When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I figured I had better post an update. Since the last one, I've moved to Texas and occupied a new shop. I wish I was staying as this shop is fantastic. Unfortunately, I'll only be here a couple of years. The one thing I don't like about it is the cottonmouth on the toilet...
Nothing really dramatic other than the body work is just about finished!!! Additionally, I received my fiberglass hood from VFN
The majority of the metal work and filler is done and hopefully next weekend I can shoot the high build and block it out. Then it's on to the engine to get it running. As far as the engine goes, I received my cam from EPS along with pushrods, springs, retainers, etc. Here's the Specs for the cam:
222/226 .604”/.604” 113 LSA +2 advance
My goal is to have it running by the spring and then finish up the paint and go from there.
I'm just glad the body work is just about done. I can do it but, I'm not quick at it and there are a lot of things I would rather be doing. Fortunately, I've had some help from someone far better at it than I.
One last tidbit is that I modified Chevy HHR lights to work in place of the stock Biscayne/Impala taillights.
I finally was able to spray high build (Featherfill G2). There are a few spots that will end up needing some more filler but, so far it looks pretty straight. Still have to fit up the VFN fiberglass hood but, the body work is getting closer.
Once it is blocked and shot with 2K, I will work on getting it running. My intent is to do all of the final cutting, drilling, etc and not have to worry about scratching paint in the process. I did that on my last project and it was a good lesson learned.
I'm thinking an indigo pearl metallic from the newer Hyundai's. The hood fit and finish is pretty good. A few small things but, nothing that a little blocking won't take care of. With VFN be careful of shipping and get it sent to a business otherwise you get killed on shipping.
I"m probably also going to go with fiberglass bumpers with tubing behind them.
Not a whole lot to update on. Showing pictures of block sanding is even more boring than doing it.
I finally received all the parts for the engine, installed the EPS cam, valve springs and push rods. I also finally picked out the colors, which allowed me to paint the engine.
Misc stuff (ECM mounting, F Body radiator, 6L80E neutral safety, header mods)
Despite not posting an update, I've actually been working on the car. For the most part, it has been blocking and sanding. Not a whole lot to take pictures of or, even remotely exciting.
Now that I'm to the point where I'm about ready to spray 2K primer, I figured I should start doing a lot of the mock up so I don't have to risk drilling thru fresh paint or scratching it. I did that on my last build and really regretted it.
So, for this update I did the following:
-Mocked up engine, made radiator mounts and a mount for the ECM. Because I used a re-worked stock harness my options were pretty limited on where to mount it.
-Mocked up the steering shaft. Because of the angle, I had to use a third joint and a eye bearing to hold it. I really didn't want to grind of powder coating but, we were able to hit the hot metal with powder had it stick and finished the job with a heat gun.
-Did major surgery on a set of speed engineering headers to get them to fit around the steering shaft. I've only TIG welded a few times but, pretty happy with the welds for the V bands on the outlets. The welds on the tubes are kind of ugly but, they will hold. Polishing them up gets rid of some of the ugliness.
-Ran my starter power cable and installed the battery box. I used P clamps along it and before I go final I will use some braided wire loom to make sure it doesn't chafe anywhere. I plan on using a Mad electrical solenoid but, have to wait until my allowance builds up.
-Cut holes in the ends of the dash for the vents. I ended up using parts of a dash cut out from another car, glad I did as they are a really difficult template to get it to fit correctly.
-Made a neutral safety/back up light switch for my Malibu shifter. I've been wracking my brain on how to do this because the 6L80E doesn't use a switch instead it goes thru the BCM. I ended up using a F body switch and modified the shifter to make it fit.
-Lastly, a few other odds and ends like finishing fitting the body mounts and a lot more sanding.
Glad I have some help from friends with this. Spatial things like figuring out how to re-work the headers makes my head hurt.
I've made a little progress since the last update. For this one, I finally received all of the parts to finish up the accessory drive, installed the top cover for the radiator, mounted the fans, mocked up the AC lines and have just about finished the exhaust. Just a little bit to finish up on the exhaust but, the big pieces are finished.
One of the challenges I had was finding an adapter to connect the LS pressure switch to the AC lines using an EZ clip fitting. They make pressure switch adapters but, most don't have the right threads. I purchased a weld on adapter and TIG welded it to a pressure port EZ clip fitting.
Next step should be paint unless anyone else has some other suggestions.
10-05-2014, 04:51 PM
