Got my first panel installed! (well its not quite done but it was getting late)

Feel free to make fun of my crappy welding. Took me forever to get it dialed in right. Pretty happy with the quality of the metal I got. Only difference is where the wire harness gutter is, you can see it doesn't match up right with the factory floor. It'll just take some beating on.

This is my first time ever tackling anything like this.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/STA71737.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/STA71738.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/STA717472.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/STA71748.jpg

Nice, You need to get a flapper wheel, for Your grinder. It'll smooth that out alot easier then a conventional grinder wheel. Wont eat the Metal away so fast.

Is that those things that look like old "roll-a-dex" phone number organizers?

I'm using a die grinder with a 3m green 36 grit roloc disc in it.

Yup, They work very well. It really helped Me on My trunk pan install.

Yup, They work very well. It really helped Me on My trunk pan install.

More pics... Got the left side trunk floor and dropoff out, as well as removed the bad sections of the inner wheelhouse. Also finished both the floor patches, except for the one section that is not correct..

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/finishedfloor.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/flloorpatch.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/trunk.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/oldnew.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/mockup2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/mockup1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/lowerfender.jpg

Jeremy, looks like you are really getting at it !
Good for you.

I am a crappy welder, but I do enjoy it. Just lots of practice and patience.

Keep up the good work.

I'm not a good welder either, my grinder gets quite a workout.

Some of the stuff that will be covered up I am not too concerned about making "pretty".

Looks good! Sure is a cool project. I almost bought a '68 lemans years ago and wish I would have.

ummmmmm... wait a sec....


I....



yup....:yes:



I noticed a problem....




There was a beer with the cap still intact in one of your pictures.
Also, it did not appear to be chilled to the correct temp.
Please chill, consume and repost.:D

That beer was killed long ago, its cap was replaced & then it fell off one of the flat parts while I was hammering spotwelds apart! :D

(it's a coors light bottle so it definitely isn't mine!!) :D :D

whew!

Okay cool, I thought we were all going to have to drive down to your place with some of the lil brown presents John brought me and stage an intervention.:p

You mean Kokanee? That stuff is pretty good. I remember some stuff from when I was up there called "lucky" and I've never seen any in the states. That's the stuff he needs to bring down!!

But, by all means... feel free to intervene, it sounds pretty fun!

I'll bring a box of that too, Jeremy.

I better find out if I need to rent a reefer truck...got a lot of thirsty 'mericans wanting the good Canadian suds.

I'll bring a box of that too, Jeremy.

I better find out if I need to rent a reefer truck...got a lot of thirsty 'mericans wanting the good Canadian suds.

Dont get caught at the boader with a truck full of reefer:D:D

OOOHHH wait the reefer truck that keeps things cold.:clonk: I was thinking of something else:D

I wonder how come they haven't invented a trailer that is basically one giant igloo cooler. Can you see it, a big blue box with a white lid and an axle being pulled down the road! I think I smell a PC coming...

My igloo cooler has an expandable pull handle, like luggage...

John brought some Kokanee, some Granville Island, and... I can't remember the third... looks tasty though.:D:beers:

John do they still sell "high-test" up there? We used to be able to get O'Keefe's down here but I haven't seen it in years.

John brought some Kokanee, some Granville Island, and... I can't remember the third... looks tasty though.:D:beers:

John do they still sell "high-test" up there? We used to be able to get O'Keefe's down here but I haven't seen it in years.

When I was young lieutenant, we did an exchange with a Canadian Parachute Company from Petawawa. We drank a boat load or two of Labbat's Blue. We took a trip to Ottawa and the trip there took about two hours, the trip back took about 10 minutes;), at least that's how long it took me to pass out. We had an award ceremony the next morning and it was really hard to stand still and not fall over. The Canadians are a fun bunch of folks:thumbsup:

John brought some Kokanee, some Granville Island, and... I can't remember the third... looks tasty though.:D:beers:

John do they still sell "high-test" up there? We used to be able to get O'Keefe's down here but I haven't seen it in years.

The third was 'Sleemans' lager. Kind of a bad name, but really nice drinking beer.

Yes we still sell the O'keefes Extra Old stock. 5.65% alky...other hi-octane stuff is called Wildcat it runs 8% alky....tastes like crap though.

I'd rather just drink a few extra of the good ones...and wind up at the same place. :beers:

John,
I love that you know the O'Keefe's alky content to the second decimal point.:yes::thumbsup:

When I was racing up at Westwood in the late 80's a friend and I were at the beer and wine store attached to the Port Moody Inn. He reaches into the cooler and pulls out a case of Bud. This guy walks up and introduces himself as being with the Canadian Bureau of Alcohol. He says you don't want that American p*sswater. I asked what he suggested. He pulled out a box of O'Keefe's and handed it too me. I told him that since he was an authority I had better at least give it a go... I drank a lot of Extra Old Stock the next couple of years.:D

Got the left rear floor piece sealed up, now just a small area on the passenger side of the same spot and I'm done with floors.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/rearfloorsect.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/rearfloorsectsealed.jpg

Jeremy,
Are you trying to see if you can finish the GTO before the shop finishes your Chevelle?:D

You'll be spreading POR-15 in no time.

Jeremy,
Are you trying to see if you can finish the GTO before the shop finishes your Chevelle?:D



It may just happen! :D:D

Couple items of progress - first, got the dash replated by CV Vacuum platers in BC.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/cvplated.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/gauges.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/radioholes.jpg

Second, just finished the left outer wheelhouse, ready to put that quarter on now! I didn't spend a whole lot of time grinding down the welds since it will be forever encased after the quarter is on.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/wheelhouse2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/wheelhouse1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quartermockup.jpg

Looking good. I would love to just come over and watch so I can learn.

Looking good. I would love to just come over and watch so I can learn.

I don't know what I'm doing!! :D This is my first attempt at any of this stuff.

Although, it may be helpful for you to learn what NOT to do!! ;)

That dash looks awesome. :eek:

That dash looks awesome. :eek:

Agreed! :yes: I doubt they were that nice from the factory. :confused: How did they clean up the plastic to look so good?

i remember when i was replacing the lower rear quarter and the taillight panel at the same time and i got both of em cut out and took a step back and realized that half my car was gone and had a mini panick attack:eek:. 8 hours later it was back together and i repressed those scary memories:beers:.

jeremy it looks like you got it together for sure and i dig gto's so when it gets together be sure to run it at the track with everyone!

You need to get a paint gun set up, to shoot the inside with Epoxy. The ultimate in Protection.:D

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/paintedwell2.jpg

You can get a decent, cheap gun for 100.00, plus a 100.00 for some DP.

I have a hvlp already, and some SPI epoxy. But I already ground all the wheelhouse smooth and rattlecanned with primer and then painted it. Before I put the quarter on I'm going to get some sand for my handheld unit and clean up inside like you did, and probably use some of the SPI for the rest.

Hey Dave, is this clean enough for ya? ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/insidequarter1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/insidequarter2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/insidequarter3.jpg

NO, must prep MORE.;) I blew out 3 grinders, and countless wire wheels, just about bought stock in DeWalt.

First time I have ever used my Matco handheld sandblaster, dang do I love that thing now! And, it makes a giant mess - who doesn't like that?

Got a bit more done. Hope to start cutting sometime tonight. Note that the quarter emblems don't line up, I'm going to cut around that and leave the factory one in place.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/insidequarter4.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/insidequarter5.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterscrewed1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterscrewed2.jpg

Very nice looking better and better by the day.:hurray:

Very nice looking better and better by the day.:hurray:

Thanks, good things happen when its not 95 in the garage!

Nice,looking good.

Just to throw this out there, butt welding all that is going to be tough. I, Myself would pass on the job. I wonder if You fit it all up, then took it to the shop where the Velle is to weld it out?

I know it's kinda against the idea here, but it could save You ALOT of body work later.

it does take time but im pretty sure if you only do about an inch at a time and alternate sides then the panels wont warp. if he uses a flap wheel to take most of the weld down there shouldnt be too much bodywork left for him.... right?

Long as the metal doesn't blow away, then it turns into a BIG mess.:yes:

I've had a lot of practice buttwelding all the other stuff I've done up to this point, and I rarely if ever blow through anymore. If anything I think this will be easier as they are long flat lines for the most part instead of all the little contours and curves of the other parts I've replaced.

It's do or die now! Gimme a little credit, I've made it this far!! :)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterout2.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterout.jpg

OK, quarter is hung now - I'm actually happy with how it turned out. There are a few small "oops"s, but nothing that major. Hopefully will be able to take some more pics tonight. Here is the line from the back of the car:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterhung.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterhung2.jpg

Coming along very nicely IMO. I used one of those flapper wheels yesterday on my throttle-linkage conversion to smooth out some nasty welds and it worked quite well.

Thank you!

A few more before I quit for the night:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterhung4.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/quarterhung3.jpg

It looks great, Jeremy. I'll give You alot of credit, I'm alway's just thinking bout less sanding, cause I HATE sanding.:yes:

It looks great, Jeremy. I'll give You alot of credit, I'm alway's just thinking bout less sanding, cause I HATE sanding.:yes:

Thanks dude! We'll see how I feel after I get to the sanding phase - which is still quite a while. I still have a trunk dropoff to do, and left & center trunk sections. The right side needs much less work. I'll be ready to take the body off the frame (hopefully) by the end of the summer!

Got the gauges back in the dash. Lost my tach lens and ordered a new one. The new one looks so good that it makes my OK originals look like crap, so time to order some more parts, including the woodgrain.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/allgauges.jpg

That looks super nice. :yes: I swear they werent that nice brand new! Is that a paint run I see in the far right of the picture next to the hole? :eek:

Looking good, Jeremy. Amazing how things snowball.

Brett, it's not too late to change careers. You have an uncanny eye for detail...maybe think CSI. :D

I guess I better fill in that rough spot in my hood scoop you noticed. ;)

Brett, it's not too late to change careers. You have an uncanny eye for detail...maybe think CSI. :D

I guess I better fill in that rough spot in my hood scoop you noticed. ;)

Screw CSI! :D FBI (Female Body Investigator) :yes: :hurray:

Which rough spot? I just alerted you to the worst one. ;)

OK, here's a challenge for you...find a smooth spot. There aren't many on this whale.

You are right Brett, it is a run. Nothing a little sanding can't take care of though! All the painted areas you see will be covered up by the woodgrain stuff I ordered yesterday.

The gauges were in awesome shape, I didn't have to do anything to 'em. Let's hope they all work!

Looks really sweet Jeremy.:thumbsup:
Heck I haven't even bothered to figure out why my dashlights don't work.:D
All the important gauges and tach are aftermarket and lit... I just can't see the speedometer or fuel gauge... since the speedometer is over 20mph off the fuel is the only gauge I miss.:yes:

Any more progress from the body shop?

Any more progress from the body shop?

They called me 1 week ago to ask about the paint code I gave them, seemed there was a bunch that came up. I told them it was a GM color, and told them a specific example of a vehicle the color came on. They said they were ready to paint and start hanging the front sheetmetal. The motor has been fired again.

I'm guessing another week or so, maybe I should stop by and visit it tomorrow!

that's great news!:hurray:

I sanded brett's run down and got my new dash overlay installed today. Looks pretty good IMO.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/dashover.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/dashover2.jpg

Looks damn good! But "Brett's" run? :noway: I almost liked it just black...

Is that a paint run I see in the far right of the picture next to the hole? :eek:

:yes:

It wasn't really black, more of a dark blue.

Looks good :thumbsup: I cant wait to see it done...

Not a ton of interesting stuff to look at - I did spend 5 hours scraping the undercoating from under the LH inner fender - glad that is over with!! I've been going nuts with my little handheld sandblaster - this only holds about 1.5 lbs of sand and I'm already down to the bottom of my 1st 100 lb bag. (you can see it on the upper left of the pic, on top of the cowl.) There is sand all around the car!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/firewall.jpg

I bought these quarter patches since the RH side is pretty solid. Even the trunk dropoff was perfect! I had troubles getting it to test fit but after replacing a bunch of body mounts and rolling the the wheelhouse lip a bit, I think I've got it. If I can get the rear piece to line up with it, I should be cutting sometime early next week.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/patchfits.jpg

Good for you Jeremy. You are really getting the fabricating down. What kind of time frame do you have for the GTO ? Hopefully you get to drive one of your cars in the near future.

My goal is to be painting this spring. After this quarter is done, all that's left is the trunk. Better half is goin to get me a hammer and dolly set from Dagger tools for my birthday, so I can start straightening up the quarter seams and do some finish work, strip paint, then epoxy prime.

That's awesome Jeremy!:thumbsup:
What you are doing is slow and tedious and I personally have little patience to get the quality that I visualize in my head, onto my car.
It's gonna be incredible when you're done.

Looks good, it will start to progress to better things as You get the sheetmetal done.

Are You gonna want the spinner?

Looking good! What a fun project.

Are You gonna want the spinner?

If it is feasible, I'd love to get it. But, it might take some work with the logistics. Helps that gas is comin' down!! We're still a little ways from needing it so we have time.

Thanks everyone!! Update time for the ol' chevelle too!

No pics but I did order most of the interior stuff for the car; front and rear seat covers, front and rear door panels, and rear armrest covers all in metallic parchment. Wife said I could buy them for an early b-day present, for being a nice guy and letting her have the car she wanted. That meant I could use the money I had stashed for some motor stuff! From summit I ordered a billet roller timing set, gasket set, and hayes billet flywheel. I also ordered a muncie rebuild kit from Wally (muncie4speed.com).

Also, I called the machine shop that has my block, and the guy told me he was finally caught up, and my 400 was finally on the stand, to be bored soon. It needed a sleeve in one that the piston was stuck in, it was either go 60 over without a sleeve, and 30 over with a sleeve. I think pontiacs are more sensitive to this than the chev BB motors.

No pics but I did order most of the interior stuff for the car; front and rear seat covers, front and rear door panels, and rear armrest covers all in metallic parchment. Wife said I could buy them for an early b-day present, for being a nice guy and letting her have the car she wanted. That meant I could use the money I had stashed for some motor stuff! From summit I ordered a billet roller timing set, gasket set, and hayes billet flywheel. I also ordered a muncie rebuild kit from Wally (muncie4speed.com).

Also, I called the machine shop that has my block, and the guy told me he was finally caught up, and my 400 was finally on the stand, to be bored soon. It needed a sleeve in one that the piston was stuck in, it was either go 60 over without a sleeve, and 30 over with a sleeve. I think pontiacs are more sensitive to this than the chev BB motors.

I had a sleeve in my 396 but the cylinder had a big old window in it. I dont think it should be a problem with yours as your just putting it in a thinner cylinder and not a windowed one.

Here's another pic, the quarter seam is almost finished. Got a panel beater set from dagger tools for my birthday, pretty soon I'll be putting EP over it.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/STA72349.jpg

Nice job Jeremy!:thumbsup::beers:

That sure looks like a lot of work. I dont think I have the patients to do that kind of work but I respect you for taking it on and bringing back that GTO:thumbsup:

Dude, how can You get anything done in that mess? :eek:Oh good lord, I'd go insane.:D

My garage is my blasting booth! :D

That sure looks like a lot of work. I dont think I have the patients to do that kind of work but I respect you for taking it on and bringing back that GTO:thumbsup:

X2, great work.

Dude, how can You get anything done in that mess? :eek:Oh good lord, I'd go insane.:D

What the heck, I don't remember seeing his car in my shop. :D

Looking good, get that poncho going, it's burn out time.

I had nightmares last night.:D

Got the firewall and the seams coated with 2 coats of SPI epoxy primer today. Probably the last day that I'll be able to shoot in my garage until next year. Also shot the patch piece for the passenger quarter, so once it dries I'll be able to start welding again.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/firewallblack.jpg

I had nightmares last night.:D

Well at least you sleep:D

Looks great Jeremy!:thumbsup:

That GTO is going to be seriously sweet when it hits the road.:yes:

Got those little patch pieces welded partially in, I'm pretty happy with the results! Center piece is backed with epoxy primer, and the rear piece will just get painted, since I can access the area from the trunk.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/passquarter1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/passquarter2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/passquarter3.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/passquarter4.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/passquarter5.jpg

Looking good.

If You ever have another fire in the shop, You can just grab some of that sand to put it out with.:D

I'm scared to try metal work like that.

I'm scared to try metal work like that.

It's not that bad, this is my first try!

Dave, I've got extinguishers AND plenty of sand, now probably one of the safest garages of all time! Except for the numerous tripping hazards. :D

OK, that side is almost done, no pics tho since it looks almost the same as the ones above. Still fighting with the lower leg of the new outer wheelhouse I put on, its too wide at the bottom, which doesn't allow the patch to seat all the way.

New stuff came from Legendary:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/legendary.jpg
Got the transmission crossmember and front valence blasted: (Left inner fender too, not pictured though)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/sandblasting.jpg
Finished welding the front fender, and it is sandblasted too. Started using my new panel beater set, and I think I'm getting decent at that already!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/sandblastedfender.jpg

Glad I'm almost done with the big sandblasting, I hate that stuff. Still going to do trunklid and doors though.

That is coming along really nicely.:yes::thumbsup:

Just one question though...


Did you hug your Chevelle today?:D

Looking good.:thumbsup:

You got a motor and trans for that yet?

I still have the original M-21, and the 400 block has been at the machine shop ohh, 6 or 7 months now!

I still have the original M-21, and the 400 block has been at the machine shop ohh, 6 or 7 months now!

:eek: Hopefully it comes back as nice as your car if you gotta wait that long! :D


Jeremy, why dont you have a pic of your El camino in the sig. What the El Camino isnt good enough for your sig??? huh? :mad: ;)

:D Actually the car is in storage in Molalla OR, and I the computer I had the pics on went away. But, you can be assured, its ugly! :)

I wish I had as good a machine shop as you guys do up there! :D

Yea if our machine shop held onto stuff as long as yours, it would get lost under other blocks being stacked up on top and in front of it. :wacko:

It was quicker for me to sell a 454 shortblock to PNB then have Doc dig mine out of the pile!

enjoyed this thread.

Looks really good Web :thumbsup:

What is this hand held blaster you speak of?

I got mine off the Matco truck, but I you can get the same thing from any tools place - its called a "speed blaster". I think you can see it on the floor in one of my pics, its got the blue plastic sand bin on top of it.

Oh and thanks!

it's comin along... great looking work, tons of custom fabbing you got goin on!

I still have the original M-21, and the 400 block has been at the machine shop ohh, 6 or 7 months now!

:D Actually the car is in storage in Molalla OR, and I the computer I had the pics on went away. But, you can be assured, its ugly! :)

I wish I had as good a machine shop as you guys do up there! :D

Yea if our machine shop held onto stuff as long as yours, it would get lost under other blocks being stacked up on top and in front of it. :wacko:

Heck, I'm even faster than that,,,,,,,,,,,except on FAT TIRE's SB aluminum heads (They're stuck to the floor they've been there so long)

400/4-speed. that oughta move out pretty good.

Couldn't wait, had to clean up those rear armrest bases, they are metal and had a good deal of surface rust/corrosion on them, so I wire wheeled then sandblasted. Painted the back and recovered today. I think they turned out good.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/LHarmresst2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/LHarmrest.jpg

Jeremy,

Does your filter keep falling outa your shop vac?
Seems we have the same one.....
Paper filter with the plastic ring.

While we're on the subject of 68 gto rags... here's a couple pics of my pal Ralph's 68 GTO Ragtop...

http://ultimategto.com/pow/pow0304a.jpg
http://ultimategto.com/pow/pow0304e.jpg

I like your new white interior stuff... His is also supposed to be white, but it has a funky 80's red & grey fabric thing going on... He digs it though.

That is a nice goat! It definitely has the 80s thing going on with those wheels in the bottom pic, but still sweet in my book. Is his an auto or 4 spd?

I like the black painted hood scoop inserts!

that interior's gonna be CLEAN!

That is a nice goat! It definitely has the 80s thing going on with those wheels in the bottom pic, but still sweet in my book. Is his an auto or 4 spd?

I like the black painted hood scoop inserts!

hey, better watch it- darryls got those wheels on just about every car he owns!!!

Its an bench/auto car, but according to PHS its one of 241 Convertible automatic cars with the 360hp "HO" motor in it...

I never said they're ugly, just very 80s. :D

They did a nice job on that car, the endura noses usually don't line up real good unless you spend a whole week on it.

That is a really sweet GTO.:thumbsup:

Made this little patch piece myself, and pretty happy with how it turned out given how much shaping it needed.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/lilpatch.jpg

Had to cut the rear piece completely back out due to the outer wheelhouse needing beaten on some. Got it back on and now this side is pretty much done, save for some pinholes to close up.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/RHquarterdone.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/RHquarterdone2.jpg

Look's good Jeremy. :thumbsup:

Time to put the wheels on, roll it out so You can sweep up the Garage.:D

I made sure to not crop any of the sand out just to give you fits. :D

Thank You. I may have to take a road trip.

Thank You. I may have to take a road trip.

Bring your broom. ;)

After I finish the trunk floors, the body is ready to come off! (started on those today)

Bring your broom. ;)

After I finish the trunk floors, the body is ready to come off! (started on those today)

Shop Vac.:yes:

Nice work, its coming along quickly now:thumbsup:

Trunk dropoff is in, trunk has been started - I didn't weld most of the plug welds on the gas tank brace hot enough, so have to grind 'em off and re-drill the holes...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/trunkstart.jpg
Also got 1 fender primed - man it is nice to have stuff all the same color!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/fenderprimed.jpg

:thumbsup:

I cant wait to see the finished product, gonna be sweet!

Nice work!

Nothings going to look like too big of a project after all you've learned on the GTO. What's next?:D

Got sick of welding and grinding so had my dear old ma come up and help me (well, OK I helped her) put the rear seat covers on. Looks great!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/rearseat2.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/rearseat.jpg

That turned out really nice.:thumbsup:
You better keep her around.:D

Does she do headliners?:p

I don't think so, but I did my own on the 70, it turned out great!

wow those picutres of the trunk look familiar.

nicework. Whose panels did you use?

You mean for the trunk? I'm not sure what brand they are, I got them from ames or somebody like that, they are advertised as north american made.

Sure looks good Jeremy. Keep up the good work soon you will be done before Andy.:thumbsup::yes:

Looks like not a lot has happened in the last few months!!!

Blasted A-arms and had them powdercoated, just got all the bushings and ball joints installed.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/Aarms.jpg

Got the middle trunk section in, the pass 1/3 is solid so this is the last chunk. I love sitting in the trunk to weld that back seam!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/trunkupd.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/trunkupd2.jpg

Brett I'm beating you! ;)

Cool to see progress on the Goat.
Have you had a chance to drive your Chevelle yet this year ?

Yep! Took it to my hometown's St. Patrick's day parade/cruise in/show, but the weather hasn't been very cooperative lately. Hope to take it out this weekend though.

But the real question is, have you cleaned all that sand off your floor yet? ;)

Hell no! There's more piling up all the time!!

Glad to see your making progress. I feel like we are going through something similar in our lives right now. You could have at least removed the transmission first... :sad: ;)

Hell no! There's more piling up all the time!!


You, Kevin, and Darryl, are causing me to seek therapy for my OCD.:yes:

You could have at least removed the transmission first... :sad: ;)

So that's what that thing is!! :D ;)

Dave, after I get the body on the spinner, I'm going to take a picture of the floor underneath it just for you! :thumbsup:

I don't recall what you are using for power in the GTO, but I just saw this in the classifieds....I have no idea what it's worth, but here it is just for fun.

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/data/6/DSC00759.JPG

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=29821&cat=6

Got the floor shot with epoxy, also got a little carried away with the grinder and cleaned & painted the inner cowl. The cool thing is now I get to start assembling some things on the firewall.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/paintedinnercowl.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/EPfloor.jpg

Pretty soon you'll have a tough choice to make.

Take the Chevelle, or take the GTO.:D

Floors looks great! I cant wait to get my trunk coated.

No pics but a few updates -
Picking my engine block from the machinist Friday after work - I think this is about 1 year and 3 months its been up there. Need to look into getting the pistons dished a little, then off to the balancer.

Also got the metal to build the gussets between the door opening so I can take the frame out. Got one welded on, and of course ran out of wire. (story of my life) I never run out of anything unless the welding place is closed. Got the door off by myself, that was fun! Now where in the hell am I going to put those things?

Thanks for the update Jeremy!:thumbsup:

Hurry up! :D

Picked up the block today, need to clean the hell out of it from sitting so long - he also didn't install cam bearings or the plugs, so it'll be off to another shop to get that done... sheesh. But now I have a nice purdy crankshaft which came with some good clevite bearings. $507 for mag & clean, bore, 1 sleeve, deck surface, crank R&R and bearings.

At least next time it'll be a 5 mile round trip instead of 80.

Rotating assembly is balanced. Said he had to add some mallory to the front due to the pistons being heavier, so that's gonna cost me some extra bucks. (from cast to forged Speed Pros) Said he just needs to hang the rods and its done. After I have him install the cam bearings and freeze plugs I can start assembling the bottom end!

Sounds like you're getting close!:hurray:

Yep, this new machinist i'm using has a much faster turnaround time! I just dropped this stuff off last weds.

Glad to hear it's coming together for you Jeremy.
You deserve to be cruising soon.

Got the body off the frame today - was way easier than I thought! (pics will follow) Had to start in a bit of a beer fog but it was worth it, by the time we finished it was only 90 out.

Rotating assembly is balanced, block is at machine shop having cam bearings installed. Then I can build the shortblock.

Sounds good, Jeremy.
That's going to be a sweet ride at the end of the day.

Pics:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/bodyoff3.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/bodyoff4.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/bodyoff2.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/bodyoff1.jpg

Oh the Humanity.............:sad:

is it a 68/69? for whatever reason i thought it was a 66/67

Looking good, that's going to a sweet GTO when your done:thumbsup:



Oh the Humanity.............:sad:

You should see my mess, I really need a weekend alone in the shop to get things organized:sad:

is it a 68/69? for whatever reason i thought it was a 66/67


It is a 68 with the hideaway headlights, buckets, console, and 4-spd.

So, are you gonna want to try to get the rotteserie? Gonna pull the frame out and blast/paint it?

I really can't wait till it's done, I love those Goats.

I've got a mostly assembled rotisserie in the garage already. I appreciate the offer though!

Frame is going to be hauled off to be blasted and powdercoated.

Got the block & rotating assembly back, and installed the slugs.

Needed to go back in the tank a few times, so it will need to be repainted. Seems the last guy didn't bother removing some of the galley plugs and it was still pretty filthy in there. Thats just icing on the cake after he (the other machinist) had the block over a year.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/slugsin.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/slugsin2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/rods.jpg

Nice work! Almost on the road! ;)

Nice work! Almost on the road! ;)

No joke, next two big things are to get the heads and then the rear end done, oh yah and that frame thing. :rolleyes:

Nice work :thumbsup: That goat is going to be one bad ride when your done.:yes:

No pics but the shortblock is pretty much done and painted, looks real good. Got the cam, timing set and timing cover on - water and fuel pumps are down at autozone.

Friday I am going to haul the frame to a buddy's house and sandblast it, then we're going to drag it back to my garage for some epoxy primer and eastwood chassis black.

I only need one more piece of steel for the rotisserie and the body is coming up off the blocks.

You'll definitely be doing some summertime cruising in that GTO next year.

Sounds good, Jeremy.

You are certainly covering all the details.

I admire your craftmanship.

Greg, I sure hope so!

John, if I wasn't working on this, I'd have no idea what to do with myself, and thank you!

Emailed a guy last night about a 72 skylark with no motor or trans, looked good in the pics - $700. I just happen to know where there's a complete 455 buick I could get for probably $100. :)

Today I crawled around under the body and removed the park brake cables, and brake & fuel lines. Got a ton of old undercoating scraped off too so it shouldn't be too much effort with the blasting. Ordered a sandblaster from summit, of course it has to be the only thing in about 8 years that is coming from the Ohio warehouse so it won't be here in time.

Engine pics:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofront.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofrtleft.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofrtright.jpg

Waiting for a bolt kit for the water pump cuz it uses some special ones. Too cold to paint the water pump anyway.

Too cold to paint the water pump anyway.


It's only too cold in the shop, I bet you that the temp at the kitchen table is just right for painting.:thumbsup:

There are some paints available you can "force dry" with a propane torch or heat gun as an example...believe me I've used them last winter at below freezing temps:yes:.

Think I'm gonna leave the pump and the paint can inside and when I take it to the garage to paint I'll hit it with the heat gun and shoot. By the time the bolt kit arrives it should be dry. or I could hide it in a nice warm closet somewhere. :)

It is a 68 with the hideaway headlights, buckets, console, and 4-spd.
Best looking GM A body rag top ever built IMHO :thumbsup: PMD sure made nice looking cars in the 60s
Can't wait to see it finished :D

Had quite a long weekend! I've got sand on (possibly in?) me still. I hate sandblasting, but I love sandblasted parts. Also, that frame starts to get really heavy after sandblasting all day. Had to pack it out of the front of the garage around to the back yard twice, and have flipped it over 3 or 4 times. I can hardly do it anymore. It is hard to believe that 2 guys can even move something this big, it just looks daunting but isn't that bad really.

If you EVER paint a frame on stands like I did, paint the bottom first. Otherwise you will have to turn it an extra time when you go to replace the fuel/brake lines.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/frameout.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/blasting3.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/blastingsucks2.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/DP90ed.jpg

You carried the frame around by yourself? Tuff sum B*&^ :D

Ha - this guy helped me - you know you have a good bud when he helps you cart a frame around and scrape grease and undercoating. BTW how in the hell do you get those cross shaft bolts out? I'd like to replace them. They look OK, should I even bother?

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/scrapincrap2.jpg

Frame looks good Jeremy, those cross shaft bolts should hammer out. They are splined so that you dont have to worry about them spinning when you do a front end alingment.

Frame looks good Jeremy, those cross shaft bolts should hammer out. They are splined so that you dont have to worry about them spinning when you do a front end alingment.

What he said, either hammer them out, or press them out with a big c-clamp & socket. it is knurled on the end where it goes through the frame. If you want to replace, you'll have to find the exact same special knurled bolts....

If you have one that is loose, just tack weld it back in place when you are all done.

If they are not coming out-its possible that someone before you welded it back in place in the past, not uncommon. in which case you may have to grind the welds to get it out.

Personally, if they looked ok, i think i'd leave them in.

They look fine and don't spin, so I think I'll leave them in. Thanks.

You can hammer them out and then put them back in later. Its easy. Would be easier to not have to mask them off.

No photos yet but tonight I got the tailshaft, midplate and new case put back together. All I have left now is the input shaft stuff and I can check another thing off my list. Hopefully going to drop the motor and trans in the car in a week or 2!

Also got fuel and brake lines plumbed, forgot I also needed a fuel return line. Ordered a mess of stuff from inline tube. Guess I need to hurry up and get that body on the rotisserie.

Way to go, Jeremy. It's great to see you slugging away on this project. It's a long way from driveable, but you seem to persist. I admire that. :)

Trans back together, cept for the reverse shifter lever and rod.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/muncie.jpg

Got some chassis black sprayed on and installed a few things:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/paintedframe.jpg

wow! good stuff! plugging right along!

Beautiful, I would love to do a frame off.

Beautiful, I would love to do a frame off.

I think you would too. It is one of the most frustrating yet rewarding things I've ever done.

Frustrating as in when I put a big order in through inline tube using their archaic order form, and end up with 10 e-brake cable hooks, and a front brake cable for a 63 tempest. (not their fault but jeez, get an actual "shopping cart!")

I just hope the beer isn't trapped inside that cooler under the trans!:beers:

I just hope the beer isn't trapped inside that cooler under the trans!:beers:

There probably is! :eek:

Gotta scrounge today, I think the beer fridge only has 2 or 3 rolling around in it.

Beautiful, I would love to do a frame off.

It definitly has it's ups and downs.

Look's good Jeremy.:thumbsup:

I'm sure Brett would love the experience of doing a frame off, but I'm not sure his patience would be able to take it:noway:. Lots more $$$ gets involved also....

I'm sure Brett would love the experience of doing a frame off, but I'm not sure his patience would be able to take it:noway:..

:( What makes you think that? :pout:

Look's good Jeremy.:thumbsup:

I should show you some new pics of under the body - you wouldn't believe it was sitting in the same shop!

Plans for after work today are to get the body on the rotisserie. Have a little welding to do and then clean the floorpans. Will post pics. There should be beer bottles strewn about, hope I don't trip on any!

:( What makes you think that? :pout:

I think you could do it no problem Brett:thumbsup:

Hey Jeremy, those brackets are on their way. I didn't realize you were so close! I was just looking through your thread and I seen the shifter base on your muncie. I've got the same shifter, I think, look like yours? The shifter leans over to the pass side at the base. I was told it was out of a gto but wasn't sure. Koodos on the goat!!

Jerry

Jerry, that is probably from some kind of BOP car, I know pontiac exclusively used hurst shifters, not sure about the others. Yours is a different year than mine not sure what but I have the backup light sending unit mount right on the back of the unit. Not sure why yours leans like that, looks like yours was made for a console too based on the angle of it.

*EDIT*; I'll have to look at mine again, maybe it leans like that too and I just didn't notice.

I think you could do it no problem Brett:thumbsup:

Me too, it's impressive work you have done on the '66 without having any prior experience and it's turing out awesome:thumbsup:

I think you could do it no problem Brett:thumbsup:

Me too, it's impressive work you have done on the '66 without having any prior experience and it's turing out awesome:thumbsup:

You guys are going to make me cry. :p

Me too, it's impressive work you have done on the '66 without having any prior experience and it's turing out awesome:thumbsup:

Just for the record, I'm in the same boat as brett. :yes:

Just for the record, I'm in the same boat as brett. :yes:

Ha! Youre way more over your head than I am. ;)

I should show you some new pics of under the body - you wouldn't believe it was sitting in the same shop!

I don't look down in your pics anymore.;)

Well, looks like its not going to happen today. The 2nd piece which the arms attach to that bolt to the car body was not there. I thought I had almost all the pieces (this was a lack of interest project I took over from somebody else) but apparently not. Going back to the steel place to get the right stuff anyway. Then gotta drill some holes and weld some nuts.

:( What makes you think that? :pout:

I'm kidding....I'm sure you'd do just fine. You'd definitely have more resources to pool experience from than I had(virtually nobody and nothing to go by) so you'd already be in good shape.

Rotisserie is done, car is no longer sitting on blocks & posts! I'm kinda nervous to take the blocks and posts out though, it is kinda weird seeing it up like that!

It spun easily through what little bit of range of motion I have at the moment.

Jeremy, did you build the rotisserie? I would be scared too :yes:. Where is the pivot location on our cars? I know that an engine stand is setup to where a built engine is VERY top heavy and difficult to spin. I had to keep oiling mine.

...I know that an engine stand is setup to where a built engine is VERY top heavy and difficult to spin...

You guys laugh about the boots my car wears on the frame horns. Well those $hi+ kickers saved me big time. When I went to put the rear main and pan gasket in, I pulled the pin on the stand, and my engine did a 180 just like that. The head did a high speed glancing blow off one of the boots. :(

No damage. Just a little Dubin on the valve cover.

When I was checking my engine for wear, etc. without taking the heads off, I had to spin it upside down, then back upright after I discovered the damage to get the heads removed. Let's just say I bent the rigid pipe as my engine turning bar but I got it back upright:yes:. I cannot imagine a BBC doing the same thing I did....it wouldn't have happened with just me there and another 150lbs on the stand.

Yup, honestly some engine stands are poor designs. :yes: I guess they work though...

Thanks for the encouragement brett! ;)

I didn't build all of it, but I did have to do a bit of work to it. It is currently sitting nearly upright.

BTW, easy off heavy duty oven cleaner works like a charm to take that old crusty undercoating off.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/frontspinner.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/itsoff.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/scraping.jpg

That looks awesome! I see its adjustable to change the pivot point, very smart! :thumbsup:

Hopefully Dave doesnt see those pics... ;)

Thanks!

Scraping undercoating is a blast! This isn't going to take that long, with as many patches as it has in the trunk and floor, and I've already scraped about 1 lb of that crap off the bottom. Ran out of Easy Off!

Hey honey! Look at this stuff I bought, I thought I'd clean the oven for you?

Really? How nice!

Naah, its for the GTO!

Hope you're wearing a respirator. Undercoating is pretty nasty long term on the lungs. ie...the big C.

Hope you're wearing a respirator. Undercoating is pretty nasty long term on the lungs. ie...the big C.

John,

Correctamundo. I was looking in one of my 'personal library' books just today.
The factory undercoating does contain asbestos according to what I read.... Not sure in what quantity but JEREMY may wanna get that mask and respirator on.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/frontspinner.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/itsoff.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/scraping.jpg

Looking Great!!!!
Go Go GO!!!!!

I'll use one next time. That easy off is no treat on the sensors either.

Engine pics:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofront.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofrtleft.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/ponchofrtright.jpg
.

Looks familiar! I like the pontiac color for some reason.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/Brettd85/DSCN1651.jpg

Looks familiar! I like the pontiac color for some reason.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/Brettd85/DSCN1651.jpg

Wow, afraid of that radiator going some where :)

Wow, afraid of that radiator going some where :)

W/ my dads lead foot, :yes:

If that lead foot affects the brake pedal also, I'd definitely be upgrading the braking system on his '55.

Pretty much done scraping the bottom. Got a wheelwell done too, still have to do the other one. My arms were sore last night!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/bottomalmostdone.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/hooptie.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/lottascrapin.jpg

And I thought bodywork sucked... it's safe to say that the Special will never have her bottom scraped.:noway:

Nicely done!

IMO other than doing mechanical/bolt on things, it pretty much all sucks! That's why the block is as far as it can go until the heads are done, and the transmission is completely rebuilt already.

Cheers for no bottom scraping!

Dear diary,

This is my first entry for quite some time, but gimme a break, its cold and it gets dark fast. I managed to get my frame off the sawhorses and will soon be putting together the front suspension and steering linkage. Got some Raybestos professional grade rotors off rockauto.com for $50 each and a previously owned but unused AGR steering box for $100, and now I have much more than the previous 2 candlepower worth of light in my garage. Only thing holding be back now is rebuilding that stupid 10 bolt and the fact that I am very aware that I have no idea WTF I'm doing.

JC

You could always upgrade to a Pallies built unit :thumbsup:

Send me a PM with where your at on it.

I may be in E-burg in the near future.

Got the coils installed (forgot what a b*%ch that was!) including steering arm, dust shield and caliper bracket. All are torqued to spec, just waiting on the rotors. Still need to buy calipers and shocks, probably going to go with Sensa-tracs.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/steering.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/steering2.jpg

fyi I bought some napa shocks for the back of my chevelle, they were repackaged sensatracks!

i like sensatracks- much nicer ride than the KYB's

BTW anybody know the proper routing of the brake cable that goes inside the car? I know that isn't it, on the LH pic, it is just stuck that way - not sure what is holding it there.