Is it really that long ago? Time flies. I remember first meeting you in 2004 when you introduced me to the blue El Camino. Looking forward to seeing it finished. Maybe next January.
Lost in the 60s said
Apr 14, 2015
John D wrote:
Blue car looks absolutely gorgeous!!
OMG, no kidding !!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I bring my Malibu down and have him do the same thing to it ???
dashboard said
Apr 14, 2015
K, I can move some things around so you can park the blue one in my garage. Very nice indeed and as Keith said, real sports cars only seat two.
-- Edited by dashboard on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 07:09:55 PM
Back in Black said
Apr 14, 2015
Beautiful!
SShink said
Apr 14, 2015
Hmmmm... for some reason I'm partial to that color! Any relation to Mulsanne Blue?
Found the sealer, unfortunately, it doesn't come in a self-container aerosol can. Probably not worth purchasing the system to go with the sealer. But then again maybe, with 7 vehicles, it might be. I'll check into the cost.
OK, Mike at Crest is a convincing salesman. I bought the starter kit...
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 09:11:28 AM
Chris R said
Apr 22, 2015
Karl. Can you share the info of the guy you have do your polishing on your trim. I remember you mentioning his name at a meeting in January once, but I cant remember who the guy/shop was that did the work.
more ambition than brains said
Apr 23, 2015
Joe Deters metal finishing, 651-982-1432 At that time he was charging by the inch. I had some done also by one of my retired Body Technicians. Lost him last December.
Note to Chris and Mitch. Check out the NOS 1/4 panel in Classified.
Karl
P.S. Mitch, I did order another fastener kit from your Vendor, already have the Body Mount Kit including multiples on the core support. Can't have enough fasteners, I love choices.
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Thursday 23rd of April 2015 04:07:54 PM
4-door Chevelle said
Apr 29, 2015
Wow ... that is nice Karl!
more ambition than brains said
Apr 29, 2015
Still welding with Resistance spot welder. That piece costs about $25,000.00 Detail photos of underside sprayable seam sealer.
Dang, you're gonna be driving them this summer !!!
more ambition than brains said
May 18, 2015
Last post was about White Car. This is the Blue car Engine and 700R4 tranny. Engine is original 360 hp 396. vin is stamped on Block When acquired it had a turbo 400 with a chunk missing out of the Bellhousing area. In 66 the only automatic available was the good old Powerglide. 700R4 with 373 posi seemed like a good alternative. Tranny was built about 10 years ago, differential probably 15 years. As stated progress on this car has been methodical, with many pauses.
Which product on the Crest website is this starter kit? I cant seem to find it.
Lost in the 60s said
May 18, 2015
Karl, did you test fit the trans before painting the floor ??? That big servo on the right usually requires modification of the floor pan to get it in...
Chris, I called and talked to someone in sales and they told me about the starter kit. I don't know if it is on their website.
Chris R said
May 19, 2015
Thanks Mitch. Ill look into it. And in light of what Mitch said, if you havent made any mods to the floor Karl. Im thinking you might be better going with a 200R4 instead since no modifications are needed.
more ambition than brains said
May 19, 2015
Mitch, Thanks for the "Heads Up" Almost two decades ago, when I did my homework on the 700R conversion, I was not made aware of that concern. Really appreciate your mentioning it. Not too late to resolve. Chris, My son and I did a 200R in his 78 Malibu with a warmed up 355. Seemed to work really well. Unfortunately, we still need to change the rear diffi. gear to make it work well. Seems all our cars have the wrong gear, same problem with Biskwik. Thanks for the thought, thinking I will stay with the original plan and use the 700R in this car. Driveline has been "mocked up" and crossmember relocated. Curious to see how this combo performs.
Updated Photos, Blue car floors with soundeadener, Tailgate assembled. White Car Bed work. Karl
Karl what brand material did you use for the insulation on the floor? Was it easy to use? I am thinking that will be a project that I will need to do soon on my car.
more ambition than brains said
May 19, 2015
Product is from B-Quiet.
Used it on Biskwik.
I used up some left over from Biskwik, it was called Brown Bread.
Ordered their new stuff, thinner and easier to roll out.
Both go on pretty well.
Much cheaper than some of the "Gucci" products.
In June when we have the "Cars Apart Club Club" gathering I can show it off.
Karl
Lost in the 60s said
May 19, 2015
more ambition than brains wrote:
Product is from B-Quiet. Used it on Biskwik.
I used up some left over from Biskwik, it was called Brown Bread. Ordered their new stuff, thinner and easier to roll out. Both go on pretty well. Much cheaper than some of the "Gucci" products. In June when we have the "Cars Apart Club Club" gathering I can show it off.
Karl
Never heard of it but I knew it wasn't one of the "Gucci" products. They have their names slathered all over theirs.
I'll be interested in checking it out next month.
OscarZ said
May 19, 2015
more ambition than brains wrote:
Product is from B-Quiet. Used it on Biskwik.
I used up some left over from Biskwik, it was called Brown Bread. Ordered their new stuff, thinner and easier to roll out. Both go on pretty well. Much cheaper than some of the "Gucci" products. In June when we have the "Cars Apart Club Club" gathering I can show it off.
Karl
Thanks Karl. I hope I am able to make it down to see the El Caminos and the product in person.
more ambition than brains said
May 30, 2015
Got my hands dirty today. The guys had done some caulking a little filler work last week.
Today, I wore out multiple Sanding discs and scuff pads. Also did some filler detail on windshield opening and rear roof pillars. 3M scuff pads don't last as long as they used to.
Hope to Epoxy upper cowl and inside cab tomorrow. Next will be detail caulking cowl and balance of cab and re-epoxy/satin black.
Dropped drivetrain into Blue ElCamino yesterday. Once again, I am not a Mechanic, but I fumbled around for about four hours to put 10 bolts in. Used some really cool Black oxide shoulder bolts on the crossmember to Frame. Tranny mount, standard into mount, Metric into Transmission. Had no clue which mounts to use on block, have several sets. One was a big thick pair with the interlock. No go, too tight on frame brackets, I think they may have been from the 454 motorhome motor now in Biskwik. Had to take alternator and power steering pump back off for chains and clearance going in.... Fuel pump off too, easier to access Motor mount long bolt. Have no idea if I should have run the long bolts nuts on front or back, to lazy to find out or check. (nuts on back, both sides) Looks kinda cool with the motor sitting in it.
Mitch, Thanks for the warning on the trans module, In the words of the world renowned Philosopher, Elmer Fudd, It was vewy, vewy close (1/2 inch) Will add a little more when the body comes off for final underside finish.
Now it goes back to storage in St. Paul Shop. Focus on getting White body done.
Karl
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Sunday 28th of June 2015 08:57:00 AM
Dang.. I was hoping to see that assembled this year.
I'm surprised that your trans has room to the floor pan. I've seen so many that wouldn't fit that I assumed it wouldn't. Makes me wonder what the others were doing to create the issue ?? It's possible they were using the wrong frame stands and motor mounts, moving the engine/trans up enough to cause the conflict.
Enganeer said
Jun 29, 2015
I know when I stuffed a TH350 in 64, it was touching the floor hump. I may have even had to use my hand held 'Persuadatron' to get some clearance.
I think a combination of old body bushing aging and getting squeezed thinner through 50 years of having the body rest on them and a weak floor braces allowing some settling.
Lost in the 60s said
Jun 29, 2015
Enganeer wrote:
I know when I stuffed a TH350 in 64, it was touching the floor hump. I may have even had to use my hand held 'Persuadatron' to get some clearance.
I think a combination of old body bushing aging and getting squeezed thinner through 50 years of having the body rest on them and a weak floor braces allowing some settling.
Good one, John. I didn't think of old bushings that are thin or even missing...
more ambition than brains said
Oct 20, 2015
Dot the left side of bed primed up. Now back to storage. Hope I can find more time this winter.
OOPS!
One with Wife and the Beatles (Britons) aaaand the Burb is getting close to 300K
Progress!! The left 1/4 panel, taillamp pockets and upper cab panel were subject to some effort last week. Photos before and after getting primed today.
Still have the front lower cab panel and glass clips to resolve, but very close to paint.
ALSO: Photographic proof why it takes so long to get these things done! DISTRACTIONS_______________________________
Bought six Nutting Skids at an auction in Maple Grove. Had to take them apart, strip, add some upper frames and paint. Was painting Nutting carts and priming ElCamino today.
These skids will work really well for storing HEAVY stuff, kinda like heavy duty drawers.
Need to re-prime some spots and re-sand. All panels in primer, and blocked. Drip rails, w/s pillar caps, and bed wheelhouse trim in place. Most caulking done.
Sumthin is going to get painted.
Three applications: Cab, firewall, satin black. Bed, gate opening, back glass opening. White Exterior 1/4 panels, jambs, and roof last. White Also door hinges, bed floor cover, closeout plates, and inside tailgate panel. Getting close!
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Tuesday 12th of April 2016 09:04:11 PM
Most of you know I have a couple of these "Treasures"
Plussssss toooo many parts to mention.
Little quiet in the Collision Business. The Big Block (blue) car has been "in process" for 19 years.
It is getting final color now! Fun side note, Chad our Lead painter sandblasted this shell when he got out of Trade school 19 years ago.
Needless to say he has come a long way and I am very proud of this man and the skills he has learned.
The paint on the Body shell choked me up and brought some drippage to my eyes. It is that nice!
White, small block Elcamino, (used to be Dereks's) is also in play.
Floors, firewall, are in welded, epoxied on bottom. Caulk, seal and semi-flat soon.
Front of box is very close.
Some day these cars will escape from "Body Shop Prison"
Karl
Adding Big block Pics.
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 04:08:29 PM
Is it really that long ago? Time flies. I remember first meeting you in 2004 when you introduced me to the blue El Camino. Looking forward to seeing it finished. Maybe next January.
OMG, no kidding !!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I bring my Malibu down and have him do the same thing to it ???
K, I can move some things around so you can park the blue one in my garage. Very nice indeed and as Keith said, real sports cars only seat two.
-- Edited by dashboard on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 07:09:55 PM
Hmmmm... for some reason I'm partial to that color!
Any relation to Mulsanne Blue?
Well its about time. Joking. It looks fantastic.
It appears to be the original Marina Blue, which is a forerunner of Mulsanne. It is slightly different so GM could give it a new name but is close.
My staff corrected me, it has been apart since February of 1995!!
Update on this weeks progress.
What do I do with all these parts?????
Karl
First, order a new master fastener kit from AMK http://www.amkproducts.com/Chevy_Kits.htm
Then order a new bushing kit and throw all the old crap out.
Then schedule a "tech session" and get a few good helpers to put it together...
And this, boys and girls, is why you ALWAYS baggie and label the hardware.....
Windshield in Blue car today
Business is still slow in the shop ??...making good progress on the "side line" projects...
Sprayable seam sealer, that sounds interesting. What brand is it and is it available locally ??
More pics.
Found the sealer, unfortunately, it doesn't come in a self-container aerosol can. Probably not worth purchasing the system to go with the sealer. But then again maybe, with 7 vehicles, it might be. I'll check into the cost.
OK, Mike at Crest is a convincing salesman. I bought the starter kit...
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 09:11:28 AM
Karl. Can you share the info of the guy you have do your polishing on your trim. I remember you mentioning his name at a meeting in January once, but I cant remember who the guy/shop was that did the work.
Joe Deters metal finishing, 651-982-1432
At that time he was charging by the inch.
I had some done also by one of my retired Body Technicians. Lost him last December.
Note to Chris and Mitch.
Check out the NOS 1/4 panel in Classified.
Karl
P.S.
Mitch, I did order another fastener kit from your Vendor, already have the Body Mount Kit including multiples on the core support.
Can't have enough fasteners, I love choices.
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Thursday 23rd of April 2015 04:07:54 PM
That piece costs about $25,000.00
Detail photos of underside sprayable seam sealer.
Coming along nicely.
Karl
Coming along nicely.
Don't think there is anything else that needs fabrication/welding.
WoooHooo!!!!
Karl
This is the Blue car Engine and 700R4 tranny.
Engine is original 360 hp 396. vin is stamped on Block
When acquired it had a turbo 400 with a chunk missing out of the Bellhousing area.
In 66 the only automatic available was the good old Powerglide.
700R4 with 373 posi seemed like a good alternative.
Tranny was built about 10 years ago, differential probably 15 years.
As stated progress on this car has been methodical, with many pauses.
Karl
Which product on the Crest website is this starter kit? I cant seem to find it.
Karl, did you test fit the trans before painting the floor ??? That big servo on the right usually requires modification of the floor pan to get it in...
Chris, I called and talked to someone in sales and they told me about the starter kit. I don't know if it is on their website.
Thanks Mitch. Ill look into it. And in light of what Mitch said, if you havent made any mods to the floor Karl. Im thinking you might be better going with a 200R4 instead since no modifications are needed.
Thanks for the "Heads Up"
Almost two decades ago, when I did my homework on the 700R conversion, I was not made aware of that concern.
Really appreciate your mentioning it.
Not too late to resolve.
Chris,
My son and I did a 200R in his 78 Malibu with a warmed up 355.
Seemed to work really well. Unfortunately, we still need to change the rear diffi. gear to make it work well.
Seems all our cars have the wrong gear, same problem with Biskwik.
Thanks for the thought, thinking I will stay with the original plan and use the 700R in this car.
Driveline has been "mocked up" and crossmember relocated.
Curious to see how this combo performs.
Updated Photos,
Blue car floors with soundeadener, Tailgate assembled.
White Car Bed work.
Karl
Karl what brand material did you use for the insulation on the floor? Was it easy to use? I am thinking that will be a project that I will need to do soon on my car.
Used it on Biskwik.
I used up some left over from Biskwik, it was called Brown Bread.
Ordered their new stuff, thinner and easier to roll out.
Both go on pretty well.
Much cheaper than some of the "Gucci" products.
In June when we have the "Cars Apart Club Club" gathering I can show it off.
Karl
Never heard of it but I knew it wasn't one of the "Gucci" products. They have their names slathered all over theirs.
I'll be interested in checking it out next month.
Thanks Karl. I hope I am able to make it down to see the El Caminos and the product in person.
Got my hands dirty today.
The guys had done some caulking a little filler work last week.
Today, I wore out multiple Sanding discs and scuff pads.
Also did some filler detail on windshield opening and rear roof pillars.
3M scuff pads don't last as long as they used to.
Hope to Epoxy upper cowl and inside cab tomorrow.
Next will be detail caulking cowl and balance of cab and re-epoxy/satin black.
Todays Photos.
Like our PDR guy said after I asked him how he had the patience to do Paintless Dent Repair.
"just Like Eating an Elephant, One Bite At a Time"
Nibble Nibble Nibble!
Karl
There is a reason that I am a BS-R as opposed to a production Technician.
I R SLOW
Sometimes it has to be enough just to make things look different.
Final rough sand and prime partial bed floor and r/side bed panel.
This as a high build Epoxy, little greasy to sand but really seems to stick.
Still Nibbling.
Karl
Used some really cool Black oxide shoulder bolts on the crossmember to Frame.
Tranny mount, standard into mount, Metric into Transmission.
Had no clue which mounts to use on block, have several sets. One was a big thick pair with the interlock.
No go, too tight on frame brackets, I think they may have been from the 454 motorhome motor now in Biskwik.
Had to take alternator and power steering pump back off for chains and clearance going in....
Fuel pump off too, easier to access Motor mount long bolt.
Have no idea if I should have run the long bolts nuts on front or back, to lazy to find out or check. (nuts on back, both sides)
Looks kinda cool with the motor sitting in it.
Mitch,
Thanks for the warning on the trans module, In the words of the world renowned Philosopher, Elmer Fudd, It was vewy, vewy close (1/2 inch)
Will add a little more when the body comes off for final underside finish.
Now it goes back to storage in St. Paul Shop.
Focus on getting White body done.
Karl
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Sunday 28th of June 2015 08:57:00 AM
Thats what im talking about.
All tucked in!
Dang.. I was hoping to see that assembled this year.
I'm surprised that your trans has room to the floor pan. I've seen so many that wouldn't fit that I assumed it wouldn't. Makes me wonder what the others were doing to create the issue ?? It's possible they were using the wrong frame stands and motor mounts, moving the engine/trans up enough to cause the conflict.
I think a combination of old body bushing aging and getting squeezed thinner through 50 years of having the body rest on them and a weak floor braces allowing some settling.
Good one, John. I didn't think of old bushings that are thin or even missing...
Hope I can find more time this winter.
OOPS!
One with Wife and the Beatles (Britons) aaaand the Burb is getting close to 300K
The left 1/4 panel, taillamp pockets and upper cab panel were subject to some effort last week.
Photos before and after getting primed today.
Still have the front lower cab panel and glass clips to resolve, but very close to paint.
ALSO:
Photographic proof why it takes so long to get these things done!
DISTRACTIONS_______________________________
Bought six Nutting Skids at an auction in Maple Grove.
Had to take them apart, strip, add some upper frames and paint.
Was painting Nutting carts and priming ElCamino today.
These skids will work really well for storing HEAVY stuff, kinda like heavy duty drawers.
Karl
Count your blessings and know you are doing all you can for now..
Update:
Assembled pillow blocks, axels, and reset decks on three of the Skids.
I Be Stylin now!
Karl
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Sunday 27th of March 2016 03:47:58 PM
Need to re-prime some spots and re-sand.
All panels in primer, and blocked.
Drip rails, w/s pillar caps, and bed wheelhouse trim in place.
Most caulking done.
Sumthin is going to get painted.
Three applications:
Cab, firewall, satin black.
Bed, gate opening, back glass opening. White
Exterior 1/4 panels, jambs, and roof last. White
Also door hinges, bed floor cover, closeout plates, and inside tailgate panel.
Getting close!
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Tuesday 12th of April 2016 09:04:11 PM
Bed sides, front of bed and rear glass opening.
NOW WHITE!
Cab and Cowl.
SATIN BLACK!
Roof- 1/4 panels, and rocker panels.
NEXT!
Lookin' sweet !!!
Shoulda put some pearl in it, or pearl the clear...