For all those who helped me over the last year or so with misc. parts and advice, I wanted to post a couple of snap shots of the progress. The chassis is almost done. I have some work to finish on the front end like shocks and tie rods, but that is minor compared to the stuff that has been accomplished. The rear is completely redone, thanks in large part to my Dad who setup the rear for me, and rebuilt the tranny, which will be going in in the next two weeks. The body is almost ready to drop back on; the body shop said by the end of next week the inside should be painted and ready for the chassis. The photos are not the best; and the frame needs some cleaning and minor touch up throughout. But, it is nice to get it in the sun. Len :3gears:
very nice len, that looks so familiar. how many hours do you think it took you to build a rolling, painted frame ? a year or so ? i assume you worked on it part time, only occassionally ? do you work on cars for a living, or as a hobbyist ? i know it can take a long time to get to that point. i was there myself not so long ago. if i may ask, what did it cost to get to that point, about $ 7,000.00 - $ 8,000.00 ? again, very nice, looks like a professional job. keep us posted, it is nice to see progress reports. thanks for posting. henry :3gears:
Len, I think the posi tag should be at the 5 o'clock position with the end (viewed as a separate clock) pointing at the 2 o'clock position.
Thanks all for the compliments. George: I remembered the 5:00 thing when I was putting it on, I knew it looked all wrong, but I kept remembering 5:00 for some reason. I knew it should have went up there. I wil change it before I take any more shots. Henry: I do not work on cars for a living. I swore after I bought my first new car that I would not work on anymore cars (that was about 20 years ago); but, this car is special, and I don't mind working on it at all. I believe I took the body off the frame in September. I found a local outfit that sandblasted and powdercoated the frame for around $ 700; that included the rear, the upper rear arms (I didn't get the bushings out in time on the lowers), the sway bars (I know, the front is supposed to be natural), the small brackets that attach to the rear for the bumpers, the "A" frames and the tranny x-member. The new stainless steel fuel and brake lines cost around $ 800 (that included the stainless steel parking brake kit). The rear end cost me around $ 500 (new ring and pinion gears, bearings, seals, and such. The rear brakes cost around $ 200. Bearings, bushings, bolts, nuts, washers, some front end parts, springs, shocks, shims, front brake backing plates and caliper brackets were refinished (great deal on that, $ 35.00 for all four peices). Beer, food, hush money to keep my wife happy....I say I probably have $ 5000 in the chassis. I probably spend (when I get the chance, and money) an average of 8 hours a week. The body is just about ready to be set back on. I have to get new body mounts before next week. I haven't decided which ones to get. I have a !@#$% load of money in body. Blasted, epoxy coated the body last year, around $800. New pans for repairing the "Flinstone" holes in the floor, new trunk pan, new quarters (used only the lower half), $ 2000, Labor to repair the quarters, and misc. stuff $ 3500 or so. I did most of the pan repairs (I am not doing any body work that you can see). I am having the bottom of the car prepped and painted, the trunk painted (I will be doing the splatter paint myself later), the interior will be painted, including the dash, $ 1500. Almost forgot, the core support repair, the new inner fender, new (not show quality) N-25 bumper, a concourse quality grille, various emblems, manuals, parts from everyone on the board. Parts I didn't need, parts that were wrong. Thats about $4000 more. I try not to think of how much I have spent so far. I have been working my @SS off to pay for it. Just typing the cost makes me dizzy. I'll take some photos when I get the body back on. Talk to all you guys later. Len
Looks like a fine "home brewed" restoration...and I admire your "can do" attitude...it's inspiring. Keep on strokin her...You'll be top down cruzin before ya know it. :TU:
Tim; I am going to breakdown the motor soon; the tranny and driveshaft are done. I will probably wait for the new tires and wheels (although it looks nice with them on in your photos) until after the body is painted. Marco; I have no less then five things scheduled for that weekend; I will not be able to make it. I will be looking forward to the next Turner Bash since that is in my backyard. Len PS. without me going through the numerous threads on body mounts; what should I get to set the body back on? Should I use the originals until I get it back home and then replace them, or should I get the new ones now and tighten it down? I have the four (4) original biscuits without the bolts that are in great shape, I will probably reuse them (unless the new ones that come with it are close).
I would get the mounts that you are going to use on there. No point getting crusty old crap all over your new chassis/paint. Set the body down once, be done with it. I don't know if you care or what level you are taking your car too exactly, but I put another bolt in mount at the #4 position (so there are only two rubber bicuits in my car). Can't hurt. Yeah couldn't resist the wheels and tires....have visa will purchase! :laugh: Is the drivetrain going back in before the body?? Makes it easier for sure...also one thing I wish I had done was installed the exhaust first, too. Should be ok though, new TA 2.5 on the way... later Tim
Len- Tim was asking about body mount suppliers in this thread. I responded with some info on ones I bought from Ground Up Restorations (www.396ss.com). BTW, my (4) solid mounts were in perfect condition too and I'll probably reuse them even though the kit comes with suitable replacements.
Ken; Thanks, I bought some stuff from them also, they are a good supplier. I'll check out the catalog later on. Len
Underside was Painted Here is a photo taken today of the underside; they are painting the upper half tomorrow or Thursday. Should have it home by the weekend. :3gears:
That is a very interesting frame the body is on. Would like to see a picture of it when they are done if you can. Looks good Len. You might be back on the road sooner than you expected.
Funny how stuff works out isnt it? I wonder what would have happened if I didnt make that call to you? Well, your wife wouild be alot happier right now :grin: . And your kids would have straight teeth! :laugh: The car really deserved you after what it went through. I still remember the conversation I had with your mother in 1984 when I saw it in the classifieds. Who would have thought it would have come full circle. Its such a wild story about how it got back in your possession. Your wife probably has a dart board with my face on it. Thanks for posting the pics. I was curious how far you had gotten. Hmmm....I remember you telling me something about a "long term" resto. Looks like that changed pretty quickly! You done good Len Tell your wife Im sorry! :laugh: Jason
Jason; This is long term for me. If I had the cash, I'd be driving by Christmas. Things are coming together; I have to start asking interior installation questions now. I just brought the body back yesterday. I already F!@#$'d it up coming off the trailer; small dent in the quarter (not that big of a deal at this stage). It did make me pretty mad. The front supension is complete (I painted the center link the correct color). I'll post of photo of the dash area. No more rust on this baby. I'll keep you posted. Len :3gears:
