Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

SShink · 3K+ Club

NCC Fall Cruise-Sat. Oct. 1st

SShink · 3K+ Club

Forgot to add... the plan is to meet up somewhere mid morning (location to be determined), cruise to a lunch spot (TBD), then end up in Hastings by 3:30 p.m. and park for the show since it's the last one of the season. Darn!!!

69SSConv · Active Member

I may not be able to make it with the Chevelle? Front seal leak is getting worse and making the engine compartment a mess. I am not sure if I will have time to pull it apart and replace before the cruise, as I am out of town this weekend through next weekend, doesn't leave much time?

OscarZ · Treasurer

You'll just have to drive that new truck then...

SShink · 3K+ Club

69SSConv wrote:
I may not be able to make it with the Chevelle? Front seal leak is getting worse and making the engine compartment a mess. I am not sure if I will have time to pull it apart and replace before the cruise, as I am out of town this weekend through next weekend, doesn't leave much time?

Time to break out the 'new' truck for the cruise?

Sorry... Mike just beat me to the punch with that one.

-- Edited by SShink on Wednesday 14th of September 2011 11:29:52 AM

69SSConv · Active Member

That would be a definite possibility, although Lisa would prefer to drive the Chevelle. That will be our backup plan.

Dan Williams · Active Member

Thought I was finaly going to make a club thing and I was reminded that we are haveing 20-30 people to our house that day for a"function". Sounds like a great time, maybe Cathy wouldn't notice I was gone!

Lost in the 60s · President

69SSConv wrote:
I may not be able to make it with the Chevelle? Front seal leak is getting worse and making the engine compartment a mess. I am not sure if I will have time to pull it apart and replace before the cruise, as I am out of town this weekend through next weekend, doesn't leave much time?

R&R ing the seal with the cover on is a real PITA. The best way is to remove the cover and you really need to remove the pan first on a BB or you will get oil leaks at the corners. Sounds like a winter project and a chance to drive the truck...

jim larson · 2K+ Club

69SSConv wrote:
I may not be able to make it with the Chevelle? Front seal leak is getting worse and making the engine compartment a mess. I am not sure if I will have time to pull it apart and replace before the cruise, as I am out of town this weekend through next weekend, doesn't leave much time?

My 66 service manual shows removing the oil pan first. Shows how to remove pan with engine in the car; but everyone kind of recommends pulling the engine. Shows raising the engine with a jack and then putting two 2x4x15" blocks between the crossmember and the motor mount. Good luck.

Did you use an new balancer and seal? If you used the old balancer and didn't put on a readi sleeve, the oil seal may be somewhat OK and you could just install a sleeve on the balancer and you could possibly drive it for a while before a permanent repair.

-- Edited by jim larson on Thursday 15th of September 2011 07:13:15 AM

-- Edited by jim larson on Thursday 15th of September 2011 07:14:36 AM

Derek69SS · Founding Member

I wish I could make it... helping my parents move into their new house that day.

69SSConv · Active Member

It was a new balancer and new timing cover. When I started with this motor all I had was a bare block and set up heads. Had to acquire everything else.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

69SSConv wrote:
It was a new balancer and new timing cover. When I started with this motor all I had was a bare block and set up heads. Had to acquire everything else.

New Balancer and New Timing Cover with New Oil Seal. You should have been good to go. Mitch usually has good advice on engine rebuilding.

When you say small leak from the bottom of the balancer, Could that be coming from the front of the balancer or is it definitely from the back side of the balancer. I have hear about guys having a scratch grouve in either the end of the crank or inside the balance and oil leaking out between the crank and the balancer. Guys with this problem just put some permatex on the inside of the balancer and with the big washer on the balancer bolt all was good. Maybe you will get lucky. Or maybe oil seal installed incorrectly or damaged.

Both Stan and I put new one piece rubber gaskets from sumitt in this winter.

-- Edited by jim larson on Thursday 15th of September 2011 12:50:12 PM

69SSConv · Active Member

The oil is coming from the backside of the balancer, it does not seem that lucky is in the cards on this one?

SShink · 3K+ Club

***UPDATE***

The cruise route has more or less been determined (Thanks Jon H. and Kevin for your help!).

Currently, the cruise maps out to take a little over 2 hours without any stops. We will be making a few stops during the cruise for lunch, photo ops, etc. Here are the details so far:

10-10:30 A.M. Gather in Hastings (Lock and Dam #2)
10:30 A.M. Depart for the cruise
Cruise will go from Hastings, across the Mississippi to the WI side, then to River Falls (LUNCH), then to Red Wing, and then back to Hastings Lock and Dam # 2 to regroup
Here's the cruise route at this time: http://mapq.st/qEu32T
2:30-3 P.M.'ish depart Hastings Lock and Dam # 2 for downtown Hastings and park in the east end parking lot (usual place) as a group
Post cruise party at Stan and Tina's 7 P.M.'ish

If anyone is familiar with River Falls, WI and would like to recommend a location for lunch that can handle 10-20 people and will take a reservation, let me know. Otherwise, we are checking out a couple of options.

It's also been asked if non-Chevelle's can join the cruise (friends, family, etc. with other makes/models), and like in past years that's fine. All we ask is that they jump in the cruise line after the last Chevelle is in line so that when we do any club photos on the cruise, the Chevelle's are together at the photo ops.

If you have any minor cruise route changes, let me know.

I will also start another post requesting a head count so that we can determine how many cars and people we will need to plan for lunch.

We're trying to keep this at a low key pace and not race around the countryside making people spend too much time in their cars. Hopefully we've achieved that goal. Let me know of any other minor tweaks if you think of anything.

The final details/route will be posted by this weekend.

Should be fun!

Stan

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Where in Hastings in lock and dam #2?

SShink · 3K+ Club

Chris R wrote:
Where in Hastings in lock and dam #2?

That's in the 'final details/route to be posted by this weekend' part of what I posted earlier today. Stay tuned.

Robredy · Member

I took delivery of that 72 Chevelle. I am planning on attending the Cruise and Hastings. Double booked for that evening though. Most likely it will be myself and son attending. the wife is still tenative.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Robredy wrote:
I took delivery of that 72 Chevelle. I am planning on attending the Cruise and Hastings. Double booked for that evening though. Most likely it will be myself and son attending. the wife is still tenative.

Rob, good to hear from you and that you landed the survivor Chevelle! I'm assuming your avatar is 'the one'!

I can't wait to see it in the cruise and in Hastings.

-- Edited by SShink on Thursday 22nd of September 2011 06:18:45 PM

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

Hate to say this but we prob will miss the cruise. My son plays football on Saturadays and Oct 1 his game is in St. Charles games usually wrap up around 11:30-12P, St Charles.... Might be able to meet in Hastings.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

We should bring cameras along for shooting cars for the upcoming calendar. We have to start getting on that project asap.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Here's a link to the Hastings Lock and Dam # 2 location (1350 Dam Road, Hastings, MN):

Us Lock & Dam
1350 Dam Rd , Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 437-3150

When you go down Spring St. towards the dam, go past the public boat landing parking lot until you can't go any further. That's where the parking lot is that we will meet. There is an indoor rest room and pop machine sitting at the west end of the parking lot.

Be there between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Chris-Shawna will be in the cruise, so we will have to let Chad go in and out of the caravan to take pics while we are driving. We also plan on stopping at the Soldiers Memorial scenic overlook in Red Wing, which will be another photo op.

-- Edited by SShink on Monday 26th of September 2011 08:06:03 PM

John D · 2K+ Club

Ok "route planners"... how 'bout letting the rest of us in on the projected roads and routes?

Jon H · 1K+ Club

John D wrote:
Ok "route planners"... how 'bout letting the rest of us in on the projected roads and routes?

John, Stan posted the route a couple of posts ago, just go back up and you will find it.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Here's the consolidated starting point and route:

Starting point (10:30 A.M. Departure):

Us Lock & Dam
1350 Dam Rd , Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 437-3150

Route:

http://mapq.st/qEu32T

End up back in Hastings 2:30-3 P.M. to park in the East end parking lot down by the railroad tracks.

I will hand out hard copy directions at the drivers meeting before we depart.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Thanks to everyone that made the 2011 NCC Fall Cruise!

It turned out to be a perfect day with absolutely great cruising weather, a well laid plan, no car issues (other than a loose gas line fitting-no big deal), and lots of great conversation with friends.

Here's some pics. I'm sure others will have more to post.

The starting point:

Navigator's Meeting:

Shawna's photogrophy perch:

Cruising through Hudson:

On the way to River Falls:

The Lunch Bunch!

Soldier's Memorial Overlook:

-- Edited by SShink on Sunday 2nd of October 2011 07:42:30 AM

69SSConv · Active Member

Lisa & I had a great time. The weather started out cool, but turned into a great weather day. Thank you to everyone who was involved with organizing, it turned out great! Looking forward to next year's.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

It really was a great time, perfect weather, excellent roads, zero construction, wonderful fall colors, great views, and our Chevelles and El Caminos all ran well.

But the best part.....was the company.

The only suggestion for next year, we need find a restaurant or dinner that serves buffet style.

John D · 2K+ Club

No kidding... even with advance notice (reservations) the service was terrible. Sat with empty drinks, and 1/4 of the party was WAITING for food while the first 1/4 was DONE eating.

SShink · 3K+ Club

I suggested having a picnic/sandwich lunch at a park pavillion so that we could control our own destiny/schedule, but others felt we needed to have a sit down lunch and all sit together. Both things extend the eating time.

In the restaurant's defense, the car show was going on at the same time with a full restaurant, and they also were serving chili in front, so I'm sure that had an impact on their staff.

I agree that they could have used another waitress in our section though.

The cruise planning team next year can make adjustments accordingly.

-- Edited by SShink on Monday 3rd of October 2011 05:40:33 PM

John D · 2K+ Club

I'll still argue that with advance notice/reservations, and a party of 20+... anyone who knows a thimble-full of managing F&B (food & beverage) will ASSIGN a waitress/person to that party. There's no excuse for having empty glasses - a delay in meal delivery (+/- 5 minutes is cool... 30 minutes is unacceptable.