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That is a beautiful car. Perhaps clean it up, sell it out-of-state, and buy a car that can be modded where you choose to live? Otherwise, aren't there CARB approve crate engines, and manual transmissions?
Not a bad idea, but I think this one will work fine for him. He's not too concerned about super high performance. I'd just like to get him all this engine has to offer and still keep him legal.
1606310328[/url]]Hind sight is always 20/20 and I know the technology has moved considerably in the last 45 years but it's too bad they didn't work a little harder at the whole emissions/horsepower/fuel economy problem back then. I'm sure they could have done better.
They seemed to take it as axiomatic that a reduction in emissions had to go hand in hand with a reduction in horsepower and pushed these numbers to ridiculous lows.
Today you can get a new Corvette with 500 - 600 horsepower that passes emission tests with ease.
Two words: processing power.
I have no doubt that there were very smart people working this problem back in the day, and they could easily envision on-the-fly fuel/air management. But the processors available in 1978 were ridiculously expensive and under-powered by todays standards. There was no cost effective way to implement those ideas - I guarantee somebody would have tried if it were.
Look at Cadillac’s early 80’s 4-6-8 cylinder shutdown scheme if you want a real world, production example of how bad processing was back then.
Not a bad idea, but I think this one will work fine for him. He's not too concerned about super high performance. I'd just like to get him all this engine has to offer and still keep him legal.
I hope it does work out in that case. I'm looking forward to more wildlife photos.
Hey Guys,
I thought it's about time to post an update on this '78 I'm putting back together for my pal. He's paying for parts, so I'm being fairly frugal on what and where I buy the stuff I need and it seems almost everything has almost doubled in the last year, ugh! I'm throwing in my labor for nothing because he's a good friend. Went through the engine and transmission first. Mostly it was all just grubby from sitting for 30 years. Did all the usual fluids, tune parts, filters, water pump, carb O/H, new aluminum radiator and an electric fuel pump to help with our California gas issues, etc. plus some visual upgrades. Added the L-82 aluminum intake and valve covers, chrome air cleaner lid, still need to install the new A/C compressor. Happy to say the engine runs great!
What it was:
What it is:
Then it was on to the suspension and brakes. Replaced everything, bushings , ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links,idler, rear suspension too, etc. and rebuilt all four calipers, new master cylinder.
What it was:
What it is:
Then it was on to the interior. Carpet was shot, seats needed recovering. I shopped around again because carpet prices have doubled and came across an excellent deal on a brand new carpet set in Dark Blue which I figured would be a nice match to the Dark Blue exterior and the Oyster upholstery. I've had Oyster carpet in the past and found it very difficult to keep clean and looking new. I really like the contrast of the Blue/White look and think it turned out great. Steering wheel leather was worn and cracked as usual, and the cost to re-wrap was in the stratosphere so I shopped eBay and found a very nice after market wheel, in a good color match for only $120. The rest of the interior was good and just needing some cleaning and resorting.
Ran through all the electrical, installed a new quartz movement in the clock, all new dash and warning light bulbs as well as courtesy bulbs, new drive belt for the 8 track, all buzzers and even the factory alarm and cigarette lighter work as intended.
What is was:
What it is:
Finally got everything to the point that the car was actually drive-able yesterday and took it for it's first cruise around the block, under its own power, in 30 years. Runs good, shifts nice, no strange noises or surprises so far!
Got to take it over to the alignment shop first thing Monday so all those suspension parts can be dialed in.
Pulled the factory wheels and installed Torque Thrust D's all around with Mickey Thompson rubber. Went for the retro fatty look in the rear. Hunted diligently and found a great deal on a rear spoiler too, which I think works well with the whole look.
Car looks nice in these pics but it's actually crying for paint, so right after the alignment shop it's over to my other buddy's body shop for a new coat of Dark Metallic Blue. I will strip it of all the emblems, grills, door handles, etc. so he'll only need to mask the windows.
I'm pleased with how it's coming along and I'm sure my friend is anxious to drive it. Still looking for a few odds and ends if anyone has them for sale, please let me know; a pair of sun visors and a passenger side T top liner (color not important, I will dye to match), and a set of early style rear window louvers to complete the retro look. Would also consider a pair of Saratoga style T-tops.
I'll post more pics after the new paint.
Cheers, Greg
I had exactly the same thoughts as you, with dark blue metallic paint and oyster interior, I also didn't want the oyster carpets so went with dark blue. The only difference is that I recovered the door panels to get rid of the oyster carpet there as well. Oh and my steering wheel was beyond saving too.
Very nice John!
I also thought of doing something with the lower door panels. I toyed with the idea of replacing the lower Oyster carpet with Dark Blue to match the flooring carpet, but now that I see yours. I think that looks very clean.
I love the Oyster interior, especially here in the desert where temps are often in the triple digits, but I can't understand why the General chose to go with such light colored carpet. It looks beautiful when it's new, but ages very quickly with everyday use.
The off-White Oyster color is very two-tone friendly so they could have easily matched it up with exterior body colors for a terrific effect, Oyster/Red, Oyster/Blue, Oyster/ Maroon, etc. and for the lighter colored cars they could have simply gone Oyster/Black.
Very nice John! The off-White Oyster color is very two-tone friendly so they could have easily matched it up with exterior body colors for a terrific effect, Oyster/Red, Oyster/Blue, Oyster/ Maroon, etc. and for the lighter colored cars they could have simply gone Oyster/Black.
In 76-77 the General offered two-tone interiors, seats, panels and halo were white; carpet and trim were the accent color. Perhaps the General back then drew the same conclusion you've arrived at:
Those 76/77 tutone interiors are my favorites of all the C3 era!
I just noticied you're in Palm Springs. I was there two years ago fo the NCRS National...had a great time. Afterward, took a side trip to Orange County and its beaches...great time!
Where did you get that steering wheel done? It looks really nice, and much thicker than stock!
My wife's 79 is black on oyster. Though a late car, at some point it got converted to 78 (and early 79) Oyster White, which tends a bit more brown. Really awesome either way.
Below are photos that are NOT my car, but are just about the best blue on two-tone interior (oyster and gray) that I've ever seen.
BS,
This is the wheel I purchased: https://www.ebay.com/itm/155113509654
It may just be the picture is a little deceiving but the wheel actually feels pretty close to stock diameter. This wheel has a bit more grain to the leather rather than the super smooth leather finish of the factory wheel. They offer these wheels with black or chrome spokes as well but I wanted something that looked pretty original so I went with their brushed aluminum spoke. To the non-vette person, it looks like an original wheel. Can't beat the price when the original Oyster wheels are going for $250-$300.
BS,
This is the wheel I purchased: https://www.ebay.com/itm/155113509654
It may just be the picture is a little deceiving but the wheel actually feels pretty close to stock diameter. This wheel has a bit more grain to the leather rather than the super smooth leather finish of the factory wheel. They offer these wheels with black or chrome spokes as well but I wanted something that looked pretty original so I went with their brushed aluminum spoke. To the non-vette person, it looks like an original wheel. Can't beat the price when the original Oyster wheels are going for $250-$300.
Thanks!
Perhaps it is the picture. It looks more plush than stock.
Well, it's been a little over 6 months and the '78 is finished for my pal. I'm happy with how it turned out. Paint, interior, wheels, engine, suspension, brakes, etc. Car looks real good going down the road and he's happy with it, so I think we can put this one in the "Win Column".
Just a quick observation / question.
Why are you reflecting ALL the engine heat back into the engine bay rather than letting the heat escape through the hood?
Just a quick observation / question.
Why are you reflecting ALL the engine heat back into the engine bay rather than letting the heat escape through the hood?
Nice "Mags". Love mags for something different.
Temps here are regularly in the triple digits. I'm more concerned with bubbling the new paint on the hood with additional engine heat.
