TAC Spotlight => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: 737driver on March 26, 2021, 11:55:29 PM
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Two years ago I bought this 1977 Trans Am. I really wasn’t looking for another Firebird, but this one I did not want to pass on. My neighbor introduced me to a fellow that worked for him. This guy had a Trans Am that he wanted to sell. At first I really was t interested, The more he told me about it, the more I was interested. He said it was a 77 Trans Am with T tops and was originally black and gold. He said his parents bought it brand new in 1977 and gave it to him in the mid eighties. The car was repainted at that time to a light metallic blue . He said in 1988 or so he decided to re paint it again but stopped at the primer stage . The car basically sat from 1989 till present. I asked if he had the title and he said yes. I asked what was the selling price, and he said $700.......
I went and took a look at the car and saw some potential, I figured if anything I could sell the car for parts if it was too far gone.
The car was originally purchased in mid 1977 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sometime in 1990 , if I remember, the previous owner brought it to Las Vegas and there it stayed till present. It had the Oldsmobile 403 motor, deluxe interior, and later when I got the PHS info, I found it was a a pretty well equipped Y82 car.
My first impression were a little skeptical. Certainly not in the best condition but overall I felt it was worth it to buy. The car was a in basket case condition to be honest, really that is what I was thinking. The only big issues was a few rust issues. The rust issues were ones that could be fixed without any major bodywork.
So this week I started looking it over and making some notes. I decided to go ahead and remove the motor and transmission. The motor turned over by hand and I wanted to see if I could get the motor to start and run. I looked everything over and put in a charged battery. The starter did engage but very slow, and the cables got real warm. I decided against trying to get it too run, the car had been sitting for awhile and I did not think it was worth the time.
I did not plan on keeping the Olds 403. A friend of mine expressed interest in it, so we worked out a deal in trades. My plan is to install a Pontiac 400 or 455, and I am contemplating a LS swap. Right now I am leaning toward a Pontiac motor, preferably a 400.
This car is really dirty, that is probably the most noticeable issue. Fortunately dirt cleans off. The engine area was really filthy but after a quick vacuum and cleaning revealed more positive vibes. The motor looked really good, no leaks were evident and all the fluids were the right colors. From I know, the car was not roadworthy since 1989, so I had to assume all the fluids were over 30 years old.
I started removing the motor, and I drained all the fluids from engine radiator and power steering. Additionally I checked to see if the AC had any pressure. Surprisingly, the AC system still had a charge in it. All of this was a good sign , even though I have no intention of keeping the motor. The exhaust system was east to remove because there really wasn’t much to remove. The olds 403 had aftermarket headers and two mufflers attached to them. I removed the U clamps and within. A few strokes of a dead blow hammer and the mufflers came right off.
I removed the engine wire harness and the brake booster and this made access to the motor and bit easier. When I removed the transmission flex plate bolts, I had to use an impact wrench because they were previously torqued to 3000 ft lbs.! The transmission bell housing bolts came out without much issue.
The body over is in good shape. There are just a few rust issues to address. The one issue is on the driver side quarter panel. It has tro rust rot spots which can be repaired with a patch panel. The only other rust issue I have discovered is the passenger side toe panel. It has a some small pin hole rust spots and again fixable with a patch panel.
There is one body issue I am concerned about. The driver side rocker panel has a crack in it . Beyond trying to figure out how it got there, I am hoping that it isn’t a major problem. I did stop drill the crack and I cannot find any other issue in that area. Hopefully no one was trying to jump a bridge with this car! :)
I am getting my 72 Firebird back from paint here shortly, so I am not going to go much further with this one until I finish the 72. Really I wanted to remove the motor and transmission to make the car easier to move about.
I am getting more and more excited about this project . Despite the endless hours of cleaning ahead I am looking forward to this one!
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/F2956B0C-B165-41D4-9D53-8D9A553BDF08.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/cc90b515-82b5-4252-b014-be30cceb34f6)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/CC1DD990-5A21-43F7-B5AB-74FC37D5D4E0.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/7a573fe1-925d-40b5-b0b9-65cec24d0c3d)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/04069E68-C9EA-4E94-AF8F-23B1E79E52D8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/e3b9588d-2b76-467b-8a30-3c067b24f32c)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/C0D135B5-90E6-4743-8506-0A3C787F15C4.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/4be5c787-d071-4b3c-b904-76bdf7161d2f)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/402E25BF-08B2-4DC7-B541-4D4418E6A6D7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/41b88336-5a6e-4834-9323-22f0ff90ff64)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/811D2DC9-ADE8-48B5-952C-7A53F477A969.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/faa7ad19-928e-434f-8afd-66828939f1fb)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/B43793D9-F00C-43D5-8DCD-AB5B2B8C60D6.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/2ea3ef96-cbef-4876-a9e4-c8f5e900f8fb)
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Glad to see you got this one in the shop Jim, I think you must be like me. Like working on something almost as much as driving them. I was kinda the same way when I got my 79, I wasnt really looking to buy something but just kinda fell into it.
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Congratulations looks like a nice workable SE
Tom H
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Congratulations on getting to work on your 77. As time goes on finding a car good enough to rebuild for not crazy dollars is getting harder and harder. Judging by the workmanship on your 72, this car is lucky to have you as an owner. Hope it’s gets rebuilt and not parted out.
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Thanks for the comments. I believe this car has potential and won’t be chopped up. In my opinion basket case cars look deceiving until you clean the dirt , grime and grease. So far this one is cleaning up nicely, so I am confident it will be a good project car.
I am replacing the 403 with a Pontiac 400 or a 455 so that will be the big decision here in the future.
Jim
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Today I finished pulling out the motor and the transmission. I am more familiar with ID codes on a Pontiac motor but have been looking this motor over. The VIN number matched the car but I realized pretty quick that the transmission was most likely a replacement. I figured this was a TH 350 trans, but this is definitely a TH400. There was a kick down switch on the gas pedal and the switch solenoid on the driver side. To the best of my knowledge the TH350 was standard on TransAms.
I am positive at one point or another this motor may have been rebuilt at one point, and was painted red. I will most likely power wash the car, and clean it up a bit more.
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/8BD36E58-7C6D-4447-93AC-F6F868C97E63.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/c113ec98-8a76-4eae-828f-5eb4b749ab65)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/E3A853AF-CF9A-4E44-930F-0B6BEAC9DC47.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/3e5addfb-6ee9-489c-bf77-cc03e592cceb)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/2FCE66E5-4792-4BC3-BD40-D5393919CFDC.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/0ebf09f8-942f-4209-bd34-aa04ceecd4bb)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/D9198E3B-566E-46A1-8EFF-7F6291C3A5B3.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/87cc4dbf-b1b3-4aa9-b544-25d47555b8d0)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/FCE721EE-3B62-478C-943F-B811A4E360A7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/ccd26555-3a6e-4b0b-a762-bc8a2d4c2d77)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/C79926DF-BA26-49C3-BA4E-8281BA15CDD5.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/82ba8c64-4ba7-4d8b-bc02-c5205c2bda20)
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That car is literally a gem compared to what we have up here in the rust belt. Cars that have been in 10 or more winters are "gone".
The rust on the body is surface rust and can be removed. I vote for the 455; they have more torque and cost the same to build.
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Good progress, lots of dirt in the engine compartment, I bet that was fun!
Second generation Firebirds were available with Turbo 400’s with 400 and 455 CI engines 1970 - 1974. They were stronger and heavier than the Turbo 350’s available on the smaller engine cars. The Turbo 400 in your car has a long tail housing. To my knowledge the long housing 400’s were only used in full sized cars. I can safely say your transmission did not come out of a Firebird. Turbo 350’s were the only automatic available in a Firebird 1975 - 1980.
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Glad to see another build from you. I'm probably one of the weird people who would tell you I like the 3rd Gen WS6 wheels haha
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The turbo 400 was definitely installed later in life., the long tail was a definite giveaway to that. I pulled the rear bumper and gas tank today. The gas tank , appears to have been replaced as well because 77 Camaro was written on the top with a paint marker.
The rear bumper is pretty much toast. However the tail panel was really in great condition. No rust issues!
I also wanted to look inside the motor. So I pulled the oil pan and valve covers.
To my surprise the motor had a rebuild prior to its dormant state. It looked really good! The cam and valve train looked really clean, the pistons looked new and you could still the the cross hatching hone marks in the cylinders. The oils pan and valve covers looked pretty clean as well.
This car is really turning out to be “more better” than what I was expecting. Although I am planning on swapping the Olds motor for a Pontiac , I am happy to see the 403 is in good shape. The 403 will live life in a another 77 TransAm, which makes me happy.
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/599638D7-48DD-4CB6-8EE2-9BD92F64658B.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/29430646-1222-4b76-bad9-3b099ea315f7)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/F58193B4-6351-4A42-A424-4E9745B68FC0.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/9ef1637e-56b8-49b6-89a4-019b69f83373)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/365CC388-4054-4571-B864-AD0386BC4A43.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/6a63dfb9-a7cb-40c1-89e2-101eecf894a8)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/3D98F5A4-7E70-45FA-BE3F-A18F2D41DAE5.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/af06ba56-18bf-482e-b808-c1748b4d1133)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/4AD8BEE0-70D6-40FC-8670-2E8BCDBE91F6.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/cd9dbab8-0dd0-414c-93d4-2b01b8f6d861)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/A50E0737-495D-45B3-BF28-9DBB572D4215.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/3ca2e25b-25be-4595-a4a5-639968e50124)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/E4056844-3537-4D3C-9B60-656B1B933325.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/92e9e4d1-f41e-43ce-9655-28640091556b)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/21297E3C-3715-4D22-A48D-24BBDEAC0048.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/320138cc-5587-479e-a1e2-23c47d07ed31)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/00E93FB9-9961-4A03-AA9B-4EB68CD413E2.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/f58f8e9c-34c6-4006-9c94-775dc532d546)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/AE9A21F2-C8AA-4A5A-A457-4E5DB9C1A0BC.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/ec937194-e51a-45d6-92e7-3d27452162d2)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/BD837740-DE5F-4AB2-9430-476A687FEF20.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/093bffef-206a-48f2-bd2b-94a14c7d0882)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/DFDDDB9E-617E-4C05-BA4D-4D29B57DF639.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/6f86b725-2a8d-4171-ba83-0151aeeecd42)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/08A3EFA0-E9C8-43BF-91F3-12C227454B54.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/4f30d787-498b-4a88-9082-4d90bc0bf7aa)
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Another interesting thing is that I found out . I was going through the PHS documents I got on this car. Turns out it left the factory the same date 1977 as the date when I bought it 2 years ago. March 25! To add it was pretty much to the day 2 years later after I bought it, I started working on this car...
Jim
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Kismet!
I dont know a lot about motors but that one def looks pretty decent to me. On the other hand, Im not sure I have a seen a rear cover look quite like that one!
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There a few rust issues that I will have to address . On the rear driver side quarter panel there are two areas that I can probably fixating a patch panel. The drop panels behind them look good as far as I can tell at this time.
The other issue is a crack or tear on the rocker panel. I stop drilled it , and it appears to be isolated . I’m hoping that that is all it is.
The only other rust issues are pretty minor and will be fixed. I’m looking for fiberglass replacement front and rear bumper covers.
I was planning on power washing the car today, but my power washer was acting up. I had clean out the carb on it and by the time I was done it was getting late. Right now the temps are coming up in Vegas, which I like when it comes to power washing. When it’s above 90 degrees the car dries out pretty quick.
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/3BF661FC-91FF-4B69-8900-618C74DB5163.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/a48793a2-60bf-4664-9b0c-e7e76a9cd82b)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/4F301A12-DC51-4CD0-A14F-7B4B6DA1B93A.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/668ea92c-aebc-40f6-9114-2ac19cfa8b52)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/B696D202-3B76-44FD-B44B-2B9425AE0B7D.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/b78b1fd9-58c8-4a30-9e3c-8a0d4a372a0f)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/77D2E681-D0BB-43AE-B8E7-64D0141B5151.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/56db2f13-0fa5-4142-90a9-f7fadb7f5e4c)
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(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/AFF65760-D086-4A6C-9FC3-4137CC0C361D.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/57d58c88-ca4f-4e47-8b19-7118ec05a0a2)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/1DAD70C1-E367-471D-9A5C-407D1D02633E.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/5287a80e-8357-4914-b424-a0cf892c54c6)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/D2B2B68B-AFD3-43E7-AC40-646523EF54F3.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/jc73driver/p/077f4b84-1d8d-47ec-bf63-9cb8cc0c32e3)
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I am so jealous when I see basically rust free projects like this. Man, that tail panel is awesome! I have never seen a rocker panel crack like that, that is weird. I assume there is nothing left of the subframe mounts.
That is one awesome project you have there!
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Yea, I would be concerned with that crack. I think I would replace or at least temporarily remove the entire rocker on that side and see what else is going on. May need to do some structural repairs at that point. And some sub frame connectors may be a good idea in the long run.
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When you get to fixing the crack do a little squareness checking on the car and check heights at each side and obsess over anything else that comes to mind. I had the exact same damage on my 79 TA with T tops. Really worked hard to make sure that when it was welded up it was as straight as can be and then reinforce it with some home built subframe connectors
JT
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The crack is a concern for me and I am planning on looking into further. Definitely going to check squareness of the body and frame. Sub frame connectors are something I plan to install regardless. I can’t see anything else alarming so I am hoping this won’t be a major issue.
Jim
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Yea, like I said it would be a concern, but I have seen a lot worse cars than youre starting with. If thats the worst part you have to deal with your still way ahead of the game.
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I’m back on the 77 TransAm project. Right now, I’m at the point of cleaning the car up. I’ve been spending a lot time cleaning the floors and inside. To be honest , it’s a really dirty job. Every bit needs to be cleaned but luckily everything is cleaning up well. The only section on the floor that needs repair is the passenger side toe panel. It is a small area but no big deal really. Cleaning is definitely a dirty job but persistence is the key.
I traded some stuff for a set of 15x7 snowflake rims. This car originally had them but a long time ago the previous owner replaced them with aftermarket rims. I chose to use the 15x7’s because I like the look on the 77. The rims were restored locally and I was very happy with the results. All the nicks and imperfections were fixed and the rims were media blasted and then powder coated gold. The shop used a CNC machine to remove the gold on the flat areas and then powder coated clear. I had a set of tires ( BF Goodrich 245/60/15s) . It will be a while till they are mounted but I’m glad I have them done now.
Jim
Before pic of the rims
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And after-
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/FE78A43F-8D28-4C9B-A043-3D9BF6FC91DE.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/FE78A43F-8D28-4C9B-A043-3D9BF6FC91DE.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
A long way to go but making progress!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/6DE6534E-5D59-47D0-B96B-163194C27188.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/6DE6534E-5D59-47D0-B96B-163194C27188.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/263747A3-EA6A-4D0D-9380-EE40A7A109A8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/263747A3-EA6A-4D0D-9380-EE40A7A109A8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
More wheel pics with tires
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/9A88630D-E463-4A9C-9ECC-42A5061D1003.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/9A88630D-E463-4A9C-9ECC-42A5061D1003.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/873A85F8-E35F-40E3-A13A-DF7AF977EF77.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/873A85F8-E35F-40E3-A13A-DF7AF977EF77.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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Great job on the wheels! What color code did you use?
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Here goes Jim again :grin: Yet another restoration to come and go before I get anything done on my car!
I am so glad that me cleaning stuff is past now, def a nasty job. Wheels turned out really nice. When the guys did mine they painted the backs as well. I wasnt too happy at first but after they go on one doesnt even know.
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Great job on the wheels! What color code did you use?
To be honest, the wheel shop used a Gold that really matches close to the original color. I am not sure if it had a color code.
Jim
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I got the floors all cleaned but there is still a lot more to do. Right now I am in the process of removing the axle and subframe off and mount the body to a rotisserie. I will have to weld in a panel section on the driver side toe pan. Otherwise the floor is in great shape.
Also noticed the sticker on the passenger door stating the T- Tops were installed and the body was altered by Hurst.
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/DABA9C77-50C3-4DC4-937F-A3295B3334D7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/DABA9C77-50C3-4DC4-937F-A3295B3334D7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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I'm just seeing this thread now, great job Jim.
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I'm just seeing this thread now, great job Jim.
His always are great jobs. Makes me so jealous!
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Agreed, from what I saw of Jim's last build it was first class all the way. He definitely raised the bar for me. I am looking forward to watching progress on this one too. It's always good when one of these cars gets brought back to life and spared from becoming scrap.
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Thanks for the great comments! Today I removed the sub frame and rear axle. There is a lot of dirt that fell off in the process. The only issue I had was a cage nut that came loosened up one the sub frame. Fortunately it’s on the front diver side so I will fix it here soon.
The plan , right now, is to get it all cleaned up and address any body issues. The car was originally a 403 motor which I plan to replace with a Pontiac 455. I found a really good 455 long block with 96 heads. For transmission I’m going to use a 700 4R . Also the original rear axle was a 2.43 ratio posi , I’m going to change the rear ratio to a 3.55 posi.
Looks like I have a lot of cleaning ahead so that will keep me busy for a bit.
Jim
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Over the weekend I got the car on the subframe. I removed the subframe and rear axle and then supported the body on stands while I bolted the rotisserie to the front and rear. This is one step that I take my time, I don’t want to screw it up. It just take some planning and patience.
I started cleaning the underside, and although it’s dirty two things make me happy. First is there is not really any rust rot. Second, the is t any hideous undercoating to remove. It has whatever was applied at the factory, but that was removed easily. I cleaned the trunk area and I was really happy with what I saw . Even though there is ALOT OF DIRT, it is cleaning up very well. The more I clean off , the more I am surprised to see that things are in good condition. I still have a lot more cleaning to do but I’m making progress!
Jim
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/94AB02CB-C5FC-47A0-985E-3F18C7E6B6C7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/94AB02CB-C5FC-47A0-985E-3F18C7E6B6C7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/47D0267C-6739-4BC9-8C60-8819EBC702A0.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/47D0267C-6739-4BC9-8C60-8819EBC702A0.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/23396127-43B8-4258-A2CF-54934D82B7F8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/23396127-43B8-4258-A2CF-54934D82B7F8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/1221AE9D-8359-48D9-B1CD-8939522206D3.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/1221AE9D-8359-48D9-B1CD-8939522206D3.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/89185D16-1627-4EC2-973A-FF10D8FAFAF8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/89185D16-1627-4EC2-973A-FF10D8FAFAF8.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/9036F8E7-EBC7-4C38-BFA9-0D56B6A829C7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r721/jc73driver/9036F8E7-EBC7-4C38-BFA9-0D56B6A829C7.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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Jim, that body is really cleaning up nicely and looks amazingly good. Judging by how intact the it is, this car has not seen any winters or road salt. The bracing across the door jams seems like a great idea as well.
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So thats what a rust free car looks like :P, good progress Jim.
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Wow, that's amazing how clean that floor is!
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Im glad to see you put in some door braces. You posted a question about mounting to the twirler and I didnt event think to mention those. Can you roll it outside and power wash? That may make clean up a lot quicker and easier. And yes, its amazing to see one of these cars with floor pans intact :grin:
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I do plan to roll the rotisserie outside and power wash it. It does roll easily enough to do that. Right now I am just waiting for the temperature to get a bit warmer, its been in the upper 40's last couple of days. I am hoping when it gets into the 60's this weekend, I will power wash it.
Jim
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I kinda chuckled a bit when you say waiting for the temp to get warmer :shock: It was high about 25 yesterday, but will make it to 35 today. I thought it was always warm and sunny in Vegas. We went there quite a few years ago for our anniversary weekend, mid Jan. The temps were almost cold as I remember. Def no getting into the hotel swimming pool. I had no idea.
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looking good Jim. I love my rotissory too, makes working on the bottom of the car pleasurable!
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I kinda chuckled a bit when you say waiting for the temp to get warmer :shock: It was high about 25 yesterday, but will make it to 35 today. I thought it was always warm and sunny in Vegas. We went there quite a few years ago for our anniversary weekend, mid Jan. The temps were almost cold as I remember. Def no getting into the hotel swimming pool. I had no idea.
I’ve been too used to Vegas in the winter. It has weakened my tolerance to cold weather! :)
Jim
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I'm too embarrassed to talk weather with anyone, but if you try to find where the coldest major city in Canada since before Christmas is, you will find my location. And it sucks. Everyone I know is having car battery issues/car starting issues, home heating issues, and the like. Everyone feels house bound and that is not counting what Covid did. No-one wants to go outside and we are generally hardy and use to the cold. Suppose to warm up a little next Week for 4-5 days, we'll see.
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I kinda chuckled a bit when you say waiting for the temp to get warmer :shock: It was high about 25 yesterday, but will make it to 35 today. I thought it was always warm and sunny in Vegas. We went there quite a few years ago for our anniversary weekend, mid Jan. The temps were almost cold as I remember. Def no getting into the hotel swimming pool. I had no idea.
I’ve been too used to Vegas in the winter. It has weakened my tolerance to cold weather! :)
Jim
I hear ya! I know you are from the mid atlantic/north east so you know the weather I am talking about. Im not sure I could tolerate your summers as much as I can tolerate our winters though. About 50 is perfect for me.
Nasteh, My brother is a construction manager in Canada. Winter is their busy season as they build high end stuff on the water. They wait for the lakes to freeze for easy access to the job sites. He has been living there for a few years now having married a girl from the Great White North. I was ribbing him about the cold and he jokingly said, 'why couldnt I have married someone from Jamaica?'
Sorry for the hijack Jim, Now back to the regular scheduled program...................
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It is -8 in Minneapolis now with a wind chill of -25. Tonight's low is -22.
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Was just discussing with Bob about your car, idk if youre ahead of me for paint or not... he said hes a few months out. def cleaning up from when i last saw it!
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Was just discussing with Bob about your car, idk if youre ahead of me for paint or not... he said hes a few months out. def cleaning up from when i last saw it!
I hoping to send it that way in March to have the body work done. Looking forward to that point because I look like pig pen at the end of the day with all this cleaning. :)
Jim
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Have ya located replacement rear bumper cover and nose cover? Those definitely looked sun baked.
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Have ya located replacement rear bumper cover and nose cover? Those definitely looked sun baked.
I purchased a fiberglass nose and rear bumper cover over the summer. I bought them at Second Gen Graveyard and They look and seem to fit quite well.
Jim
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Some good progress, lots of work.