Hillbilly Garage
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
Thanks BKb!
(I edited the post to save face!)
That’s what I get for posting at the end of the day. My brain was scrambled.😵💫
Last edited by 78Corvetter; Oct 13, 2023 at 03:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,346
Likes: 8,155
From: Napa Valley California
My mind has been scrambled since you used a can of corned beef hash to put in that seal.
I sure hope you didn’t damage or dent that can.
Thats some good hash to waste putting in a seal.
I sure hope you didn’t damage or dent that can.
Thats some good hash to waste putting in a seal.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
I ATE that hash!!
& it was good!!!!
Then I used the empty can (which was exactly the right size); since been repurposed to use for soaking bolts in carb cleaner.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
With the engine reassembled, transmission bolted to the block & fluids refilled, I’m thinkin it would be good to start’er up, get the body back onto the frame & roll her into the barn this week, before winter sets in.🌬️
Cable strung between old oaks, carefully padded with plastic drip-line irrigation & foam pipe insulation. Tightened with block&tackle, backed up by a ratchet strap.
It’s about a 50’ run, looped, double-strand set up. It will need the 4x4 tripod for proximal support, next to the body.
I can walk the tripod over to the cables more easily than taking it down & dragging it. Then it’s time to spin the frame around so I can roll it under the body when I lift it using a come-along & cargo straps.
Hillbilly workout.
…
Ratchet straps for pulling uphill…
Just about there…
Ready to roll into place, on a slight downhill.
Tripod in place. Car pointed in right direction…
Final inspection didn’t meet with approval…
After watching several YouTube videos about measuring the play between the torque converter & the flywheel before bolting them together; & filling the converter with new ATF before replacing it, I decided to remove the transmission again & make sure it was done properly.
I walked the tripod back over & rigged up some ratchet straps…
Lubed the output shaft seal & torque converter shaft with ATF…
…inspected notches, lookin good…
…torque converter filled…Dex 3…
Cleaned bellhousing for good measure…
With bellhousing bolted to the block, torque converter spinning sweetly, no leaking, the flywheel/converter gap is about 1/8”.
Tripod back in place. Starting engine today. Then the body goes back on.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,181
Likes: 9,316
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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I would have thought you would have used a couple of 2x4s across the frame and a milk crate to drive it over to the body.....Im betting you used the rocking chair instead...lol
And great work gettin her done so quickly!!
And great work gettin her done so quickly!!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
After tearing apart my distributor cap, destined for replacement on Monday; securing the ground strap to the frame; & turning the engine over with the starter, I decided to raise the body up off of the trolley & let it swing forward onto the ground. First the nose pushed the support over, which I easily removed.
At the rear I was able to wheel the trolley out from under & the cable rig held up.
I threw an old tire under the rear & put only a bit of weight on it. Most of the weight is still on the cable/come-along/cargo straps rig.
That’s where I’m leaving it for now…
…giving thanks for another glorious day on Hillbilly Ridge.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Looking good Mate. Body still not bolted back on, but getting close! Keep up the good work.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,181
Likes: 9,316
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
The rocking chair is awesome..
.you need to keep that at the end of every post!
Thats a great picture!!!!!!
.you need to keep that at the end of every post!
Thats a great picture!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
I tore apart my distributor cap in preparation for buying a new one that isn’t cracked. I’d like to get the engine running before I put the body back onto the frame.
I cut the trolley in half, lowered the body onto it, took all weight off of the cables & moved the tripod closer to the car, to raise the cable higher at the lift point. The plan is to hoist the body high enough to roll the trolley out & the chassis in. The car is hanging nose-heavy, which may make it easier to get the body mounts lined-up & into position from front-to-rear.
I moved the tripod closer to the car, raising the cables as high as I could.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
New distributor cap installed. Getting the starter wired today. Just realized that I’d best install the fan shroud, freshly cleaned. Since there’s good weather forecast for another week, I’m delaying body replacement, waiting for parts just ordered from Battery Cables USA needed for making new 1/0 AWG copper battery cables: 7.5’ - 8’ positive; 1.5’ - 2’ ground.
🍁The gorgeous fall🍂 weather in Oregon is a huge blessing. Happy Harvesttime…!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
Vroom.
After installing the new distributor cap & wiring the harness from the starter, blustery melodies of the leafy autumn were joined by the symphonic first start of Vette’s new engine.
Thanks to Dave, Dylan & family at Sauer’s Machine in Medford for building a solid, high compression 350.
I’m still getting the fuel pressure & carb dialed in, but it feels like a milestone was finally crossed.
High school pal hillbilly Dave (Class of ‘73) took me out to celebrate over fettuccini & bourbon at Omar’s in Ashland.
After installing the new distributor cap & wiring the harness from the starter, blustery melodies of the leafy autumn were joined by the symphonic first start of Vette’s new engine.
Thanks to Dave, Dylan & family at Sauer’s Machine in Medford for building a solid, high compression 350.
I’m still getting the fuel pressure & carb dialed in, but it feels like a milestone was finally crossed.
High school pal hillbilly Dave (Class of ‘73) took me out to celebrate over fettuccini & bourbon at Omar’s in Ashland.
Last edited by 78Corvetter; Oct 30, 2023 at 09:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 191
Likes: 253
From: Oregon
Replaced the old aluminum battery cable with a copper cable that runs from behind the driver’s seat 7 1/2 feet to the engine compartment & starter.
The battery compartment still needs cleaning & painting but the new cables are where they need to be.
Out with the old body mounts, looking pretty tired…
…in with the new, after some final prep of frame, & install of a new transmission cable.