66 Chevelle PT build (ours)

[tommycomfort]

Alright, finally had some time for the first installment of updates. On the way from Indy to Pigeon Forge, TN for Run Thru The Hills I hit a small bump on the highway and heard a horrible noise that I thought was coming from the right front suspension. Long story short, I was way off on the location and it turned out to be a rearend noise. Luckily Debbie and Sam were following with the truck and trailer and I was following Matt (bowtie67). So, loaded it on the trailer and hauled it the rest of the way down to Bill Howell's place. After it stopped pouring Deb, Sam and I backed the car to the edge of the trailer and removed the differential cover. Well, much to our surprise, a ring gear bolt fell out when we did. Then, upon inspecting it a little more we found another one lodged between the ring gear and posi carrier (apparently a noise that I heard during a SCCA auto-x a few weeks before). A little more digging and we found that the remaining ten bolts were all hand tight and one was already out about 3/16". So, after borrowing a couple bolts and sending Deb to the parts store we had it all cleaned up and tightened back up with lock-tite. Let me just say this, I paid a guy to rebuild the rearend in the wagon and 66 about six or seven years ago and apparently he wasn't the expert he claimed to be...

[craigs73]

holy crap you got lucky. suprised it didnt tear up any teeth off the gear

[tommycomfort]

holy crap you got lucky. suprised it didnt tear up any teeth off the gear

There are a few chips on the teeth, but really didn't hear any new noises for the rest of the weekend and trip home. We did make a gear change from the 4.56 to a 3.73 since then, so all is well now...

[Yelcamino]

Tom, all I can say is you're a lucky man, and I'm not talking about the ring gear bolts, I'm talking about this picture right here. Deb and Sam under the car at night helping you fix it!

I'm really glad we got to hang at RTTH and that our wives got to meet and hang out a little. Next year should be even more fun!

[tommycomfort]

Herb, believe me, I know how good I have it! But, Deb started paramedic school and Sam broke his wrist last night playing tennis. So looks like I have lost most of my wrench turning help getting ready for OUSCI. Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have depended so much on them!
And Deb really enjoyed meeting Carol and is looking forward to having a "girl" to talk to at future events.
Tom

[Yelcamino]

Herb, believe me, I know how good I have it! But, Deb started paramedic school and Sam broke his wrist last night playing tennis. So looks like I have lost most of my wrench turning help getting ready for OUSCI. Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have depended so much on them!
And Deb really enjoyed meeting Carol and is looking forward to having a "girl" to talk to at future events.
Tom

Congrats and good luck to Deb, I'm sure she'll be the star student! Too bad about Sam, tell him he doesn't need to hit the ball so hard! lol! I bet he's bummed!

Carol had a great time and was pretty happy having Deb, Jenny and Christi there to help dilute the testosterone a little!

I'm sure you'll be ready for OUSCI and if you're not, just let me know, I'll find a way to get the time off work to take your place!

[Bad94]

Tom, all i can say is that you got lucky with those bolts.

And what was sam thinking to brake his arm before OUSCI?

Remember if you have to have last min help, just call me, if mike or i can help we will. (we dont charge much, cookies will be fine)

[tommycomfort]

Tom, all i can say is that you got lucky with those bolts.

And what was sam thinking to brake his arm before OUSCI?

Remember if you have to have last min help, just call me, if mike or i can help we will. (we dont charge much, cookies will be fine)

Obviously Sam was being selfish when he broke it! Thanks for the offer, I think we'll be good, but if everything starts to fall apart I will definitely call you! I'll get Kaytllin slaving over the oven making cookies....

Tom