Straight and shiny! Are you sure you don't have years of experience?
I do have some experience, almost five years now, two doors, two fenders, a hood, trunk and now rear quarters all on this project. I surprised myself with the painting, I'm very comfortable with spraying paint, although I did sand and reclear the trunk, but I have no runs and the finish is uniform. I was not satisfied with the trunk finish, it was the first panel I painted in the horizontal position and I just got the clear on two heavy.
But I would rather get mugged in a dark alley on a cold rainy night than do body work. I've now watched professionals do in a few minutes what I struggled with for so long. If I ever do another project I'll do the sheet metal and paint some else will do the body work.
dashboard said
Dec 6, 2020
Lost in the 60s wrote:
"I may be competing for the longest time in CAC award." NOT EVEN CLOSE. I believe that award belongs to Karl... I think it's been like 20 years on the Blue Elky.
I've had my '66 SS since 2010 and it's still not done... Lord knows I tried hard a couple years ago, but the paint gods struck that effort down.
Once you start assembling it, you'll gain steam and look forward to driving it...with or without the top..
Of course I'm not done yet Mitch. However I'll be ok if I never have that trophy on my garage wall. I got some great advice from a wise man. "Our projects should not outlive us."
-- Edited by dashboard on Sunday 6th of December 2020 10:38:02 PM
Lost in the 60s said
Dec 6, 2020
Is that the same wise man with the Blue Elky...
jim larson said
Dec 6, 2020
Looks gr.......!. Maybe I get to see it in person some day when I visit KY.
dashboard said
Dec 6, 2020
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Is that the same wise man with the Blue Elky...
That's the guy. And another word of wisdom from from Derek. "Don't let perfect get in the way of done"
dashboard said
Dec 6, 2020
I'll be here, looking forward to your visit.
Derek69SS said
Dec 7, 2020
dashboard wrote:
And another word of wisdom from from Derek. "Don't let perfect get in the way of done"
I heard that one from someone else, but let me tell you... it was quite liberating once I realized what it meant and put it into practice.
Lost in the 60s said
Dec 7, 2020
Derek69SS wrote:
dashboard wrote:
And another word of wisdom from from Derek. "Don't let perfect get in the way of done"
I heard that one from someone else, but let me tell you... it was quite liberating once I realized what it meant and put it into practice.
I do believe that was another "Old Wise Man" saying.
BLyke said
Dec 8, 2020
Derek69SS wrote:
dashboard wrote:
And another word of wisdom from from Derek. "Don't let perfect get in the way of done"
I heard that one from someone else, but let me tell you... it was quite liberating once I realized what it meant and put it into practice.
Yes it is!
From my profile page signature on "The HAMB"
Be it life or cars, "Perfection is not needed, just get back on the road".
-- Edited by BLyke on Tuesday 8th of December 2020 11:19:48 AM
dashboard said
Dec 9, 2020
Brought it home yesterday and saw it in daylight for the first time, I’m happy with it. Trunk is installed, working on compressing the seal (softseal) needs a lot more compression before the trunk lid closes and aligns correctly. Any suggestions on alternative seals. Not sure if I mentioned, the top and interior will be black also.
Busy week here. Installed doors, window tracks, hardware and glass; a lot more work and time consuming then I expected, there in almost rigged and alined. Dry fit all A/C components, worked on the control cables, vacuum switches and lines making them functional. Then using a shop vac for system vacuum and a battery for electrical, operationally checked the system air flow routing and fan speeds. Now the system will be dismantled then reinstalled with gaskets and sealant Cleaned painted and detailed the instrument cluster, checked the electrical circuits and lighting. If you haven’t tried the 194 LED lights, they are bright. JD, we may need to create a check engine light before this is over. Installed hydraulic actuators and replaced all the power top hydraulic lines then rigged a temporary power source for the pump; the frame was repainted before the car was painted. Considering the components have been apart in boxes for five years, things worked out well. Yesterday the top guy showed up and started on the top, so the color selection is pretty much finalized. After the top was done I had the boss look at for the first time, she liked the top but said.....the white walls got-a go.
And I had a local sign guy make me a sign for the shop. Thanks Karl and Derek!
A lot of progress. You'll be driving that this summer.
more ambition than brains said
Jan 24, 2021
Only 5 years apart.
MMMMMMM, Must work on Blue Elky, Must work on Blue Elky.................................
25 years apart
Fantastic work, can you show more pictures of the "door hanger" bracket?
Karl
SShink said
Jan 24, 2021
Looks awesome Kevin!
What is the interior color going to be? I think red would make it all pop, just my two cents.
I like the sign too.
Lost in the 60s said
Jan 24, 2021
more ambition than brains wrote:
Fantastic work, can you show more pictures of the "door hanger" bracket?
Karl
Page 1, about 2/3rds of the way down are pics of it.
dashboard said
Jan 24, 2021
Stan, the interior is a project by it self. I ordered the interior last June and it’s still not in sight, latest delivery date is March. Of course that could be 2022 The interior on order is black. I’m exploring some other options, however, I do have the original red interior and it could be used temporary.
Karl, if you would like more detailed pixs than what’s shown on page one let me know.
Larry Lucast said
Jan 24, 2021
Looks great!
dashboard said
Mar 30, 2021
The interior ordered last July with a 14 week delivery date was still not in site by February, I canceled the order and reordered with Legendary, estimated shipping date 22 August 2021. I did take the jump, I ordered a GM Connect and Cruise set up, LS3 6.2L 430HP 425TQ with a Tremec five speed .67OD. Just missed the peddle car driving fun to much. Just think five years of frustration during the restoration can be taken out somewhere between first second and third gear.
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 30, 2021
WOW, nice move on the LS3/Tremec..
What cha gonna do with the spankin' new nail head ?
I've been toying with the idea of ordering the interior for my '67 Camaro. Guess I should do that before I'm into NEXT year for delivery... the door panels have to come from Al Knoch and I see they just had a price increase...
dashboard said
Mar 30, 2021
Lost in the 60s wrote:
WOW, nice move on the LS3/Tremec..
What cha gonna do with the spankin' new nail head ?
I've been toying with the idea of ordering the interior for my '67 Camaro. Guess I should do that before I'm into NEXT year for delivery... the door panels have to come from Al Knoch and I see they just had a price increase...
The Nailhead needs to be rebuilt, started to but never got there, just garage art now. Some Buick guy will want it, Skylark only parts oil pan and pump, engine mounts, accy mount bracket, exhaust manifolds... are 65, 66 GS specific and very hard to come by Currently installed is a Chevy 305 with a 200R4.
You may have better luck getting interior components for your Camaro. Someone may have it in stock, But I wouldn’t wait, order now.
dashboard said
May 11, 2021
I’m mocking up the LS3 and trying to decide on one of three intakes. I want to use GM engine mounts rather than the hard urethane mounts that I feel transfer to much vibration. My question is about mount frame pads. What is the difference between the big block and small block frame mounts It was always my understanding that the BB pad moves the engine forward. Any thoughts on the difference in engine placement between BB and SB frame mount. The goal of course is to move the engine as far aft and down as possible. I may need to fabricate a new frame pad but I’d really like to stick with of the shelf parts if I can.
I don't recall ever seeing an aftermarket rubber engine mount for an LS. Are you a member on ls1.com ? That site has been around for a long time and those guys would have a much better knowledge base of parts and install advise.
dashboard said
May 11, 2021
Here is an LS to old school GM mount adapter it moves the mount point forward on the LS block to the approx old school SB point. I am on LS1.com but my question is about GM mount pads BB or SB See above.
You're looking for info on the engine frame stands, that bolt to the frame. As far as I know, the stands are physically different between the bb and sb, but maintain the engines in the same location for rear crossmember compatibility. The bb stands are stronger and MAY be a little lower than the sb's, but I'm not certain about that. Guys on 66-67 Chevelle fb pages have installed bb's on sb stands and claim there is no difference in fitment.
Again, I would post a question on LS1 about specifically which Chevrolet stand to use for your Buick conversion. There has to be people who have done this and have come up with the best combination.
dashboard said
Aug 1, 2021
With multiple projects in work, house remolding, driveway upgrades and family functions the hobby car rehab has been sliding down the todo list. I finally was able to spend a couple hours on my project. I have completed the first dry fit of the LS3 and Tremec TKX drivetrain. Fits better than expected, no conflict with the original firewall AC box and the Wilwood clutch master cylinder fit below the brake booster And the fuel tank is installed. Still some fab to do on the new clutch and brake peddles and I want a little more clearance on the back of the trany and forward U joint. Going in the right direction, goal is to do at least one test drive before winter.
Three thousand, six hundred pavers.... WOW. You are far more patient and gifted than me. Looks great and something I would like here too, but not gonna happen. We are waiting on concrete for the front half of the new pole shed. Contractor is way behind and at first said he could get here by the end of July. Well that came and went. Now I can't get him to return my calls, texts or emails... We should have done the whole building last May, instead of just the back half, but the CFO was concerned about cost. Now we can't get it done and the cost is higher...
Oh, yeah, car looks great too...
John D said
Aug 2, 2021
You Navy guys... always need a compass around.
more ambition than brains said
Aug 2, 2021
2021 must be the house project year for many of us. We overhauled powder room, study and replaced a couple of plumbing fixtures. (winter) My General contractor got the deck reskinned and railings done in the spring. (got bounced out of his schedule last year) Have been saving for those projects since we moved into house in 2014. Maybe we should start a house/cabin project thread.
In fact all my old pavers from the rear lower patio are now on pallets and going to my Niece in Pine City. My lawn guy tore out all original landscaping late last year and finished this year. Glad my sprinkler system is all screwed up already. Yard looks like Death Valley in the middle of the Garden of Eden. Neighbors over water and over maintain.
Concrete rear patio, front steps and walkway next.
Driveway another year am already stretching (exceeding) this years $$ limit.
Engine swap looking great.
The are also some machined (by others) Ls conversion plates out there.
Been looking at those, if I change my mind on the 1956LT-4 project.
You are a far better Man than I am by doing all those pavers.
Karl
jim larson said
Aug 4, 2021
Car looks great Kevin. It has changed for the better from when I first saw it in the car coral at a Buick show in the fairgrounds. Maybe it will work out this winter to stop by if I am in Louisville.
dashboard said
Nov 25, 2023
The build is complete, drivetrains been updated with LS 3, Tremec close ratio five speed with 0.67 OD and the rear converted from a 3.08 open to a 3.55 Yukon possi, and countless hours of body work, paint and assembly. I added three point seatbelts up front, backup camera, converted all lighting to LED and factory AC to Vintage Air to gain firewall clearance, puddle lights and probably some other items I’ve forgotten. The goal was to build a comfortable cruiser that could melt the tires. We’ll, I’ve cranked on just over 1000 miles with no discrepancies, no leaks and it will certainly light up the rear tires.
-- Edited by dashboard on Saturday 25th of November 2023 09:47:53 PM
I do have some experience, almost five years now, two doors, two fenders, a hood, trunk and now rear quarters all on this project. I surprised myself with the painting, I'm very comfortable with spraying paint, although I did sand and reclear the trunk, but I have no runs and the finish is uniform. I was not satisfied with the trunk finish, it was the first panel I painted in the horizontal position and I just got the clear on two heavy.
But I would rather get mugged in a dark alley on a cold rainy night than do body work. I've now watched professionals do in a few minutes what I struggled with for so long. If I ever do another project I'll do the sheet metal and paint some else will do the body work.
Of course I'm not done yet Mitch. However I'll be ok if I never have that trophy on my garage wall. I got some great advice from a wise man. "Our projects should not outlive us."
-- Edited by dashboard on Sunday 6th of December 2020 10:38:02 PM
Is that the same wise man with the Blue Elky...
Looks gr.......!. Maybe I get to see it in person some day when I visit KY.
That's the guy. And another word of wisdom from from Derek. "Don't let perfect get in the way of done"
I'll be here, looking forward to your visit.
I heard that one from someone else, but let me tell you... it was quite liberating once I realized what it meant and put it into practice.
I do believe that was another "Old Wise Man" saying.
Yes it is!
From my profile page signature on "The HAMB"
Be it life or cars, "Perfection is not needed, just get back on the road".
-- Edited by BLyke on Tuesday 8th of December 2020 11:19:48 AM
Brought it home yesterday and saw it in daylight for the first time, I’m happy with it. Trunk is installed, working on compressing the seal
(softseal) needs a lot more compression before the trunk lid closes and aligns correctly. Any suggestions on alternative seals.
Not sure if I mentioned, the top and interior will be black also.
"OUTSTANDING"
Busy week here. Installed doors, window tracks, hardware and glass; a lot more work and time consuming then I expected, there in almost rigged and alined.
Dry fit all A/C components, worked on the control cables, vacuum switches and lines making them functional. Then using a shop vac for system vacuum and a battery for electrical, operationally checked the system air flow routing and fan speeds.
Now the system will be dismantled then reinstalled with gaskets and sealant
Cleaned painted and detailed the instrument cluster, checked the electrical circuits and lighting. If you haven’t tried the 194 LED lights, they are bright. JD, we may need to create a check engine light before this is over.
Installed hydraulic actuators and replaced all the power top hydraulic lines then rigged a temporary power source for the pump; the frame was repainted before the car was painted.
Considering the components have been apart in boxes for five years, things worked out well.
Yesterday the top guy showed up and started on the top, so the color selection is pretty much finalized.
After the top was done I had the boss look at for the first time, she liked the top but said.....the white walls got-a go.
And I had a local sign guy make me a sign for the shop. Thanks Karl and Derek!
Only 5 years apart.
MMMMMMM, Must work on Blue Elky, Must work on Blue Elky.................................
25 years apart
Fantastic work, can you show more pictures of the "door hanger" bracket?
Karl
Looks awesome Kevin!
What is the interior color going to be? I think red would make it all pop, just my two cents.
I like the sign too.
Page 1, about 2/3rds of the way down are pics of it.
Karl, if you would like more detailed pixs than what’s shown on page one let me know.
The interior ordered last July with a 14 week delivery date was still not in site by February, I canceled the order and reordered with Legendary, estimated shipping date 22 August 2021.
I did take the jump, I ordered a GM Connect and Cruise set up, LS3 6.2L 430HP 425TQ with a Tremec five speed .67OD. Just missed the peddle car driving fun to much.
Just think five years of frustration during the restoration can be taken out somewhere between first second and third gear.
WOW, nice move on the LS3/Tremec..
What cha gonna do with the spankin' new nail head ?
I've been toying with the idea of ordering the interior for my '67 Camaro. Guess I should do that before I'm into NEXT year for delivery...
the door panels have to come from Al Knoch and I see they just had a price increase...
The Nailhead needs to be rebuilt, started to but never got there, just garage art now. Some Buick guy will want it, Skylark only parts oil pan and pump, engine mounts, accy mount bracket, exhaust manifolds... are 65, 66 GS specific and very hard to come by Currently installed is a Chevy 305 with a 200R4.
You may have better luck getting interior components for your Camaro. Someone may have it in stock, But I wouldn’t wait, order now.
I’m mocking up the LS3 and trying to decide on one of three intakes. I want to use GM engine mounts rather than the hard urethane mounts that I feel transfer to much vibration.
My question is about mount frame pads. What is the difference between the big block and small block frame mounts It was always my understanding that the BB pad moves the engine forward. Any thoughts on the difference in engine placement between BB and SB frame mount.
The goal of course is to move the engine as far aft and down as possible. I may need to fabricate a new frame pad but I’d really like to stick with of the shelf parts if I can.
Here is an LS to old school GM mount adapter it moves the mount point forward on the LS block to the approx old school SB point. I am on LS1.com but my question is about GM mount pads BB or SB See above.
Again, I would post a question on LS1 about specifically which Chevrolet stand to use for your Buick conversion. There has to be people who have done this and have come up with the best combination.
With multiple projects in work, house remolding, driveway upgrades and family functions the hobby car rehab has been sliding down the todo list.
I finally was able to spend a couple hours on my project.
I have completed the first dry fit of the LS3 and Tremec TKX drivetrain. Fits better than expected, no conflict with the original firewall AC box and the Wilwood clutch master cylinder fit below the brake booster And the fuel tank is installed.
Still some fab to do on the new clutch and brake peddles and I want a little more clearance on the back of the trany and forward U joint.
Going in the right direction, goal is to do at least one test drive before winter.
Did some paver work, 3600 pavers, knees are still sore, and installed AC in the garage.
Sorry about the photos, seams to randomly insert them.
Three thousand, six hundred pavers.... WOW. You are far more patient and gifted than me. Looks great and something I would like here too, but not gonna happen.
We should have done the whole building last May, instead of just the back half, but the CFO was concerned about cost. Now we can't get it done and the cost is higher...
We are waiting on concrete for the front half of the new pole shed. Contractor is way behind and at first said he could get here by the end of July. Well that came and went. Now I can't get him to return my calls, texts or emails...
Oh, yeah, car looks great too...
You Navy guys... always need a compass around.
2021 must be the house project year for many of us.
We overhauled powder room, study and replaced a couple of plumbing fixtures. (winter)
My General contractor got the deck reskinned and railings done in the spring. (got bounced out of his schedule last year)
Have been saving for those projects since we moved into house in 2014.
Maybe we should start a house/cabin project thread.
In fact all my old pavers from the rear lower patio are now on pallets and going to my Niece in Pine City.
My lawn guy tore out all original landscaping late last year and finished this year.
Glad my sprinkler system is all screwed up already.
Yard looks like Death Valley in the middle of the Garden of Eden.
Neighbors over water and over maintain.
Concrete rear patio, front steps and walkway next.
Driveway another year am already stretching (exceeding) this years $$ limit.
Engine swap looking great.
The are also some machined (by others) Ls conversion plates out there.
Been looking at those, if I change my mind on the 1956LT-4 project.
You are a far better Man than I am by doing all those pavers.
Car looks great Kevin. It has changed for the better from when I first saw it in the car coral at a Buick show in the fairgrounds. Maybe it will work out this winter to stop by if I am in Louisville.
The build is complete, drivetrains been updated with LS 3, Tremec close ratio five speed with 0.67 OD and the rear converted from a 3.08 open to a 3.55 Yukon possi, and countless hours of body work, paint and assembly. I added three point seatbelts up front, backup camera, converted all lighting to LED and factory AC to Vintage Air to gain firewall clearance, puddle lights and probably some other items I’ve forgotten.
The goal was to build a comfortable cruiser that could melt the tires. We’ll, I’ve cranked on just over 1000 miles with no discrepancies, no leaks and it will certainly light up the rear tires.
-- Edited by dashboard on Saturday 25th of November 2023 09:47:53 PM
Wow !!
This pic shows the countless hours of bodywork. To have that sunset reflected so perfectly down the side is stunning !!
Great accomplishment Kevin! Now enjoy the rides.
IMPRESSIVE!
Karl
Sweet! Amaizing what can be done in ~ 8 years or so.
-- Edited by BLyke on Monday 27th of November 2023 09:12:07 AM