Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I have been collecting a bunch of parts since the car IS STILL getting the frame rail repairs done. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img]

I have the Gardner exhaust system, new fuel tank, front coil and rear leaf springs, shocks, etc., waiting to go in. I cleaned the original fuel and brake lines.

I did recently speak with a guy out in British Columbia who remembers the car when it came to the area in the mid-1980's. He has photos of the car from that time and is trying to get them scanned and sent to me. He was friends with the mechanic who was doing all the work on the car at the time. He witnessed a lot of the original parts getting tossed in favor of brand new &quot;correct&quot; stuff from the Classic Industries catalog UGH! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

The original rear leafs and front coil springs, the front disc rotors, the bleeder master cylinder, A/C lines, radiator, clutch fan, 1101015 80 amp alternator, unitized distributor, etc... All the things I am hunting down and getting ready to reinstall once I get it back. (except for the 1101015 alternator and 1112133 unitized distributor which I haven't found yet).

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

After a whole lotta research I was able to locate some Canadian documentation and pricing. Canadian window stickers are the rarest pieces of paper in the universe. They were completely different than the US counterpart. The form is different, the prices were higher and most dealers removed them from the cars beofre the sales since there was no Monroney Law in Canada like there was in the US.

Here is an example of a 1972 Corvette window sticker that was photographed along with a bunch of Corvettes at a Canadian dealer lot in 1972:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...72-5Custom.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...72-6Custom.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...72-1Custom.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...72-2Custom.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

And here is my final reproduction version. In Canadian dollars, too.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...ker1edited.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...ker2edited.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

PHS tried valiantly to create a window sticker but after the third attempt I had them just send me what they had. The problem was that cars destined for Canada had a different pricing structure and verbiage format. And PHS's template must be from a different date than this car's build time frame. Templates changed as the calendar year progressed.

In 1972, to boost sales, the Firebird base price dropped in the US, but in Canada it remained at its prior level (several hundred dollars higher), so I had to edit and redo the sticker to fit that.

Also, there didn't seem any way that their template format would create the two page sticker that the car should have. As you can see, the standard equipment paragraph is missing. So here is my best attempt at a corrected US version of the sticker for the car, in US dollars.

As far as I can determine, when the cars went down the Norwood, Ohio assembly line, the US version of the sticker would be attached to the car. When it arrived across the border, GM of Canada would remove that sticker and replace it with their version, in their format, in Canadian dollars.


http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...riceedited.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Finally got the car back today after the rear frame rail repairs which took a lot longer than expected. (surprise!). So at least the structural fix is done. I'll save the trunk drop offs and rear outer wheel house repairs for the winter when I pull the motor to regasket it.

Here are some shots of the frame repairs taken by the bodyman:

The underside of the trunk floor once the driver's side frame section was removed. Looks very clean.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63072.jpg

And the replacement driver's side rail section being trial fitted:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63083.jpg

He used leftover sections of the new rail to form inner braces to weld through the rails, to. This way the rails arent just butt welded end to end. He did this for all the frame sections.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63094.jpg

The pass front rail with the welds all ground down:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63103.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63101.jpg

And after some body filler was applied:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63114.jpg

Masking off for painting (actually the red oxide primer).

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...s72js63160.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Here are the finished frame repairs in red primer. Now it's back to the garage to install all my parts. After these baseline photos were taken I got out the black spray can and duplicated the original black overspray on the frame rails. I did it just as sloppy as the Norwood assembly plant guys did. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11598.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11600.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11603.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11606.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11601.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11602.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11599.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Steve,

It's looking great-they did nice work.

Dave

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

And in case you'r wondering what the old rail pieces looked like, here you go. Both sides were swollen and corroded where the two panels were welded together by the exhaust hangers. A real moisture trap, just like the lower sections of the rails by the front leaf spring perches.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11626.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11625.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11624.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11627.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11616.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11628.jpg

I'm glad I got the full rails. Here's what's left, and some of the rusty, mangled front lower rail remnants:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11615.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

You are a fine complement to the restoration hobby Steve!

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Thank you, Sir. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Got the Gardner exhaust in today, changed the oil and took her out for a 60 mile road test. She ran great and rides beautifully. Of course the rear main seal started dripping from all those years of sitting. Typical... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I would love to know what is inside the engine when it comes to pistons and head work since preignition was rearing its ugly head at part throttle even with good gas. I guess this winter I will find out when I pull the engine to reseal everything.

Here are a couple shots of the exhaust and the repainted frame rails. The new KYB shocks came in a nice GM shade of vintage GM silver grey.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t.../SDC11640a.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t.../SDC11635a.jpg

Oh, and the rear springs that I had de-arched one inch sit very nicely now on the 235/60x15s (the radial equivilent of the F60x15). They now match the ride height of the original springs in my T/A. The next project is installing the special front coil springs I had made with a one-inch drop from the stock spec. Right now the front is higher than the rear by about 3/4&quot;.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11646.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11644.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Ran into a dilemma yesterday. I was installing the new repro bleeder master cylinder and couldn't get the combination valve to reset in order to get fluid to the back brake circuit. Driving the car onto the trailer with the rear brake line unhooked (though plugged) set off the BRAKE indicator light.

I tried everything: cracking a front bleeder and keeping the rears shut, then stepping on the brakes only resulted in the dash light turning out, indicating that the valve reset, but it must be internally blocked since the reset pin was still sticking out and no fluid was moving the the rear. I then put a plug into the rear circuit port of the valve to provide something for the fluid to press against and build internal pressure - once again the ligh would reset but no valve movement. Finally I just said the heck with it and removed the valve and put in a spare that I luckily had sitting on the shelf.

Anyone have any idea how to reset the valve? I tried removing the indicator plug with the electrical lead from the top, and manually moving the slider valve in the tiny port it engages with, but no luck there either - the slider wouldn't move. Pushing on the metal indicator stem doesn't budge it either.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11648.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11651.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11652.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I finally repaired that original set of silver grills from the Formula (the ones with the hood latch hole fiberglassed over as a theft deterrent).

Actually it wasn't that bad. I went to drill a starter hole in the fiberglass patch from the inside, out. I applied some pressure with the drill...and the plug just popped off! I guess he made a square plug out of fiberglass and then used some type of epoxy that didn't bond very well with the plastic. So, all I had to do was some light sanding and then reshot both grills with a light dusting of argent.

Even though I do like the blacked out Trans Am grills better, I figured I'd make the purists happy by putting the original silver Formula grills from this car, back in.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11660.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I love Firebird Formulas!! Looks great Steve....

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love Firebird Formulas!! Looks great Steve.... </div></div>

X2 on that. I spend much more time checking out a formula than a comparable t/a. Something about that dual snorkel hood.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

The dual snorkle scoop was originally intended to be the second gen T/A's hood but the gimic guys at Pontiac overruled the stylists and demanded a flapper-equipped, shaker contraption to rival the Mustang's shaker.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

So now that you've had the Formula for a little while and it's really coming together, how do you compare it to the Trans Am? You put so much blood, sweat and effort into making that T/A one of the nicest I have seen in a while. I was very shocked to see you sell it and, when you did sell it, I thought it was to purchase an SD F-Body.

Do you think you'll be hanging onto this car for a while?

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Hopefully it is a keeper! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

I just couldn't pass up a car this unique, with all the documentation, in a color that technically wasn't available, with its entire original drivetrain intact, and with more options than anyone has ever seen on a Firebird: 34 total. I think that is the new option record for one of these things.

I believe it has more options than the Starlight Black 72 automatic that the F-body team built for the Pontiac General Manager Jim McDonald who was thinking of killing off the Firebird in 1972. They built him a special order black (because he only drove black cars) option-loaded, Formula 455HO automatic. He drove it as his personal car and loved it. That car saved the Firebird line. (for at least for another 30 years, that is). [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

Here is the Jim McDonald car back in 2004 at the Volo Museum:


http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...ackexeccar.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...acexeccarr.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

With a little carb tuning, it will be as fast or faster than the T/A. Normally a Formula is lighter than a T/A, but this one probably weighs the same as the T/A, with all the extra luxury pieces it has.

Maybe one of these days I'll find a nice 73 SD. But I'd probably prefer an SD Formula since you could get them in colors other than white, red or green.

But I imagine there is probably somebody waiting in the wings for me to finish this one so they can get it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

If I could sell the Hemi Charger I could get this baby painted a lot sooner. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Took her out for another spin today. I have been noticing oil drips under the car lately, after recent test drives. Couldn't tell if it was gear lube leaking on the clutch or engine oil. I pulled the bellhousing inspection cover (very oily inside) and soaked the inside of the bellhousing with brake clean, while the wife pressed the clutch pedal. Oil had soaked into the clutch disc and it was chattering badly yesterday. I also drained and refilled the M22. I thought maybe it was overfilled and was pushing fluid out the front bearing retainer after I topped it off a few months ago. It was a bit overfilled.

So, after cleaning everything, I took her for another ride. The clutch worked much better. I got back home and climbed under again. Doesn't appear to be from the trans as the front bearing retainer was still relatively dry. It looks like it is engine oil. It seems to be dripping and then getting flung off the flywheel, inside the bellhousing and onto the clutch. It looks to be the rear main, (very common with the modern non asbestos rope seals), rear rubber oil pan seal, or a leaking galley plug.

So after the MCACN show this fall, I will be pullng the engine to regasket everythng.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Check this out: One of the guys on the PerformanceYears website found the original Hemming ad for my car from back in the day:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...e20cropped.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I just got back from installing the new front coil springs and some assorted other parts. The hardest part was installing the new repro upper control arm rubber bumpers. We had to trim the damn things three times to get them to pull through the slots in the control arm. Doesnt anyone make a correct part any more?

I got the new front coils from Coil Spring Specialties. http://www.coilsprings.com/ They have all the original specs for the cars. I actually had them make my set for a one inch drop in ride height. They do this by altering the wire diameter used in the spring and not by just lopping off a coil. I am glad I got the one inch drop becuase after installation, the front end only dropped about 3/8&quot;. We will see how much more the car settles after I put some miles on it.

Here is the generic Classic Industries replacement next to the new coil spring. Slight difference of about an inch and a half uninstalled height. Anyone need the old pair of springs? The car sat at 28-1/2&quot; at the front fender with the old springs on 235/60x15 tires.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11753.jpg

And during the process:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11757.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I took some underside photos while I had the car on the lift. You can see that we had the inspection cover off the bellhousing chasing that oil leak which looks more like a leaky oil galley or camshaft freeze plug since the oil seems to be coming from above the rear main seal. We put some leak detector dye in the oil a couple days ago and used the black light to find it. All it did was put a nice mist of dyed oil on the underside as part of the original Canadian self-rust proofing option.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11747.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11748.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11749.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11750.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11751.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11752.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Went to my mechanic buddy again this morning and we used his A/C vacuum pump to leak check the system. Rather tedious process as you have to pull it down to 28&quot; of vacuum for 30 minutes and then let it sit for 30 minutes and watch the gauges to see if there are any leaks.

It leaked, so I tightened every hose. Redid the process and it leaked again, only faster. Replaced the rear O-rings in the compressor flange. Redid the test and it leaked. Then retightened everything again. Redid the process and it leaked.

We both then got really frustrated and attached the R134 conversion flanges to the access ports so we could put in some R134 with leak detection dye. Before adding any R134 we redid the test and there were no leaks! It held for an hour with no movement on the gauge.

So, that meant that his 40 year old O-ring in the hose flange nut for his R12 gauge set was leaking and not my A/C system. We both had to laugh after spending around 8 hours repeating the process over and over again. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif[/img]

I didn't want to add my precious R12 at this time, because this winter I will be pulling the engine. I just wanted to know that the system was set up properly with no leaks.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I got home after driving around and took some more photos and measurements.

So here is the car.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...ontquarter.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...pringsside.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...earquarter.jpg

On 235/60x15 BFGs set at 32 PSI, with a spare tire in the trunk and a full tank of gas, she sits about 27-3/4&quot; tall at the wheel well in the front and 28-3/8&quot; tall in the rear.

So the new coils dropped the front exactly an inch from the generic coils original measurements. The 1&quot; de-arched leafs dropped the rear two inches from the 30-1/2&quot; 4x4 look with the generic leaf springs, to 28-3/8&quot; tall with the de-arched Stengal Bros springs.

For comparison, the measurements on my 114,000 mile, 72 T/A with its original 3988100 AX code, front coils, and PL481612 rear leafs sitting on F60x15 Polyglas GTs with 32 PSI, was measured at 27-1/4&quot; tall front and 28-1/4&quot; in the rear. (My Formula was ordered with the T/A suspension option which would have been these exact springs.)

So, I am happy with the way she sits now. Maybe after a thousand miles or two, she will settle another 1/4&quot; or so. I will definitely say that she does ride beautifully on the new springs and the KYB Gas-Adjust shocks.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

BTW, I know I may be just a little compulsive about the ride height on this car but if you think about this analogy:

Ford &quot;Caution Fan&quot; stickers are to First Generation Camaros, as too-tall ride height are to Second Generation Trans Ams. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif[/img]

Incorrect ride height is the ultimate pet peeve of every T/A afficionado - seeing a 4x4 looking Trans Am when it should be sitting low is an immediate tell tale of an incorrect restoration.
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Your attention to detail just nailed the stance! Nice work Steve. Cannot wait to see it at MCACN

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Sometimes, my obsessive compulsive disorder comes in handy. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Stance looks great McGyver!

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I drove the Formula to Newark today to have a friend at a local bodyshop try to remove the acid rain waterspots from the 25 year old enamel paint. He was able to reduce the waterspots a great deal. In the end he had to gently colorsand and buff to get most of them out. You can still see a lot of them but they are not nearly as prominant as they were before. I am not really that concerned since I am eventually going to strip the car and get it repainted but it looks a lot nicer now.

And what do you know, I go to get on the on ramp to I-78 East at my exit this morning and what enters the highway a couple cars ahead of me?

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...20912-0824.jpg

I pulled along side and yes, it was a 1973 Cardinal Red SD455. I wasn't close enough to read the VIN but it sounded nice. We cruised alongside each other for about 4 miles, saluted each other, and then he went south on I-287.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...20912-0821.jpg


Just when you think you have something unique on the road, someone has to immediately burst your bubble [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

That's cool Steve~!

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

To save some $$$ I signed up for the intro to bodywork course at the local poly-tech located at our high school. It's a night course and its filled with old guys who want to hang out and work on their cars in a nice shop environment. I am having quite the fun time. The teacher is a local body shop foreman and is happy to give advice, and supply extra dented fenders to practice on.

He said if you have a project, by all means bring it in. So last Tuesday evening I worked on the scale on the trunk floor. The poly-tech supplies all the materials and air tools to work with. They have a state of the art paint booth and even have a nice sandblasting cabinet.

It is well worth the $400 tuition fee for 12 weeks, every Tuesday night. The only rule is that you have to be able to get whatever you are working on, home at the end of the three hour class. So I drove the Firebird there, worked on it for three hours and headed home at the end of the night (covered in dust, of course).

So here is the trunk. As you may recall, I had previously derusted it and then painted POR15 on the now cleaned scaley spots. Here it is in mid sanding.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11872.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11873.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Here's a neat piece of historical evidence I found:

There has been all sorts of arguments over the years that only GTOs got the &quot;455HO&quot; air cleaner decal in 1972.

Since my original owner photo shows the unrestored engine compartment with the decal plainly visible on the air cleaner, that of course caused the doubters to say that the owner must have put it on there.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...lapics007a.jpg

That was until this Holy Grail/Smoking Gun document was uncovered in a recently found 1972 Assembly Manual. (1972 was the impossible year for locating assembly manuals as the UAW struck the Norwood Assembly Plant and killed the 1972 model year from April to September 1972. Very little assembly line info survived the strike).

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...lacement72.jpg

Since the assembly line instruction sheet plainly states: &quot;Engine Designation Label: 455HO Except Trans Am&quot;, that would clearly indicate that the Formula 455HOs definitely came with the decal, since that was the only other F-Body to have that engine and use the Ram Air air cleaner assembly.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

So are you going to body work and paint it black?

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

As Clint Eastwood said: &quot;A man's gotta know his limitations.&quot; [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]

I think I'll just settle for the behind the scenes stuff like the trunk and maybe the trunk floor dropoffs.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11877.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11879.jpg

I purposely left the original caulking mess around the rear drain plates to keep the factory made look.

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

And after sandblasting the original aircleaner lid, I repainted it and applied the correct decal.

This decal is made by a Pontiac guy who specializes in 455HO stuff: http://www.455-ho.com/ It is an exact replica of the original in font, color and material. It's nothing like the cheapo sticker sold by the repro venders.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11880.jpg

Maybe next week I'll sandblast the rest of the air cleaner. It's a much more involved process due to the complex snorkle assemblies.

You know what's gonna happen eventually:

Give a mouse a cookie.....

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

BTW, the rear main seal leak stopped leaking!

After running the car for 400 miles since it hit the road, and using up an entire quart of oil in the process, I went out and bought a quart of the Lucas Engine Stop Leak last week.

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...7&amp;loc=show

I put the Lucas stuff in and then spent an entire day with 0000 steel wool and lacquer thinner removing all the baked on oil residue from the new Gardner exhaust system. I had made the mistake of removing the bellhousing inspection plate and driving the car with it off for several weeks. I figured that would help me find the leak....not really. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] All that did was create a giant tornadic vortex effect that coated the entire underside of the car with oil (and anyone traveling behind me). It also directed a bunch of oil onto the right manifold pipe, creating what looked like a burnt hamburger of carbon on the pipe.

Imagine trying to clean a lasagna pan after overcooking it in the oven for a couple weeks. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif[/img]

Anyway, I reinstalled the inspection cover and have been driving it for a week and there are no more drips under the car. So either the entire bellhousing is filled with oil and hasn't breached an internal levy yet, or the leak stopped. Only time will tell.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

(Oh, and yes it does still have oil in the crankcase. I just went out and checked the dipstick)

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

Every once and again........................snake oil can save the day!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I ended up ordering a new windshield from Pilkington Glass with the same date code as my original which got a rock bullseye that was not fixable. My collector car policy through MK Insurance via this site covers it without a deductible.

Before the windshield arrived, I had the old one removed so I could do the inevitable repair/paint work in the lower corners that every second gen Camaro and Firebird requires. The areas in both lower corners are always corroded from the low spot where water can collect with no way to escape. Sometimes there are big holes rusted through on what appears to be an otherwise rust-free car.

If you are looking at a second gen F-body, always look at the lower front edges of the windshield. If you can see crud and corrosion above the window/dash line, the car is already in bad shape there.

To my utter astonishment, once the orginal glass was removed, the surface was absolutely perfect. Even the original butyl sealer was still pliable. The glass guy confirmed that the windshield had never been out prior to this week's removal.

Here's a shot of the original backwards date code on the passenger side. What I thought was corrosion in the corner was just dirt collecting there.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...windshield.jpg

And once the windshield was out, I did reshoot the dash and mounting areas since the removal process nicked up a couple spots. So, here it is after a quick misting with flat black from a foot away, to maintain the grainy texture:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11912.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...268c/dash1.jpg

Re: The New Project: Part Deux!
 

I got the original carb back from Cliff's High Performance http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/ yesterday and immediately bolted it back on. Now I can put the 1972 donor carb that Cliff did a month ago, back on Gramma's Firebird where it belongs.

The car runs awesomely now (if that is an actual descriptive term). It promptly breaks the tires loose just by hitting the gas pedal hard. You can't even tell when the secondaries kick in, it's that smooth of a transition. Between the HEI distributor that Rocky Rottella set up for the car and Cliff's carb work - WHOA NELLY!

She still pings under hard throttle, though. I can't wait to pull the engine over Thanksgiving weekend and swap the cam out for the new 068 Melling cam I have sitting in the box.

I figured out that the rear main seal only leaks oil when you do a hard throttle run. So maybe it's a combination of a crappy rope seal and too high a pressure oil pump. I bought a nice melling M54DS oil pump which is also sitting on the shelf waiting for holiday engine pull time.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11935.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/SDC11938.jpg