Did your parts come in? Hoping they all fit perfectly
70 Chevelle Restoration
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Last: 4 yr ago by stbabs
Speedometer and gear indicator came in. Tomorrow I'll pull the instrument cluster, install the speedometer, put the dash back together then move on to the carpet, seats and door panels.
End is in sight.
End is in sight.
Ok, back on the car today. Three things to complete before the carpet, seats and door panels go in:
Finish installing rear window chrome trim
Adjust window glass fit and
Remove instrument cluster, change out speedometer, put in gear indicator and reinstall cluster
Rear window trim was a PITA but eventually beat it into submission. Aftermarket trim never fits like factory, thus the hassle. Took about 3 hours. A little tweaking left but real close.
Adjusting window glass: More hassle. The gap between door glass and quarter window glass wasn't right and didn't respond to usual adjustment techniques. Got the gap close but not quite factory correct. I'd cleaned and lubricated the regulators weeks ago but didn't replace the nylon rollers. Should have. Finally decided that worn rollers were causing the bad gap. Finally found replacement rollers. After being told by 4 suppliers that they were out of stock and back ordered. Asked who the manufacturer was, called them directly. They had em. I'll have em Saturday.
Didn't start the instrument cluster because the first two issues ate the entire day.
Pics manana.
Finish installing rear window chrome trim
Adjust window glass fit and
Remove instrument cluster, change out speedometer, put in gear indicator and reinstall cluster
Rear window trim was a PITA but eventually beat it into submission. Aftermarket trim never fits like factory, thus the hassle. Took about 3 hours. A little tweaking left but real close.
Adjusting window glass: More hassle. The gap between door glass and quarter window glass wasn't right and didn't respond to usual adjustment techniques. Got the gap close but not quite factory correct. I'd cleaned and lubricated the regulators weeks ago but didn't replace the nylon rollers. Should have. Finally decided that worn rollers were causing the bad gap. Finally found replacement rollers. After being told by 4 suppliers that they were out of stock and back ordered. Asked who the manufacturer was, called them directly. They had em. I'll have em Saturday.
Didn't start the instrument cluster because the first two issues ate the entire day.
Pics manana.
AgBQ-00
Joined:
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Removed the instrument cluster from dash then removed the speedometer from the cluster. This Speedo is the one with no opening for gear indicator.
Installed the gear indicator in the "column shift speedometer", the. Installed that speedometer into the instrument cluster.
Cluster with right speedometer :
So, thIs came out:
This
. Went into this
Then that speedometer went into the cluster.
Cluster goes back in the dash tomorrow.
Installed the gear indicator in the "column shift speedometer", the. Installed that speedometer into the instrument cluster.
Cluster with right speedometer :
So, thIs came out:
This
. Went into this Then that speedometer went into the cluster.
Cluster goes back in the dash tomorrow.
The saga continues:
After putting the correct speedometer (with gear indicator) into the instrument cluster and re-installing the cluster back in the dash; none of the dash lights worked; not the background illumination, not the turn signals.
Pulled it back out. Confirmed the wire harness to the cluster was sending current.
Called the supplier who sent me to the manufacturer in Cali. He talked me thru trouble shooting steps. Says, "Yep, there's a ground problem in the printed circuit."
To which I wanted to say but didn't, "No S - - t!!"
He recommended putting star washers under the grounding screws to make sure there's good contact. Doing that today.
Since I could go no further with the cluster I decided to take the original seatbelts to a seatbelt resto shop in Tyler. Company name is Snake Oyl. Had to question that name but after checking them out found they're very reputable and do quality work. Not cheap, but good quality.
New web straps, recoloring the buckles, polishing the chrome and reassembling will run about $625 for 2 front and 3 rear belts.
One of their workers was finishing a set of belts for another 70 Chevelle SS. Owner wanted show car originality. They were replacing the GM logo in the buckles and new tags on the webbing. Total cost: $1600.
I decided I could live without the new GM emblems and belt tags.
Patience. Not my strong suit but I'm learning.
After putting the correct speedometer (with gear indicator) into the instrument cluster and re-installing the cluster back in the dash; none of the dash lights worked; not the background illumination, not the turn signals.
Pulled it back out. Confirmed the wire harness to the cluster was sending current.
Called the supplier who sent me to the manufacturer in Cali. He talked me thru trouble shooting steps. Says, "Yep, there's a ground problem in the printed circuit."
To which I wanted to say but didn't, "No S - - t!!"
He recommended putting star washers under the grounding screws to make sure there's good contact. Doing that today.
Since I could go no further with the cluster I decided to take the original seatbelts to a seatbelt resto shop in Tyler. Company name is Snake Oyl. Had to question that name but after checking them out found they're very reputable and do quality work. Not cheap, but good quality.
New web straps, recoloring the buckles, polishing the chrome and reassembling will run about $625 for 2 front and 3 rear belts.
One of their workers was finishing a set of belts for another 70 Chevelle SS. Owner wanted show car originality. They were replacing the GM logo in the buckles and new tags on the webbing. Total cost: $1600.
I decided I could live without the new GM emblems and belt tags.
Patience. Not my strong suit but I'm learning.
I put the star washers under the grounding screws as suggested by the manufacturer of the instrument cluster.
Some, but not all, of the instrument lights started working.
Called the manufacturer again and he says, "Box it up and send it back. We'll make it right."
If every part I've ordered for this car had worked the first time I'd have finished this resto months ago. But, they didn't.
Lemme see, what parts and repairs took more than one try:
Patch panel fit (several)
Motor mounts (tried 3 before one worked)
Flexplate (first one ate the starter bendix)
Starter (see above)
Rear axle (was gonna use original 10 bolt; geared too high for the new Tran ny) Had to find a 12 bolt
Transmission: Took 3 rebuilds before I got one that shifted right
AC brackets. Aftermarket bracket kits didn't fit. Made my own.
The list continues but I'm getting tired thinking about it.
Mas manana
Some, but not all, of the instrument lights started working.
Called the manufacturer again and he says, "Box it up and send it back. We'll make it right."
If every part I've ordered for this car had worked the first time I'd have finished this resto months ago. But, they didn't.
Lemme see, what parts and repairs took more than one try:
Patch panel fit (several)
Motor mounts (tried 3 before one worked)
Flexplate (first one ate the starter bendix)
Starter (see above)
Rear axle (was gonna use original 10 bolt; geared too high for the new Tran ny) Had to find a 12 bolt
Transmission: Took 3 rebuilds before I got one that shifted right
AC brackets. Aftermarket bracket kits didn't fit. Made my own.
The list continues but I'm getting tired thinking about it.
Mas manana
Ok, I haven't died and I haven't given up on this resto.
I've been spread thin with other projects and continue to have challenges.
But, the end is in sight.
Today the radio and amp were installed. Waaay more sound than my old military ears (read DEAF) need but even with my severe high freq loss it sounds great. Original radio was AM only. Very basic.
This one is AM/FM, blue tooth capable, whole deal.
AC is blowing cold.... after some frustration OF COURSE. Pulled vacuum, charged it; wouldn't cool. BAD words, lots of em.
Let it sit over night, fired it up, cooled like a champ.
Valve was stuck and overnight the oil had a chance to free it up.
Good start on interior today.
Carpet laid out to settle down and tighten up.
Headliner, rear view mirror bracket and visors installed:
And, as a reminder, what she looks like.... well, kinda. Pine pollen has covered everything here in ETex. Glamour shots after she's finished.
Oh! My other projects; my 110 year old cotton gin resto project:
This is one of four gin stands I'm restoring. If interested, there's a separate thread for this one.... somewhere on this forum. Haven't updated it in a while either.
And, between the chevelle and gin I'm working this old dozer clearing some cut over ETex land. And, sometimes I drop a log on the dozer and knock off the exhaust pipe. I know, build some sweeps so that doesn't happen. I am.... next week
I've been spread thin with other projects and continue to have challenges.
But, the end is in sight.
Today the radio and amp were installed. Waaay more sound than my old military ears (read DEAF) need but even with my severe high freq loss it sounds great. Original radio was AM only. Very basic.
This one is AM/FM, blue tooth capable, whole deal.
AC is blowing cold.... after some frustration OF COURSE. Pulled vacuum, charged it; wouldn't cool. BAD words, lots of em.
Let it sit over night, fired it up, cooled like a champ.
Valve was stuck and overnight the oil had a chance to free it up.
Good start on interior today.
Carpet laid out to settle down and tighten up.
Headliner, rear view mirror bracket and visors installed:
And, as a reminder, what she looks like.... well, kinda. Pine pollen has covered everything here in ETex. Glamour shots after she's finished.
Oh! My other projects; my 110 year old cotton gin resto project:
This is one of four gin stands I'm restoring. If interested, there's a separate thread for this one.... somewhere on this forum. Haven't updated it in a while either.
And, between the chevelle and gin I'm working this old dozer clearing some cut over ETex land. And, sometimes I drop a log on the dozer and knock off the exhaust pipe. I know, build some sweeps so that doesn't happen. I am.... next week
End in sight but frustrations continue. I bought interior trim from Legendary Auto Trim outta Newark NY. Best reputation for high quality trim. Expensive but great stuff, my research told me.
I agree that the stuff looks great and you feel the quality compared to other aftermarket stuff.
BUT, even here there can be issues; as shown below.
Rear panel trim. Looks good, right?
But look closer; note the gap where blue metal is exposed:
Note the small difference in the lower left corner of the two panels. Blue is original factory panel. White is aftermarket:
Small difference but the blue panel covers the entire metal post while the aftermarket does not.
Pics emailed to the supplier requesting a solution.
I agree that the stuff looks great and you feel the quality compared to other aftermarket stuff.
BUT, even here there can be issues; as shown below.
Rear panel trim. Looks good, right?
But look closer; note the gap where blue metal is exposed:
Note the small difference in the lower left corner of the two panels. Blue is original factory panel. White is aftermarket:
Small difference but the blue panel covers the entire metal post while the aftermarket does not.
Pics emailed to the supplier requesting a solution.
Good lord. This thread. Much like. Very vroom. Pants tight.
Ok, finally some reportable progress.
Worked today on seat, seatbelts and door panel install.
A few shots
Worked today on seat, seatbelts and door panel install.
A few shots
Beautiful !
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!
And, as I've come to expect, I'm waiting on a replacement passenger side door panel before the interior is complete.
The one I received didn't fit properly and caused a big gap between the panel and the door. Bad bend on the metal base of the panel.
Legendary Auto Interiors from upstate NY provided the interior parts. Best reputation in the business and certainly the most expensive. In the resto parts world even the best screw up occasionally.
They're making a replacement as soon as NY opens up again from the covid mess.
The one I received didn't fit properly and caused a big gap between the panel and the door. Bad bend on the metal base of the panel.
Legendary Auto Interiors from upstate NY provided the interior parts. Best reputation in the business and certainly the most expensive. In the resto parts world even the best screw up occasionally.
They're making a replacement as soon as NY opens up again from the covid mess.
Looks fantastic! Also, I spy a square in the background there!!
Floor it until you see God
Yep, the guy who did my paint work is restoring an 86 square body for a guy in Nac. It's almost finished; waiting on a few trim pieces. Very nice. 350 with a 350 lock up and overdrive.
He was working on it today while I was playing with my interior. Grumbling about bad parts. The new alternator and AC compressor he'd installed were both bad. QC on rebuilt parts really sucks.
I'll get a few shots and post em in a couple of days.
He was working on it today while I was playing with my interior. Grumbling about bad parts. The new alternator and AC compressor he'd installed were both bad. QC on rebuilt parts really sucks.
I'll get a few shots and post em in a couple of days.
Even with reputable suppliers (vintage air, old air, etc) I have received dome DOA compressors. O'Reilly has, by far, been the worst about DOA parts of any kind.
Floor it until you see God
Preach.TxSquarebody said:
Even with reputable suppliers (vintage air, old air, etc) I have received dome DOA compressors. O'Reilly has, by far, been the worst about DOA parts of any kind.
I've had bad alternators, starters, and brake calipers burn me from O'Reilly, Auto Zone, etc. I have little inclination to rebuild things myself these days, so I generally try to find some kind of upgraded aftermarket version whenever something breaks.
After watching the patience you've put into this restoration, I pronounce your user name as "Saint Babs".
Looks awesome.
Looks awesome.
Yep, StBabs, AKA Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen and those in danger of death by sudden explosion.
Square Body, some shots of the truck you spotted in the background. Still needs some trim and a white pinstripe.
Now, back to my Chevelle. Of all the frustrating days I've had with this car, this was probably the MOST frustrating. Not so much because the problem is all that difficult or expensive to resolve, but because I expected to put in a couple of seatbelts, call it finished and drive it to the inspection station.
BUT.... in checking the operation of the handles on the quarter windows, something went wrong. One of the new nylon rollers for the regulator just came off the glass. Aftermarket kit has nylon nuts, original was metal. Nylon nut stripped when the window bound up a bit in the new, tight weather strip.
The back seat yesterday:
The back seat today:
Yep, to get the window out for repair the panel must come off. To get the panel off you must remove the rear seat, bottom and back.
Then remove the armrest.
The white one is the culprit.
The dark one is the original part I should have used in the first place. Won't make that mistake again. Use old original over new aftermarket every time.
BUT.... in checking the operation of the handles on the quarter windows, something went wrong. One of the new nylon rollers for the regulator just came off the glass. Aftermarket kit has nylon nuts, original was metal. Nylon nut stripped when the window bound up a bit in the new, tight weather strip.
The back seat yesterday:
The back seat today:
Yep, to get the window out for repair the panel must come off. To get the panel off you must remove the rear seat, bottom and back.
Then remove the armrest.
The white one is the culprit.
The dark one is the original part I should have used in the first place. Won't make that mistake again. Use old original over new aftermarket every time.
Well at least you found a wallet during your troubles.
Well, yeah, there is that.Ag for Life said:
Well at least you found a wallet during your troubles.
I've had an issue with a new nylon roller as well. It was in for a few days and slipped out of the track at the top of the travel...damn window slammed down to the bottom of the door.
Very nice truck! Glad to see the sport bumper, just needs an altitude adjustment! What brand mouldings were put on the side? I haven't found one that will stay put or not yellow.
Floor it until you see God
Bought a water pump from O'reilly, took a look at the gasket vs bolt pattern and it was completely wrong. Told the clerk in the store before going home and they assured me it would work anyways. Bolted it up and of course water gushed out the sides.
Went on amazon and got name brand (ac delco) for $20 less than the oreilly house brand and it fit like a glove. Part stores are for emergencies only for me from now on. At least their return policy is lax.
Went on amazon and got name brand (ac delco) for $20 less than the oreilly house brand and it fit like a glove. Part stores are for emergencies only for me from now on. At least their return policy is lax.
Drove it to the inspection station today then to its new home in my garage.
A few tweaks needed but drives/runs great.
Changing the rear ended requires a Speedo gear change. I was showing 75 and getting passed by tractors pulling hay balers. Not really, but it's prolly showing 10 mph more than it's really moving.
Needs a stronger radiator cap. Had a 13 and needs an 18 PSI; done.
Right rear brake was dragging a bit, backed it off, good to go.
That 396 (prolly pushing 420 horses) doesn't like 87 octane gas. That's what I had at the shop. Clattered a little when I spurred it. Have to feed it some octane.
I'll post some glamor shots soon.
A few tweaks needed but drives/runs great.
Changing the rear ended requires a Speedo gear change. I was showing 75 and getting passed by tractors pulling hay balers. Not really, but it's prolly showing 10 mph more than it's really moving.
Needs a stronger radiator cap. Had a 13 and needs an 18 PSI; done.
Right rear brake was dragging a bit, backed it off, good to go.
That 396 (prolly pushing 420 horses) doesn't like 87 octane gas. That's what I had at the shop. Clattered a little when I spurred it. Have to feed it some octane.
I'll post some glamor shots soon.
Drool. Looks amazing
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!
What's next?
Great restoration and in record time! Hope to see it in person some day!
Floor it until you see God
Awesome restoration. I've enjoyed following the progress since you started this thread. Thank you for sharing.
O'Reilly is last on my list when I buy parts.
I needed a carb kit for my Quadrajet. The dumb clerk kept trying to sell me one for a Holley. He showed me the picture of the one they had on his screen. I started to explain the difference between a square bore and a spread bore. He stopped me and shrugged, "I've never seen a carburetor."
I needed a carb kit for my Quadrajet. The dumb clerk kept trying to sell me one for a Holley. He showed me the picture of the one they had on his screen. I started to explain the difference between a square bore and a spread bore. He stopped me and shrugged, "I've never seen a carburetor."
Aggietaco said:
What's next?
I have 3 potential restoration projects waiting in the wings.
1. A 1950 Ford F-1. I restored it back in the 90s but it needs some spiffing up. My bad, but it hasn't been run enough and points are corroded, carb needs a rebuild.
2. My Dad's 85 Ford F-150. Sitting for 12 years, rust in door panels, will need complete interior, some metal replacement, engine rebuild and paint. Not sure if I'll do it frame off or not.
3. Ford 3000 tractor, also my Dad's. I tore it down, had the engine machined, life happened and it's still in pieces.
All 3 will have to wait until my land clearing project is finished.
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