Apologize if I missed this previously in this long thread but, wonder why you chose to use 1970 seat upholstery in your '72 GS? Also, I can't believe that TA didn't correct their mistake on the pistons! Was there a reason why total liability wasn't theirs to make good on? Did you ask to speak with Mike T. about it? That's amazing.
The interior, in its entirety, came from the 1970 car that I purchased as a donor. That car was listed on the board some time ago. It was in a front end collision. Someone purchased it for the 455 and sold the balance as a complete sale. Once this restoration is done I will sell the doors, decklid, left fender, body shell and rolling chassis. Regarding TA, no, I didn't ask to speak with Mike. The lady that took my call, who I have spoken to a number of times over the past few months, said there was nothing they can/would do. She was nice enough, as she and the others always are when I speak with them. Still disappointed in their decision to not help out at all with the mistake. And yes, it seems I will be put the calipers on all of the pistons I install from today forward. First time for everything. This is the donor car I purchased -
Well, 2wks and $800+ later, the engine is back together and running properly. Amazing how much better 350 pistons run vs 340 pistons. Broke the cam in today. All is good. With my sons help, went forward with fender install. Starting to look like a car again.
Took advantage of having an extra set of hands at the house. My son and son in law gave me a hand getting the hood installed.
Took it outside and for a quick spin down the road today. First time seeing it in the sunlight. Still need to get the rocker moldings installed.
Rocker moldings installed. Now just a few minor details to wrap up. Picking up a plate tomorrow. Time for a cruise.
Today was trans & rear diff fluid change day. Gave the bottom side a quick once over, all is well. Down now to just a couple small items and its done. Beautiful day here today in SE MI, so I took my bride for a short ride. And tonight my son, daughters & son in law took it to town for some ice cream. That's what's it all about & what its all for.
I found an interesting issue. I haven't been happy with the power of the engine. Not even close to my last GS350. Decided to check carb secondary butterfly opening with the accelerator on the floor. About 1/4 open. Hmmm. That would explain a lot. I installed a new TA accel cable. Was supposed to fit a 350. Luckily I saved the original. Casings are the same, but cable from end to end is at least 1 inch too long. Reinstalled the original and now I have full butterfly opening. And what a difference in power. Geezzz
The '68-71 350 4BBL cable vs. '72 carry a different part #. Idk the diff. but maybe it's length & the repro is made to the earlier spec. & sold as correct for a '72.
It would be possible to make the TA cable work. The housing is the correct length, just the cable is too long. Can't easily change the carb end, but the pedal end just has an crimped anchor. It would require moving (or replacing) the crimped end on the pedal end. I considered it, but decided to just put the original cable back on. Reinforces what I always tell my son. Don't throw anything away on teardown, even if you plan to replace it with new. You never know...
Discovered two more items for the 'to do' list. After a drive to dinner last night the radiator has sprung a small leak. Bummer since it is the original. I haven't pulled it out to see where the leak is coming from. Depending on location, might see if it can be repaired and sold. For the car I have decided on this one - A little pricey compared to others on RockAuto, etc. But figured I am already this deep into this restoration, might as well put in a quality piece. Will be interesting to see how it fits and cools. They claim these are custom made for the GS. And the other odd thing that popped up out of nowhere is the 'key in the ignition' buzzer going off when you hit a bump in the road. Sometimes its just a quick buzz, other times it keeps going for a few seconds. When it keeps going you can make it stop (or start again) by tapping the dash where the buzzer/relay is located (above the glovebox). I took the time to disassemble the column to inspect the buzzer switch. All is fine and working normally. Reassembled the column and have now ordered a new relay. Hopefully this will solve the problem. Kinda annoying...
I can’t tell you how many wrong throttle cable brackets I’ve replaced in the last couple years. Can you take a pic of the bracket please?
