I bought the car back on July 1st, 2007.
It's a two owner car, owned by my uncle since 1981, or close to that. Safe to say this car has been around my family for many years. Good old uncle ran into some financial issues, and came close to selling the car to a German guy who wanted to bring it back to ze motherland. "No ****ing way" I yelled, as I quickly called the bank to get an update on my line of credit. Long story short, the car remained in Canada, and my uncle had a nice check in his jeans.

Here she is, a few days after bringing her home.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/exterior/IMGP1221.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/exterior/IMGP1220.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/exterior/IMGP1223.jpg


The car is clean, with very minor rust in the inside of the rear quarters. Pretty much all of the chrome and stainless is good. Other than a cracked front windshield, the car is solid.

The stock v8 was rebuilt by me back in 1995 with a 30 overbore, and a mild cam. Power is low, torque is good, the Powerglide tranny leaks likes a sieve, and it has a pegleg diff. These are all going to be changed.

The interior was a mess. It looked good, but the second I took her for a spin, the seats disentregrated.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/interior/IMGP1227.jpg

Plus they had stains that not even my uncle could recognize l:)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/interior/IMGP1261.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/interior/IMGP1279.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/interior/interior.jpg

On July 1st, 2008 I brought the car to our new house.
Moving was a bugger, and took a lot of my time, but overall I'm pleased with the new place. I installed my hoist, retro'd the compressor, and got down to working on the car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/new_house/IMGP1545.jpg


First off, the new interior.
Tim at the Trim Shop was instrumental in piecing together a new vinyl interior. I'll post some pics of that asap, as I have none on my computer.

The other project I'm in the process of tackling, is a new wiring harness from American Autowire.

What a hell of a project that is. Still, coming from a import background, wiring isn't that tough. It's just a matter of getting down to work. A problem when you're building a couple of cars...

Here's how she sits now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP2449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP2448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP2447.jpg

The interior has been stripped and cleaned, and as I said I'm in the process of reworking the new harness. I'm also adding some sound deadening, and heat resistant material, as that should make the car more comfortable to drive. She's not going to be a rocket, just a nice family cruiser.

Something the other project isn't.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/WRX_STi_CGM/IMGP2450.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/WRX_STi_CGM/IMGP2491.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/WRX_STi_CGM/IMGP2497.jpg


I hope you enjoyed my little project.
I'll be updating as time goes on.

cheers!
:beers:

Nice looking Beaumont, I have always thought they are really cool cars:thumbsup:

Cool Beaumont, good for you keeping it in the family, and tackling the fix up.

Plus they had stains that not even my uncle could recognize

i hope the stains were only coffee........ :)

Steve, your are doing a good thing keeping that Beaumont alive and in the family. Do my eyes deceive me or was that car originally Marina Blue (judging by the floors and kick) with gold interior? According to my Canadian ’67 documentation you could only get gold interior with Tuxedo Black (A), Provincial White (C), Granada Gold (G), Madeira Maroon (N), Sierra Fawn (S) and Capri Cream (T). I’m showing only cloth bench seats were offered on that model (782 trim for gold) unless you had optional buckets. Also, is there a Line 100 tag hog-ringed to the rear seat base? That is the Canadian equivalent of a build sheet.

Frequently Beaumont owners will trash the side moldings of their ’67 Beaumont Custom series cars. Personally I am hopeful you are planning on leaving them with the car. All you need are the "Custom" pinwheel lettering for the front fenders between the moldings. That is a detail that is hard to find now.

Good luck with the project and have fun!

P.S. That's a neat little rally-box Subaru. Does it make it into the mountains often?

I like it:thumbsup:

Beautiful car...which wheels will you be going with ?
Keep us up to date wiith your progress..:thumbsup:

First off, thanks for the kind words.
I've built numerous import cars over the years, but let's face it, they're disposable cars. Nothing beats classic America steel. These are the kinds of cars that everyone can appreciate, and so many love.

i hope the stains were only coffee........ :)


hahaha!
Vince, you couldn't imagine the debauchery that went on in this car back in the 80's. After pulling the interior and carpets and finding various, er, things.... I actually considered just lighting a match. Better judgement got to me though, and I got down to work. Some bleach, a good vacuum, and new carpet and interior were just what the doc ordered.

Beautiful car...which wheels will you be going with ?
Keep us up to date wiith your progress..:thumbsup:

Thanks bud.
I've been debating on wheels, as I'd love to keep a classic look, but want something a bit larger than stock. I was thinking 17"f/18"r, and something in the way of a new Cragar. I love Torq Thrust wheels, but they're pretty common around these parts. A nice set of Budniks would be great, but I want something that won't take away from the car.

Under the wheels I already have a disc setup planned, both front and rear. As for the suspension, I'm saving for something nice like the Hotchkis, or equivalent. Something that will handle well, maintain proper suspension geometry even when mildly dropped, and look good doing it.

Steve, your are doing a good thing keeping that Beaumont alive and in the family. Do my eyes deceive me or was that car originally Marina Blue (judging by the floors and kick) with gold interior? According to my Canadian ’67 documentation you could only get gold interior with Tuxedo Black (A), Provincial White (C), Granada Gold (G), Madeira Maroon (N), Sierra Fawn (S) and Capri Cream (T). I’m showing only cloth bench seats were offered on that model (782 trim for gold) unless you had optional buckets. Also, is there a Line 100 tag hog-ringed to the rear seat base? That is the Canadian equivalent of a build sheet.

Your eyes do not decieve you. In fact, I'm impressed.
The original color of the car was Tahitian (or Tahoe) turquoise, with gold interior. The car was simple in it's build, with a small v8, two speed, and base model diff. No real options came with the car, as it's pretty spartan. This info came from Dave at the Beaumont club based on the serial number, and options plate. There has been some discussion about the color though, as Tahitian was a GM color (???) and Tahoe was not supposed to be offered with the gold interior?

I'll snap a pic of the option plate, and post it up. It's a real challenge finding info on the Beaumont. Special thanks to the guys who have the knowledge, and are willing to share. They make the scene go 'round.
:cool:

Regarding the paint, back in the 80's, someone repainted the car a similar color, although with a heck of a lot more silver pearl. You can really tell the difference between the hood, and the glove box.


Frequently Beaumont owners will trash the side moldings of their ’67 Beaumont Custom series cars. Personally I am hopeful you are planning on leaving them with the car. All you need are the "Custom" pinwheel lettering for the front fenders between the moldings. That is a detail that is hard to find now.

It's funny you mention the moldings. I plan to keep the car original on the exterior. That means snagging any piece of trim that I find on craigslist or eBay in the hopes of using it, or trading it to another Beaumont builder. The "custom" lettering is really tough to find, but it will come with patience. As it stands, I'm blessed to have so much original trim. I sure love the look of these cars.

Good luck with the project and have fun!

I will do man, thanks a lot.
:beers:



P.S. That's a neat little rally-box Subaru. Does it make it into the mountains often?

Ahhh, my Subie.
She spends a good chunk of the winter knee deep in snow, as the car is unstoppable in bad weather.

But in the summer......... here's where you're more likely to see her. Beating up on the Porsche guys at the track.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/MRP_track_day/IMGP1054.jpg

Tracking is expensive though. And stressful too, as you blast toward the chicane at 115mph!

I'll be happy when I can toss the wife and kids in the Pontiac, and just cruise.

:D

You might want to consider this club just across the pond from you in Vitoria Steve.
(If I am correct in asssuming that is the the Mission track in the picture) The club magazine has adds in the back and usually quite a few Beaumont specific parts in there. http://cdnclassics.chevelles.net/

Great project! Watch eBay for Beau specific items, there are often field cars from the prairies on there.

If you like the TTII rims, consider the JunkYardDogs.

Neat Sube, how much have you done to it?

You might want to consider this club just across the pond from you in Vitoria Steve.
(If I am correct in asssuming that is the the Mission track in the picture) The club magazine has adds in the back and usually quite a few Beaumont specific parts in there. http://cdnclassics.chevelles.net/

You are correct bcice, that is Mission. What a great track, and so close to home.

Thanks for the link. Any new contacts in the Beaumont/Chevelle world will help in my build.

It's not as easy to find parts for these as it is for the newer cars!

l:)

Great project! Watch eBay for Beau specific items, there are often field cars from the prairies on there.

If you like the TTII rims, consider the JunkYardDogs.

Neat Sube, how much have you done to it?

eBay, and craigslist have been great places to check for parts. It's a heck of a lot easier than the days of combing swap meets and garage sales for stuff.

I'll definately check out junkyarddogs for wheels. It's still a few months away, but I can't turn away a great deal.
:cool:

As for the Subaru, it's still running a stock turbo, but has a few nice parts.

The suspension is wild. Whiteline V3 coilovers with external reservoirs, camber plates, swaybars, and a great guy to align it all.

I also have a carbon fiber driveshaft. I also run a RWD conversion for dyno testing and burnouts, but stay AWD most of the time. Wheels are Enkei 18x8.5" with 245 series RT615 on all four corners. This is a sticky car.

The engine is stock, except for the turbo back exhaust (thanks Tommy from killer customs). Both the turbo and exhaust manifold are P&P'd, and I have an electric exhaust cutout. I run a reflashed ecu, and UTEC standalone, along with a GM boost control solenoid. It's all necessary to fool this damn CAFE approved ecu. Total power is close to 360bhp, or 270whp on a heartbreaker dyno. Close to a 25% increase.

I'd love to drop a big turbo in it, but would rather buy a Moser rear end for the Beau.

:thumbsup:

Another good spot for parts on the island is the Tin Man. It's a wrecking yard for old stuff in Cobble Hill just north of Victoria. I have bought some stuff from him and found his prices to be fair and he ships quickly. Their number is 250-743-7321

thanks for the info bcice.
Wow, it's been a while since I've updated this. I have done only one mod to the car since my last update, and that was to call a local shop to install the wiring harness. I just can't get the drive up to conquer that.

The good news is, I should have the car back within the next couple weeks, at which time I'll be yanking the powerglide to have her rebuilt. We'll toss in a new rearend at that time, nothing fancy, just something that lays two stripes instead of one.

I'll post some updates and pics once the car heads out to the shop.

Sadly, my Beau has a bit more cancer than I expected. A total of two body mounts rotten, and a wee bit of rust in the driver's side rear fender (below the rear window). As it stands, the car will be fine for cruising. I still plan on the wheel/tire upgrade, along with disc brakes, new sways, shocks, and springs. But the engine mods will have to wait until the body is solid again, probably next spring.

More info to come on wednesday when I get the car back.

We've had the following work done.

-Install Chevelle AAW wiring harness in the Beaumont, a tricky proposition.
-H3 sealed beam conversion
-repaired the fuel guage
-repaired the wiper motor
-tranny pan and filter
-tuned the carb

I'd like to get the rear end changed out, but the suspension and brakes come first.
This is one of those projects that could very well consume me if I don't watch out.
:thumbsup:

With a righteous machine like that, its ALL worthwhile.....

nice car:thumbsup:

Another good spot for parts on the island is the Tin Man. It's a wrecking yard for old stuff in Cobble Hill just north of Victoria. I have bought some stuff from him and found his prices to be fair and he ships quickly. Their number is 250-743-7321

Thanks for the number Terry :thumbsup:

Thanks for the number Terry :thumbsup:

Your welcome. Great guys there and they know old cars. Did you get something from them?

Your welcome. Great guys there and they know old cars. Did you get something from them?

No not yet, I have to call them. I need the letters for Acadian for my trunk

Maybe they might have some, just maybe

No not yet, I have to call them. I need the letters for Acadian for my trunk

Maybe they might have some, just maybe

Hmmmm. Maybe try this fella. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pts/1007360706.html

Or this one http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pts/1003276563.html

I chatted with the guy in the second link there bcice.
He's a good guy, and has some good parts, including that BB hood listed. I'd love to pick it up as a spare.

The car should be back tomorrow. We had to find a new gas guage, as the old one was seized. Gas guages are pretty important running a big V8 with the kids in the back seat.
:beers:

Pics to come soon. Hopefully if we get some nice weather here, I'll take her out for a cruise. Keep your eyes open for a blue Beaumont ripping around White Rock, and say hello if you see me.

alright, so the car is back and in fine shape. The wiring is clean and well hidden, and the gremlins that used to plague me are gone. Also, a fresh battery was tossed in after I had to pilfer the last one for another project...

The tranny was freshened up with new gaskets, filter, fluid. The two speed now shifts like it should.

An H4 sealed beam conversion was adapted for better night vision, along with a new wiper motor to go along with the new wiring. Finally, the fuel guage was siezed tight, but we were lucky enough to find another one on Craigslist.

Now for the pics.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3020.jpg

I need a lot of work to clean this up for the spring. Stock 283 bored to 292ci.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3021.jpg

H4 conversion
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3023.jpg

The back seat and door panels are now in, but the "custom fit" carpet, doesn't fit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3025.jpg

I'll snap some more pics tonight when I get home. Unforunately, I ran out of screws.

Any idea where to find oem type screws for these cars?

those seats look real nice with the new threads.
what is the transmission situation? powerglide or updated auto or manual gearbox???

thats a pretty neat looking interior, keep the pics coming! are you going to put wheel wells in the front? will keep the grime down...

the custom side chrome isnt repro'd, but the grille 'beaumont' is, sd side chrome is, fender eyebrows are repro'd and on ebay often -pricey and apparently not the greatest fit...

ak

those seats look real nice with the new threads.
what is the transmission situation? powerglide or updated auto or manual gearbox???

Thanks Vince. The interior color was chosen based on memory, as the car was in storage for the longest time while it was being done. A big weight was lifted when I found that the colors worked.

Dodged a bullet on that one.
:thumbsup:


The tranny is a Powerglide, but one day it will have the M21 in there. I'm a shifter kind of guy, and while the car is fine as an automatic cruiser, it lacks any semblance of power right now. I'd love to mate the M21 to a 383 stroker.

thats a pretty neat looking interior, keep the pics coming! are you going to put wheel wells in the front? will keep the grime down...

The wheels wells will definately be going back in, as like you said it will help with keeping the underhood clean. I just have to clean them up, probably tonight!

If they're in good condition, I'll just touch them up with some flat black spraybomb. If not, then off to u-blast to prep for powder coating.

the custom side chrome isnt repro'd, but the grille 'beaumont' is, sd side chrome is, fender eyebrows are repro'd and on ebay often -pricey and apparently not the greatest fit...

ak

Great info ak, thanks!
:thumbsup:

Here's a pic taken yesterday after her maiden voyage with new shocks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3064.jpg

With the toys.
:D

Foose Nitrous Legends are now on order, 17x8 front, and 17x9 rear. The plan is to run 235/50 on the front, and 275/55 in the rear, but we'll see once the wheels arrive if they'll fit.

Here's a few better pics of the interior.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3067.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3068.jpg

The wheel is from Grant, but frankly I'm pretty pissed about the quality. It's a piece of crap, and I regret buying it. I should have gone with the wire Lecarra I wanted originally.
:(

:(
My Powerglide took a crap on me last night. It's now a 1 speed tranny.
I was able to find a working TH350 and 4 bolt 350 longblock on Craigslist for about $500, so that's what will be going in this weekend. The tranny, not the engine.

But since I have a 4 bolt 350 sitting there, I may as well snag some stroker parts for the future build. I guess I can look at this as an opportunity.

More to come as the adventure continues...

Good deal on the motor/transmission! Would the driveshaft have to be altered to switch from a PG over to a TH 350 ??

If the turbo 350 is the same length,(Ithink you need a six inch tail housing) the driveshaft will fit. You also need the bracket and cable for the kick down cable for the 350 trans. If your powerglide won't up shift make sure that the vacuum line didn't come off the modulator valve and that the kickdown linkage is not stuck. There are some differences in the shift levers between the PG and a turbo 350. The easiest thing to do would be to find the linkage from another car to get the proper bracket for the frame and the cross shaft for the 350 trans.
Paul

Good deal on the motor/transmission! Would the driveshaft have to be altered to switch from a PG over to a TH 350 ??

I'm pretty sure the driveshaft will have to be modified, as the tranny turned out to be a 700R4 with electric overdrive. I double checked the pans when I got home, and saw that it wasn't what I thought it should be. No worries though, as the 700 is also a great tranny, and should mate well to the new motor once it's done.

This thing is massive. At least 6 inches longer than my PG.
:hurray:



If the turbo 350 is the same length,(Ithink you need a six inch tail housing) the driveshaft will fit. You also need the bracket and cable for the kick down cable for the 350 trans. If your powerglide won't up shift make sure that the vacuum line didn't come off the modulator valve and that the kickdown linkage is not stuck. There are some differences in the shift levers between the PG and a turbo 350. The easiest thing to do would be to find the linkage from another car to get the proper bracket for the frame and the cross shaft for the 350 trans.
Paul

I've been looking into what it's going to take to fit this thing in and get it all running. Apparently the 700R4 needs a relay, and special kickdown adapter available from a few places online.

Lots of info to learn.

Anyway, here's the tranny.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3132.jpg

I'll be in contact with my tranny shop to have it refreshed before I drop it in. A mid stall converter (2200?) will also be a nice addition to the combo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3151.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3150.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3148.jpg

Here's the 350, 4 bolt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3141.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3139.jpg

Wierd counter balance?

It should be a good candidate for a build.
Some Scat parts, some Eagle parts, and some machining, and it will be perfect for hauling the family around.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3137.jpg

Here are the heads.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3143.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3145.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/engine_tranny_swap/IMGP3146.jpg

Good score! The 700 trans actually has a lower first gear than the turbo 350, so it will pull better from a stop, but still give you overdrive for the highway.

That was my thinking too, since the car will be more of a cruiser.
But the TV cable linkages, and the electrical hookup for the locker, along with the sheer size of the 700R4 made me think twice this morning.

So I contacted the guy I bought it from, and offered a trade for one of his TH350's. It should bolt in, shouldn't require major modifications to the driveshaft, and won't be as finicky to hook up. I'll also be keeping my stock Powerglide for the day when I'm running 500+ whp and pulling 10's.

:thumbsup:

I wouldn't give up on the 700R4. It's been one of the best mods I've done to my car. But I guess it depends on how much highway driving you plan to do. Once you get the TV cable sorted out they work well. The only downside I noticed for a street car is that the 700R4 seems to shift hard all the time with a shift kit, where my TH350 only shifted hard under full throttle. Could be just the way mine is built. Either way, I wouldn't build a car without some sort of overdrive now!

that's a good thing to consider Chris.
Of course the wife is on my case to sell it, especially if I'm not going to use it right away. But I'm thinking of tossing it in storage for now, and rebuilding it this winter. Once I settle on a carb setup, the TV adjustments should be set it, and forget it.

That said, I still have the original powerglide that I'd like to keep for drag racing. I say now that I won't be dragging the car, but when my street Subaru gets kicked off the track for running 11's with no cage, I may have no other choice.

:disco:

alright, I have a few updates.

The TH350 is in and shifting nicely. I love the 2200rpm converter and shift kit. Makes for a fun cruiser.

I also recieved my new "shoes".
17x8 front/ 17x9 rear Foose Nitrous Legends. They're my first set of domestic wheels, so I figured I could go a bit cheesy with the chrome.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3179.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3180.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3181.jpg

nice packaging.
and on the car.

the rear, not much room left.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3184.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/090304001.jpg

Added some Falken Azenis 275/40/17 in the rear, and 245/45/17 in the front. I 've had the Falken Azenis line of tires on the track numerous times with my imports, and love the performance and price. Definately good value in these tires.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/090305001.jpg

Special thanks to Kal-Tire in Langley for the touchless install. You guys kick ass.
:thumbsup:

I was lucky enough to have the chance to drive the car this weekend, and while the weather didn't make it easy, the car was great. There's still a ton of stuff to work out, but it's coming along nicely.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3189.jpg

I need to replace those ugly, poor performing drums.....


But overall, it's coming along.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3186.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3188.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3190.jpg

It will be nice to be able to drive the car a bit, and then get working on the suspension. Maybe add some spacers to the wheels, at least until I get the discs on there.

But dammit, I have to pass aircare first. What a joke this province is when it comes to classic cars.

Car is looking good! :thumbsup: Now you just need to lower it a bit.

You got it man!

I just need to settle on what to get. There are so many options, from the sexy $6800 Air Ride kit, down to gear from Hotchkis, SC&C and Heidt's. As I learn more about the scene I'll make a commitment. Until then, I was thinking of swapping out springs. Maybe a 2" front/3" rear drop? That should level things out nicely.

I need to order up that Retrosound USA LeMans/GTO head unit first. I love cruising, but without tunes there's something missing.

Guess it depends on how low you wanna go, and how much you want to spend. I'm kinda cheap, so I left my stock sagging rear springs and chopped one coil off my stock front springs. I hear you on the tunes, I drove aroung for a year with the only music provided by the 388 and a pair of Flowmasters, witch isn't a bad thing!

Hahaha, I know that story.
I even busted out the cel phone on the drive home yesterday because it has some music on the memory card. It wasn't very loud, but Iron Maiden sounds great no matter what.

:lol:

Here are a few updated pics I snapped last night. The car is filthy after the rain we've been having here, but performing well aside from some water leaks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3214.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3218.jpg

Edelbrock carb made by Weber?!?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3221.jpg

Pontiac floor mats. I figured that's what they would give you at the dealer back in 67'.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3220.jpg



For ride height, I was thinking of replacing the front (cut) springs with something that only drops about an inch, but tightens up the spring rate. For the drop, I'll go with drop spindles. I was even thinking of saving my pennies for a new set of tubular front arms with updated geometry, and a set of QA1 coilovers. I'm familiar with suspension tuning from my years of racing imports, and it would give me what I want, which is the ability to adjust.

The rear is a bigger challenge...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3217.jpg

I can't just add a set of coilovers in the rear without some fabrication. So for now, I was thinking of matching a set of tighter springs for the rear, and making some cuts to both drop the height, and give me a bit more spring rate. I can always add some Bilstein adjustables in the rear.

That's a long way away though.
The wife is already on my ass about the budget. I wasn't expecting to swap out a tranny, a carb, a floor shifter, and the wiring.

:clonk:

If your looking for a cheap handling upgrade, go to your local junkyard and find a sway bar from a second gen Camaro or Trans-Am. Mine came off a 77' WS6 Trans-Am, 1 1/4" sway bar and it bolts right up. Just watch for clearance between the swaybar and the tie rods, it can get a little tight, especially when the car is lowered. I also used spindles and brakes from an 81' Camaro ,they're taller than the stock pieces and change the suspension geometry for the better. The only downside is you have to use aftermarket upper A-arms or build your own. I built my own. You can use Camaro ball joints, but need to have the lowers machined to fit the control arms. I believe it requires 81' Grand-Am? (it's been awhile) outer tie rods, they have the same thread as the stock pieces and fit the Camaro Spindles. I'm using AC Delco replacement shocks. These changes made a Huge difference in handling and didn't cost much. If you do a search in the suspension forum you'll find lots of good info on this. Wish I could drive my car right now, it's starting to melt, but they're calling for more snow on Sunday!

hahahaha, that's spring in Canada.
We get so close to warmer weather, than it snows a bit more.

l:)


I've been checking out the suspension forum, and there's a lot of info in there. So many choices, so many opinions, so many opportunities to make the car feel alive. I was checking out a C5 at my buddie's alignment shop last night, and was really impressed with that setup. I've also read that some guys have gone that route.

Regardless, we're in good times right now.
Either hit the junkyard and maybe get lucky, or drop cash on any of the multitude of aftermarket parts available.

Smokey and Vic Sr. could never imagine having this much choice.
:thumbsup:

Trying to snow here on the north island again today too Steve. This weather is getting old real quick. I was so nice 3 weeks ago I put 3 months insurance on the Chevelle. Went to the local watering hole and had one beer. Tasted real good and I wanted more so brought the Velle home and had my son run me back down there and that was the last time it was out of the garage. It was kind of a road test as well because I had just finished taking out the rear with 4:10s in it out and putting in the new one with 3:31 gears. Sure is going to be a lot more highway friendly.

I'm with you Ice.
This weather has been horrible for the last few months. But as of friday night, it's been a lot nicer.

I figured out why the car wouldn't start too.
I pulled the shift lever off the stock column now that I'm floor shifting. Problem is, I rotated the column shifter so it wasn't that obvious. That sent the neutral safety switch into action, and it wouldn't let me start the car.

I felt like an ass when I figured it out yesterday.
:D

I have some more pics to post. Just let me snag some breakfast first.

Wow. That must be one hell of a breakfast! 24 hours and still not done!

hahahaha.
I got caught up in driving as the weather turned out great. Took the kids out for a nice ride, and spotted the finest first gen Z28 Camaro I've ever seen on the streets. It was silver, with perfect stance, monster low pro tires, and a rear end with more links than a set of monkey bars. Very nice.

Anyway, some pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3229.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3230.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3231.jpg

I have a new bracket coming for the back plate. Until then, I've made some changes.

Next could be some Kore3 C5 brake upgrades?

huzzah.
My retrosoundUSA head unit arrived last night, and I'm dying to install it. Off to Beamriders this afternoon to buy some speakers. I'm thinking 6x9 in the rear decklid, with a single 10" sub in the trunk. That should keep me happy until I figure out what to do for front speakers.

pics will come when the unit's installed and working.

car is looking very sharp :)

you can put a pair of 3.5"s in the front center of the dash to get some fill sound... I havent tried to fit a set of 5" or so under the dash facing down to see how bad they would sound... i think having them in the kickpanel vent hole is good solution to get some sound out front without cutting anything up... just remove the flap, and cut out a wood (MDF) panel to fit the shape, use the stock screw mount holes and mount a speaker in that panel...

i put my 10" right behind the rear seat in a boxed/vented enclosure and it sounded pretty good...

lets see some pics of how that head unit looks!

ak

Thanks Vince.
:thumbsup:


ak, I've been thinking about what to do in the front now that the system is up and running. I installed the RetrosoundUSA head unit yesterday, along with a set of 6x9 in the rear decklid. Sound is awesome, and I love the options on the HU.

+1 for RetrosoundUSA.

I took some pics, but the wife stole the camera from me this morning. Those will be uploaded asap.

Once again, special thanks to RetrosoundUSA.
I got caught in a nasty rainstorm yesterday, and your tunes kept me sane.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3303.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/IMGP3291.jpg

Steve, you have the Beau lookin real nice :thumbsup:

Freakin weather here, I think it is going to be July before we can get the cars out. Forecasting more snow tonight.

Enough already :(

Funny you mention that Jerry.
I was speaking with a buddy in Calgary earlier who was a bit pissed about the 5cm of fresh supposed to fall in your area. It's making Arizona look better and better, even though I'm a long way from being able to retire.


Thanks for the kind words. Let's cross our fingers for a warm, car friendly April. Your 65' is sure a beautiful car.

:thumbsup:

April sucked.
May sucked.
And now it's the second of June, and we're looking at 20mm of rain.....


The good news is that I started getting my SC&C bits in. I ordered PBR Baer brakes, Hellwig hollow swaybars, upper and lower SPC arms, SPC drop springs, Chassisworks shocks, and a bunch of other little things.

Once the rain stops, or at least slows a bit I'll be back out there working on it.
pics to follow.

Hey Steve...nice looking Beaumont:yes:

Looking forward to seeing it a bit lower...it'll look alot bettter with those wheels.

I'm just going threw a stereo install my self in my Beamont. 1500 watts 5 1/4 in the doors 6 by 9's in the back deck and 2 10s on the hump in the trunk.

Also I have the same steering wheel as you...exept I painted mine black:D
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/GreasyChicken_photos/DSC02009.jpg

The wheel looks a lot better in black.

Does it make noise when you turn the wheel? I have some friction in the steel trim plate that covers the hub adapter and it drives me nuts. I can't wait to get the time to epoxy the cracks in my stock wheel, and leather wrap that puppy. That should be a lot nicer to drive.

Nope mines quiet...that would drive me nuts.

Thing i didnt like about my factory one was the size(and mine was in horrible shape) But I wasnt going for a stock interior anyway...

It's been a while since I've updated this, and a lot has changed.

I now have a crate 350HO in place of the old 283. I also got around to installing all the suspension and brakes. Due to the move, I lost a lot of time to sew some things up, so I sent it off the Concept Musclecars out here in Surrey where it's undergoing some final changes.

Anyway, not the best pic, but here you see the SCC uppers and lowers, the Baers, and some other bits. The line lock and new Master are in transit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/7df366dc.jpg

For the rear, I have an Eaton that just arrived along with some fresh axles. The rear disc conversion was supposed to happen at the same time, but I'm having a hell of a time getting anything out of Baer. No worries though, as the rear will be done soon.

So as of June 30, 2011 here is how she looks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/160fc4f1.jpg

Coming along nicely, although without some adversity along the way.
It will all be better when I light up the tires for the first time.

:D

That thing is going to be a blast to drive.

It should be fun.
:D

I can't wait to spend a couple of hours with her just dialing in all the bits, and giving her the most thorough detail she has seen since 1981.

I was able to order the rear Baer kit. Problem is, they don't offer the PBR caliper kit anymore, and there are only a few of these left in the world. I paid a pretty penny for them too, but all in the name of matching performance, and matching brakes.

It should be fun.
:D

I can't wait to spend a couple of hours with her just dialing in all the bits, and giving her the most thorough detail she has seen since 1981.

I was able to order the rear Baer kit. Problem is, they don't offer the PBR caliper kit anymore, and there are only a few of these left in the world. I paid a pretty penny for them too, but all in the name of matching performance, and matching brakes.

Never been a small block guy (went straight from Pontiacs to BBC), but those 350 HOs truly impress me after the dozen or so that I installed. Just a really long flat torque curve which most SBs don't have.

Have a blast my friend, you will be pleasently impresses with that engine.

The car feels great Andy, I'm impressed with the power and low end. I can spin tires all day long now!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/38a18772-1.jpg

Some new updates since last time around.....

350HO is in and running. 270hp/290lbs at the wheels, on a heart breaker dyno. We were short fuel after I chose to run the Edelbrock carb over the Holley. There is more power in there once that's changed out.


Here's a youtube video of the dyno run.

http://youtu.be/YpdGGjXaGGk



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/b789b992.jpg

The Wilwood master with line lock is a lot of fun. The braking is so much better now, and can only get better again once the rears are on. That's next month's project.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/76313461.jpg

My little spoiler by Randy. I think it makes the front end look more refined.

And this my friends, is the aftermath of a dyno run, and new line lock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/hypasteve/beaumont/281798_10150745383980573_703665572_20133484_606347 5_n.jpg

that looks awesome, really like how you have kept the cars lines looking better than stock :)

Hi Steve, Nice Beau,just wanted to know where you got the chrome filler panel between radsuppot and grill looks great thanx Mark

thanks all!
I tried some LED lighting this past week, and it didn't work out too well. Tails are back to Halogen, while I figure out what kind of relay and resistor to use.


Mark, I snagged those pieces from http://www.undercoverinnovations.com/
They have a lot of different designs and options for those.