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I have an 82, in progess with CAM swap, Aluminum Heads and Renegade Intake and thought it was allot of work.
You are 10 levels beyond what I am doing. Keep us posted on progress.
I appreciate the encouragement, I’ve had a few down moments wondering why am I doing this but I like seeing it coming together. Hopefully I can get some body work done in the next few weeks and get primed and ready for paint.
Quick question on the ac compressor install. Take a look at this pic I found on google and then my pic and let me know if it should have a small spacer between the compressor and the flat bracket or am I doing something wrong....thanks all. The compressor in my pic is only for mock up and will be replaced with a reman/new unit, someone will ask, lol.
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted any updates, I’ve had a few slow months. Finally getting ready to install the body back on the frame this weekend if all goes well. Paint has been razored off and I plan to start sanding, filling and priming sometime in a few weeks. It is a lot of work doing a frame off as a first build but I’ve gained some valuable knowledge about these C3 cars. Windows and mirrors were removed today and my biggest concern about the body work is the bondo buildup the PO had on the front bumper to level the top with the car. At least the headers are finally completed and installed. Paint will be another challenge but what isn’t? Let’s get it done I say! Headers installed with gaskets. Close up of the POR15 high temp paint. I had to dimple both sides in a few spots. Just missing my Accel shorty plugs, may go with the 8199. Left side didn’t need to be dimpled as much...
Great picture, great info, and a lot of work. I can see though burnt spark plug wires in your future. Some rerouting and some spark plug wire boots are in order. Jegs / Summit has DEI heat shield boots. Cost a bit but will save your wires, headers like burning up wires. I know all about that.
Great picture, great info, and a lot of work. I can see though burnt spark plug wires in your future. Some rerouting and some spark plug wire boots are in order. Jegs / Summit has DEI heat shield boots. Cost a bit but will save your wires, headers like burning up wires. I know all about that.
Thanks I82. Wires aren’t routed yet...just laying there. I’ve read a few horror stories about burnt wires and will do my best to avoid my own experience with that. I’m thinking of running them above the headers next to the valve covers. The wire boots will be installed when routing has been figured out.
Body is back on frame and now the fun and anticipation begins...now it’s real. Not sure why it looks like a four wheeler but it is on dolly’s so I can move it around my small space. 4x4? Looks like I’m going to the mud hole. I have 8” rear suspension bolts so adjustments can be made...not sure how to get the front down, but body mounts have not been torqued down yet either in these pics. How sweet it is... Still in shock of what a man can do when he thinks he can😱
Slowly coming together and pushing towards the first crank, (that makes me nervous). I was cleaning up the battery area and decided to pull the big chunk of electrical tape off of the alternator to battery cable. Bubba had been there and done some reverse engineering on the cable. Pics below are what I found under the tape, really no surprise since I’d already cleaned up the bubba’d mess under the hood.
Also installed the booster and master cylinder today, bench bled off course. Was a bear of a job bleeding the brakes and I’m still not sure it’s done so I will do it again, (purchased a hand vacuum pump to help). Pedal feels ok but does not get harder to push, however it no longer hits the floor.
Next is to figure out the miles of vacuum lines and get the carburetor hooked up and ready. Not sure where the lines go as far as vacuum, and what plugs into carb vacuum or on top of the manifold. Research to be done...
Looking good , Did you put back the same amount of shims when the body went back on ? I had to guess my no.4,s as they were a solid lump of rust , so I let the body sit for a few weeks and gradually tightened it down adding shims until the doors fit as before , your driver door rear gap looks a bit tight at the bottom , or is it just the pic ?
don't worry about the ride height , they all do that with relaxed springs . just make sure the front springs are in their pockets !
Got to love that wire splice , good catch , what's the plan ? just solder it up ?
Bazza77, shins were also a guess for me since I did not check them when coming out and most were rusted anyway, I think only three bolts came out in one piece. I had to loosen up the left side and removed a shim or two on 2/3 and added to #4. Door gap is almost perfect now. If settling changes anything I’ll need to resign.
Thanks for the tip on the suspension. As far as that splice, I’ve just used a butt connector and heat shrink to clean it up.
Well, got the engine fired up this weekend and it sounds good but has a few issues. Any thoughts? I know my timing needs to be calibrated correctly first.
1. The engine is running rich and fouls the plugs, I’m not carb smart so will be doing some research on the 600 cfm 4160 I’m running, Carb was free when I bought the car and may not be as “new” as I thought it was.
2. I have a single 16” electric fan and not sure it will be able to keep up with the heat of this high compression motor.
3. Aluminum radiator is leaking at top bung for trans cooler lines and will need to be permanently sealed or I can install an exterior trans cooler.
I’ve been busy working on the small stuff and trying to figure out some problems I’m having. Started installing the Corvette America dash today and that has been the worst job on this frame off resto yet. This dash is a garbage rendition of the original and is a pain in the rear, doesn’t seem like anything fits right. The windshield defrost vent does not even touch the center dash opening with a 3/4” inch gap. The heat gun is your friend but go easy. Patience is an understatement on this leg of the journey.....any tips would be appreciated. Could be me but I don’t think so😔
