4581ee-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels1_zpsdb4581ee.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels3_zpsff7408c1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels3_zpsff7408c1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels2_zps1fecc596-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels2_zps1fecc596.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bswheels4_zpscd8180f5-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/bswheels4_zpscd8180f5.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans_zps41720494-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans_zps41720494.jpg.html)

car_guy

05-26-2013, 06:40 AM

I did a little trial fit on the rears yesterday too. The seem to fit pretty good. I did not check to see how centered the body was on the frame since i pretty much just set it on and left it before winter, but there is about 1.5" to the frame/inner tub or so. The wheel lip lined up to the body would require me to trim/roll a fair bit. But it looks ok...alot better than the circa 90's wheels that are on it right now, haha. I can't wait to pick out some rubber for it. I really wish there was more tire options for 17's. The front I will probably run a 255/45 which is a pretty easy decision. The rears however, I really want a 295/45/17 which is only a drag radial...not that im against running drag radials, but a street tire in that size would be the cats ass. I think the 315/35 are too short of a tire for A-body's. For now...you guessed it! More pics! I should re-name this build pic heavy.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans11_zps8fc3a349-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans11_zps8fc3a349.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans10_zps5789d6c6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans10_zps5789d6c6.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans9_zpsec23695c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans9_zpsec23695c.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans8_zpsb8f1ebe4-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans8_zpsb8f1ebe4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans7_zps529ef569-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans7_zps529ef569.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans3_zpsc7776f88-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans3_zpsc7776f88.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans2_zpsa7d13865-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans2_zpsa7d13865.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/lemans1_zps1f9bb2cf-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans1_zps1f9bb2cf.jpg.html)

T_Raven

05-26-2013, 07:45 PM

I've always wanted to build a 70s or 80s crew cab into a short bed. Nice wheel choice

car_guy

09-01-2013, 10:10 AM

Time for an update. Feel's good to be working on this again. The fall is the main event as far as my car show season goes. We head out to Radium for the Columbia valley classic show every year, and hit up the High River show the following weekend. This year was an incredible year for weather and local natural disasters, as Calgary was hit bad with flooding, but pale's in comparison to the destruction that was in High River. I think they have dub'd this years show the hell or high water event much like the Calgary stampede. If your in the area come out and support the show and help the town get back on its feet!

Anyways on to the task at hand. Like I said I always get excited for this time of year, and it always lights a fire under me to get some work done around the garage. The last update was test fitting the new wheels. I since purchased some billet spacers to give me the clearance I needed to stay with the C5 brakes, but in a wierd turn of events decided to try out CPP's new C5 tall spindle and donate the existing stuff to the Trans Am. As well as spindles, I also ordered the quarters and outer wheel house's and some other small stuff. So once again the body came off so I can finish stripping the floors. That leads me to present, where over the past couple days I completely stripped the shell. I figure i might as well epoxy the whole thing if im going to be spraying anyways. During the takedown i discovered the pass side door is much worse than I had hoped. I hit the whole car with aircraft stripper (which as everyone probably knows doesn't work worth a damn on bondo). After that I attacked it with the grider with the wire wheel to see how deep it was. Needless to say about from the front edge of the door, to about 2/3 the lenght down there is over an inch of bondo top to bottom:hand: So the door went directly to a friend of mine to see if it can be salvaged. Any one know if or where a guy might be able to get a new door skin?

The rest of the car is coming along nicely. I took some pics around the shell, and im very please that other wise its in very good shape. Another change that's happened is I sold the LS project for the car to fund some other parts a while back. Ive been hunting for a little while now, and came across a ZZ4 that fit the bill. I had all the other stuff to finish off getting a sbc in the frame rails so it was an easy choice. Maybe down the road I will make another attempt at the Ls thing. So without dragging this out too much, here are said pics. :cheers:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082700137_zps1dca83af-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130827-00137_zps1dca83af.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013083100165_zps9210d0ca-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130831-00165_zps9210d0ca.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100171_zpsb5f147f6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00171_zpsb5f147f6.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100174_zps6a13e73c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00174_zps6a13e73c.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100175_zps7e9ac9e7-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00175_zps7e9ac9e7.jpg.html)

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100172_zps816e1f2e-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00172_zps816e1f2e.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100173_zpsa2ac4b4b-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00173_zpsa2ac4b4b.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100177_zpsb904f7a6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00177_zpsb904f7a6.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013090100170_zps19f415a0-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130901-00170_zps19f415a0.jpg.html)

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I need to finish stipping the paint off the pass side today, and the roof ( might be a little tough on the dollies as im vertically challenged ). After that im going to fill some holes in the firewall, and get some epoxy laid down.

car_guy

09-01-2013, 10:27 AM

Here is a couple more of the new mill, with some of my junk hung off it. I had not really attacked the trans cross member until this point due to I wasn't sure where engine placement would be. Now that theres just a sbc sitting there it was time to make something. The car came with a dual exhaust cross member, so i cut out 1-9/16's on each side and glued it back togther. Then i just made some hangers that bolt through the inner portion of the boxed frame with allen head bolts. Im not sold yet on the finnished product. The clearance for the exhaust on the cross member is too low for where the collectors exit, so i would either have to make a bend down immediately after the collector to get under, or modify this one more to allow for better exhaust routing...or scratch build one. The other part that has me a little worried is the hookers came off my Dads 64 elcamino, and while they seem to fit like a glove, and are almost flush with the bottom of the frame which provides great clearance, they have a really crappy placed tube on the pass side that makes a look right next to the starter. Im gonna pick up a mini starter and a shield, but im thinking if i ever pooched a starter i would never be able to get at it with the headers on the car. :hmm:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082200128_zpsb8a65ad1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130822-00128_zpsb8a65ad1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082200122_zps63f5ee7b-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130822-00122_zps63f5ee7b.jpg.html)

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082200124_zps9380c03d-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130822-00124_zps9380c03d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082500132_zps0ff04c72-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130825-00132_zps0ff04c72.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100109_zps919dabc3-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00109_zps919dabc3.jpg.html)
said starter loop on my spagetti hookers!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100108_zpsbf0699c7-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00108_zpsbf0699c7.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100107_zps345459b6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00107_zps345459b6.jpg.html)
Thought this was kind of a cool picture!

car_guy

09-01-2013, 10:34 AM

And lastly a couple of pics under her skirt to show off the clean floors. Hopefully the next time it hits the interwebs its wearing some black primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100112_zpsb4a21bf6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00112_zpsb4a21bf6.jpg.html)
looking towards the trunk/ rear of the car

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100111_zpsdee2f3f9-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00111_zpsdee2f3f9.jpg.html)
Now do a 180 and your looking up front

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100118_zpscaa8f46f-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00118_zpscaa8f46f.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100117_zps5067c91f-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00117_zps5067c91f.jpg.html)
trunk drops

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100116_zps2eb693ea-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00116_zps2eb693ea.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100115_zpsbcd2c76c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00115_zpsbcd2c76c.jpg.html)
drivers side wheel house

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100113_zpsa6514927-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00113_zpsa6514927.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013082100114_zps259804e8-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130821-00114_zps259804e8.jpg.html)
pass side wheel house

Just a few more hours of ugly wire wheel work in its ready

67speedfreak

09-01-2013, 11:13 AM

Project is looking great ! That body is in pretty fair shape, wish my GTO looked that good. This is making want to work on mine !

car_guy

09-01-2013, 12:13 PM

Project is looking great ! That body is in pretty fair shape, wish my GTO looked that good. This is making want to work on mine !

Thanks man!

67speedfreak

09-01-2013, 03:29 PM

I noticed you went with the CPP C5 spindles. What do you think of them ?

Thanks, Brian

car_guy

09-01-2013, 03:50 PM

I noticed you went with the CPP C5 spindles. What do you think of them ?

Thanks, Brian

I just ordered the complete kit. Should be here in a couple weeks and i will document the install. I was just going to order the spindles and re-use my parts, but the cost of hubs alone made the kit more attractive. So now the trans am will get the hand me down parts

67speedfreak

09-01-2013, 04:13 PM

Cool, I'll be looking for the update !

aidanfancystang

09-23-2013, 01:23 PM

glad to see more progress on her, did you make it to radium? I brought my 72 nova there and had a blast.

car_guy

09-23-2013, 10:02 PM

glad to see more progress on her, did you make it to radium? I brought my 72 nova there and had a blast.

We did make it out to Radium for the weekend. I was a little bummed out about the rainy weather, but it was a good time... Couple of way cool cars like the 31 Model A with independent suspension with the solstice drivetrain, and the slammed Riviera, and the 57 sedan with matching trailer. The list goes on and on. I can't wait to bring the LeMans when its done so I can really enjoy the trip!

car_guy

09-23-2013, 10:12 PM

Got a treat after coming home from the car show on the weekend! The new brake kit from CPP came in, as well as my quarters and outer tubs!!! I threw on the drivers side spindle and took a whack of pics. I am really pleased with everything from the packaging down to the quality of the spindle and parts. Here are some shots!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300273_zps3c4e3728-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00273_zps3c4e3728.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300344_zpsa817551a-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00344_zpsa817551a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300274_zpsa9e0d3a1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00274_zpsa9e0d3a1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300319_zps6ba88f02-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00319_zps6ba88f02.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300324_zps2bf820f6-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00324_zps2bf820f6.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300341_zps66c8fc1e-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00341_zps66c8fc1e.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300328_zps46842b23-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00328_zps46842b23.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/WheatlandCounty2013092300309_zpsfcda0913-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/WheatlandCounty-20130923-00309_zpsfcda0913.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/IMG2013092300340_zps0327fa66-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20130923-00340_zps0327fa66.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/WheatlandCounty2013092300314_zpsfbd4179e-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/WheatlandCounty-20130923-00314_zpsfbd4179e.jpg.html)

This seems like the only part of the spindle design that could cause some grief down the road. If a guy needed to change the hub, you can't remove the lower bolt unless you pop the spindle off. Besides that they need a good coat of paint and I'm good to go.

gto406

09-24-2013, 05:05 AM

andrewb70

09-24-2013, 05:24 AM

car_guy

09-24-2013, 06:53 AM

Looking good car-guy! Are those the quarter skins? I notice they don't seem to have the lip that comes up (over to the trunk lid on the top) - or perhaps it is the picture (not sure)?

Note that if they are the skins, you likely will have to replicate that lower body line that runs through the lower door panel and along right to the back. If you look at some pics of 70-72 Lemans/GTOs (with lighter coloured paint) you will see what I am talking about.

I am doing a 72 GTO, and have the 1/4 skins as well. Once I get my Magnaflow exhaust finished up, I am tackling the quarter skins on my project (check out '72 Just A Driver').

Wish I could convince you to go back to a Pontiac motor! The Poncho's are not as expensive as people would have you believe (basic flat tappet camshafts, etc. in the same $$$ range now as a SBC). The other advantage is that you get gobs and gobs of torque (great for pulling you out of a corner or hauling down a back-stretch or those stop light drags)!

Best of luck, I shall stay tuned on your progress!

Cheers,
Brian.

Thanks Brian,

They are quarter skins with the lip over towards the trunk line. Im not sure how much I will be using, but will most likely cut it back to the top body line to keep warping down. The lower body line your thinking of is the lower bulge part of the quarter? If so it seems like these have that, although the stamping could be more crisp in my opinion as these are gonna require some work to make look good. I did think about sticking the 400 in from the T/A when i got rid of the 5.3, but I found the ZZ4 before i broke out the cherry picker, haha.

gto406

09-24-2013, 07:35 AM

Your most welcome! Note I am including a photo that TxBobcat (from PY-Forums) kindly sent me showing his beautiful '72 (in profile). I believe the 1970 model is somewhat similar but you can see the belt-line transition from the door into the leading edge of the rear quarter (in front of the wheel-opening) and then behind. It is that little 'kink' in the most rear part of the skin that is going to be a challenge to reproduce closely 8^)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_100_0196_zps3fbe8441-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/100_0196_zps3fbe8441.jpg.html)

Cheers,
Brian.

car_guy

09-24-2013, 08:05 AM

It is interesting to note that the CPP spindle uses stock steering arms, while the SpeedTech AFX spindles use custom steering arms. Before going down the road, you should try to get an idea of what kind of bump steer you have.

Andrew

I’m crossing my fingers...actually I didn't even think about it yet. I’m not sure how much bump steer our cars have at the ride height I want. I cut one coil out of the stock springs, so I’m hoping to see a 2" drop. It’s tough to say now how it will turn out with the sbc with the aluminum top end. I will probably change to some drop springs if I don't get the stance I want right away. It would be nice to get a sportier spring rate at the same time. Most of the problem is the car will have to be low to make the 17's look good...I will be running a 26" tire up front, and I want it tucked just a little bit. I'm assuming there is a bump steer kit out for our cars if I have problems? Also I’m not sure how tie rod clearance is going to play into the front sway bar, as there is just a 1.25" bar off one of my T/A parts cars right now. I’m probably over my head at this point, but if it’s not obvious, is there a certain angle a guy should be shooting for, or some sort of guideline for ride height/ compression?

mikes2nd

09-24-2013, 11:18 AM

Thanks Brian,

They are quarter skins with the lip over towards the trunk line. Im not sure how much I will be using, but will most likely cut it back to the top body line to keep warping down. The lower body line your thinking of is the lower bulge part of the quarter? If so it seems like these have that, although the stamping could be more crisp in my opinion as these are gonna require some work to make look good. I did think about sticking the 400 in from the T/A when i got rid of the 5.3, but I found the ZZ4 before i broke out the cherry picker, haha.

those quarter skins are useless... I took mine back to summit and for the 350$ got the quarter panels on a car I sold. The body line on the stamping is obviously gone and they haven't retooled it.

The full quarters are actually quite good, so grab them instead. Still the slightly thinner sheet metal but the fit is great. Trunk drops and wheel housing are very avg... Cowl is like original...

Trunks are hit or miss. I found ebay had the best(the 3 piece kit), one piece was junk, two piece was junk, the expensive spectre was junk. You want to black edp coated 3 piece(two versions though)...

The best thing about living near summit is no shipping on body panels and if I need to return I just haul it back in the store no questions asked(I took one panel back 6 months later)... I actually drove to Indiana to get a quarter panel, and went with original sheet metal. All original metal for me or nothing now, its getting very hard to do.

car_guy

09-26-2013, 06:29 AM

In the long run I suppose full quarters aren't that expensive. It might just be me, but I think the skins are workable. I will post some better pics of them but it seems like the lines are there, but just maybe not as crisp as they should be? I'm still pretty new to doing body panel replacement, so tips are always nice. Especially since it seems to take me 3 times as long as someone seasoned in doing this kind of stuff!

car_guy

10-08-2013, 11:44 AM

Happy to report that I made some real progress over the weekend...the body is in epoxy!...sort of, haha. After cleaning up the firewall, and smoothing the cowl lip, etc the car was finally ready to partially spray in primer. I only really sprayed the firewall, jambs, rockers, and the underside of the car and some other area's that were down to metal, but it was the last step in finally bolting the body on the car for good. Before the body went on, I also sprayed some undercoating on the car which finished in a semi flat hard finish, which I thinned down a little so it didnt look like bedliner. I actually got so excited to put the body on last night I almost forgot to put the fuel and brake lines back on the frame. I pulled the motor as well, as I have yet to put the new flexplate on, and finish up a couple of other things before it goes back in its home. :yeah: Now I wonder if I can get the quarters on before winter!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemanspostepoxy_zpsb52554d8-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemanspostepoxy_zpsb52554d8.jpg.html)
fresh out of the booth, lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemansbacktogether_zpsd34c9f10-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemansbacktogether_zpsd34c9f10.jpg.html)
lining here back up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemansbacktogether1_zpsfeac3486-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemansbacktogether1_zpsfeac3486.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemansbacktogether2_zpse95a46a1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemansbacktogether2_zpse95a46a1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemansbacktogether3_zps18c4aded-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemansbacktogether3_zps18c4aded.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemansbacktogether4_zpsff7281fa-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemansbacktogether4_zpsff7281fa.jpg.html)

car_guy

10-24-2013, 10:55 AM

I just spent a little bit of time going over the whole build thread. Its funny how much a guy doesn't pay attention to spelling mistakes, incomplete sentences, lack of explanation, and the thread going off topic etc. I'm not saying that its completely fixed now, but its better! One cool thing is now I appreciate how far Grudge has come in a little over a year. Like i've said before, Im reeaaaallly impatient! I often find projects on the side to get the satisfaction of finishing something while undertaking the long haul of going through 1 car entirely. Unfortunately that buzz goes away fast, and your left feeling down about the time you could have spent on the important project. Over the past couple months ive really gotten re-interested in my lemans, and it may not seem like much, but when I compare where its come from it seems like its made huge progress. I laughed at myself on the weekend. I had to clean up the garage for winter so the wife could park in there again. I started tossing parts on the car to make space and before you know it, its starting to look like a car again...even though it was just for *****'s and giggles. I like comparison pics so here's my time lapse,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lemans_zps0624fc04-1.png (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lemans_zps0624fc04.png.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/backtogether3_zps5a30706c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/backtogether3_zps5a30706c.jpg.html)

"Where did the doors go?" Ha!

So its definately going somewhere! Before the portion of front clip was set back on, I got a chance to paint all my moog steering parts, and install them with DSE's tie rod adjusters. I was really happy that the steering portion was complete...until I found I couldn't mount the idler arm because it was hitting the frame on the little baby skid plate portion of the front crossmember. I am really suprised how I made it this far, and didn't realize that at some point in the cars past it was bottomed out hard enough to shift up the pass side center portion of the crossmember. I was pretty bummed out for a little bit. It could be that the moog parts are a lot beefier, and the o.d. of the centerlink is just big enough to contact, as where the stock stuff didn't before. There is no mistake that its tweaked though. I went down to the collision place in town, and talked to the owner, and I'm going to bring it down once it runs and put it on his table to see if he can tug it back. Its a long way from waiting until allignment time to notice a bigger issue like that. Overall, I was pretty happy with his confidence in fixing it. Worst case scenario I swap the frame down the road for a better frame, with better strengthening mods. For now, I pulled the motor out quick, cut out the portion that was contacting, and re-made the peice to protect the centerlink. I will take some pics. I just shot it in spray paint to touch it up, and slipped the 350 back in. Here's a couple more pics from the other weekend. Next update should hopefully involve working on the tubs and quarters.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/backtogether_zpsccedeeb1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/backtogether_zpsccedeeb1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/backtogether2_zps2b5173d2-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/backtogether2_zps2b5173d2.jpg.html)

car_guy

10-25-2013, 06:29 AM

Had another not so fall day yesterday...20 degrees ( Celcius), so I made it out to the garage to start butchering the quarters. I really have to upgrade my garage electrical so I can run my toys off garage power, instead of the laundry room plugs. Anyways, before I dove in to the quarters, I snapped a shot of the frame problem I was talking about yesterday. You can see the centerlink is nice and parallel, and the crossmember angle slopes up towards the pass side. Its wierd, that it hasn't really caused any complications otherwise since its noticeable. I was going to take 4 corner measurements on the frame, since there is enough weight on the chassis now to get off the bump stops, but I couldn't find a measure tape...guess my weekend garage clean wasn't so successful!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight_zpsecaf0587-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight_zpsecaf0587.jpg.html)

Finally on to murdering some sheetmetal. So after some debate i've decided to go ahead and install my quarter skins. While I still had daylight, I took some pictures of couple angles on the lower body line of the skin to show what a few guys brought to my attention. The body line is very faint, almost not there. It has some curve, but its not quite right.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight2_zps50633001-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight2_zps50633001.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight3_zps6ab1ff22-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight3_zps6ab1ff22.jpg.html)

Its tough to see, and the skin is catching reflections off other stuff in the garage which makes it seem even more unclear, but you get the just of it.

My Friend thats massaging the passenger side door right now is going to give me some tutelage on making/fixing the shape of the lower quarters after some of the rough fitting is done to get them looking right before they are a permanent fixture. The outer wheel houses should be a breeze it looks like. Heres some pics of the plasma cutter getting it done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight4_zps2a893884-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight4_zps2a893884.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight6_zps7763c161-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight6_zps7763c161.jpg.html)
The rest of the inner is good, except for the back corners, where they mate to the drops. I will make small patches here.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/lastnight7_zps6244c333-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/lastnight7_zps6244c333.jpg.html)
Goodbye rust!!!!

67speedfreak

10-26-2013, 02:58 AM

Project is looking good. Wish I was this far along on mine.

car_guy

11-19-2013, 09:05 AM

More progress to report. Hopefully these little updates are o.k. Im feeling pretty good about tackling the first quarter panel. I just hammered and dollied the lower lines of the quarter to bring them out a little bit, fit it what felt like 500 times or so, and jumped in with both feet. It did seem like no matter how I aligned it, the quarter had a tough time fitting nicely to the outer wheel house, but overall came out ok I think. I did the light behind the seam after, and had a whole bunch of pin holes I had to clean up, but this sides done now at least. I did have a little bit of warping I have to deal with yet in the middle of the sail panel, and some at the vertical seam at the back of the car. I think I can hammer that one back to good, but does anyone have any advice on shrinking with a torch? I think I may have to employ a little of that for the sail panel. lastly, this is the first time I have every used seam sealer, and while the approach seemed simple enough, with trimming a brush, and using some solvent on the bristles to spread it nicely, It turned out kinda messy. Part of my problem, is it was colder in the garage than recommended for using the sealant, and the main problem... I guess Im an amature. At least the tubs will be sprayed with some sort of liner, and once the body is done, the inside of the trunk will be sprayed with the factory looking splatter paint to finish it up. Once I get tires mounted, I will finish off the wheel opening, and trim the extra material/roll the lip as well. Anyways, here's a few pics while I was finishing it up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm1_zpsc4d9410b-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm1_zpsc4d9410b.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm2_zpsaff9ee4c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm2_zpsaff9ee4c.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm3_zps42090850-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm3_zps42090850.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm4_zpsebfa49b2-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm4_zpsebfa49b2.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm5_zps08610ce1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm5_zps08610ce1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/sm6_zps03ae5700-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/sm6_zps03ae5700.jpg.html)

Bezz

11-19-2013, 11:33 AM

aidanfancystang

11-19-2013, 01:24 PM

car_guy

11-19-2013, 01:36 PM

Pretty crazy to read through all of these threads and come across another build in Calgary! What part of town are you in? I am working on a 1970 Nova, just getting it back to stock for out of province and then pro-touring it later on.

That's pretty cool to know there are people close when surfing around here. Im out near Strathmore. It would be really cool to do some sort of gathering one day, or try to go to events one day when stuff is done.

dangina

11-19-2013, 02:50 PM

That's pretty cool to know there are people close when surfing around here. Im out near Strathmore. It would be really cool to do some sort of gathering one day, or try to go to events one day when stuff is done.

Lethbridge here. Great work so far!

GS455vert

11-19-2013, 03:11 PM

Lethbridge here. Great work so far!Winnipeg here, and working on a 70 SS nova soon!

Auto Rod Technologies

11-20-2013, 05:35 AM

Looks like you are off to a good start!!

car_guy

11-23-2013, 08:03 AM

Just a small update. I started going to town on the passenger side quarter and outer tub with the plasma cutter. This side seems to going a little nicer so far now that i'm practiced up from the drivers side.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/passside_zps5e30d1e1-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/passside_zps5e30d1e1.jpg.html)

Also I made an exciting purchase yesterday. I came home from the speed shop with a set of Mickeys. Drag radials (295/45/17) for the rear, and sport comp (245/45/17) for the fronts. I can't wait until monday to get them mounted, and fit them up. I know for sure im going to have to do some rolling and trimming on the outer lip of the quarters. If I line up a straight edge from the outer bead of the wheel to the quarter lip, It looks like 1/2" or so. The tires will be under some tension on the rears though too, so to avoid jumping the gun, I can live with waiting until monday to find out for sure. Long term, I know I want to upgrade to a 12 bolt, so I will look for an early 12 bolt later on to make up for the shallow backspacing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/tires_zps67bb7896-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/tires_zps67bb7896.jpg.html)

Lastly, in an effort to start working out the little bit of warping from the previous quarter, I just shot some primer over, and im going to hit it with a long board to bring out the inperfections. I hoping this will lead me a little better in where to find the highs / lows to get it hammered out. Question for the experianced body guys. Do I risk more damage or problems by trying to get it straight from here, or do i leave it close and let the mud do the rest? Im worried if I try to work it to much I might stretch it out of shape, and create more problems. I guess in a nut shell, where do you stop?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/quarter_zps67b55c18-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/quarter_zps67b55c18.jpg.html)

car_guy

11-25-2013, 09:25 AM

So I probably should have been working on finishing up the pass side quarter last night, but I just couldn't help myself and mounted up the rears for a sneak peek. Besides the car having the stance of a baha truck, they look good, other than rolling will still be needed as I suspected. I would like the car to be low enough to just tuck the tires later on. The fronts should be out of the tire shop today. Then I can finally bolt on the front brakes for good!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/billets2_zps4d0e1b94-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/billets2_zps4d0e1b94.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/billets4_zps65fb8188-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/billets4_zps65fb8188.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/billets3_zps5e0b9350-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/billets3_zps5e0b9350.jpg.html)

67speedfreak

11-25-2013, 05:27 PM

Looks good !

car_guy

11-29-2013, 01:21 PM

So i started hunting around for 12 bolt adds recently, but just went out to the garage last night and decided to have a better look at the 10 bolt in the car. Until recently I though I had an 8.2". Now im pretty sure its an 8.5". So far from what ive found, its got an 1-1/4" pinion nut, with bolts and straps for the universal joint, scalloped ears at 5 and 7 o clock on the housing, and left hand thread .437 sized ring gear bolts with crappy 2.56 gear, non posi. There are a few casting numers ive found; such as 9799100 on the lower drivers side webbing of the pumpkin, with 1049 above that. On the top left side there is a cast N and D, and on the pass side top webbing there is a cast B. From what i read there should be a number somewhere on the pass side axle tube, but im not sure. Hopefully someone can chime in and help me figure out what year the diff is, and if in fact im correct in thinking its an 8.5". The only down side is now the rear end is worth keeping vs finding an narrower early 12 bolt, being that the 8.5 bop rear should be a stout peice once built (down side being id want to narrow the rear 1-1.5" per side, but ive never tackled anything like that before). At least finding 8.5 gear, and carriers should be plentiful.

car_guy

02-14-2014, 08:19 AM

Its been a little while since I updated. Going off the last post, I spent too much time trying to figure out info on 8.5" vs 8.2" diffs. I guess its good, and now i'm a little more educated on the differences. Mine is an 8.2", as much as I wish it wasn't. That being said, I am still at a cross roads as what to replace it with. Whatever route I choose, it will have to be narrowed a little bit. I would really like to do some hands on stuff, as I have never built a rear end before. It might be all the other awesome fab updates, and seeing jigs built lately that's got me thinking I need to learn the art of building a jig etc. I really want to take a stab at scratch building a rear for the car, and narrowing it. Currie sells 9" mounting kits for cheap, so I might try and find a donor, trim it to size, and mount it up. Budget more than ever has come into play these days. So I'm going to try to keep moving ahead while I can, and try to save some bucks.

I put more time into the quarters, and I am happy to report that for now the metal work on the shell is done. The weather here has been kicking my ass, so for the most part, its been too cold to work in the garage. This summer will be the time to re-evaluate some electrical, and heating needs for the man cave! It sucks being stalled due to mother nature for a month at a time! Once it comes around though, I'm going to finish sanding the shell properly, as I didn't touch the roof etc, and prep it and finish it off in epoxy sealer for now. The more It starts to look like a car again, the more impatient I grow. I've been struggling with thoughts of getting it in primer, and just starting to have fun with it. Who knows for sure, haha. I did manage to take some better pics of it a couple days ago . I had to swap bays with the Trans am, so that I can go mad scientist on the rest of the sheet metal on it! What a mess hey!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021300087_zpsc7e7643a-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140213-00087_zpsc7e7643a.jpg.html)

It was pretty cool to think that the last time it was on the driveway on all fours is when I first brought it home. It was cool just to roll it outside and take a step back and marvel at it for a little bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200084_zpsefb60190-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00084_zpsefb60190.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200085_zps898a4e0c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00085_zps898a4e0c.jpg.html)

As you can see, the body needs to be centered a little better, as its .5" over to the passenger side. It really shows though that the wheels need to move in, as there is no way they would tuck. I would have to trim almost all the lip, and roll the remainder flat, and it would still rub. From where its sits, Id like rear ride height to be at least 2" lower than now, maybe 3".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200080_zpsd3421050-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00080_zpsd3421050.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200081_zpsdee1ca16-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00081_zpsdee1ca16.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200078_zpsd678681b-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00078_zpsd678681b.jpg.html)

Got to get it to sit something like this...good ole ms paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200078_zps87f87023-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00078_zps87f87023.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200079_zps4c756639-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00079_zps4c756639.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/IMG2014021200076_zps7caddac8-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/carguy_1/media/IMG-20140212-00076_zps7caddac8.jpg.html)

I sure love how the view is from the rear! Although its not a max effort rear tire size, it does look tough enough.