Chevelle updates
 

(I wasn't really sure which forum to put this under, moderators please move if necessary)

If anyone is interested, I have some updates to the Chevelle build posted on my website. The newest updates start here. The beginning of the project starts here for those who aren't familiar with the project.

I'm finally starting to get things moving on this project, and as such I hope to have some more updates soon as parts start coming in and progress is being made. I'll post up in this thread as further updates become available.

Eric

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Looking good Eric! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Thank you Bruce. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

If things go even remotely close to as-scheduled, I hope to have the body off in a week or two at the most, just waiting to hear back about a possible loaner rotisserie. For some odd reason, the thought of laying flat on my back under the car on a creeper wielding my heavy-a** grinder with a wire wheel attachment to de-poop the floorpans just doesn't sound like all that much fun lol. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif

Eric

Re: Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
For some odd reason, the thought of laying flat on my back under the car on a creeper wielding my heavy-a** grinder with a wire wheel attachment to de-poop the floorpans just doesn't sound like all that much fun lol.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's for sure. Just look how it effected Kwizz.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif

Re: Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
For some odd reason, the thought of laying flat on my back under the car on a creeper wielding my heavy-a** grinder with a wire wheel attachment to de-poop the floorpans just doesn't sound like all that much fun lol.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's for sure. Just look how it effected Kwizz.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]



Hey!!!! Watch it.....I resemble that remark.....EH!!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

More Chevelle updates
 

I just finished putting up 3 more pages of updated pics & info should anyone be interested in checking it out.

Click here for the most current updates.

here's a sneak peek: https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/wheel_and_tire.JPG

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Looking great! You have balls of steel supporting that body on cinder blocks.


Jason

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/wheel_and_tire.JPG

[/ QUOTE ]

Oooh, L60-15s... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
Looking great! You have balls of steel supporting that body on cinder blocks.


Jason

[/ QUOTE ]

Not at all. The body itself is surprisingly light with everything but the doors & glass removed--I can pick up each end of the car by hand (not easily, mind you, but still...)

Like I said, I wouldn't have gotten under it myself, and I <u>da*n</u> sure wouldn't have let Rachel under it if I thought there was anything to worry about.

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Look'in Good Eric......... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif


Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
Look'in Good Eric......... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif


Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Can't wait to see more! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

If this thing turns out like his carbs, it will be one large chunk-o-jewelry!https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
Dave

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
If this thing turns out like his carbs, it will be one large chunk-o-jewelry!https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Thanks Dave. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

I don't think any of the resto pro's here have anything to worry about from me just yet. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Again, this is my first-ever frame off resto, and I'll be the 1st to admit the learning curve is STEEP! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

I hope to have some more updates posted before Christmas, namely I *hope* to have the body and the chassis reunited again by then. I'll post back in this thread again with further updates.

Thanks https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just finished putting up 3 more pages of updated pics &amp; info...here's a sneak peek:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/wheel_and_tire.JPG

Eric

[/ QUOTE ]

Finally making some significant progress with this project despite innumerable delays courtesy of incorrect, or outright <u>JUNK</u> reproduction "restoration" parts. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

(now that I've got that off my chest...)

The body and frame are once again reunited. What you see in the above pic now looks like this:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/A.jpg

Here's what the other end looks like now:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/B.jpg

Yes, that's snow the car's sitting in, but only for a moment as I had to push it outside to have enough light to take a somewhat-decent pic.

Anyhow...more parts are on their way in this week, and I still have a few more to order before the engine and trans are installed. On the "to order" list is a Stef's oil pan to replace the stocker that was exhibiting obvious oil control difficulties on the dyno, and a clutch kit to connect the mill to the Autogear-cased M20 Muncie.

With a few more parts crossed off the list before summer arrives, hopefully...hopefully this thing will be making noise once again. I'm hoping to have the mechanicals done by summer so the car will be road-worthy, but I strongly doubt the bodywork and paint will be done this year...too many other things in life taking up precious time, not to mention finances.

I'll have some more updates posted on my website in the next few weeks, I'll post up here once they're done.

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

"...too many other things in life taking up precious time, not to mention finances."


Something MANY of us can relate to. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Looking great Eric! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Well, it's finally alive. After sorting out some minor electrical gremlins in the ignition system, I got it lit up today, and I have to say that the Torque Tech 3" x-pipe exhaust system and Walker mufflers sounds absolutely fantastic...very quiet, but with a definite "note" to it.

No pictures to add right now, but I'll try to have some more updates on the website in the next few weeks or so as time permits.

Next on the list is to get the car back to the frame shop for a few minor tweaks to the RF frame horn. It's still slightly out of location, which is causing some minor core support &amp; bumper bracket alignment issues. Once that's addressed, the front end will be aligned and the car will get a little road time to work out the bugs before the body work &amp; paint begins.

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Congrats Eric. You sounded excited when I talked to you yesterday. FYI, Your "package" went out today. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Looks great!

Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Got the car back from alignment today. All that's basically left now (save for a few relatively minor details) is to get tags on it and call my insurance guy to activate my coverage so I can get it out &amp; about and start working out the bugs.

Once I have the mechanicals and a few remaining interior details all dialed in, it's off to the body shop. (still trying to locate a better pass. side fender w/o having to go repop)

I keep trying to convince myself that this isn't as cosmetically challenged as it really is, but that it's really a "period correct vintage patina"...it isn't working https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Ah well...I've driven uglier. (besides...ugly can be forgiven if a car hauls @$$ https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif )

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/358854-Align1.jpg

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

I'm really diggin' on the Dog Dish caps.

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/358856-Align3.jpg

(my GF HATES THEM!! LOL!) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Please pardon the dust, the dirt, and the GARBAGE repop dash pad, which will be replaced while the car is in the body shop with a restored original.

Tach's coming out too...can't even come close to keeping up with the engine.

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/358858-Align5.jpg

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Again, please pardon the dust. Everything will be clean and detailed by spring.

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/358859-Align8.jpg

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Looks great Eric! Get out and have some fun with it. We need some video as well! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

I had planned to have it out today, actually, but it turns out that our recent windstorm and resulting power outage debacle put a fatal whammy on my refrigerator. (I just got the word today from the `fridge repair dood about an hour after the car came back from alignment...figures!)

SO...until the `fridge gets replaced, (read: "$$$"), the Chevelle is on hold again.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

That's okay...we're patient...and can wait! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Looks great, the sleeper image is the most fun!

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Lookin' good Eric. Those bias plies and dog dishes look oh so back-in-the-day! Bring it!!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Eric that looks awesome... I actually dig the patina-ed look. I bet it is set off by that awesome wheel/tire combo. Engine compartment looks great along with that clean frame. Keep it up!

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/358856-Align3.jpg


https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

Eric, just think "Rat Rod", and drive it like one. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Back from the alignment shop, getting closer
 

That look wasn't so bad 25 years ago, but I don't want to leave it looking like that any longer than I absolutely have to now. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

I'm going to put a 30 day tag on it (while I'll be waiting for personalized plates to come in), and the goal is to have it dialed in before the 30 day tag expires. Besides, it'll be scheduled for de-uglification soon anyhow, so no matter how I slice it, any road time this year will be severely limited.

Were it not for several delays in getting some parts in and a significant amount of time which was wasted trying to re-engineer several garbage repop parts (`gennies could NOT be located), I would've been at this point in the project at least 3-4 months ago.

Eh...such is life. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Since it's been almost a year since I last posted about the car, I figured it was time for another update.

Despite several valiant efforts to get my ducks in a row, the de-uglification of the car has yet to take place. So rather than let this expensive hunk of cosmetically challenged garage art sit any longer, I finally broke down and admitted defeat...I bought new tags and reinstated the insurance and got the car road-legal.

Up until today, I had driven the car for but one brief lap around the block. Needless to say there were numerous small glitches that were revealed in that little jaunt, but as of today all but three relatively minor issues appear to be resolved. (too-fast speedo, mis-adjusted shifter and the wipers aren't working for some reason)

To summarize;

It's been a while since I've driven a car that has this kind'a steam. Whew! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

540-ish HP combined with bias plys, manual steering, a wide ratio Muncie and a 4.56 screw in the back makes for some lively jockeying in the front seat even during around-town driving. My daily driver ([`95] Sub)urban assault vehicle has apparently left me somewhat spoiled.

Smooth take-offs from an intersection are somewhat difficult to perform w/o chirping the tires through 1st gear...even moreso when going around a corner. Gonn'a take some practice there.

Once on the road and settled down at 35 mph or so, it rolls along quite pleasantly considering the archaic rolling stock and squishy CE drag shocks.

In the interest of keeping both the car and my drivers license intact, I only lightly got after the throttle one time. A quick 1st gear rolling blip to ~1/2 throttle immediately sent the tach to 6K and the L60's up in a haze, and a quick shift into 2nd resulted in more of the same.

Traction??? Pfffttt....yeah, right. I've got my work cut out for me in that department. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

In a nutshell, this thing's an animal. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

As of now the battery is on the charger getting topped off and I'm on the hunt for a solution to the speedo issue. I may take it out again some tonight or tomorrow, and there's a local cruise-in on wednesdays that I haven't been to in ages, so I might take the car out to that.

But it'll get parked on the outskirts of the parking lot. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

More eventually...
Eric

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

pics? or does it look exactly the same?

sounds like a fun and exciting ride.

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Go back one page, there's several pics there.

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Good deal Eric...get out and drive it! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

Eric,

Looking great. Keep us posted. BTW I love the Stef's oil pan. Joe is a family friend.

-Dave

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

[ QUOTE ]
Good deal Eric...get out and drive it! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


yup, you've got to drive 'em !! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

How much is the speed-o-meter off? A lot of the driven gears are still available at your local Chevy dealership parts department.
James

Re: More Chevelle updates
 

The speedo reads about 50 at an actual 35. I have a speedo reduction box that my trans builder gave me with the trans, but I don't have the keyed stub shaft to drive it. I'll dig into it and try to find the right gear(s) tuesday.