Then I used a small chunk of 16 gauge sheet metal in each of the bolt holes and "puddled" the weld to fill the holes. I followed that up with my little Dewalt grinder, and some 80 grit DA paper and it turned out pretty nice. I am planning on painting the bumpers to match the car, so a little filler will smooth out the ground areas, followed by a couple coats of primer and several wet block sanding sessions.
Your work is inspiring to us all. I am new to this site and as a Buick owner. I have a 69 Skylark convert with a 71 455. It needs all the love you have put into yours. Until then I'll have to do it little by little. Where can you buy the Performance Suspension Components from. Thanks and keep up the good work. Jim
Thanks Jim, I bought suspension stuff in a mix-n-match method. I guess the first question to be asked is... What do you want from your car? There are many levels of suspension build-up, from just poly bushings all the way to tubular A-frames and quick-ratio steering boxes. I used Performance Suspension Technologies for the rubber parts (polygraphite impregnated), Autozone for the normal wear stuff (tie rod ends/ball joints), Classic Performance Products for brakes, and an 86 Monte SS steering box. email me if you want or need to talk about suspension stuff to decide what is best for your application, I'm happy to help skymangs68@aol.com
No real updates.... Still getting screwed by the bodyman. My dually set me back $1300 for an injection pump driver solenoid, so $$$ been a little tight this month. And I'll be in the field for the next two weeks. I am getting frustrated with the body guy though.
Skyman, Great job so far, I envy you. Pretty soon It'll be time to wire, I should have prints for your donor camaro. Any questions please feel free to E-mail me, it'd be a pleasure to be of help with a slick project like this. Tom
Thanks Tom, but I think I've decided to go the "painless" route. I'd rather have an unused harness to start with anyhow. I should be wiring this summer.
Sorry, it's just collecting dust in the garage right now. I am hoping to get some time for her here in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the interest though.
finally getting something done!!! Here is a few photos of the finished bumpers. I welded the brackets to the back side of the bumpers and spent several days straightening and filling to get them this smooth. (oh, and 4 coats of primer!)
Trunk floors are a B###H I decided not to use goodmark floors for a couple of reasons. #1... I didn't want the factory contours (ie. Jack and spare bumps) under the carpet, and #2... They cost like $375. So I decided to do it the old (ugly) way as they won't show under all that dyno-mat and carpet anyway. Here is a shot.
tunes Here is a little project I have been working on between other ones. This is my custom designed speaker enclosure. It will hold 2 ten inch MTX's. The center hole is for my recessesed Kenwood 1000 watt amp, which is now installed (but slightly crooked, so I won't take a pic until I straighten it out. When this is all done, it will be carpeted to match the finished trunk area. I will also make filler panels to cover the inside of the quarters and hide the battery/jack and handle. The underside of the trunk lid will be finished in the same felt as the headliner with a nice tri-shield centermass. I think it'll look pretty nice.
Doooohhhhhh!!! If anyone's interested, this is what happens to an 87 Gran National when you jack the boost up to 28 lbs. on a stock bottom end. I don't advise it, but if you choose to, don't come to me for repairs! I hate tearing those things apart! LoL
Well, thats all for now. I finally have a new painter, he should be taking it next week. I am really excited about finally getting some color on this thing. Then I can get on to the real stuff!!!
Skyman, Really looking good. I passed your information along to a friend about the camaro column, and he will be installing one in his LeMans in the next few days. He asked me to thank you. Keep them updates comming!
Wow, I can't wait to see pictures of it after painting, but how did you figure the airspace behind the drivers? Manufacturer recommended? Tom
Wow, can't beleive this is the first time i have seen this thread. Maybe we should start a modified forum?? :laugh: Seriously, some great ideas in there...I think each of us has thought of one or two but you sir have taken the bull by the horns and done them all. Awesome stuff, wish more people modded thier cars. I'm a resto guy but love the mods :beer One question though..the glass is flush mount, but how are you attaching them? Reason I ask is that the chrome trim covers the factory adhesive so now that they are flush mount the adhesive will be visible throguh the glass, no?? Might have to paint the inside of the glass like the new cars have around the edges?? Regardless, awesome job...can't wait to see some shine on it... later Tim
