Doorgunner's '68 Convertible Project
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 317
Likes: 98
From: VT
mr gunner ..........
i really don't know where to start, typing and composing at the same time. ah. er. mmmmmm.
i've read the entire thread, over a few days, and i have to say at the outset that i admire your perseverance and dogged determination to solve issues on your project as they arise. intermixed with this problem solving are some personal struggles, and they are not uncommon when we send young men overseas for reasons that remain unclear. i only know that the young men and women we as a nation sent to vietnam are true patriots, in every sense and definition.
am hopeful that you sometimes realize that we out here in the ether appreciate your love of country, your bravery, and your sacrifice. but in case you need a reminder, soldier, this ole' dude (am 62) is here to tell you that mr brokaw got it wrong.
our nations' history of wars, conflicts, police actions, continue to this day and as these events move forward, others pass. in that light, it is my belief that you guys make up our "greatest generation".
wishing you strength, and a smooth idle as we near veterans day.
bob p
ps if this is inappropriate, let me know - i'll ding it.
i've read the entire thread, over a few days, and i have to say at the outset that i admire your perseverance and dogged determination to solve issues on your project as they arise. intermixed with this problem solving are some personal struggles, and they are not uncommon when we send young men overseas for reasons that remain unclear. i only know that the young men and women we as a nation sent to vietnam are true patriots, in every sense and definition.
am hopeful that you sometimes realize that we out here in the ether appreciate your love of country, your bravery, and your sacrifice. but in case you need a reminder, soldier, this ole' dude (am 62) is here to tell you that mr brokaw got it wrong.
our nations' history of wars, conflicts, police actions, continue to this day and as these events move forward, others pass. in that light, it is my belief that you guys make up our "greatest generation".
wishing you strength, and a smooth idle as we near veterans day.
bob p
ps if this is inappropriate, let me know - i'll ding it.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
(I just dragged myself inside from cleaning/picking up 5 months of clutter in the garage.....tomorrow I'll try to go on the 3rd test drive after I attach a "foam rubber" insulation strip across the top of the radiator/support to stop the incoming air from going over the top of the radiator, rather than through it)
(I just dragged myself inside from cleaning/picking up 5 months of clutter in the garage.....tomorrow I'll try to go on the 3rd test drive after I attach a "foam rubber" insulation strip across the top of the radiator/support to stop the incoming air from going over the top of the radiator, rather than through it)
Last edited by doorgunner; Nov 9, 2014 at 07:57 PM.
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I drove the car 1.5 hours today in traffic and at 60 mph on the highway. It ran perfectly, but I will have to install a new 180* thermostat.....the coolant goes through the radiator too fast without a thermostat according to forum members.
It got up to 220* 1 mile from my home and boiled over in the driveway (much better than the last trip where I had to stop every 10miles to let the engine boil over/cool off/refill radiator
)
So.....I still have a little more "adjusting" to do so the temp will stay below 200*.
The new P235 70R15 x 8" wheels never rubbed on the rough La. streets and roads
Since the P295 60R15 tires that came with the car are still good treadwise and mfg, date-wise......they stick out 1 1/2" from the rear wheel wells and did rub the fenders twice on bad potholes.
No one could determine what year the car actually is because of the Bubba'd '76 front bumper clip/'76 rear tail light panel
It got up to 220* 1 mile from my home and boiled over in the driveway (much better than the last trip where I had to stop every 10miles to let the engine boil over/cool off/refill radiator
)So.....I still have a little more "adjusting" to do so the temp will stay below 200*.
The new P235 70R15 x 8" wheels never rubbed on the rough La. streets and roads
Since the P295 60R15 tires that came with the car are still good treadwise and mfg, date-wise......they stick out 1 1/2" from the rear wheel wells and did rub the fenders twice on bad potholes.
No one could determine what year the car actually is because of the Bubba'd '76 front bumper clip/'76 rear tail light panel
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 210
From: Schaumburg IL
I drove the car 1.5 hours today in traffic and at 60 mph on the highway. It ran perfectly, but I will have to install a new 180* thermostat.....the coolant goes through the radiator too fast without a thermostat according to forum members.
It got up to 220* 1 mile from my home and boiled over in the driveway (much better than the last trip where I had to stop every 10miles to let the engine boil over/cool off/refill radiator )
So.....I still have a little more "adjusting" to do so the temp will stay below 200*.
The new P235 70R15 x 8" wheels never rubbed on the rough La. streets and roads
Since the P295 60R15 tires that came with the car are still good treadwise and mfg, date-wise......they stick out 1 1/2" from the rear wheel wells and did rub the fenders twice on bad potholes.
No one could determine what year the car actually is because of the Bubba'd '76 front bumper clip/'76 rear tail light panel
It got up to 220* 1 mile from my home and boiled over in the driveway (much better than the last trip where I had to stop every 10miles to let the engine boil over/cool off/refill radiator
)So.....I still have a little more "adjusting" to do so the temp will stay below 200*.
The new P235 70R15 x 8" wheels never rubbed on the rough La. streets and roads
Since the P295 60R15 tires that came with the car are still good treadwise and mfg, date-wise......they stick out 1 1/2" from the rear wheel wells and did rub the fenders twice on bad potholes.
No one could determine what year the car actually is because of the Bubba'd '76 front bumper clip/'76 rear tail light panel
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
The PTSD slacked off some.........the sky was blue.....the hardtop was in the garage....I didn't have any flashbacks!I'll go outside in a few minutes/install that 180* thermostat/refill the coolant tank/install an overflow "jug" to catch any possible future spills. (Previously, 2 gallons of water would boil out....today, only the tank boiled out!)
2,500 rpm at 60 mph with the 60 series tires on the back rims (the speedometer showed 70 mph)
Thanks for keeping an eye on me!
Last edited by doorgunner; Nov 10, 2014 at 04:52 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I remember the night shift...... 
OOOOOOOPS.....I didn't buy a thermostat today because......
I was too busy running up and down the highway!
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 9
From: Viking Longhouse North Wisconsin
Hey Doorgunner!!
Been awhile & I Just surfed through your thread - Man. you are miles past my project- looks awesome!!
I just started driving mine last week - (I got a lot of bugs to work out yet) & I finally found a REAL exhaust-
!!
Also wanted to say thanks for your service & Keep up the great work -
Mike
Been awhile & I Just surfed through your thread - Man. you are miles past my project- looks awesome!!
I just started driving mine last week - (I got a lot of bugs to work out yet) & I finally found a REAL exhaust-
!!Also wanted to say
thanks for your service & Keep up the great work -Mike
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 122
Likes: 18
From: Trenton Ontario
Tomorrow, Nov 11, "We Salute Our Fallen' Soldiers -Lest We Forget!"
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks, Men!
I finally have the cooling problem under control to the point that I can install a coolant recovery tank (in a hidden location) to catch that quart of water that boils over a minute after I turn off the engine.
It was too expensive to add a gallon of coolant after each big boilover, so I stayed with 100% water.
I also will be able to pour in a gallon of "antifreeze" to lower the operating temp......a guy at the parts store told me about a new additive that will lower the coolant temp 10 degrees more,
That would put the operating temp about 185* (I'm old school/don't care for the 200* operating temps)
34900
I finally have the cooling problem under control to the point that I can install a coolant recovery tank (in a hidden location) to catch that quart of water that boils over a minute after I turn off the engine.
It was too expensive to add a gallon of coolant after each big boilover, so I stayed with 100% water.
I also will be able to pour in a gallon of "antifreeze" to lower the operating temp......a guy at the parts store told me about a new additive that will lower the coolant temp 10 degrees more,
That would put the operating temp about 185* (I'm old school/don't care for the 200* operating temps)
34900
Last edited by doorgunner; Nov 12, 2014 at 11:11 AM.