1978 Y88 Restoration

[wheels78ta]

Yes....crafts

I got Kim one for Christmas.  She likes making door signs, lettering for walls....

It's a cutting machine used to cut different patterns, letters, numbers etc., from a sheet of paper, vinyl or other materials.

A better explanation:

https://sarahmaker.com/what-is-a-cricut-machine/

[wheels78ta]

Perfect. Next.

Nice job on the rear window defogger switch. I just reread all your post start to finish and really enjoyed. I give you lots of credit for sticking with such an ambitious project and doing it all first rate.

Thank you.

This was just an experiment to see if I could make it look decent.  The clear is a little to bright so I will probably dull it down a little.  Other than that the letters didn't turn out too bad.  The cutting machine is new to us so we are still learning what all it can do.

The letters we went with........The "OFF and ON" are size 10.225 in that Font....and the "REAR and DEFOG" are size 10.  And I can see a lot of "oops" in the cutting on those letters.  I know, I know.  And you're right.  It's so minute that you can't see it unless you get up close and stare at it.  But I worked with the switch under a lighted magnifying glass so I know all the tiny little flaws.  I actually think it turned out great.  Kim did a wonderful job trying different fonts and styles and finding one that would work for me. 

[wheels78ta]

I finally installed the brake booster.  MC coming soon.

Then the next step is to get the transmission and engine ready for the install.  This will take some time and I can't wait.

Pics to follow

[kentucky yeti]

Looking good! 

[roadking77]

x2

[tajoe]

X3

[Jack]

Love nice and shiny parts.

[wheels78ta]

Borg Warner Super T-10 4 Speed porn

Before:

[wheels78ta]

Getting naked

[wheels78ta]

Almost fully dressed

The first pic caught me off guard.  I put the shift brackets on upside down.
When I was putting it back together it didn't occur to me why the nut for the reverse shift bracket was rubbing on the lower shift bracket.  After looking through my disassembly pics I found the error.  And took the correct picture....#2

I still need to replace the clutch fork and transmission mount.

The new clutch fork, made by inline tube, doesn't work like it should so I put the old one back on temporarily.

[wheels78ta]

While waiting on a new clutch fork and transmission mount......I started cleaning up the engine block.

I have a request for a quote, at a machine shop near me, for block work including new pistons. 

[tajoe]

Progress is good, Willie. You're now into the meat and potato's. Cool thread.

[wheels78ta]

I talked with Kurt, at United Engine Specialists.  Worst case scenario...The whole engine gets rebuilt for $4000.  They have a 2 month waiting period just to get it looked at.  About 2 weeks after that for the rebuild to be completed.

As far as the engine goes......I would really like to leave the bottom end alone and just have the heads redone.  But my gut says a complete rebuild would make me feel more at ease for the future.

I'm leaning toward having it done since I have plenty of other things to fix/clean/repair/paint.

[tajoe]

I wouldn't recommend just a top end rebuild. Once the heads are off an old motor, the cylinders distort from how the rings have worn to know and love. Once the heads get reinstalled, there's a good chance they won't take the same shape, and your rings will be disappointed, and wear out much sooner than B4. Seen it many times in the past, and had it happen to me. The reason some builders or machinist use torque plates, when boring and/or honing. To prevent that.  Just my 2 cents.

[wheels78ta]

I decided, about an hour ago, that I am calling the shop tomorrow to get put on their schedule for the next available.  And I'm going to have the block and heads done.  I know if I don't have it completely rebuilt I'm going to always wonder WHAT IF?

tajoe......I agree with your input 100%.

[FormTA]

Wow! What a great update! Glad to see this project still moving forward.  Good call on the engine work too.

[wheels78ta]

This project will continue until...............................

1. Completion
or
2. I'm too ill........and pay to have it finished.
or
3. I'm standing at the Pearly Gates.........and she pays to have it finished.

I prefer #1 but it's not my call.  I've said in the past that if the world is going to end......at least wait until two days after I finish this restoration.  I want one day to burn the tires off, and another day to replace those tires with new......and then go enjoy a long cruise.

[kentucky yeti]

I think you will be glad you went with the engine rebuild.

[5th T/A]

I like using the engine stand to mock up the transmission. It sure is a lot easier to adjust the linkage rather than doing it installed in the car.

I don’t think you will regret doing the entire engine now. In the long run probably less expensive and for sure less aggravating then then having to pull the engine back out again. Often shortcuts don’t work out that way.

[wheels78ta]

I found an engine rebuilder that does pontiac engines.  They are 2.5 hours south of us but it will be worth it in the end.

I will take it to them in about 3 weeks and hope to have it back by end of summer.

Until then.......Body work.......stay tuned.

[tajoe]

Hey Willie, you're not talking about "Butler" performance are you? I see that Kansas is located exactly, directly in the middle of the USA. Never knew that till now. Good luck with the motor build, and don't  forget to get them to sign a contract.

[apfstg]

Nice set up
Have been dreaming up my own for my restoration
I’ve soldered for years installing plumbing but didn’t think it was strong enough for high air pressure- what’s the first regulator set at for whole system?
The last few years everything is becoming Pex pipe - just wondering if the metal works better for less water in system ?
If you don’t ask - you can only guess…and I don’t have another 40 years for trial and error !
Thanks in advance

[wheels78ta]

Hey Willie, you're not talking about "Butler" performance are you? I see that Kansas is located exactly, directly in the middle of the USA. Never knew that till now. Good luck with the motor build, and don't  forget to get them to sign a contract.

Len Williams Auto Machine........in Bristow, Oklahoma. 

[wheels78ta]

Nice set up
Have been dreaming up my own for my restoration
I’ve soldered for years installing plumbing but didn’t think it was strong enough for high air pressure- what's the first regulator set at for whole system?
The last few years everything is becoming Pex pipe - just wondering if the metal works better for less water in system ?
If you don’t ask - you can only guess…and I don’t have another 40 years for trial and error !
Thanks in advance

First regulator is set at 150 psi.  All others are set depending on tools.

[roadking77]

Almost fully dressed

The first pic caught me off guard.  I put the shift brackets on upside down.
When I was putting it back together it didn't occur to me why the nut for the reverse shift bracket was rubbing on the lower shift bracket.  After looking through my disassembly pics I found the error.  And took the correct picture....#2

I still need to replace the clutch fork and transmission mount.

The new clutch fork, made by inline tube, doesn't work like it should so I put the old one back on temporarily.

What is the black plate you have bolted to the bottom of the trans? I assumed that the mounting location with the bolt on the transmission attached directly to the frame crossmember. This part has me concerned as I dont think I have anything that looks like that. I tried pulling up pics of 4 speed cars but this part is unclear in most of them.

[wheels78ta]

That is the bracket for the catalytic converter.  Another bracket bolts to the end of that one to secure the converter in place.  I am going to use the "straight pipe" in it's place.

[roadking77]

Perfect! Thank you for the reply. I was in a panic mode as I dont think I have that bracket. I will have to look around in the pile of parts now. At least I know if I ever get my motor ready to install this wont hold me up.

[kentucky yeti]

Ahhh- the look of clean parts after 40 years of grime!  Sweet!

[wheels78ta]

I started working on the doors last week.

One of the previous owners had removed the rivets for the window regulator on the driver door.  My guess is to replace the motor.  But this  motor will be replaced because it is slow going down.  The motor in passenger door will also be replaced.
I will also be replacing the door lock actuators in both doors.

So........I removed all the internals except for the handles.  They are in good shape so I will keep them as is.  The inside of the door is rust free.  There were a couple of small areas that needed blasted and now it is primed.

The lower hinge plate, for both doors, was a bit rusty so I used a spot weld cutter and removed the bracket that holds the hinge plate to the inside of the door.  Got them both cleaned and painted and tack welded the bracket back in place.

[FormTA]

Looks good. Where are you getting you motors from and what lock system are you using?

[wheels78ta]

AM-FM 8 Track Radio

I took the radio apart to see what needed attention.  Of course the drive belt for the 8 track was a bit stiff.  I put battery to it and it spun.  It was funny watching the memory of the shape it incurred while sitting for who knows how long.  I was able to get the 8 track to play and it sounded decent for 45 years old.  I replaced the belt and the light bulb....put it back together and it works just fine.  The volume and tuning controls could use a good cleaning but that's for when it quits playing.

[wheels78ta]

I made a bracket for the new front speaker and used the bracket from the old rear speaker to attach to the new rear speaker. 
For the rear speaker connection.......I unsoldered the connector from the old and soldered it to the new.

[wheels78ta]

Looks good. Where are you getting you motors from and what lock system are you using?

The window motors are from "factoryalliance"...ebay.
The door lock actuators are from "allautomotive"...ebay.

What do you mean "lock system"?

[FormTA]

I was thinking you were adding locks. I wasn't thinking you had them already.

[Jack]

That's great that you got the 8 track to work, now you just need to find 8 track tapes 

[tajoe]

LOL. I can help with that.

[wheels78ta]

I bought an Eagles "Hotel California" tape, about 3 years ago, and used it to test the unit.  Found out that the tape foam is shot and wouldn't work.  So I just bought a Kansas "Dust in the Wind" tape that stated in the ad it was refurbished.....and it works.
I'll get the 8 track repair kit and hope to fix the Eagles tape.

[TATurbo]

Wow, you are digging into everything.  Congrats on the progress!
 Stereo works, so you can make a tape of engine sounds to hold you over 'till the engine rebuild is done.  (I'm teasing, of course.)
 I remember that, while I was waiting on the body and paint to get done on my car, smaller projects (Like refurbishing the stereo) were very rewarding. 
Keep at it! And, thanks for taking the time to share your progress.

[roadking77]

I think its great that you got the 8 track working. I have both an original radial and 8 track in my car but never bothered to get them hooked up, laziness I suppose and on the to do list. I dont know how old you are and if you had the pleasure of 8 tracks when they were current but they werent all that great. Make sure you keep a book of matches handing to use as a wedge! LOL.

[tajoe]

I've had better success with my 8 tracks, (even now) than a stupid "echo dot", I was given as a Christmas gift a couple yrs ago. The "Wi-Fi signaled computer controlled speaker won't pick up any waves from my cellar workshop, or detached garage, which both aren't any further away than 15-30 feet, from the router. Even tried an extender, but 1/2 the time I ask "Alexa, are you awake?", only to be annoyed with the answer..."sorry, the internet isn't available". Very frustrating.
And if I forget to unplug the Echo dot from the wall, sometimes my desk top audio won't play, but the channel chosen on my computer, will be playing on the dot, down cellar, or in the garage. So in order to hear the volume on my desk-top, I'll need-ta go out, and unplug the cord to the echo. Countless times since I was given it. It unfortunately went for a flight across my cellar the other day, and now...my 8 tracks are back in play.
 Sometimes modern technology isn't all it's cracked up to be.