69 GTO Build

[ekmxryda]

Gus, I am running a 3.70 ring gear. Get any frame plates welded in over the weekend?
Mike, nice job on the interior and I have thought about going with different colors, but like you said black is so much easier.



Some test fitting on the main hoop, trying to line it up with the quarter window molding.


3/16" pads that I will weld to frame first.


Looking through rulebooks as I go, any words of wisdom would be appreciated before I weld!
Plan on tack welding (12 Point) cage for test fit, then pull it out so I can paint the body and frame.

['71cutlasluvr]

Thanks for the gear ratio Eric. I probably should consider a lower ratio for those quick starts out of the gates. 3.08's are great for the highway but even with all that big block Oldsmoible torque, they won't be as quick as those 3.73's.

Nah, no luck on working on the frame. Son in law came over.. needed help to remove the hitch pin on his inherited 2002 f150. I burned the pin off with the plasma cutter (should've seen his face!) but the hitch is literally "welded" to the receiver with rust so the reciever/hitch must go.

I then did some digging with the tractor to improve drainage during rainstorms as well as spread 1.25" stone where the new trailer will be parked.
If I didn't do the digging now, the water will pool and come into my walk out basement. We got a gully washer comin' tonight so had to do it. If the water comes in the rec room, it's 2 hours of wet vacuming and running fans overnight. Not what I want to do in my spare time. Ah the joys of home ownership and country living!

Here's a few pics so you know I ain't makin' this up.



I had hoped to do the frame stuff after but I have to lift big rocks that won't slide into the loader by hand and it just kicked my a#@....man I just don't have the stamina I used to, but gotta admit, I felt pretty good the next day.. Slept like baby (no pun intended Mike!) Good exercise.

Next saturday I'll be helping with the old receiver removal with the plasma cutter AND installing a new one. It's kinda self serving since I'll be using his truck to drag my Miata to track days eventually, so I'm springing for the new receiver. AND, I'll be preparing for my second autocross at the Mohegan sun casino turtle lot. Hoping to snatch first in Novice, but win or lose, I'll have a ball no matter what.

btw: Great Progress Eric. coming together nicely. What a work and time saver buying the completed chassis. It's paying dividends now in fabrication time savings.
Keep the updates coming. Luvin' it!!