The stainless steel bolt kit came in and I was VERY impressed, they are very nice, each individually wrapped with what they are etc. Manifolds got sandblasted. Painted them with black exhaust manifold (2000 degree) paint and cured them in the oven. Engine is now also on the stand and ready to be completely prepped for paint etc. I'll post pics of the updates to parts soon.
Ade, that rubber (called "masticated rubber" I believe) was only a few bucks. As for staples. I have some I can send you, or MIG wire works good as well. Cut it to length and bend your own.
Figured id to mention to you guys that my girlfriend has actually been a major part of the resto. She helped me take off motor mounts, wingman (woman?) while pulling the engine out, a lot of the parts clean up, hood removal, help with getting tools when im under the car, and even helped me pull the head and piston etc. She also found the original color fabric for the seats! She is learning a lot too, and can identify things such as intake manifold fuel pump valve covers etc. so its good for the both of us. She doesnt want me taking all the glory im sure :grin:
I'm using the torque specs from teambuick.com's reference section for the 66 chassis manual for the 401. These are correct right?
Been a while since an update. Since the fiasco with the piston there have been a couple changes. A neighbor (across the street) called the county on me about the electra and had the cops show up at my house, they got all crazy even though I had a non op and said it was a liability because of the lack of engine. I think its ridiulous, so I had to get it towed out, not too bad though I was planning on it, just not this soon. Now shes at my grandpas house. Im gonna strip the interior. Then Ill be pulling her into his shop (old one, doesnt do business anymore) where he has a paintbooth etc. There I will strip down all the chrome etc. Sandblast engine compartment. And start doing a little rust repair,take the body down to metal, POR 15 the floorboards (which are in perfect condition BTW gotta love california) and prime prep while im recooping from the money spent from the engine stuff...drop the engine in and paint.
Today was awesome, I went to my grandpas and brought the block and pistons. I told him I wanted to learn, he showed me how to use a ridge reamer and we honed the bores, it was an awesome experience and some good valuable time with my grandpa. Tomorrow he's gonna show me how to re-ring and were gonna put the pistons in. :grin:
Update: Grandpa dug up the ol ring compressor today and we popped em in. He showed me a couple tricks on what directions the rings should be facing etc. Torqued down the rod caps and it looks like we're ready to roll. He said were gonna knock out putting everything else on on Friday, then ill be painting the engine, putting the new bolts, and fillin her up with oil to get her ready to go. Then once I have the engine bay all blasted and painted ill drop her in and start it up! Can't wait.
I'll try and get one up eventually. Still working out the kinks, but it does a mean one wheel peel :laugh: . Awesome progress!
Finishing touches today, Im satisfied with the stainless bolt kit and exhaust manifolds. I think the bolts add a really nice contrast
Seats got done here is the front and back of the front seat: I like how the colors came out and it will look really good with the paint when done. Just cant decide on the carpet color, I feel like a white would get too dirty and a bluegreen would be too much, we were thinking a cream/tan color to accent.
Now that the seats are done I wont be spending any money on this one for a while, I need to recoop. I am pulling the carpet and getting it all ready to do the body work, Im not really gonna do anything too fancy with it. Stock looking uderhood with semigloss black paint and the original willow mist color and just buff out the trim etc. Honestly, I am way ahead of where I thought I would be right now with this car so I can afford to take it easy for a little and prioritize. I have a lot on my plate right now with business, school, work, and helping a buddy rebuild his 390. Ill post when there is more to see
