well thought I would bump this with an update.


Dropped my arms off at Bairs for rebuild a few weeks back. They break them down right in front of you and let you know if you need any parts. I knew I needed rotors, but I also needed a new spindle (someone goobered the threads) and they recommended new arms. Mine had heavy surface rust.


Once i got that news, I was a bit leary about my frame, so I spent probably 5-6 hours cleaning and inspecting the kick up area of the frame where the trailing arms mount, and the body mounts. fortunately for me, I can find no signs of any rust holes in my frame. I decided to use some rust converter paint as well as POR 15 on top of that to protect these areas. still need to finish that(maybe this weekend)


While waiting for the trailing arms, Ive rebuilt both half shafts and driveshaft as well as the strut rods.


This weekend i decided to tackle the power steering (had a leak but wasn't sure where) so I rebuilt the valve and cylinder, as well as new lines.


replaced my leaky fuel pump and now I am able to start the car. haven't got to play around much with it running. its hard to start it and jump out and make any carb adjustments. first it wanted to idle very high, now it wants to idle very low.


I was just glad to see it start after sitting all those years.


I've been trying to search for tires for the car. according to the build sheet, this car originally had whitewall tires and P01 wheel covers. I was able to score a set of p02 wheel covers locally for cheap, so ill refinish those at some point.


for tires, I'm leaning toward the firestone FR710. They don't make a repop of the original tire in a radial, bias only. since we plan to drive to car, I figure a radial is the way to go. also, these tires are pretty cheap, so if i decide to change them later, I'm only out a couple hundo.


my goal I've set for myself is May 1. unless i hit some major setback I see no reason why i should be done by then.

 

The purist/NCRS crowd has spoken..and they all have valid good points.
The reality is those people/thoughts are diminishing, as per a recent poll done here originated by Bats.
Quality builds will always bring a premium, be it to original specs or updated with the latest advancements.
First and foremost..be true to thyself.
Do what will achieve the most satisfaction for you.

 

couple ppl asked for underhood. Took me awhile to snap a pic but here it is.

 

Nice! Yep, that looks pretty original. Where was that barn again?

 

Well I figure I owe you guys another update.

Picked up my trailing arms from Bairs. Can't say enough about how great they were. Arms looked fantastic.

Installed everything back on the car and for the first time in 30 years the car has brakes.

Power steering works great.

Bought 4 new tires- went with first one FR710. Sandblasted and painted the rims and installed new tires.

Found a leaking freeze plug so have to repair that.

I'll try to get pics tomorrow

 

Hankook makes a pretty nice tire with a narrow whitewall...just what you need with those P02's.

Just for consideration: I've been looking for a nice '65 Catalina sport coupe for years...nothing found that is decent. Four years ago I find a '65 Grand Prix....ALL ORIGINAL! and I mean all original. 59K miles and I'm buying it from the second owner (who keep it in a 1-car garage under some blankets). THE INTERIOR IS LITERALLY SHOWROOM PERFECT, except for the wood veneer trim which can easily be replaced. Nearly 100% original paint with no body damage. Original carpet, original headliner and all in great condition.

So, what do I do? Keep it as it is, or drive it like I stole it? Well, I gave it a year without changing anything. I did drive it to many car show and here's the response I got:

99 of 100 people who stopped to look at it seemed to appreciate that it was an original condition car...but none of them thought it was anything special. The 'one in a hundred' person went Ga-Ga over the car, seeing what it was and not believing what he was seeing.

So, there you have it. If you really like your car being original, GREAT. Keep it that way. But don't expect many viewers to think it is anything special. You have to love it for what it is YOURSELF, as very few others will feel the same.

So after a year or two, I decided to make it into what I really wanted. I am keeping the original body and paint but have done touch-ups on nicks/chips and gave it a good cut-n-buff to bring back the luster on it. Only thing done on the inside was the wood trim replacement. The engine compartment which was 50 years 'tired' was completely refurbished, but retained MOST of the original hardware. I added stock Kelsey-Hayes 8-lug wheels, new rubber, added electronic cruise control, and put a dual-master cylinder on it to make it safer to drive. And I still drive it like I stole it. Put 2000+ miles per year on it and let lots of TN folks see what a '65 GP looked like.

Oh, I did one other thing to it....I installed a completely refurbished, all-original '65 tri-power setup on the engine. I had one back 'in the day' and that's what I wanted on it.
Before>

After>


You need to do with your car whatever you want to do with your car!!

 

Im JEALOUS of that motor. Always wanted a six pack/ tri power set up. Someday I'll put one in my 68. Or weber down drafts

 

Weber down drafts, or side drafts are beautiful... They do Need Attention t be synchronized But sexy as hell

 

Well after sitting in the garage since 86 the car officially made its first trip around the block.

Still got some bugs to work out, but all minor.

 

Congrats!

 

The L79 is a A w e s o m e - Engine
............................... tom
http://www.ehow.com/list_7487061_l79-engine-specs.html

 

Well got busy with life for a bit, but today we put 60 miles on the car with no issues.