Finally started in earnest the restoration of my 81. Started slowly last year, not a frame off, but might as well have been as i have spent the last 365 days of sleepless nights hand sanding and grinding frame. Have been able to get 90% of all the areas done. Removed and replaced many items but it's worth it. Engine is now removed and the last small section of frame where motor sat is being worked on and painted. Front end is apart and re-doing the control arms, ball joints, etc, etc. Will be a new front end when complete. Restoring as many of the components as possible but not sacrificing repalcement of parts which are accessable now before motor goes back in. Will finish stripping engine bay this week and start painting of engine bay next week.
Gutting the interior and old weatherstripping and sending the car out for complete color change paint job prior to installing new crate motor (original number motor is bagged and stored). Car is over 25 years old and registered as hot rod, so i can run side pipes and motor changes without any hassles.
Many cuddo's to all on the forum as there is a wealth of information here for this type of project.
I do have 2 questions that i hope someone can help me with. I am installing a GM motor 290hp/326 ft/lbs torque @ 3750 RPM. As the rest of the drive train is stock, do you think the torque convertor should be upgraded or is the stock one good enough? Just looking to get the best performance out of the motor.
Also, I would love to post pictures of the progress done and to come. I have all the photos on Photo Bucket, but i cannot figure out how to get them onto this posting.
Any help would be appreciated.

Also, anyone out there from the eastern shore area of maryland???

Thanks

Mark

 

Mark.....just go to the picture on photobucket and copy the last line (IMG Code)of text under the image and paste it into your message.

Bill

 

Thanks Bill I'll give it a try.
Hey how are things in CT? I am form there originay, moved down here about 4 years ago.

 

Here are some pictures of the work so far. Hope this works

 

Hi Mark,

CT is OK except for Chris Dodd . For the time being we seem to be escaping the "drastic" downturn in the economy, I'm sure it will catch up to us though. Weather is turning cold quick, had a frost the other night, a little early for that. Where were you from?? I live near Enfield CT on the Mass border.

You're doing a real nice job, pics look great!

Bill

 

Very nice.




What kind of rear cross member is that?




Also, I'm in CT, Shelton area.


And yes, damn that chris dodd, lol.

 

The rear cross member is standard on 80-82 models.

Originally from Newww Brit-ainnn. Lived in Bozrah, CT