1972 GS Convertible 455 lead

Ok time to come clean. I never install the engine and trans together. While the front clip was off, I felt it made sense to install them together and save time. The new motor mounts were giving me trouble so I got a ratchet strap and tilted the front end of the motor up off the water pump. When I pushed the hoist back, the strap slipped and sent the back of the valve cover right into the AC box. It’s dead and a shame because it was one of the nicest original boxes I’ve seen. I texted Frank that night and let him know I killed the box he hooked me up with. My next text was to Dano who got a replacement to my door two (!!) days later. (Thanks again!) I was gone this weekend but finally stripped it down and cleared it. The firewall should be wrapped up tomorrow and then it’s on to a valve cover respray. Thinking about throwing a set of original stage 1 chrome covers we have on the shelf..

Other things checked off: new trans mount installed, driveshaft in, starter in, both new battery cables and block installed. Wiring harness cleaned, repaired, and installed. Shift linkage installed. Front sway bar installed. New coil in. I went to clean up the original alternator but someone has “restored” it before. It needs to be completely rebuilt. Parts store generic alternator installed with the original pulley and fan. Power steering pump mocked up. I have to rob some parts this weekend to keep the progress moving there. Should be a good week ahead!

 

Looking good Louie, keep moving forward you’ll get it done

 

Glad Dano was able to replace the box

 

Yw & sorry you needed it. Did you have the crossmember in when installing the eng./trans assembly?

With 2 weeks to go, looks like you've got this!

 

Don’t jynx us!

Yes- Crossmember was in

 

Sorry, lol.

Crossmember vs. motor mounts is an issue. I just pulled a Buick 350/TH 350 from a Skylark and had to take the motor mounts off midway - they weren't going to clear the frame pads before the top of the trans hit the tunnel. I think it's one or the other. Maybe sagged body mounts is just enough to keep from clearing. It was so close.

 

Sorry about the A/C box, crap occurs, keep on keeping on.

 

Bar full of parts is getting smaller..

 

Great bar room !

 

Totally awesome.

 

Bar??? Philly??? Please. LOL.

 

Scranton** there’s more bars here than Philly

 

Running against the clock causes you to overlook some things. The AC compressor and smog pump are crusty but good enough for now. Parts store fan clutch, soon to get red bushing stabilizer links, etc. It’s not a show car. It felt good to get the core support back on. More progress to come.

 

Not perfect, never will be, but it’s beginning to look like a car again. Fenders still need to be color sanded and buffed. 50/50 on if we will get the hood done in time. This is the blue one that came with the car. It had loads of bondo on it and was painted at least 2 times. Looks like it was originally bamboo cream. The only real damage is in the front left corner. It’s close to running.. this week… maybe.

 

So we are going to make it to BG, but it’s been a thrash over the last week. A lot of corners are being cut that I will go back and fix later. I ask you not to judge the paint work, we didn’t have time to fix some of the mistakes

The car runs and stops. Having some issues getting the rear brakes to build pressure, but hoping to have that sorted tonight. It should be down off stands today and then on the trailer tomorrow afternoon. I hope to get to wash it and clean out the interior before we leave.

Thanks to @Stage 2 iron and @chiefsb30 for helping me troubleshoot a few things over the phone this weekend. We aren’t completely out of the woods yet but are getting there.

 

Thanks Brett. I appreciate it. I think most are correct for the car except the AC pulley. I know the big pulleys aren’t given away for shipping

 

Lookin' Good Louie! I knew you'd make it! See you Friday.

 

Done enough. See you all Thursday