My new 72 Skylark Convertible

[carmantx]

Just picked up this 72 Skylark convertible.
Many of you know I have been looking for a car for myself to build. I found this convertible and thought I'd give it a shot.

This car is mostly complete and interior is in pretty good condition. It also had all the paperwork and manuals. It has a 350/350, ps, pb, AC. Drum front brakes. In the bag of paperwork, I found a cam card for a Poston GS 350 cam when the engine was rebuilt. No idea what is in it.

Frame is solid, fenders and core support decent, quarters are rusty and the trunk still had the trunk mat, and you know what I found when I lifted that up.

I am probably going to try to get the engine started to see what I'm working with before I pull the whole car apart. I'll post more pictures later.

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo37/1972gsx/Convertible/fcdb54c1.jpg

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo37/1972gsx/Convertible/IMAG0070.jpg

[gstewart]

all right! and now the fun begins....

[V8Sky]

Cool Buick buy Mark! Nice to have another '72 Skylark vert on the board :-)

[Golden Oldie 65]

It looks pretty good to me. The GTO I am working on right now I have replaced the frame, the entire floor panel, firewall to floor panel, quarters, outer wheelhouses, trunk floor and some patching on the inner wheelhouses. In addition, the front fenders, fenderwells radiator support and passenger side door. The only origninal parts left are the roof, deck lid and drivers side door. Yours looks like it would be a piece of cake. Good luck on the build and keep us posted :TU:

[BuickBoy]

Nice !

[carmantx]

I'll post the progress on here. And pictures. Taking it all apart now. Current plan is Fire Red with black interior and black top. We like the Red. Chris and Gerry, email me some of your pictures for inspiration. mark@texasextremeracing.com

I found a 455 that I'll pick up in a week or two, so it will be a mostly stock 455/ turbo 400.

All subject to change.

[V8Sky]

Will send you some pics Mark. Are you sure you want to do a black interior for the vert? Your'e in Texas - I think that black seats would get mighty hot with the top down on a sunny day!

[carmantx]

Yea, black. Really like black, and would paint the car black, but that is so hard to make look straight. Black won't show the dirt either. I would have the white looking like a milk cow interior in just a few days, I can't keep anything clean.

Yours looks great though. I like the look, but black it is.

[OhioGS400]

Mark- I like the vert. Red with black interior/top is the only way to go:)
Good luck with the build.
Randy Brooks

[carmantx]

And here is how it looks today. Floors, fenders, inners, core support are in decent condition. I will have to replace trunk pan and patch a small area behind driver seat.
455/400 build also coming soon.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0105.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0106.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0109.jpg

[carmantx]

Here it is today. Little by little.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0181.jpg

[MGCslugger33]

Looking good!

[carmantx]

More progress.
All suspension out. Rear out. Gas tank out. Now I'm going to pull the engine/tranny and set aside. Clean and paint the frame and suspension components. Looking for posi carrier for the rear, and front disc brakes and will get the rolling chassis back together.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0216.jpg

Frame is pretty crusty, but hopefully will clean up good.
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0217.jpg

Found the build sheet under the tank. It's rotted too, just like the trunk.
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0221.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0214.jpg

[carmantx]

Plan is:
Rolling chassis complete by March 2011.
Engine/tranny built by end of summer 2011

I plan to drive it then, even if I don't have paint complete.

My time frame is based on budget and time available. I can only work on it a few hours each week, and the only money I have to spend is from the parts I sell.

[MGCslugger33]

get er done. Giving yourself deadlines is a good thing.

That thing is going to be sweet. Keep the updates coming!

[carmantx]

A little progress.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0228.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0235.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0238.jpg

[carmantx]

Got new suspension parts in and the disc brakes. Got first coat on frame and some of the under body. Still need to patch the floor, and get a trunk pan. I will also get a new heater core and start putting the inner/outer boxes back in and start putting firewall stuff back on.

Current plan of the moment? Dig out a 350 I have sitting around and a turbo 350, clean up the engine, change some gaskets and put them in with a stock 8.5 open rear I have. patch the floor and trunk, stick some fenders on it and drive it. I'll work on body work, and other fun stuff later. No sense in letting the car sit while I'm waiting on the cash to finish it. It may be the ugliest convertible around, but I don't care.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0239.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0240.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0242.jpg

[carmantx]

A little more done today.
Patched the floor panel. Tyler welded it for me.
Front control arms are painted. Found a good steering gear box and ready to start putting the front suspension on. Decided to buy new springs, so those are ordered.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0268.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0269.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0270.jpg

Just not real sure what to do with this trunk floor...

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0271.jpg

[staged70]

Patch it. Its a driver. If you start getting bogged down making it perfect you'll regret it this coming summer when you could be driving it

[carmantx]

Yea John. That's the plan. Still on schedule. I'm going to cut the trunk floor out of another car I have and patch away. All new to me. Having fun. It's good to be putting stuff back on now.

Oh, did I ever mention that current plan would have me driving this car and having less than $3000 in the entire project.

[carmantx]

A little progress. Haven't been able to do anything for several weeks after surgery. Got the disc spindles on today with the new Moog springs in place. Got all the new steering parts, so hopefully, tomorrow I will finish the front suspension and steering with the new disc brakes in place.

Back to thinking 455 again. For now.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0289.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

Nice work Mark! how have I missed this thread?

Looking forward for more updates. :beer

[2791 lark custo]

Boy does that all lok familar. Your time frame is quicker than mine. Been at it for just over a year so far. But you give me insperation. Love the convertibles

[carmantx]

Curtis, I have a picture of your car for inspiration. At the moment, not sure about fire red, or yellow.

Time frame? I hope to stay on schedule. So far, it's looking good. Still not sure about the engine though.

[carmantx]

Today, Tyler took off work to help me with my pickup that had a bad oil pressure switch. So after that was fixed, he helped me with the convertible. It was fun to have him helping. Got the front disc on, and front steering parts all in place. All that's left is the sway bar, and need to pull it from another car. Front end is almost done!!!!

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0291.jpg

[71skylark3504v]

You make it look easy!:puzzled:

[carmantx]

Haven't been able to do much, but front suspension is mostly done. Just need some shocks. Will start putting firewall back together now, and looking for used posi and some gears to finish the rear.

Now, the big question. Which of the engines below will end up in the car??????

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0295.jpg


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0296.jpg

Which will it be??????

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0298.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0297.jpg

[carmantx]

wow, my goal was to have a rolling chassis by now. I was way ahead of schedule, but have done nothing for a while. I have gathered up some parts though.

It is so easy to lose interest and motivation sometimes. Things come up that are more important. Uugghh.

[DeeVeeEight]

Mark,

Do you have any more pics of your back seat interior area with the seat out? I am re-doing my convertible and I seem to be missing some of the seat mounting tabs. A picture would help to straighten me out.

Great progress! It goes to show what you can do with the right motivation and a some space to work in!

As far as your engine choices are concerned - it seems to me that the BBB has the most potential for the fun factor - better aftermarket parts availability than the 350 and lots more power......

[carmantx]

deeveeeight, here are the back seat area pictures for you. As far as engine choice? I am building a 462 with turbo 400. going to cost me a little more, but I'm picking up used parts whenever I can.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0483.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0484.jpg

[carmantx]

Well, finally did something. Cleaned up a rear to paint. Going to need new races for the axles though.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0487.jpg

[carmantx]

Geez. I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. I guess this is my therapy post.

Block oil mods done and at machine shop for the .030 punch. Piston going on the rods. Crank being turned. So that is under way now.

Should have the rear put together this weekend with the posi unit and 3.08 gears. Just have to order springs to put it in place. Then I have a roller.

I feel like I'll never finish. Hard to find the few bucks here and there and now, more physical problems. Ugh.

Oh well, it's just a car. I will trudge ahead. Post some pictures after the weekend.

[2791 lark custo]

Mark, are you going to clone it or just put it back togeather after all the work?

[smokingv6]

nice find, and i like the progress and motivation you have, keep up the good work

[carmantx]

Good question Chuck.

My plan for the moment, and subject to change, is to get it running, and put it back together as is. I can't afford to do the paint and body work now, and I don't think I will have the physical ability to do it myself as once planned.

So recap of current plan:
All new suspension, stock type set up: Front done
Frame coated and painted
8.5" rear with posi and 3.08 gear: parts bought, should put it together this weekend.
GS hood: have it
462 with 9.5 compression, custom grind cam, SP1 intake and 800 dfm Qjet. In works now, should be completed by August.
TH400 tranny.
Interior freshened up: have most parts, need carpet
New convertible top: have that

So the body will be part original color, part GS, part primer, and part rust. It will sort of look like some of the older rat rods I guess.

[carmantx]

Didn't get the diff finished. After setting it up, I messed up the pinion seal and had to order another. Maybe finish this weekend.

In my attempt to have the least expensive possible build, I may start listing some of my parts finds. I still think I can have this car running for under $4000 total, including what I paid for the car.

This weeks find!!!! Fresh built 70 455 heads with brand new Stage 1 valves and springs. $125. Cylinder head shop built them for a guy, and he never finished paying. Took my offer. Look great. I just have to assemble and fly.
New, in box convertible top and rear window....$100
New Moog rear springs... $60
SP1 intake, traded for an 800cfm Qjet I built and stock intake.

So my stock 455 build has turned in to a little stronger than I had planned, but also less expensive. I should have the complete engine, 462, forged pistons, New cam/lifters, fresh stage 1 heads, SP1, and 800 Qjet for under $1000. Can't wait to get it on the dyno.

I have had a bunch of help from friends on the board, and in my weekly travels, I keep picking up odds and ends. Still selling a few parts every week to fund this thing.

Thanks for watching. More pictures in a day or two.

[ralph sr.]

I think your doing a great job! Sorry about your physical problems, i know its tuff. You hang in there. We're rootin for ya.:TU:

[carmantx]

Well, I got some done.
Intake cleaned up.
Rear is together, ready to go in
A/C box cleaned, puttied and installed. (with new heater core)
Heads need a little grinding to finish up.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0510.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0508.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0512.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0513.jpg

[Freakazoid]

This weeks find!!!! Fresh built 70 455 heads with brand new Stage 1 valves and springs. $125. Cylinder head shop built them for a guy, and he never finished paying.

Wow, What a great deal.
I really like your progress post, Keep up the great work.

[carmantx]

Got the rear under the car today with new springs with Tyler's help. So I am only a month behind schedule to have a rolling chassis.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0537.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0536.jpg

On a personal note, and I'm not whining, just venting. In the past few years, I have had a hard time with my hands and joints, being stiff and hurting bad. So, finally went to doctor when it got to the point I have a real hard time gripping a wrench. I have arthritis. And yes, I know everybody gets it, but I can't use my hands much anymore. No grip strength, joints get swollen and hurt, plus neck, wrist, hips, knees.

Again, not complaining. Plenty of people accomplish great things with more problems than I have, but it frustrates me. Finally building a car for me to drive and play with. I started to sell it, but decided I will finish it if I can. Surely I can. I do thank God that I don't rely on my hands to make a living. I'm in sales.

Ok, thanks for letting me rant. I can usually work a couple of hours a weekend. I'll get this thing done and driving by end of year. If I can afford the gas.

[72buicklt1]

Hang in there guy and take your time. It's good to set deadlines but remember that you need to adjust accordingly to life.. Bottom line it is a hobby/project and sometimes you need to walk away for a while and collect your thoughts and energy. At least that is what works for me and helps keep my enthusiasm in the long run..

Really enjoying your pictures and progress..:TU:

thanks, Dan C.

[OhioGS400]

Keep up the great work, Mark. It's great you have your son to help with the wrenching. I took 32 months to finish my 68GS- so hang in there. Keep the pics and updates coming.

[Golden Oldie 65]

It's looking great, Mark. In most cases you can figure out how long these things will take and how much they will cost, then multiply it by 3 and come fairly close to the final figures. Looks like you're way ahead of schedule and probably way under budget so far :TU:

[carmantx]

Got the sway bar in. Rear brakes done. I still have to finish all of the brake lines. Crank is getting a .010 cut, and block getting .030 bore. New pistons are on the rods. It's coming along.


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Car%20Parts/IMAG0556.jpg

[462 Chevelle]

nice. bet you cant wait to get that thing on the street maybe i could come down there and race you sometime with mine. would be a much better race than tylers car.

[carmantx]

Little status update.
Block should be bored this week.
TA cam bearings in.
Crank getting 10/10 turn after bearings arrive and all mic checked.
Finishing up braking system this weekend, hopefully.
Checking the hydraulics on top, so I can put interior in.
New carpet on the way.

I am going to start putting the car back together now, body wise and get it all ready for the engine/Trans when I get them finished up.

I have an SP1 intake for square bore carb, but I want to run a Qjet, so now I need to find another intake.

Cutting out and changing the trunk floor pan looks like a bunch of work. I may paint it with por15, and put a layer of thin sheet metal over the floor and rivet down, then paint and cover. Like somebody said before, it's just a driver.

[cpk 71]

Good job mark,I know it's sucks with the arthritis,but that's why we have kids,to help when we are hurting!

[carmantx]

Convertible top now works, but a cylinder is leaking, so have another one coming. Just excited to see the top go up and down on it's own. Next will be working on the interior cleaning up and putting back in place. Then wiring system, body panels, engine/trans. Will it ever be done? Watch and see.

Got some 325/50s on it today. On 8" ralleys. Don't you like the rust?

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0638.jpg

the whole shop is full of Buicks in progress. Which is why mine is last in line. Red car will be back on road soon, GN has block work being done.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0561.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

Convertible top now works, but a cylinder is leaking, so have another one coming. Just excited to see the top go up and down on it's own. Next will be working on the interior cleaning up and putting back in place. Then wiring system, body panels, engine/trans. Will it ever be done? Watch and see.

Got some 325/50s on it today. On 8" ralleys. Don't you like the rust?

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0638.jpg




Awesome! More side on pix please :laugh: :TU:

[carmantx]

Side? Not much of a side, but how's this. I'll get some others soon. Nothing much noticeable in the progress. Brake system almost complete, that's a pain.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0639.jpg

And the underside.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0558.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0639.jpg



Thats what I wanted to see :beers2:
I'll be tire shopping soon and I want something like this :TU:

[Oldskewl59]

Nice car! I actually like the original color w/black top and interior on the convertible.

[carmantx]

thanks Gary. It will be this color for a while...yellow with rust accents. Some primer and maybe some green mixed in.

Curtis, looks like I have plenty of room. I will take some more pictures when I take it off the stands. Got a great deal on these and I like the big tire look, and hopefully, the car will sit low enough for them to tuck under.

[72buicklt1]

Mark, what is the backspace on those rear wheels? I am still trying to decide how big i can go with mine..
:kodak:
Dan C.

[carmantx]

Dan, these are 8" wheels with 4.5" back space.

We also have 10" wheels with 5.5" back space with 295/60's on the red 72. We ran the 8" wheels with M/T Sportman pro's 12.5 x 30 and wore out 2 sets. The 72 cars have a lot more room under the rear than the 70 or 71 in our experience.

[carmantx]

Just posting a tiny bit more work.
Can't get the brake fluid to flow past the proportion valve. Need to see if I have blocked lines or what.

rust painted the trunk floor. I am going to fiberglass patch, then sand and trunk floor paint the inside. Remember, just a driver. I'll fix it right when I have the quarters.
got the carpet laid out to stretch, and cleaning up the dash and steering area.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0589.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0591.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0593.jpg

[72buicklt1]

The 295/60's no rubbing on the 72? Did you have to roll the lip and were you running the wheel well trim?

Dan C.

[carmantx]

The 295/60's are the smallest tire under the 72 gsx we have had. The lips were rolled and the inners were hammered. We are running the wheel well trim.

[carmantx]

Fiberglass patched the trunk floor, and painted gray. Layed down the carpet and put in back seat and rear panels. At least I can now see a little progress. Still have to work out my brake fluid flow problem. Finishing up under the dash, then will put in the front seat. Starting the wiring work, and will put battery in the trunk with remote solenoid.

Block is ready, rotating parts being balanced this week.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0674.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0664.jpg

[carmantx]

Oh boy. Not a thing done. I got every excuse in the world, none of them any good. Red car has a fuel pump dead, GN block at machine shop. My convertible block is ready to assemble, but I sold my truck and have to get some help to get it here to the house.

Not whining, but putting a goal in print is very helpful for motivation. If I remember right, I said this project would have engine noise by end of August. I'm going to need to extend that a little.

[carmantx]

Back at it. I want to finish this project.

Working on the wiring now. Cutting up the engine harness and setting up a new system. Will have internal regulated alternator, rear mount battery, MSD box and remote solenoid. Multiple terminal post and relays. I really enjoy the electrical work, and this system really simplifies the entire process, and gets good power to all the components. Easy starts, and the main battery cable is dead except for cranking. I have done this on several of our cars, and it has worked great, and handle all modern electrical components with ease.

I might create a how to thread later to feature this in case anybody is interested in how to set this up.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0711.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0708.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0710.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0713.jpg

[ralph sr.]

I like it!:TU:

[carmantx]

Been working on the dash. Put an aftermarket tach in the stock gauge cluster. Looks pretty good. Now painting and cleaning up all the pieces before putting them back. I want to finish the whole dash and under side before I put the front seat in.

Ready to assemble the 462, but I lost the gaskets that I had, and had to order some more.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0733.jpg

[carmantx]

462 assembly in progress.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0753.jpg

[carmantx]

putting dash cluster back in. Engine ready to drop in, but haven't been able to yet.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0828.jpg

[carmantx]

Dash cluster going back in. Engine ready to set in, but not done yet.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0828.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0829.jpg

[carmantx]

Dash cluster going back in. Engine ready to set in, but not done yet.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0828.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0829.jpg

[carmantx]

Project update. Fenders, doors, trunk lid are at my friends body shop and stripped. He wants the rest there by Jan 1. So I have a bunch to finish up. Engine/Trans are sitting in. Still not started. Wiring, fuel line, trans line are getting finished up.



462 is in. Putting all the little things back on. Lots of little things when you pull one completely apart.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0839.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0846.jpg

And of course, out of the 100 belts I have pulled from skylarks, none of them fit. uuuggghhh.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0845.jpg

[462 Chevelle]

if you go to oriellys for your p.s belt get one a little shorter than the computer says. looks good. you will be cruising next summer.

[carmantx]

more work
Core support is repaired, blasted and painted. So are the inner fenders. Intake is on, Qjet on. I have most of the stuff to wrap it up now, so hopefully won't be long now.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0729.jpg

[carmantx]

more done. getting there. Should be breaking it in soon, maybe 2 weeks. Got the correct length belts now and they all line up. Working on the wiring to keep it all together nice. Ordered a throttle cable. Radiator is a 33" wide and 19" tall. I won't use the stock radiator cover. Mark VIII fan ordered. Internal regulator alt in place and wiring harness made for that. I have the dash in place. Still need to wire up a delay for the SP400 tranny.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0746.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0745.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0743.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0744.jpg

[sean Buick 76]

Good work! Happy Holidays!!!:beers2:

[carmantx]

A little more. Hoping to get a bunch done today.
New Lokar throttle cable is in. Looks like it will work out very well. Tyler has this one on the red car.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0879.jpg

[2791 lark custo]

Ya the 455 wasn't big enough:laugh:

Nice work Mark

462 assembly in progress.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0753.jpg

[carmantx]

Your correct Chuck. This car, as you can tell from the thread, has changed directions many times. I wanted a daily driver originally, cheap and ugly, but solid drivetrain. 462 seemed like a good round number. That is Tyler putting it together for me, he has all the good tools, and tons of knowledge from studies and hands on.

We worked on it yesterday. Plan is to fire it up Monday for break in.

Starting to come together with all the little things. Trying to route the wiring to keep it clean in engine bay.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0776.jpg

This is my modified wiring harness and junction block. Wired MSD box directly in the harness in ignition wire slot. All unnecessary wires removed. Junction block has power from alternator, and then carries power to the trunk junction box and to battery in trunk. Also have relay there for fan.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0777.jpg

Worked on moving location of the A/C condensor, so the big aluminum radiator would fit with the electric fan set up.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0778.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0779.jpg

Had to do some mods to the core support to make room for the A/C lines. This is my friend Kim, with the tubbed S10 Blazer.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG0880.jpg

Stater wired to work with remote solenoid. I really like this because there is only the 00 battery cable going to starter. And it only has power to it when cranking. No heat problems, no wires to burn, very simple and clean.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0780.jpg

Test fitting it all. And it fits!!!

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0781.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0783.jpg

[carmantx]

By the way, the straps holding the radiator and fan in place are temporary. Kim is a fabricator, and will be building me and Tyler (for the red car) a custom fit cover.

And yes, my wife said the convertible had to have A/C. So it does.

[2791 lark custo]

Air conditioning "seems" like a waste of power and money on a convertible, but back in the 80s I had a 69 firebird convertible and there is no way when I went looking for a new muscle car that I was going to get one without it. I live in MN and in the summer all the way up here if you so much as stop at a light the heat is unbearable.

You maried a smart woman Mark. Air conditioning rocks, even on convertibles:TU:

[carmantx]

And, I think I'll have enough power to cover it. hehe

[carmantx]

It's alive. Break in today. Fired up, great oil pressure, temps good. Burned up the power steering pump, oops, otherwise, just sat and watched for problems, and there were none. Yay.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/th_VIDEO0024.jpg (http://s1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/?action=view&current=VIDEO0024.mp4)

[carmantx]

I put relays in the trunk for the top, so the power doesn't have to go through the dash switch. Dash switch works as normal. I will wire up the switch pitch trans and drive it around this weekend.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0808.jpg

[462 Chevelle]

sweet i need to wire my chevelle up like that. i still dont have a relay on my fuel pump and fan. :spank: that setup looks nice and simple.

[carmantx]

Thanks Lonnie. It is simple to do, and not expensive. I got the relays online for a few bucks each.

[462 Chevelle]

ya im just lazy. i just wired tommys vega (the redhead from the races) just like that only i put the relays and circuit breaker by the master cylinder. and no solenoid. still need to wire the fuel pump up with a relay on his to. to bad they are not doing the buick vs ford race anymore.

[carmantx]

What, they aren't going to do that race anymore?????

[462 Chevelle]

thats what the okie racing guys told me on facebook. but. i will be trying to go to thunder valley opening day feb 12 and i will ask the owners of the track. if there is anyway to keep it going would you be willing to help? the problem theyre having is helping with the organization. i could probably find a few people. but its hard because everyone wants to watch the races. you guys should try to make the elk city drags this year. would be sick to have a couple buicks sweep the crowd of chebby race cars. most cars around cant beat me if my motor is still together in june. i took it out today and my buddy has dyno app on his phone. made about 15 passes in a row best g's i pulled was .95 spinning on take off. said i ran a 13.0 at 121 lol mph has to be off. said 140 hp lol. either something is off on that or its because i was spinning crazy. need to quit beating on this motor so much so it will be together to race this year.

[carmantx]

Seat, and seat belts in. Steering wheel on. Finished wiring for the switch pitch. Still a ton to do, but nice to see it coming together. 462 is sounding strong.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0826.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0827.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMG_0825.jpg

[carmantx]

Made it out of the barn this weekend, and drove around some. Sure was nice. Ran good, no issues so far with the drive train. Finishing up little details and will go to the paint shop this week.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/P1000161.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/th_00017.jpg (http://s1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/?action=view&current=00017.mp4)

[rffranks]

You are an inspiration. Thanks for all of the posts. I recently found a '70 Custom convertible and have gone through some of the same, although not to the extent and usually paying someone else :).

Question - are you going to keep the bamboo cream color? Mine has a nice repaint and I love the color, but I know it's not popular with many.

Best of luck.

[carmantx]

Thanks rffranks. It is going to be gsx yellow with stripes and spoiler, any gs hood.

[carmantx]

Loaded it up today and will go in paint shop tomorrow. Finished the 3" exhaust today and drove it around for a while. Fun to drive.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0932.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/IMAG0929.jpg

[carmantx]

Well, went by the paint shop today.

Ya'll ready to see it??????

Me too. still under the covers I put over it when I unloaded it. I don't rush my friend. He provides way more than I pay for.

[462 Chevelle]

your killing me, the suspense scrolling down! i thought it was out of the paint shop

[carmantx]

I wish.
Fenders, doors, trunk and all have been done for a while. He got really busy with a ton of work, so the convertible is covered in the corner.

[Natainos]

I commend you for all the fine work you have done, and really anticipate seeing the finished product. :kodak:

[carmantx]

Progress update.
I am going to cut a quarter section off of one of my parts cars. The passenger side was worked on before, and not pretty.

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG1025-1.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG1026-1.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG1028.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG1027.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/carmantx/Convertible/IMAG1025.jpg