78' Malibu Build

[Wraith]

This is my fourth Malibu and "should" be the best as long as I don't sell it like the others or get distracted by another car.


The last one I built was in 02' and was a 1980 267 car that left my hands with a ZZ4/th350 and nearly everything touched/tweaked and it ran high 12's as a daily.

This was the day I sold it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/img0452vi-1.jpg


Fast forward several years and more than a several cars I decided to pick up another G body after building a Volvo 242 dubbed the Flying Moose that was destined for a 5.3/4L60 swap and chickening out as it was too clean to chop up.

Before
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/2011070716_58_54vi-1.jpg
After
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20121201_124234vi-1.jpg


I have a weird thing for boxy cars. :D


So I set out to find another Malibu which proved to be easier said than done and after looking at several overpriced, no title, and abused Malibus I had friends tell me about a 1978 Malibu that was sitting in the middle of nowhere that could be had for $750 if I didn't want the engine and trans. Beings I kept the drivetrain intended for the Volvo I should be good.


With these two pictures I said sold, despite a rule against buying primer cars plus buying cars without looking at them, triple strike was pictures of a wet car. :lol:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_1556vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_8020vi-1.jpg


Then went to pick it up wondering the 6 hour drive if I had lost my mind, luckily it looked solid all over, not beat or chopped even though it was a "race" car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130115_141418vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130115_141445vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130115_141429vi-1.jpg


I drug it back home and stripped it down to see what I had gotten into. For first time hot rodder's, do not use a grinder to sand down hood, it was junk lol. Along with the bent trunk and the worst parts were the dash and a rusted passenger floor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130115_183004vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130118_153705vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130118_120913vi-1.jpg

Next came the fun of taking the entire car apart and cleaning it up, I may have slight OCD when it comes to this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130118_120857vi-1.jpg
Dash did not make it out alive
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130120_115430vi-1.jpg
Pretty sure they only raced this on dirt roads
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130120_115438vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130120_115248vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130119_174803vi-1.jpg


And then the separation
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130126_140819vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130126_135622vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130126_152259vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130126_165454vi-1.jpg

[Wraith]

The cleaning began using wire brushes and a 4" grinder with a wire brush cup.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130127_110540vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130127_110535vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130203_121222vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130203_130837vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130203_130843vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130127_100349vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130222_151035vi-1.jpg?1365787214

And some por15 plus paint
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130222_174219vi-1.jpg?1365787210
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130209_080537vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130208_183445vi-1.jpg

Then to starting mock up for the 2003 5.3/4L60E with a pared down wiring harness extended to put the computer in the car, plus a smoothed truck intake.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130106_164106vi-1.jpg

I see a lot of swaps done with the truck, CTSV, or MAST pans but one thing they are lacking is appreciable baffling for the oil pickup, I went with the Autokraft pan.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20121217_140242vi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20121217_140227vi-1.jpg

Can't find my pic of the baffles but they look like this
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/camp110915rhslsaluminumblocksteeloilpan-1.jpg

For good or bad I decided to fab my own mounts so the body goes back on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130406_084351vi-1.jpg?1365786780
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130406_110840vi-1.jpg?1365786874
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130406_110849vi-1.jpg?1365786873

[Wraith]

Next up, try to fit my exhaust manifold collection before breaking down and ordering headers. I have the stock truck manifolds along with a pair of 2010 Camaro manifolds I picked up but with matched pairs they don't work, mis-matched, maybe.
Camaro driver's side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130428_115700vi-1.jpg?1367276794

Truck passenger side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130428_115726vi-1.jpg?1367276791

Should work okay, really don't want to pop for headers as I plan to go turbo down the road.

More parts came in too! Bel-Tech drop spindles, new rotors, calipers, bearings, seals, ARP 3" studs, and UB Machine A-arms for taller C10 upper ball joints plus tall lower ball joints
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130412_151239vi-1.jpg?1367276789
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130425_140300vi-1.jpg?1367276803
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130428_115600vi-1.jpg?1367276796

Few parts back from the sandblasters/painters and ready to drop off at machine shop to get tall ball joints and Global West bushings pressed in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130503_153549vi-1.jpg?1367805360
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130505_115536vi-1.jpg?1367805365

And picked up a pair of Centerline's for the front, not really the direction I was planning on going but they have the look, may make a good extra set of wheels.....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130505_095123vi-1.jpg?1367805363
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130505_172359vi-1.jpg?1367805367

All of the hardware back from the plater's, fresh silver cad plating
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130521_111437vi-1.jpg?1369538175

[Wraith]

After sizing up what should work if I keep the factory AC box the frame came back out for final fitment
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130512_102801vi-1.jpg?1368979622
May try to market my crossmember :lol:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130519_102434vi-1.jpg?1368979625

Started with the brake lines
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130521_181417vi-1.jpg?1369538234

But ran into a problem with the front to rear line from the stainless set I bought from Inlinetube.com, something may be amiss.

Rear
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130521_123832vi-1.jpg?1369538242

Front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130521_123828vi-1.jpg?1369538245

Just a bit too long, think I'll splice in a distribution valve where I have to cut and shorten the lines, they have been sitting a while and internet chatter says they are not A+ on customer service after the sale.

[daveybtv]

Cool. another G-body on board, nice work man What do have planed for Rims and Tires?

[srh3trinity]

Not sure if your crossmember will catch on. I was at Home Depot the other day and they had piles of them laying around for cheap. Different sizes too.

[Wraith]

Cool. another G-body on board, nice work man What do have planed for Rims and Tires?

Rims are really up in the air right now, there just aren't a lot out there that trip my trigger although they will most probably be 17" for daily and a set of 15" drag wheels too.


Not sure if your crossmember will catch on. I was at Home Depot the other day and they had piles of them laying around for cheap. Different sizes too.

Well dang, thats just my luck, somebody always beats me to the good ideas.:)

[Tig]

Damn dude, you dont mess around. Great job, its coming along and fas to, hah.
Keep it up man, lookin forward to your updates.



subd

[Wraith]

Damn dude, you dont mess around. Great job, its coming along and fas to, hah.
Keep it up man, lookin forward to your updates.



subd

I have slight ADD and if I don't keep moving something else will catch my eye, was shopping for a late 80's Mercedes coupe earlier.....

Today I cleaned the garage and all the tools laying around, then got a few back out to eliminate the spare tire well and also hole sawed over the top of the two body bolts that broke so I could get some more heat and penetrating oil on them. I ran a tap through them just for good measure after I was done
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130526_141925vi-1.jpg?1369611757

Also finished the rear end brake lines
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130526_142000vi-1.jpg?1369611816

Next is off to the internet to order a few more parts

[Wraith]

Whipped up a cheap body cart so I can drag it outside to start wire brushing all the seam sealer out of the car, I can't take credit though, I saw this in IMPALA MAN's build thread but I used four of my handy Harbor Freight furniture dollies. So far it's easy to move around the garage with one person.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130527_102426vi-1.jpg?1369869321


Ordered up fittings and wilwood proportioning valve to finish off the brake system plus a pair of Holley cast exhaust manifolds as I don't think my OCD will allow me to live with modified stock manifolds.

Any suggestions to clean this mess up?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130527_143141vi-1.jpg?1369869330

All the nooks and crannies are filled with dirt dust, from I would guess drag racing this down a quarter mile dirt track somewhere, and I would like to clean it all up before painting/coating. Ultimately I will be resealing all sheet metal cracks/gaps with seam sealer and high pressure cleaning the under side I'm not sure cleaning these areas will result in good things for the future. Any ideas?

[Wraith]

Couldn't cope with the factory exhaust manifolds so these came in today.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/20130531_200701vi-1.jpg?1370049507
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/20130531_200607vi-1.jpg?1370049518
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/20130531_200622vi-1.jpg?1370049513

PLENTY of room now......

[Wraith]

Small update but the el cheapo body cart was a success and the car moves in and out of the garage with one person so out it went to start stripping all of the seam sealer for replacement, went through a knotted wire wheel in about an hour and it still isn't finished.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/20130608_092530vi-1.jpg?1370869988
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/20130608_102711vi-1.jpg?1370869984

Found a little bit of rust near the quarter windows but nothing major and I'm still ahead of the game on the rust monster for this project. Also ordered up a new full length passenger floor pan which should be in by this weekend to start cutting and welding.

[Tig]

I have slight ADD and if I don't keep moving something else will catch my eye, was shopping for a late 80's Mercedes coupe earlier.....

Today I cleaned the garage and all the tools laying around, then got a few back out to eliminate the spare tire well and also hole sawed over the top of the two body bolts that broke so I could get some more heat and penetrating oil on them. I ran a tap through them just for good measure after I was done
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130526_141925vi-1.jpg?1369611757

Also finished the rear end brake lines
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130526_142000vi-1.jpg?1369611816

Next is off to the internet to order a few more parts

Haha, thats awesome. I'm the same way.
What model Benz? I love the style of the 80/90s Benz coupes, very cool

Everything looks great with the Bu, awesome job.
I'm only a weeee bit jealous.
Keep it up man, lookin forward to your updates.

[Wraith]

Wow, funny how two months slip away with no work. Did get a floor pan ordered, for the wrong Malibu, ordered a right side for 66 Chevelle, that's what I get for having 12 tabs open while shopping for parts. :hammer: New pan on order and hopefully will have in hand week after next which I have taken off and should have a little time to work on the car. Plans are to get more wire wheels, get it blocked up in the air, and remove every bit of seam sealer and grease from the underside. If that goes well I'm hoping to get it all seam sealed and painted underneath. The best part of the degreasing effort is a new product I have been playing around with made by my employer which could be the best degreaser I have ever used, spray on for 15 minutes while keeping it covered with the product, then rinse away all grease with a garden hose.

[Wraith]

Haha, thats awesome. I'm the same way.
What model Benz? I love the style of the 80/90s Benz coupes, very cool

Everything looks great with the Bu, awesome job.
I'm only a weeee bit jealous.
Keep it up man, lookin forward to your updates.

I was looking for an 80's 300CE and it still may be in the cards for the next project if I don't decide to do the MGB-GT with a VW turbo VR6 swap.

[SSLance]

I like your choice for exhaust manifolds, if I was to ever swap an LS into my car I'd go that route as well. Nice project, you are making excellent progress on it.

[Wraith]

Spent twelve hours in the last two days scraping and degreasing, luckily I had some magical stuff from work, probably shaved several hours off my time.

Transmission tunnel was the worst of it, that isn't rust, it's good old red dirt and grease.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Yep, entire underside looked like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/0oqY_HY8cECNhUn7f290dBU1BHqVHjvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/zktmUvi-1.jpg


After
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/g2sxjBvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/filevi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/KK7FLvk8EkzlbEFI8qPAEUNhoz0h9rvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/AeH10DYVTqYXIZDVke8cXrvi-1.jpg

And the trunk
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/8JRn19SDuWTyIc8vH_gIf3W1AQwnmdvi-1.jpg

All done with degreaser, putty knife, scotch brite pads, and a garden hose. My OCD has been appeased. :twothumbs

[Wraith]

Got it back inside and got the entire floor wire brushed and covered with Eastwood Corroless, well, except where I need to weld.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Lq9_QUzyf4wcmFFJSmJ5ZDFjInsU2Ivi-1.jpg

And cut a big hole in anticipation for the floor pan that is in transit.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/VeIsnzQ2YG4HFm8FMHlRvi-1.jpg



Question I do have is, do I seam seal the entire bottom of the car? Looks like they didn't from the factory and it has held up fine, would I be creating any problems down the road?

[carguykeith]

Sorry I can't offer any advice on the seam seller, but I have a huge favor to ask. Could you see if it's possible to flip those manifolds forward and upside down for a possible turbo application? You said you were going turbo in the future so maybe you were thinking about it anyways...

[Wraith]

Sorry I can't offer any advice on the seam seller, but I have a huge favor to ask. Could you see if it's possible to flip those manifolds forward and upside down for a possible turbo application? You said you were going turbo in the future so maybe you were thinking about it anyways...

I actually have a set of 2010 Camaro manifolds that I was going to use for turbo, I think the Hookers may tuck too close to the accessories but I'll give it a shot and take a picture.

[Wraith]

Pretty much figured on this much damage to the passenger side quarter window.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/HpQvWHfdcfIldQgjKrA9Fi5a2QLsx8vi-1.jpg

Wasn't planning on this much damage on the driver's side though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/B2Gc1850BEIQUd88lkHfEvUHcN7Eqcvi-1.jpg


Oh well, I got off easy with no body rust, just need to get the new rollers and sleeve to run .025 wire in the welder picked up to get started fixing it.

[Wraith]

Sometimes I get depressed about the progress or lack there-of so I shopped around craigslist for some cheap rollers and dropped the body back on while still waiting for a floor pan, at least it ALMOST looks drivable.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/EX23NAndIpSJQ36uteXdhXgbAwnoHsvi-1.jpg

I'm not sure what springs were in the back of this but they had a pair of spring extenders that I took out and it still sits this high. :dunno: I'll get some mock up stuff built to simulate ride height later.

[Wraith]

Sorry I can't offer any advice on the seam seller, but I have a huge favor to ask. Could you see if it's possible to flip those manifolds forward and upside down for a possible turbo application? You said you were going turbo in the future so maybe you were thinking about it anyways...

Here you go!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/yjqfpYZI4Ezzxs7RDTnTgyApxk7Wkrvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/kgYL1TZuOuuE1EDTSv0IkU1gVapTnGvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/e46LbguhlKQ1v75v_d4qOsEJrkC5rrvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/1MAF2xgFVKFvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/xTVb4mn5bOXi0SCmJefF6T0yRDONsbvi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/V1IpsdsLXFgqmm2qqyongyr_KHI3vi-1.jpg

[carguykeith]

Huge help, thanks! Now someone help this guy out on the seam sealer question.

[godlemmy]

`the factory uses seam sealer because they only spot weld the panels together.the sealer seals the rest of the panel so crap doesn't get in and it cuts down noise.when you replace the floor just put the sealer on the seams. eastwood's got some sealer,3m does too. if your really ocd grab some spray on bedliner and do the whole outer floor.i did it on my wheel wells in the rear. came out great.

[godlemmy]

81339

[CruizinKev]

looks good so far!! :twothumbs

[ReggD79406]

Nice build!! I have a 79 Malibu also. I definitely understand getting frustrated when a project isn't moving forward. Grrrr!
Where in Texas are you located? I'm in Richmond. Keep up the great work!

[Wraith]

Ugh, another two months gone with little to no work done because of work. Did get out to the garage this weekend and cut out old floor pan, trimmed up the new one to fit and got it all tacked in. Just need to get it all welded, sealed, and then i can finish the bottom of the floor pan with sealer and paint then back to the inside floor and trunk.

84012
84013
84014

[Wraith]

Nice build!! I have a 79 Malibu also. I definitely understand getting frustrated when a project isn't moving forward. Grrrr!
Where in Texas are you located? I'm in Richmond. Keep up the great work!

In the DFW, North Richland Hills. I ended up selling the Centerlines to my dad for his daily malibu driver.
84004

[Wraith]

Another couple months slip by without any work done but only because I picked another project that has preoccupied me since Nov. 1, 1973 MGB that my brother had been working on for the last four years on-and-off. Only needed timed, carb rebuilt, and lots of cleaning, still have to rehab the wheels but it is running and driving as of Jan. 1.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11605530456_305b7c6ce1_c-1.jpg

So back to the real project. Gathered up the front clip from storage and set it in place to make sure I would clear the stock hood with the truck manifold with my homebrew motor mounts and it clears by about 1/2" where it sits now, have to check driveline angles to make sure I have it as nose down as it needs to be, then I can pull the body to finish the motor mounts and start on the trans crossmember. Also took the rear springs out and substituted some PPVC pipe to start looking at ride height.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11696424746_e873a53cd6_c-1.jpg

[Wraith]

Last update was a year ago, wow.

Finished this, took up a bunch of time but is out of my garage.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/14659085413_e1e7e37948_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oknDnX)

To get rolling on the Malibu for the new year I got up this morning and ordered a new air compressor plus metal to build my transmission crossmember/frame brace. Also headed out today to buy some more metal to whip up a rotisserie to get this thing on it's side and sealed up/painted. Once the new compressor comes in to support air tools I can cut out the metal in the quarter window area and get it patched, then my body man can start.

It's current sad condition.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/15644399053_1df06825a4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pQrCNa)

[Wraith]

Air compressor has arrived along with a DIY transmission cross member from G-force and some steel anlge, after I get the cross member measured up the body comes back off and up on it's side to seam seal and paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/16149103008_fe0a2b9d54_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qB3nGu)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/15714258054_c6d847c645_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pWBFrG)

[Wraith]

This project has been languishing while I finish another one, the 2005 Road King I picked up last year. Did a quick run through on the engine, some powder coat, then drove it up to the Poconos and back, now it's tore down for paint an more powder coat but it motivated me to get started on the Malibu again.

I couldn't see spending a ton of money on a rotisserie, I'm not planning on doing another frame odd for a while, so I followed some pictures I found on the web and built a wooden tip-tisserie. Almost finished it yesterday, still need diagonal bracing, but I think it will more than carry the weight of the body and I can finish out the the bottom with seam sealer and paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16223800753_57da5f03ef_c-1.jpg

[Wraith]

And another project sucked up most of the year, the 2005 Road King

As purchased in June 2014 and haggard
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/14639120955_61787eea0c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oiBjDa)

Quick makeover for a week trip to PA in Sept
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/15007537758_6033945093_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oSay81)

And finished in August 2015 for another trip to PA in Sept
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/20526704843_87c57727c7_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xgSJdc)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/20959904428_7816b0e2e8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xW9Zmy)



Also gets almost all my spare projects out of the way so this weekend I pulled the front and rear glass, cleaned up the channels, found some rust, and ordered more tools and parts to get this moving along.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22265283272_c5792daa48_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/zVvp1m)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22090085880_4017c750d6_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/zE2sVE)

Have a new 3m gun and seam sealer incoming, along with a spot blaster to clean up the window channels. Need to swing by the welding store to pick up some gas and get to patching the rear window opening and finish the quarter window corners.

[Godbolt]

Glad to see you back on this and nice work with your side projects. Also, seeing how your 242 turned out made me wish I never parted with my first car, a 142s (for sport of course!).

[Wraith]

Glad to see you back on this and nice work with your side projects. Also, seeing how your 242 turned out made me wish I never parted with my first car, a 142s (for sport of course!).

Thanks for the props although after looking at your Mustang, wow. That is an impressive build. I did like the 242 and the 142's were better but I wasn't cut out to hang with that crowd.

[Wraith]

New tools and ride height mockup so I can formulate a suspension plan. Pretty sure I'm going to use chicane coilovers conversion in the front and I'm waffling on using a bolt in setup for rear or by a weld in universal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22362151636_8efedf50dd_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/A54SAy)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22362157486_3199aac7da_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/A54Ukq)

[Fahrenschnell]

Those wheels look Sick on there....I love it

[DRhoades73]

In the DFW, North Richland Hills. I ended up selling the Centerlines to my dad for his daily malibu driver.
84004
Wish I still had either of the wagons I had, '79 with a 4 speed, and an 83.

[Wraith]

And time flies.......

Spent most the year going over the motorcycle again and riding the crap out of it again while the Malibu sat in the corner. Trips to Colorado, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania made it worth it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/28780973370_5ac3680f89_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KRh1EN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/27059499795_7e7c6f6be0_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hea1xV)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/29946187751_93205c9cc7_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MCf3iV)


I did help a buddy out with a LM7/4L60e swap into his Volvo wagon so technically I was still hot-rodding.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/29735564090_483a8eec57_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MiCxeu)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/29402865583_67ca4795dd_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LNenyk)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/29401659544_d6c41f3991_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LN8c3y)


After getting his dyno tuned last Friday I am getting back in gear and moving forward. I swung out and picked up a refill on my welding gas, ordered up the frame extension for my Hooker LS trans mount plus some Global West tie rod sleeves to replace the ****ty Pro-forged ones I had originally bought. I scheduled time with the Volvo buddy to bring home a plasma cutter and tomorrow morning we are cutting the rear frame rails to narrow them for a little more tire.

Pulled the body off again for tomorrow's festivities
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/29735749850_23a134d3c2_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MiDusf)

[Wraith]

And fun was had by all on Saturday.....well, those that didn't help.

I had a buddy bring over a plasma cutter from work, a Hypertherm 30, we fought it for one side before resorting to a 4" grinder for the passenger side, it didn't have enough horsepower for the double wall stuff, but they are cut.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29436208984_bb9148eaef_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LRbgoy)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30063526915_12facac6d4_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MNBr9X)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29980379281_939381aca4_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MFghg4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30063510855_069f19e20f_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MNBmo4)

I'm not sure how many burns and burnt spots of hair I have yet but I'm sure there will be more before this is through.

[Streetbu]

Looking good! I just did mine last winter. Wasn't as bad as I thought. Did you just go to the seam? Make sure not to follow it the whole way. It is not parallel.

Best pic I can find of mine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160305_111115566_zpsjie9yrii-1.jpg

[Wraith]

Looking good! I just did mine last winter. Wasn't as bad as I thought. Did you just go to the seam? Make sure not to follow it the whole way. It is not parallel.



I did go to the seam for the drivers side although on the passenger side of mine is almost parallel, I noticed that using the grinder. Still wonder if I shouldn't have just bought a new pair of rails and moved them in....

I am planning on lots more measuring to get them parallel and even then reinforce them inside the rails between the arm mounting points before welding the outer back on, I don't want any dreaded wrinkle in the quarter.

[Wraith]

Sunday I felt lazy and just dropped the engine and trans back in, oblonged the required holes for the engine mounts and bolted it all down, the Hooker mounts made it easy.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30016360161_2f0179c4a5_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MJrG84)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29471772654_f48140bb78_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LUjxeh)

[Wraith]

So back in the beginning of 2015 I whipped up a tip-tissorie based on pictures from the internet of other designs, Home Depot supplied materials as well as Metal Supermarket. I had bolted it up but other than tipping it up a few feet I had never tried to tip it over with the windows in. Today with the body stripped out, I decided to try it again, I need to get the bottom seam sealed and shoot it with undercoating.

First video didn't get recorded :screwy: so we pulled it down to flip it again


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLphq8LwI9w

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30111063341_97a110016d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MSP55v)

And tucked back to the side to work on it

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29568131903_d917a35343_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/M3QptD)

Easy peasy.

[Streetbu]

Wow, looks like a great idea!

[Wraith]

Back in the garage today.

Spent time welding any voids left over from the floor pan install and fixing the rear gas tank mounts, not sure how it happened but every corner looked like this.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29593456504_07488fea1a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/M65cAG)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30108577122_d853b5e924_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MSAk1E)

And then welded back up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30188470976_df386cf5cc_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MZDNEU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30108512552_2d2a856c07_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MSzZPo)


Then onto the wheel wells to scrape out all the original undercoating/seam sealer, which thankfully wasn't much.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29594091353_5350db8375_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/M68sjn)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30108619072_36f0345d3a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MSAxtW)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29594017983_e3cf5e01f9_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/M685vn)

I took the time to scrub the entire underside with carb cleaner and a scotch brite also, that sucks. More parts on order, main things being the inner bucket seat mounts to get welded on before I seam seal and paint or undercoat it to drop it back on the frame, hopefully for the last time.

[Streetbu]

Must be nice to have a generally rust free car to work on... LOL

[Wraith]

Must be nice to have a generally rust free car to work on... LOL

LOL IT's a good thing for me, if there were rusty wheel wells I'd have been tempted to tub it and really narrow the frame. Hate to cut up good metal.

[LERM]

The "tip rotisserie" is an outstanding idea. Too cool.

[Wraith]

Time in the office for work also means time to shop for parts. Ordered up new inner bucket seat mounts, body bolts, 22 circuit wiring harness, and rebuilt tilt wheel/floor shift column.

[Wraith]

So parts came in this week and I keep moving forward as I have a finish date in site, Drag Week 2017 with a backup plan of October 10, 2017, one day before my 45th birthday, this will be my birthday present to myself. :evil:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29732836174_e8565c4bd8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mioyjs)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29731519043_90985e0a8a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MigNMi)

Got up and finished grinding down welds from floor pan installation and sealed it all up with Corroless before I seam seal and undercoat with U-Pol Raptor liner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30327615456_ca8d96e97c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NcWXtE)

I also have a spare tire delete panel from Scott Rod Fabrications I need to rivet in before I undercoat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30362980775_c35543cf43_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ng5dmx)



Went ahead and knocked out the delete panel Sunday too

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30368278275_75a03a882f_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ngxn7K)

Now it's ready for epoxy primer in the wheel wells and seam sealer, Raptor Liner is on order, may be able to get it all sprayed next weekend.

[Wraith]

So project for the day was to buy a crappy/cheap split bench seat of CL, mount it in the car with the new inner mounts, then weld them in.

Mission accomplished!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30398041445_885c33a2c1_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NjaUER)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29767552974_01412d5b1a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MmsupY)

And cleaned back up plus recoated

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30311868251_bdf0885b1f_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nbyfo8)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29767548644_51a130e96a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mmst8j)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/29766179753_ed61b4b631_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MmkscK)

Now to just fix those pesky spots marked with blue tape and I am done welding on the bottom of this car

[mikester]

Good choice on the U-Pol. A friend of mine uses it all the time in his shop. I wish I knew about it before I did both of my cars in Body Schutz.

[Wraith]

Good choice on the U-Pol. A friend of mine uses it all the time in his shop. I wish I knew about it before I did both of my cars in Body Schutz.

I hope it is the right decision, I anguished over just paint or undercoating, as long as it sprays fine I'll like it. :yeah:

[Wraith]

Spent more time in the garage this weekend and finished patching the mounts above the axle, buzzed up the last couple firewall holes, and ground down the last of my welds from the floor pan replacement

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30463860946_034ded1107_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NpZfvQ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30500391435_b0a6d58e25_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NtdtKR)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30413587691_89d6078dfd_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NkxA2z)


Then today I spent time with the heat gun and razor blade in an effort to save some money for other parts, I really need to invest in a long handle scraper, my fingers are cooked from my short razor blade holder.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30248851790_cf0839a99b_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/N5ZgMq)

[Centerforce]

Your rolling rotisserie idea is blowin our mind! What a great DIY solution instead of buying one. We had some doubts at first, but after seeing the video, we can tell it is very sturdy. Props for your ingenuity, sir!

[Wraith]

Your rolling rotisserie idea is blowin our mind! What a great DIY solution instead of buying one. We had some doubts at first, but after seeing the video, we can tell it is very sturdy. Props for your ingenuity, sir!

Thanks, wish I could claim the concept but I saw it years ago when I was into VW's used on a Rabbit, I'm just happy it holds a full size car too!

- - - Updated - - -

Just scraping away

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30589393095_f6fbb93526_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NB5CRe)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30472481442_f4938cb860_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NqKr65)
Nice surprise on the roof, guess that's one way to hide a dent

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30552907236_b80a68095d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NxRCSG)

[Wraith]

More scrapin', more sandin', more weldin'

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30549848762_24fe2f9875_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NxzXGo)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30035283864_cfeb27cbf0_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ML7FtN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30367033110_65df5f6885_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NgqYYo)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/30666585305_2e10972a24_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NHUgpp)

[andrewb70]

You should shoot to make Holley LS fest 2017. Good times!

Andrew

[Wraith]

Not much done for over a month, hunting season has been using up my spare time, but I'm back in the garage for a year end push, I have all of next week off.

Floor plugs in, wheel wells sealed, and prepped for spraying Raptor Liner Monday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31864907555_ab5387dcbc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QxMYRR)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31827160596_54cedde7be_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qusw1d)


And I got back on boxing the frame rails back in although I need to swap out to my .035 wire for this heavier stuff and the frame braces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31055274313_7b8fbcafd2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pjfp72)

[HotRod47]

Love this build, great job. I have always liked this body style.

[Streetbu]

Looking good! You don't really need .035 wire for the frame though. .030 will work fine. The frame isnt really that thick

[Wraith]

Looking good! You don't really need .035 wire for the frame though. .030 will work fine. The frame isnt really that thick

It's not that thick but I only have .035 and the .025 I have been using for bodywork, so .035 it is!

[outragis]

are you interested in a 12 bolt rear end that will bolt right in with the south side arms? New 4;11 Richmond gear with new Eaton posi blasted and painted black, summit cover, new drum brakes...

[Wraith]

First thing this morning

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31855227826_aec23a2f9f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QwWnpY)

So, from the point of laying on it's side, all sanded and prepped with 180 grit sandpaper and wiped with lacquer thinner it still took 1.25 hours to mask it all off to when that photo was taken. At that point I started mixing the raws using a 250ml graduated cylinder, because I use them for work, then got to spraying at about 60psi to keep the pattern as tight as possible.

After 1.5 coats

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31052266474_402e3be538_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PiYYYJ)

Then after all four liters of material and masking pulled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31091573943_4f119c8c24_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PnsrHH)

Surprisingly it all went well with no problems or snafu's, I expected problems, none arose, little to no overspray on the floor, and I managed to keep any overspray/mixing off myself although I do recommend a respirator made for organics, this stuff is stout.

[Streetbu]

Lookin good!

[SSLance]

Love the look of a fully finished out bottom side of a body... Does that make me strange? :drool:

Nice work...

[Wraith]

So I started welding last night then spent the better part of 5 hours finishing the welding today along with installing my JTraceshop control arm braces then coating with some Napa chassis black. I'm whupped and my hands hurt but I'm ready to drop the body back on the frame hopefully for the last time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31126671243_fe9764166b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PqyjVz)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31797701852_38f4dd5038_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QrRwWQ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31105355364_2c2fa89685_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PoF5sq)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31945122635_3b57511944_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QET71t)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/31105402194_dd991d5cc1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PoFjnQ)

[Wraith]

Back at it again after a brief hiatus working on one of the two project Jeeps for 1.5 days. This morning I decided I wanted to get the body close to back on but I needed to finish the brake line install and that meant flaring one spot of stainless for the prop valve plus re-tapping the holes for the distribution valve but it's done.

Broke out all the recoated hardware
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/31916861501_d3b515ed3c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCofXx)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/31659352330_d744ecc5d7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QeCssf)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/31916832431_79cf6e49ea_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCo7jk)

Back in the corner and I got my parking space back

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/31193298154_bcf7706ecc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PwrNMq)

[SSLance]

Nice progress!!!

[Wraith]

Finally finished the side project and back at the Malibu again

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/31126718783_c810246d78_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pqyz4e)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/32801681443_eb43029422_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYzc6M)

Today's scrapin's

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/33652360615_9beda71d44_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TgK9o4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/33523124461_d4a6d31026_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T5jLYv)

[Wraith]

Back in the garage and today I repurposed the tip-tissorie into a body cart so I can move this around easier while I get it in primer and start bodywork.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/33395085973_c1627d39d6_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ST1xAn)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/34075151791_84b440aa4d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TV74t6)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/33395082873_20f541a2cd_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ST1wEV)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/34075156741_ee64ffbce9_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TV75Wr)

[Wraith]

Last panel to scrape

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/33421759214_97ee30249e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SVnfBQ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/34106355512_5cf1aeaa2e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TXRZfh)

[focused313]

beautiful progression. keep it up.

[Wraith]

Even more scraping and all door and trunk seam sealer removed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34456476715_25ca9ab84f_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UuNs5K)

Driver's door, must have had grass growing up there.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33614375884_62cff1398e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TdosQU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34071820030_b7f9d91207_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TUNZ3W)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34415096436_29f1de216c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ur9naE)

Passenger side is much better
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33646613863_fc15788e44_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TgeG58)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33646611143_8f6b3702bb_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TgeFge)

Both doors cracked like this at the front tops
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34415100356_58a6443962_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ur9okf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33623554534_a16666da39_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tecvku)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33623551554_8f988b7ef5_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tecus7)

That is the end of the paint stripping and with a little sanding this is ready to go in primer and start bodywork.

[Wraith]

The Bu made it's first trip outside in a few years. I took everything out of the garage to clean up the mess from removing all the seam sealer then blew the car, doors, and trunk all out with air, something I should have done a long time ago to the doors, there was a lot of dirt and crud in the nooks and crannies. Also welded up the stress cracks at the front of the doors.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34348030312_12ec607664_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UkdCKb)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34378194501_20cfd52576_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UnTevp)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33666296284_871950a7d6_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ThYyYd)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34378183161_fc9252b153_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UnTb8T)

[Wraith]

I finally tackled the project I have been dreading for a while. Both corners of the quarter windows were rotted back at the pointy part, right were normal tools really don't fit or are in the wrong position even if you get them in there. Out came the dremel, 90* die grinder, die grinder, and files.

Cut out the bad
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34640265665_32619eff08_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UM3q8K)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33797304464_810969185d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tuy28W)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34599244516_99fa0241d0_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UHqaYy)

Fabbed up a couple pieces
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34478190892_cea7c4b934_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UwHJX7)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34478184112_c8638ea073_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UwHGWd)


And Voila!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/33797313634_3be29a363a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tuy4S3)

That sequence took hours of grinding, fitting, grinding, fitting, etc, I am usually all about metal work but this was not fun. Luckily the passenger side isn't quite as bad but I hope to knock it out tomorrow.

[Streetbu]

Wow, great job! I had the same issue but not as bad luckily.

[Wraith]

On to the passenger side, luckily it had a little less damage but was still a tight area to work. I picked up a Harbor Fright air saw to make some tight cuts but still used two die grinders, a dremel, and at some point a sawsall. A few more tacks and it's done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34635827102_8c3702b0f5_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ULDEGN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34635820032_3d9379aa85_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ULDCAU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34635814942_e7ebfd931d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ULDB69)

While I was treating the pieces of metal I used with Ospho I threw one of the window brackets in the solution

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34665323851_767fb88991_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UPfR4r)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34635800952_470c4a8e8a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ULDwVW)

[F-Body International]

Badass, I love seeing when build progress rather than sit. This is motivating for those us with not enough budget.

[Wraith]

Badass, I love seeing when build progress rather than sit. This is motivating for those us with not enough budget.

Thanks. I let this sit for too long avoiding the quarter window repair, should have tackled it sooner, now I can get it in primer. I also think some people don't post the little things that really eat up time for bigger advancements on their projects, I feel it can be discouraging for the home builds.

[Wraith]

Today was nice enough to shoot epoxy on nearly all the seams that still need seam sealer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34808510342_de91d67de8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V2UHq3)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34129734294_1a62a4b561_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TZVNWJ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34129737204_96bcae4a1e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TZVPNU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34808480062_647d98625e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V2UypY)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/34972266895_4a25e5354c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vho1wT)

[Wraith]

Today is, Fun with Coal Slag!

Picked up one of these from Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Sandblaster-Siphon-Ceramic-Abrasive-Blasting/dp/B00GVHB7ZI/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497212495&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=king+siphon+blaster
And whipped up a suction tube and I already had a bag of black diamond medium grit laying around so today I'm going to hit the heavy surface rust areas and the window frames.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34856971240_586eb54eaa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V7c69L)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/35203911456_b8f812431e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VCRfoC)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34435153153_e512a9bab5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UsVak8)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34856967670_ebaee4d8bf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V7c56d)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34435133523_fdce8bf8ca_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UsV4uF)


But for one hour of blasting, man what a mess, two hours to clean it all up. If there is a next time I'm doing it in the yard to avoid clean up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34435146873_0ac9033485_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UsV8sR)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/34856973020_585224975d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V7c6Fs)

[Streetbu]

I did my rearend in the driveway. It was out of the car too. I think i was picking that stuff out of my body for the next week....

[Wraith]

I did my rearend in the driveway. It was out of the car too. I think i was picking that stuff out of my body for the next week....

No kidding! I was really surprised about how dirty I was, apparently a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops is not appropriate safety wear. :rolleyes:

[Centerforce]

Interesting method. It seems like the benefit would be that its biodegradable so if its done outside you don't have to worry too much about cleanup?

[Wraith]

Interesting method. It seems like the benefit would be that its biodegradable so if its done outside you don't have to worry too much about cleanup?

That would probably be true but OCD has to play into that and that meant I swept/vacuumed the entire driveway after I was finished.

[SSLance]

That would be me as well... :D

[Wraith]

I really hate sanding, if there is a next time, I'm having the car blasted.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35523192701_c6a4c818bb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W84DzF)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35484610962_15d824a45f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W4DUzh)

[Wraith]

Is it groundhog day?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35288671420_ce548d00e3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VLkEzj)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35675730965_9bf161d5fd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WmxrTK)

I got up early and headed out to Tractor Supply and picked up two bags of fine grit Black Diamond to do some more blasting to the spots that had creeping rust and finish the window channels. The fine grit works much better in this siphon blaster. After hitting the channels I found a spot on the driver's quarter that will need to be cut out, the metal was thin and trying to blast out all the rust it blew through.

I also grabbed the seat tracks that I picked up a Pik N Pull that were 100% surface rusted and gave them a quick blast too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35545750121_8a72a1b8f2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Wa4g7H)

Blasted the underside of the rear quarters too, these areas were all rust/surface rust.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35508053152_d1c55d0be7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W6J47Y)

I love this little blaster now! I grabbed both front fenders and hit the nooks and crannies plus the rusty areas, next I'll have to dig out the core support and blast it. Another step closer to primer.....

[Streetbu]

Be careful using that on body panels. Edges are ok, middle of the panel and you can warp it easily. Looks like you had a lot of fun... LOL

[LS6 Tommy]

Cripes! And I think sometimes I have too much work ahead of me...

Tommy

[Wraith]

Happy days!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35781453296_328d039be7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WvTisy)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/35011969173_d15757719c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VkTuCV)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/34981584944_25488be60e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VicLsU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/34981586854_5cd8012bcf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VicM2Q)

My body guy and I talked yesterday and I said I was going to give primer a try, luckily he wasn't busy and said pick him up at 6am and we would start working. Even after all my sanding I still spent an hour doing touch up plus 40 minutes wiping it all down with grease remover then with Metal Etch. We are using Sherwin Williams products/system like he uses in the Mustang shop, if it's good enough for full resto on a GT500KR it should work on my Malibu. Today we just got the shell done, I have more sanding on the rest of the parts before I can shoot those, mostly surface rust and rust bloom from sitting in primer too long.

[SSLance]

Woot!!

[Wraith]

Back at it this weekend and got the doors, fenders, and trunk filler in primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/37030347605_9d22ea53d1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yqfde4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/36842194206_ff80234165_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y8BSLW)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/37030343695_f604794918_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yqfc4D)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/36842176256_878d77f26a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y8BMrs)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/36889463991_9b38c338e9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YcN9re)

[Wraith]

More time spent and more money but back at it.

This time we are bolting the body back to the frame to install the doors and start bodywork.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/10/37527311572_e5d18ebcd8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Zbahij)

Dropped back on

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/10/37300563940_24352e028a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YQ898o)

And finally bolted down.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/10/37578131761_60e6a7ea40_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZfDKnt)


The worst part of the job were the number three position body mounts that were apparently installed by small children back in the 70's, wow that is a tight area to work in. New door hinges and strikers will be in before Friday for more fun!

[85GPLEf41]

Man real nice build! Get's me motivated for my Grand Prix's frame off...

[Wraith]

Big day today, holes to be patched/welded , new tools purchased, and mud was slung. Harbor Fright stud gun worked great!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/27039887429_83125ae891_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcqutF)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/27039885329_f9a1b193cf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcqtRt)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/38785108222_4860b91727_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/226iPqs)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/38099613964_78c904a659_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/213JtRW)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37929434905_a9a4cb9f80_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZMGgye)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/24943518918_7ec7d5ca6b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E1b4a1)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37928422305_6435c6719e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZMB5xB)

[796spdbu]

Great project! Even if it is taken a while at least its done right! You have some cool projects.

[Wraith]

With some rust in the driver's front fender I hopped on Craigslist to find some replacements or some parts fenders and found these from a dirt tracker, $100 for the pair and solid where I needed them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/38152133795_5c9d9415a1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/218nEbg)

When I got them home and cleaned up I was hoping to use them whole but the top of the driver's had been worked over and not gently.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/27276292269_85db749fc0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hyj8pc)

Yikes!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/25186655278_3ec350ba46_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EnEc8d)

But solid where mine wasn't

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/25249232978_c4413c167e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EtbVi5)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/38234373385_ef7fe7c64e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21fDa9e)

Off with it's head!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/27336018969_fceca6ac33_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HDAf4T)

Transplant successful!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/24252633407_585fab9e8c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CX85XR)

I also had time to survey the passenger fender that was dented and tweaked now that I had a spare. After looking at the two next to each other I decided to apply some tough love to the original, who knew judicious use of force would straighten it out? Just got to break out the stud gun again and move the dent.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/24258141707_0cf451c23c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CXBjox)

[Wraith]

Best laid plans for a two day push dashed because we weren't paying attention to how much primer we had left but it's still moving forward.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/25063461517_1e67b20ca4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EbLMUR)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/26062627418_5530e1c92e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FH4M89)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/25063465437_f2b0962cb1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EbLP5r)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/26062619568_79727c9928_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FH4JMN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/39935067481_90eddc9ccd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23QVEfe)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/39902516432_b9cb7156c1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23N3PXf)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/28154947959_5aa20f6fc8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JTXt8e)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/39935040381_6279be5fab_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23QVwbZ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/26062530278_2c560a56f6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FH4hfj)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/25063371827_c938ee8ea4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EbLkft)

[Wraith]

Crusty and rusty to, well, a little less crusty and rusty.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/25080090617_d5db6b6a31_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Edf2at)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/39241226224_2aaecd717c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22MBxpW)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/01/28171655669_27d1e912a8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JVr6Kc)

[Wraith]

Door day....day 2.......
We have assessed the door, tis dented from it's natural habitat, the parking lot. Some say it can't be fixed.....some say slug it full of Bondo.....my bodyman says otherwise.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/26581428457_744530254f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GuULAD)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40560693205_1c5d5deb8c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24Nd9YD)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27584884948_1c4ca2291e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/J2zKfC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41413063892_5fe81b5f49_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/266wM5Y)

While he was working I got to seam sealing and drip rail sealing

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27582897748_8cc0a0d64f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/J2pywy)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39645250170_0a51014776_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23pjgE3)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39645250210_761241b92b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23pjgEJ)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41453980641_d36bd33739_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26a9uda)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40739732704_9d5c378e09_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2552Mby)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40741750814_fdc6336702_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/255d86y)

Self leveling stuff is clear, cool

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39647248920_b2d7504d10_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23puvPf)

[Wraith]

Groundhog day for the passenger door but finally ready for primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41604323111_883e22b04b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26or2MH)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27740903978_33bc05509b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JgnogU)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41609658851_528bf9fdb2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26oUnVe)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27740907778_e6fce6378b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Jgnppq)

On to the driver side, less dings but the dents are deeper.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40898995924_bc8b7b0e8c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25j73A9)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40898998184_6aea4340f4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25j74g7)

While he was working I started cleaning the nasty inner fenders from the 83' I'd parted out. Mixed up some of my magical degreaser and grabbed a scotch brite pad.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40899000884_9293b3ee0c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25j754E)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41569616682_a2382e1acc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26kn9M1)

Threw them in the bay for storage for now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39801955280_30964dd58e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23DaqCh)

[Wraith]

Keeping the momentum going....

The nasty, half blasted, surface rusted, bare metal core support needed some love.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39820250910_7695d2eb18_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23EMchb)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/26760076347_c0088a5b25_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GLGooF)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27759163348_7c0069c113_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JhYY9C)

So looking through my stash of paint and randoms I had some POR-15 that would look good on the mostly unseen core support. I actually can't wait to see how it looks after it dries as I used a partial of semi-gloss and a partial of gloss black knowing I would be top coating it later when I finish the top in regular paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41588166982_39ab41d1bd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26n1e8L)

Then I grabbed the header panel to strip it out and assess for damage

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40917161554_a415507d4b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25kH9AE)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41627782421_a54c9c3c8c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26qvgqz)

Apparently self-tappers are great to hold the grille in and wood screws work for the headlight trim.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39820071280_b6be9c0968_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23ELgT7)

Needs a little fiberglass repair to the mounts and a crack

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/26759021877_6947bf5a06_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GLAYWa)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41586792062_c2c1e05786_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26mTbqf)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/39819078820_946aabf662_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23EFbRJ)

[Streetbu]

Awesome job as always!

[Wraith]

I have decided that when I am not traveling for work I will manage to do at least one thing this to keep chugging along. Today it means finishing out the top of the core support with paint and primer then start sanding the headlight buckets for the same treatment. Meanwhile all the hardware that remains is in my vibratory tumbler with walnut shells and black beauty.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40947582204_b7f993bd0f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25op4AC)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40767397065_f469337340_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/257tyQi)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40767397115_54cde219a8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/257tyRa)

[Malubu795]

Looks good

[engineman_1]

Great Job! Any updates?

[Wraith]

Thanks. Several seemingly small updates, I had abandoned updates here.

Mostly painting, sandblasting, priming, etc.

New rear bumper filler, front/rear corner fillers, front spoiler purchased

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/27064022807_b24d7fa635_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Heyc5T)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/42039598622_eda706dc38_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/273TW2U)

New alternator/power steering mount

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/28062488618_b4799c7ddf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JKMAbE)

Scored a set of 78' year only tail lights and corner trims

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/27993767887_7d41498630_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JDHnUt)

And two weeks ago we finished bodywork on the doors and shot four coats of primer on them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43798830162_975cf79b91_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Jmshb)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43798826662_8943d14a88_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29JmreQ)

[Wraith]

While I spent the week at a sales meeting my buddy was hard at work and we got back to it this morning.



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/43967406454_92a7264dda_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Zfs8Y)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/43967406534_13f2ef249d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Zfsam)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/43967406574_5ff71cf713_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Zfsb3)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/30831207458_364b83f9ed_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NYrZQo)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/43792363465_aafc65d294_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29HMiXp)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/43983638514_0bab384e43_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2a1FDn5)



And I stripped the front fender again back to bare metal



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/42892071920_4363f160b2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28me5Do)



Second to last coat of primer on the doors, one more blocking, primer, then wetsand.



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/44653017712_5728e29597_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2b2QotJ)

[Shuffle]

Update?

[Wraith]

Time flies but work has been done

I had to pick up a new trunk as the rust at the seams on the old one bothered me, I was able to find one on Craigslist that was solid but ugly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/45195533782_f676e690d3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bRLVB5)

Paint stripper, sandpaper and Ospho took care of that
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/44533902274_8d73398522_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aRiTBh)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/44533900364_436568d322_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aRiT3m)

And in the paint booth
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/45426661052_ababf0e8cb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cdcvG1)

More sand, paint, prime
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/46099751262_411e6b7909_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2deFgXC)

And a quick run down to Summit Racing
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48079106127_9611ae8dee_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gfzZcD)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48079105672_4b80ca5b3a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gfzZ4N)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48079000766_62d453beee_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gfzrT5)

And around this time I found a deal on a 4.8 with accessories and a rebuilt 5.3 shortblock on Craigslist for a song so home they came, even got a free engine stand.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48079000066_c91af61c85_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gfzrF1)

[Wraith]

Around this time I picked up a 1973 C20 pickup, one owner with a "bad" engine and had been sitting for 12 years. It had a 30K mile GM Goodwrench 350 that had a knock and a rebuilt TH400, they tried rod bearings but they didn't work and so it sat. I found the .020 oversized bearing when I pulled the motor out plus found the "knock" that was what I though, cracked flexplate. Cleaned the heck out of it, painted/detailed it under the hood, new tires and put it up for sale.

Why am I typing this? My good buddy bought it and made me an offer on the 5.3/4L60E that was in the Malibu to put in the truck. Since I have a spare 4.8 laying around why not?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/42064831312_c316e76a6b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2768fQh)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/27545623457_21525b72f3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HY7wbn)

After
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/32499496748_bce41fd62e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RvSq7Q)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/45353187935_6926f06bf4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2c6GWG8)

But with a 4.8 that's gonna be a little anemic for my goals sooooooo
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48939144963_dc2ee91f79_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hyzUMr)

[Wraith]

The new hood wasn't too bad, just a couple low spots and skim it will be right

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48079097407_119278231e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gfzWBi)

And I ordered up a Fahler Speed turbo manifold plus turbo mockup on the 4.8 on the stand
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48944640673_445d22bf45_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hz55t4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/48945375977_1ac496e1ff_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hz8R3H)

Stripped down for cleaning and putting that free engine stand to use
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49045247922_5176e012e4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hHXHuN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49045035511_bfe7ac7171_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hHWCmx)

So to keep it together I ordered up new lefters/trays/regapped the rings, lapped the valves, added Brian Tooley titanium keepers/retainers, added a Brian Tooley stage 3 cam, cam cover with oil drains, and a new Melling oil pump

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49115551302_78709c3ee1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hQb3f3)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49161167036_05235c8f2a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hUcQdd)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542633391_f07ec0b3fd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itUWSk)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542632621_7e3b767778_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itUWD4)

Also picked up a chrome moly core support to give me some more room up front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49045454421_ddfc499650_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hHYLT8)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542132623_a82bcb3551_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itSo1p)

Plenty of room
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542132033_47ebb614cb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itSnQe)

And started mock up for the radiator, condensor, and intercooler, yes it will have AC.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542131238_3fd90eeef4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itSnAw)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49542631426_8e2bc6078c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2itUWhs)

And it needed speed holes in the bumper for more air flow
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/49547785907_ed9d102963_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iunmwP)

[andrewb70]

This is turning out pretty awesome!

[Wraith]

This is turning out pretty awesome!
Thank you, that's a great compliment coming from you. Eventually I may need to enlist your services, going Holey Terminator on this build.

[Wraith]

Made my brackets to hang the intercooler off the front of the core support and had to weld in a crossbar. I had some poly bushings for Harley handlebars in the parts bins that happened to be the perfect fit for the mounting bungs on it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51349536384_4596580ed2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mezNbd)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51349820005_5e3bbc66a9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2meBfue)

Couple nutserts through the bar and bingo!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51349536479_c745a08889_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mezNcR)

Easy runs to the intercooler with the extra space from the tubular core support.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51348066502_cfa71a6dc6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mesgeq)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51349819565_e730554366_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2meBfmD)

Decided to go manual brakes for ease of install and go Wilwood on the master cylinder and brake proportioner

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/08/51349820045_f22d5245af_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2meBfuV)

[MrBlonde]

I dig it!