Centerpole90 said:
I've thrown tools. Is this the confessional thread????
Those who say they haven't are either lying or have less temper than the average humanoid.
70 Chevelle Restoration
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363 Replies |
Last: 4 yr ago by stbabs
Those who say they haven't are either lying or have less temper than the average humanoid.
lb3 said:
I know almost nothing about automatic transmissions but wanted to jump in with the obligatory 'Cancer Sucks'.
Yes it does. Took a magnificent lady and left me, kids and GKs with a huge holes in our hearts.
brs4688 said:
Just curious bc I have seen a wide variety of price on classic cars.com anywhere from the 30s into the 200,000 range
I'm thinking my "north of $65K" may be WELL north of $65K.
You can find a reasonably nice muscle car of that vintage for half that. But, it won't look like a frame off, pristine paint, new chrome and interior kinda car.
Do yourself a huge favor. Go to bowtieoverdrives.com and order the EZ-TV kit. Easy, painless install and the shifts will be spot on.
Last few days have provided the challenges you need to consider before taking on a resto like this.
1. Tran ny: Looks like the failure to shift is due to a broken Governor gear. Not a hard fix but just another delay. Gear is accessible without pulling the tram ny.
2. Way back I mentioned that I was keeping the bench seats and column shift. Sounded like a good idea and a cheaper option than changing to bucket seats and floor shift. BUT! I just realized that the new SS dash has no gear indicator or space for one.
Ok, I know by feel what gear it's in so no big deal.... except for one thing.... IT AIN'T right!!!
So after paying a grand plus for the dash and all gauges and speedometer, I'm now looking for a new speedometer with a spot for a gear indicator. SS396 has em but gotta confirm it fits my dash.
3. The worst challenge. Took the car to a glass place to get windshield and rear glass installed. Picked it up; glass looked good. THEN!!! I looked down the side of the car and screaming out at me was a small pancake DENT!! Deep sinking feeling and major string of profanity!!
Without a doubt, the installer leaning against the car put enough pressure on the quarter panel to cause the dent.
I'm hoping a painless dent guy can work it out.
If not, and I hate to even think it, I'm gonna have to make the repair, sand the entire body (less hood, trunk, doors and fenders, and respray clear.
Frustrated? Yep, to put it mildly.
1. Tran ny: Looks like the failure to shift is due to a broken Governor gear. Not a hard fix but just another delay. Gear is accessible without pulling the tram ny.
2. Way back I mentioned that I was keeping the bench seats and column shift. Sounded like a good idea and a cheaper option than changing to bucket seats and floor shift. BUT! I just realized that the new SS dash has no gear indicator or space for one.
Ok, I know by feel what gear it's in so no big deal.... except for one thing.... IT AIN'T right!!!
So after paying a grand plus for the dash and all gauges and speedometer, I'm now looking for a new speedometer with a spot for a gear indicator. SS396 has em but gotta confirm it fits my dash.
3. The worst challenge. Took the car to a glass place to get windshield and rear glass installed. Picked it up; glass looked good. THEN!!! I looked down the side of the car and screaming out at me was a small pancake DENT!! Deep sinking feeling and major string of profanity!!
Without a doubt, the installer leaning against the car put enough pressure on the quarter panel to cause the dent.
I'm hoping a painless dent guy can work it out.
If not, and I hate to even think it, I'm gonna have to make the repair, sand the entire body (less hood, trunk, doors and fenders, and respray clear.
Frustrated? Yep, to put it mildly.
That sucks! Hopefully the painless technique will rub it out.
I'll keep that in mind if the speedometer and gear indicator from GroundUp don't pan out.
Thanks for the find
Thanks for the find
Really hoping the paintless dent guy can get that out for you. I would be distraught with having to do major body work after getting it perfect.
You do not have a soul. You are a soul that has a body.
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
Paintless dent guy from Nac did a great job.
If I look very close I can see the slightest imperfection; but I know exactly where the dent was.
I'll wet sand a bit with 2000 then 3000 grit, then buff and I think it will completely go away.
Still struggling with AC bracket situation. The machine shop that built the engine did me no favors. Even though I took them the right heads they decided to use some heads that required less machining.
Problem is, the heads they used were off a 67 Model Camaro and the AC on a 67 goes on the pass side.
Meaning there's no bolt holes in the head for AC brackets.
After telling the shop this would be an AC car, they installed a high rise, pure race type intake (Edlebrock Victor Jr). It has no hole for an AC bracket stud.
Working on possible solution now. Made at least 15 calls this afternoon.
Last few days have been mortal byotches on the Chevelle restoration front.
If I look very close I can see the slightest imperfection; but I know exactly where the dent was.
I'll wet sand a bit with 2000 then 3000 grit, then buff and I think it will completely go away.
Still struggling with AC bracket situation. The machine shop that built the engine did me no favors. Even though I took them the right heads they decided to use some heads that required less machining.
Problem is, the heads they used were off a 67 Model Camaro and the AC on a 67 goes on the pass side.
Meaning there's no bolt holes in the head for AC brackets.
After telling the shop this would be an AC car, they installed a high rise, pure race type intake (Edlebrock Victor Jr). It has no hole for an AC bracket stud.
Working on possible solution now. Made at least 15 calls this afternoon.
Last few days have been mortal byotches on the Chevelle restoration front.
Interesting story from the paintless dent guy.
You may remember the tornado that hit Alto a few months back; it also had baseball sized hail.
Many cars damaged.
He started working the repairs alone but realized he'd never finish so he sent out feelers to the paintless dent community.
He got guys from Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas and one from Australia. Two were Laotian immigrants.
You may remember the tornado that hit Alto a few months back; it also had baseball sized hail.
Many cars damaged.
He started working the repairs alone but realized he'd never finish so he sent out feelers to the paintless dent community.
He got guys from Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas and one from Australia. Two were Laotian immigrants.
stbabs said:
Paintless dent guy from Nac did a great job.
If I look very close I can see the slightest imperfection; but I know exactly where the dent was.
I'll wet sand a bit with 2000 then 3000 grit, then buff and I think it will completely go away.
Still struggling with AC bracket situation. The machine shop that built the engine did me no favors. Even though I took them the right heads they decided to use some heads that required less machining.
Problem is, the heads they used were off a 67 Model Camaro and the AC on a 67 goes on the pass side.
Meaning there's no bolt holes in the head for AC brackets.
After telling the shop this would be an AC car, they installed a high rise, pure race type intake (Edlebrock Victor Jr). It has no hole for an AC bracket stud.
Working on possible solution now. Made at least 15 calls this afternoon.
Last few days have been mortal byotches on the Chevelle restoration front.
That's infuriating.
Working on a project is like whack-a-mole, and you never knew the variety of things that could go wrong. For a small block, there are tons of aftermarket accessory drive setups, hope you find something that works.
The transmission saga continues.
When it failed to shift outta first gear I trailered it 62 miles to the trans guy who rebuilt it.
He dropped the pan, played with a couple of valves, replaced the pan and I drove it to check shifting. Still wouldn't come outta first. Well crap!!
His racks were full so couldn't pull it in his shop. I trailered it back home, pulled the trans and took it back to him.
He went thru it and found some tight valves which he freed up. I hauled the trans back home; reinstalled it then tested it. It shifted alright. In fact it shifted too much. By the time I hit 30 I was in overdrive.
Trans repair guy tells me this damned trans is haunted. Bring the car down and I'll have another 700R4 rebuilt and ready to install when you get here.
Taking it in Monday. I hope the chevelle gods are smiling!!!
When it failed to shift outta first gear I trailered it 62 miles to the trans guy who rebuilt it.
He dropped the pan, played with a couple of valves, replaced the pan and I drove it to check shifting. Still wouldn't come outta first. Well crap!!
His racks were full so couldn't pull it in his shop. I trailered it back home, pulled the trans and took it back to him.
He went thru it and found some tight valves which he freed up. I hauled the trans back home; reinstalled it then tested it. It shifted alright. In fact it shifted too much. By the time I hit 30 I was in overdrive.
Trans repair guy tells me this damned trans is haunted. Bring the car down and I'll have another 700R4 rebuilt and ready to install when you get here.
Taking it in Monday. I hope the chevelle gods are smiling!!!
Oh, and there's the top AC bracket I had to fabricate. Took about 4 hours to cut, bend and weld but it's gonna work fine.
Still need to weld in a few cracks, sandblast and paint but this should finish AC installation.
Pretty much a whole day on something that should have taken an hour if fabrication from scratch hadn't been necessary.
The "why I had to fabricate" story is somewhere above.
Still need to weld in a few cracks, sandblast and paint but this should finish AC installation.
Pretty much a whole day on something that should have taken an hour if fabrication from scratch hadn't been necessary.
The "why I had to fabricate" story is somewhere above.
Being in OD by 30 is a TV problem. Did you get the EZ-TV from Bowtie Overdrives?? If not, I highly recommend it.
The TV cable is set to specs. Problem, according to the trans shop is in the valve body.
I hesitate to articulate.
I hesitate to articulate.
Definately sounds cursed!
How's the transmission coming along for you
You do not have a soul. You are a soul that has a body.
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
AgBQ-00 said:
How's the transmission coming along for you
Sorry for the late response.
Finally have a properly shifting 700r4 trans.
The trans guy gave up on the first one after it started running thru the gears too fast..... in OD by 30 MPH!!
Told me he thought it was demon possessed.
He built a totally different trans, I installed it and it's working fine. The shift from 1st to 2d is a little hard but is smoothing out with use.
I considered buying the Bow tie Overdrive set up recommended by Square Body (I think it was) but that kit requires installing a plate between the throttle body and I already have very limited clearance between the top of the air cleaner and the hood.
Anyway, the trans saga seems to finally be at an end.
It took a while.
Awesome!! Can't wait to see the final results of all your hard work
You do not have a soul. You are a soul that has a body.
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
Man, this is awesome. I wish I had found this thread sooner. I love that model of Chevelle. I also actually have a '68 Camaro that I restored when I was in high school - but not all the way down to the frame like you have done. One day in the future I plan to restore it to the level you are.
Awesome work and I love that color!
Awesome work and I love that color!
Welcome to the new lurkers!!
Things have been pretty slow the last few weeks. Hopefully that changes soon.
The tran ny situation is well documented above.
In addition to that I'm waiting on a new instrument cluster. The first cluster came with the new dash assemble.
Wrong cluster! It was the one for a floor shift and had no gear indicator.
My car is column shift, meaning it needs a gear indicator in the cluster.
Manufacturer says he won't have one for another 3 weeks.
I have to change the clusters out before I start installing carpet and seats.
Lesson learned here: DO NOT ever estimate the amount of time required for a full frame off resto.
Whatever you estimate could easily double. And, the delays won't likely be anything you can affect.
Bad patch panel, new hood doesn't fit without major adjustment, glass installer puts a pancake dent in your quarter panel .
Oh well, the engine purrs, the tran ny shifts fine, brakes work and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
A whole raft of pics coming when it's done.
Things have been pretty slow the last few weeks. Hopefully that changes soon.
The tran ny situation is well documented above.
In addition to that I'm waiting on a new instrument cluster. The first cluster came with the new dash assemble.
Wrong cluster! It was the one for a floor shift and had no gear indicator.
My car is column shift, meaning it needs a gear indicator in the cluster.
Manufacturer says he won't have one for another 3 weeks.
I have to change the clusters out before I start installing carpet and seats.
Lesson learned here: DO NOT ever estimate the amount of time required for a full frame off resto.
Whatever you estimate could easily double. And, the delays won't likely be anything you can affect.
Bad patch panel, new hood doesn't fit without major adjustment, glass installer puts a pancake dent in your quarter panel .
Oh well, the engine purrs, the tran ny shifts fine, brakes work and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
A whole raft of pics coming when it's done.
Still waiting on the right instrument cluster.
I call every few days and every time the response is, "We'll have it from the manufacturer in two weeks."
It's been six weeks now.
Been looking for a used cluster, no luck.
Found a digital in Cali but prefer original gauges.
A month away from the one year anniversary of this restoration effort. I'm sure I'll hit it with ease.
I call every few days and every time the response is, "We'll have it from the manufacturer in two weeks."
It's been six weeks now.
Been looking for a used cluster, no luck.
Found a digital in Cali but prefer original gauges.
A month away from the one year anniversary of this restoration effort. I'm sure I'll hit it with ease.
Got a text from a faithful follower of this thread who was concerned that I'd died, or worse, gotten lazy and quit the project.
Neither.
Incredibly enough, I'm still waiting for a back ordered instrument cluster.
You may recall that I kept the column shift rather than going floor shift and bucket seats. A decision I may end up regretting.
Here's the deal: Column shift means you need a speedometer with a built in gear indicator. Floor shift, of course, does not.
Speedometers first floor shift cars are available from multiple sources. Speedometers for column shift cars are scarce as hens teeth.
So, I'm still waiting.
Neither.
Incredibly enough, I'm still waiting for a back ordered instrument cluster.
You may recall that I kept the column shift rather than going floor shift and bucket seats. A decision I may end up regretting.
Here's the deal: Column shift means you need a speedometer with a built in gear indicator. Floor shift, of course, does not.
Speedometers first floor shift cars are available from multiple sources. Speedometers for column shift cars are scarce as hens teeth.
So, I'm still waiting.
You're a patient man and that's why your project will be so much nicer than anything I will ever touch with tools.
Ok, another kick in the teeth this morning.
Hitech Classics in Cali first told me they had my speedometer in stock.
Then, this morning I get an email saying they're out of stock and will be 2 months before they get one.
So how many times and by how many aftermarket suppliers have I heard that??? Several!!
Starting to look like there's ONE manufacturer and he's likely in China.
I'm turning my efforts to finding an old speedometer and repair as necessary.
Soon be two months I've been looking for the ONE part I need to finish this damned restoration.
GRRRRRR!!!
Hitech Classics in Cali first told me they had my speedometer in stock.
Then, this morning I get an email saying they're out of stock and will be 2 months before they get one.
So how many times and by how many aftermarket suppliers have I heard that??? Several!!
Starting to look like there's ONE manufacturer and he's likely in China.
I'm turning my efforts to finding an old speedometer and repair as necessary.
Soon be two months I've been looking for the ONE part I need to finish this damned restoration.
GRRRRRR!!!
The wait will be worth it. But sooooooo frustrating
Agmechanic
Joined:
Dec 10, 2007
Posts:
4,051
How long do you want to ignore this user?
This thread is like one of those "scared straight" stories.
Every time I start thinking it would be cool to restore an old car, I open this thread, then close the Bringatrailer.com tab....
Every time I start thinking it would be cool to restore an old car, I open this thread, then close the Bringatrailer.com tab....
Trinity Ag said:
This thread is like one of those "scared straight" stories.
Every time I start thinking it would be cool to restore an old car, I open this thread, then close the Bringatrailer.com tab....
Trinity, you have every reason to feel that way.
Before starting a restoration you should:
Understand that you will exceed even the highest cost estimate.
You will have multiple frustrations along the way
Aftermarket patch panels never fit right
It will take at least twice as long as you expected
Make sure you can walk away from the project occasionally and collect your sanity
It helps to be retired. I'd never have made it this far if I was still working.
Most importantly, before you start, make sure you're 100% committed to finishing the project.
Oh, and being a hardheaded, tenacious sumbeech really helps.
Multiple pics when I finally finish. You can tell me then if it was worth it.
Rise & Grind.stbabs said:Trinity Ag said:
This thread is like one of those "scared straight" stories.
Every time I start thinking it would be cool to restore an old car, I open this thread, then close the Bringatrailer.com tab....
Trinity, you have every reason to feel that way.
Before starting a restoration you should:
Understand that you will exceed even the highest cost estimate.
You will have multiple frustrations along the way
Aftermarket patch panels never fit right
It will take at least twice as long as you expected
Make sure you can walk away from the project occasionally and collect your sanity
It helps to be retired. I'd never have made it this far if I was still working.
Most importantly, before you start, make sure you're 100% committed to finishing the project.
Oh, and being a hardheaded, tenacious sumbeech really helps.
Multiple pics when I finally finish. You can tell me then if it was worth it.
You are inspiring a lot of folks. I know it will be worth it when it is done -- most particularly because of your personal history with the car, which makes all the difference.
Ok, finally some progress with the speedometer and gear indicator.
Guy in Michigan, Bob's Auto Instrument Repair, called me back to say that he has a NOS speedometer, still in the box, for a 70 SS. Light green numerals as all 70 SSs had.
That was the good news. Not so good news was he wanted $500 for it. New aftermarket, if available sell for 200 to 250. None currently available.
I offered $300. We settled on $400.
Aftermarket gear indicators are available. I'll order one when businesses open tomorrow.
13 months and counting. Hopefully that light I see at the end of the tunnel is on the truck delivering my speedometer!!
Guy in Michigan, Bob's Auto Instrument Repair, called me back to say that he has a NOS speedometer, still in the box, for a 70 SS. Light green numerals as all 70 SSs had.
That was the good news. Not so good news was he wanted $500 for it. New aftermarket, if available sell for 200 to 250. None currently available.
I offered $300. We settled on $400.
Aftermarket gear indicators are available. I'll order one when businesses open tomorrow.
13 months and counting. Hopefully that light I see at the end of the tunnel is on the truck delivering my speedometer!!
Images to clarify the speedometer challenge I've been dealing with for over two months.
First, the speedometer for a floor shift car (standard or auto). Notice that there's no gear shift indicator or place to put one. Aftermarket versions of this type are readily available
Next, the one I've been searching for; finally with success but it took 2 months to find one. This one works for column shift cars because it has an opening to accept the gear indicator. Thanks to Bob in Michigan who had a NOS speedometer still in the box.
And finally, the gear indicator which fits into the rectangular opening in the above speedometer.
Oh!! Regarding the color of numbers and letters. The two speedometers have white numbers. White was original to 71-72 SS Chevelles.
Light green was original to 70 SS. Notice the light green letters on the gear indicator. This will match the light green of the NOS speedometer I bought from Bob, and anxiously await its arrival.
First, the speedometer for a floor shift car (standard or auto). Notice that there's no gear shift indicator or place to put one. Aftermarket versions of this type are readily available
Next, the one I've been searching for; finally with success but it took 2 months to find one. This one works for column shift cars because it has an opening to accept the gear indicator. Thanks to Bob in Michigan who had a NOS speedometer still in the box.
And finally, the gear indicator which fits into the rectangular opening in the above speedometer.
Oh!! Regarding the color of numbers and letters. The two speedometers have white numbers. White was original to 71-72 SS Chevelles.
Light green was original to 70 SS. Notice the light green letters on the gear indicator. This will match the light green of the NOS speedometer I bought from Bob, and anxiously await its arrival.
Awesome, congrats on tracking one down! It's gonna look great.
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