I have the same fuel issue with the Buchev. If I don't start it every four days or so, we have a battle. The AC return line cured the vapor lock issue, but has done nothing for the fuel draining. Long-range plans are for a Facet electric pump with a check valve.
I'm pretty sure that the '63 Wildcat had a very complex (and expensive) dual exhaust system from the factory. In those days factory exhaust was good for about 3-4 years. When the customer found out what it cost to replace, they almost always asked if there was a less-expensive alternative to the factory system. I have installed a lot of glasspacks and eliminated the crossflow muffler on many of those. I would be more surprised to find an intact factory-style exhaust system on one then to find a modified system.
I'm sorry, but if your Dad thinks that those spiral springs are going to hold a wheel nut in place against the side load of a turning car, he needs to give it a bit more thought. As the wheel nut loosens, so does the wheel. The nut, the brake drum assembly and the spring are all going to move in the same direction. The nut would never touch the spring. They are there to suppress static electricity. As better radios came along, the engineers found that they didn't need the springs.
Guess what's back? The cat is back for a steering column rebuild. The column got really stiff. Looks like the lower bearing in the column went bad. A little WD40, a little acetylene, a few blows with the ball peen hammer, and some patience, the column came without any mishaps. Now I have to figure out how this thing comes apart. Anyone have the exploded diagram from the 63 service manual? It's a non tilt thankfully
Would the column be similar to the Special steering column? https://www.teambuick.com/reference/library/63_chassis_s/files/8-c.php
I figured it out! Column is apart and the lower bearing is completely wasted. Nothing left of it and was almost frozen
So here's a laugh.....the GM number for the lower bearing is 7802845. Pretty common part for most pre 69 columns. I ordered it from Zip Corvette. Same as a mid year Vette! I also ordered a pair of lower door glass retainers. They finally disintegrated. So thats on the list too...
This weekend was door disassembly. Took the glass out of both doors. Had to remove both vent window assemblies. The window glass retainers were in bad shape The new retainers came in today, so I had to measure everything to determine the right glass setting tape. The glass is .232 thick. The new retainers are .318 thick. So that's .086 difference. Divide by 2 and it's .043 So the original tape measures .063 or whats left of it. So I ordered .043 and .063 thick from OER. That'll be here on Friday The steering column bearing is here too so at least I can get the column together this week.
Steering column rebuilt. I replaced the rubber seal too. It was destroyed. Same as a 69-72. Back together and it looks like it was never apart
Passenger glass back in. Cleaned the tons of debris and organic material out of the door shells I got 2 rolls of setting tape. The 1/16" was too thick. The thinner roll worked perfectly. Definitely a learning experience. Cleaned all the tracks and re greased everything. They glide now. Did my best to adjust the stops too. Thry fit way better now. That pile of black crap was just the stuff I scooped out with my hand. The rest I vacuumed The quarter window needs to be adjusted now because I think the reveal is too big, put that's a job for another day The vent window regulator fell apart. The metal plate holding the worm gear on, fell off. It was just swaged on. I drilled the bosses for screws and filed the aluminum flush. Good as new. I cleaned them up in mineral spirits and greased them up. Good for another 60 years.
