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NOTES & DOCUMENTATION
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| 03-29-05 | HELLO JOHN.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE RECENT PAYMENT...IT WILL
HELP VERY MUCH.
I HAVE UPDATED SOME PHOTOS OF RECENT SHOTS. SEVERAL NOTES WITH THE PHOTOS. GOT SEVERAL GOOD LEADS FOR THE INTERIOR AT THE CHICAGO CORVETTE SHOW AT MCCORMICK PLACE EARLIER THIS MONTH. NOT MANY BODY PART LEADS, BUT LOTS OF GOOD STUFF FOR INTERIOR. I'VE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH A GUY FROM SAN DIEGO WHO IS SUPPOSEDLY THE "KING" OF CORVETTE REPAIRS. HE HAS A BOOK WHICH I'VE ORDERED. I HAVE COMMUNICATED WITH HIM VIA E-MAIL AND HE PUT ME ON TO A GOOD SUPPLIER FOR THE BODY PANELS. HERE'S THE PLAN GOING FORWARD... 1. GET MOST OF INTERIOR ASSEMBLED. 2. FIT UP INTERIOR IN CAR AND THEN REMOVE. 3. COMPLETE ALL BODY WORK ON CAR EXTERIOR 4. PAINT CAR UNDERBODY. 5. PAINT CAR INTERIOR. 6. PLACE SOUND DEADENERS AND WIRING. 7. PLACE CAR BACK ON CHASSIS. 7. FINAL BODY WORK. 8. PAINT CAR EXTERIOR 9. FIT UP CONVERTIBLE TOP 10. INSTALL INTERIOR. 11. FINISH BALANCE OF CAR. 12. HAVE FUN! CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 11-13-04 | HELLO
JOHN. I'VE GOT THE WEB SITE UPDATED. I'LL TRY TO GET BACK
KEEPING THE COSTS AND NOTES UPDATED ON A WEEKLY BASIS. I'M IN THE
PROCESS OF CHANGING THE PHOTO PAGE TO "CURRENT" PHOTOS
ONLY. tHE PHOTOS
HAVE BEGUN TO TAKE UP TOO MUCH SPACE AT MY WEB HOSTING SITE, AND THEY
WANT TO CHARGE ME EXTRA. I'M PREPARING A CD THAT WILL HAVE EVERY PHOTO FOR YOU WHEN
THE CAR IS DONE...THIS IS HELPFUL IF YOU EVER CHOOSE TO SELL THE CAR...YOU
CAN DOCUMENT EVERY STEP OF THE RESTORATION. WE'RE MOVING RIGHT
ALONG ON THE INTERIOR. I'M DOING SOME RESEARCH FOR A QUALITY
STRIPPER FOR THE FIBERGLASS TO BEGIN GETTING THE PAINT OFF.
REMEMBER, WE'VE GOT 5 COATS OF PAINT ON THIS CAR! GOING
TO BEGIN STRIPPING THE PAINT AND WORKING ON THE INTERIOR. I LOOK
FORWARD TO YOU SEEING THE CAR...THE CHASSIS LOOKS REALLY NICE. FOR
PLANNING, I'LL PURCHASE QUITE A FEW PARTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
IF YOU COULD PLAN TO DO ANOTHER PAYMENT IN LATE DECEMBER IT WOULD BE
HELPFUL. LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE IN LAFAYETTE.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 07-24-04 | I HAVE THE
FRONT END IN PLACE AND WE'RE STARTING TO PLACE THE STEERING AND FINISH
THE BRAKE LINES AND FUEL LINE. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-31-04 | WE HAVE NOW
BEGUN TO REASSEMBLE THE CAR. I HAVE MOST OF THE REAR DRIVELINE IN
PLACE, AND MANY OTHER ITEMS ARE READY TO GO ON THE FRAME VERY
SOON. HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND QUITE A BIT OF TIME ON THE CAR
THIS WEEKEND. LEFT REAR CORNER IS COMPLETE, THE RIGHT REAR
TRAILING ARM WILL BE PLACED NEXT. I STILL NEED TO INSTALL OUR NEW
SHIM SYSTEM TO THE TRAILING ARMS WHICH WILL TAKE A BIT OF TIME.
FUEL CELL HAS FINAL COAT OF PAINT AND IS "SETTING" IN PLACE IN
THE PHOTOS. THE UPCOMING WEEK WILL SEE THE FINAL (INTERIOR) SEAL
COAT FOR FUEL CELL, PLACEMENT OF CALIPERS ON TRAILING ARMS, BRAKE LINES
PLACED ON FRAME, FUEL LINE PLACED ON FRAME, FUEL GAUGE AND RELATED ITEMS
PLACED ON CAR, RR TRAILING ARM PLACED, AND THE TRAILING ARM SHIM KIT
PLACED. ONCE THE REAR IS COMPLETE, I'LL BEGIN ASSEMBLING THE FRONT
SUSPENSION. THEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, FOLLOWED BY ALL
OTHER FRAME RELATED ITEMS. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-27-04 | SPENT MOST
OF THE WEEK GETTING ITEMS READY FOR INSTALLATION ON THE FRAME. FINAL
COATS OF PAINT, CLEANING ALL PIECES, ETC. AS YOU CAN SEE ON
PICTURE PAGE, I'M VERY CLOSE TO PLACING THE REAR SUSPENSION IN THE
CAR. IF ALL GOES WELL OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, I PLAN TO HAVE
THE REAR SUSPENSION IN PLACE. I'LL PLACE PHOTOS AS I PROGRESS. LET ME KNOW IF
YOU'RE GOING TO BE DOWN THIS WAY.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-20-04 | I'M GETTING
READY TO BEGIN ASSEMBLING THE REAR RUNNING GEAR. MOST OF MY TIME
HAS BEEN SPENT CLEANING AND PAINTING SMALL COMPONENTS. I WAS ABLE
TO PURCHASE NICE RESTORER'S MANUAL FOR THE 65 VETTE WHICH IS HELPING ME
IDENTIFY PROPER PAINT COLORS, ETC. I'VE FOUND A GOOD PLACE TO BUY
STEEL CORVETTE RIMS (NEW) AT A GOOD PRICE. I'LL BE ORDERING THEM
SOON. IT WON'T BE TOO LONG AND WE'LL HAVE IT SETTING ON THE
GROUND. I'M GOING TO DO THE REAR FIRST, THEN THE FRONT END.
THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WILL FOLLOW. I'VE BEGUN TO DO SOME
RESEARCH ON THE INTERIOR, BUT I'M SPENDING MOST OF MY TIME ON THE
RUNNING GEAR AT THIS TIME. I WANT TO FINISH THE RUNNING GEAR
BEFORE I GET TOO INVOLVED IN THE BODY AND INTERIOR. I'LL GET BACK
TO UPDATING YOU ON THE BALANCE SHEET AND THE NOTES ON A REGULAR
BASIS. WORKING AWAY...I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED. LET ME KNOW IF
YOU'RE GOING TO BE DOWN THIS WAY.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 02-22-04 | BACK FROM
MY BUSINESS TRIP. JUST A REMINDER, I'LL BE GONE AGAIN FROM MARCH
1-MARCH 7 FOR RITE-WAY BUSINESS.
I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BODY OFF THE FRAME. ONCE THE BODY WAS OFF, I DIDN'T HAVE ANY MAJOR SURPRISES. THE TOP BRAKE LINE WAS REALLY CORRODED AND DEFINITELY NEEDED REPLACED, I'M SURE IT WAS ORIGINAL. ALSO, THE FUEL LINE HAD BEEN REPLACED, BUT THE ORIGINAL WAS STILL LAYING ON TOP OF THE FRAME. I'LL WORK THIS WEEK GETTING THE FRAME READY TO GO TO THE BLASTER AND GETTING ALL NECESSARY COMPONENTS OFF TO BAIR'S. THE BODY OFF CERTAINLY TOOK A BIT MORE TIME THAN EXPECTED, BUT IT'S DONE NOW. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING EVERYTHING BACK. ONCE THE FRAME IS BACK AND THE PARTS FROM BAIR'S ARE RETURNED, WE'LL START GOING BACK TOGETHER! THIS WILL BE A BUSY WEEK WITH CLEANING AND DISASSEMBLY. I'LL PROBABLY UPDATE NEXT WEEKEND (02.28.04). CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS OF THE FRAME AND BODY I PLACED TODAY. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 02-07-04 | WELL, WHAT
A JOB THE BODY REMOVAL TURNED OUT TO BE. I CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT
TO HAVE THE PROBLEMS WE DEALT WITH TODAY. WHILE THE CAR HAS BEEN
WRECKED PREVIOUSLY, AND SEVERAL BODY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, IT DON'T
THINK THE BODY HAS EVER BEEN TAKEN OFF. THE BODY MOUNTS HAVE A
1" NUT CAPTURED IN A THIN METAL HOUSING, WHICH IS RIVETED TO THE
FIBERGLASS BODY. THE NUT IS CAPTURED, BECAUSE YOU CAN'T REACH IT
WITH A WRENCH. WE FOUND THAT THE METAL WHICH ORIGINALLY
"CAPTURED" THE THREADED NUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.
HENCE, THE NUT WOULD TURN AND WE COULDN'T GET THE BODY MOUNT BOLT
OUT. FINALLY, WE GOT ALL OF THE BOLTS OUT, ALTHOUGH MOST OF THEM
BROKE OFF (DUE TO LOTS OF RUST). AS OF RIGHT NOW, I HAVE
EVERYTHING OFF THE CAR REQUIRED TO PULL THE BODY, INCLUDING ALL BODY
MOUNTS/BOLTS. I ALSO HAVE THE CART/STAND BUILT TO HOLD THE BODY
ONCE WE PULL IT OFF THE CAR. BUT...I WAS TOLD IT TOOK 4-5 GUYS TO
LIFT THE BODY OFF...AND I DON'T THINK THIS IS TRUE. IT SEEMS FAR
TOO HEAVE FOR 4-5 MEN. I HAD GUYS IN THE SHOP TODAY TO HELP ME
LIFT OFF THE BODY...BUT I DECIDED TO WAIT. I'M GOING TO MAKE SOME
CALLS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY TO SEE IF I CAN FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON
THE REMOVAL PROCESS. I DON'T WANT TO RUSH THE BODY "OFF"
AND CAUSE SOME SORT OF DAMAGE IF WE CAN'T HANDLE THE WEIGHT, OR IF MY
HELPERS LIFT IN THE WRONG PLACES. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED.
DID YOU GET MY E-MAIL CONCERNING A VISIT IN MARCH? I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK...BUT IF THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 20 WORKS THAT WOULD BE GREAT. I'VE GOT SEVERAL THINGS TO SHOW YOU AND I WANT TO GET AN IDEA OF EVERYTHING YOU DO/DON'T WANT TO DO TO THE CAR. ANYWAY, LET ME KNOW ABOUT A VISIT IN MARCH...AGAIN THE WEEKEND OF THE 20TH WOULD WORK GOOD FOR ME. I'LL CONTINUE TO WORKING ON OTHER ITEMS NEEDING PAINTED, REPAIRED, AND ASSEMBLED. I'VE ADDED A FEW PHOTOS, CHECK THEM OUT. JUST A REMINDER...I HAVE TO BE OUT OF TOWN WITH RITE-WAY WORK FEB 9-10, FEB 13-19, AND MARCH 1-10. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 01-29-04 | JOHN, COULD
YOU PLAN TO VISIT THE SHOP SOMETIME IN MID-MARCH? IF SO, PLAN TO
SPEND 2-3 HOURS AT THE SHOP SO WE CAN FINALIZE OUR PLANS FOR THE
CAR. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME NOTICE OF YOUR VISIT, AND I'LL BE
SURE TO HAVE EVERYTHING READY TO DISCUSS. GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO
YOUR BUDGET, SO WE CAN DECIDE ON AS MANY ITEMS AS POSSIBLE. RIGHT
NOW, THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 20 LOOKS GOOD FOR ME...WOULD THIS WORK FOR
YOU?
TONIGHT, I'M DESIGNING/BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK THAT WILL HOLD THE BODY WHILE IT'S OFF THE CAR. I HAVE ABOUT 1 HOUR OF WORK LEFT BEFORE PULLING THE BODY. I'VE MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH MY SANDBLASTER FOR THE FRAME AND COMPONENTS; WE'RE ON HIS SCHEDULE. IF ALL GOES WELL, I'LL SPEND NEXT WEEK GETTING EVERYTHING SCRAPED AND DEGREASED. THE SANDBLAST SHOP IS VERY, VERY PICKY ABOUT OIL & GREASE, AS IT CONTAMINATES THE SAND RECOVERY SYSTEM. IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET THINGS READY FOR HIM, BUT HE DOES AN OUTSTANDING JOB. I PLAN TO HAVE THE FRAME COMPONENTS AT THE SANDBLASTER'S SHOP BY FEB 12. I HAVE TO BE OUT OF TOWN WITH RITE-WAY WORK FEB 9-10, FEB 13-19, AND MARCH 1-10. HOPEFULLY, HE'LL HAVE THINGS READY FOR ME TO PICK UP WHEN I RETURN FROM MY TRIP ON FEB 19. I'LL BE SENDING THE STEERING GEAR AND OTHER ITEMS TO BAIR'S IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. IF ALL ITEMS RETURN AS PLANNED, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO BEGIN REASSEMBLY BY MARCH 1ST. MUCH OF THE ASSEMBLY WILL TAKE PLACE WITH THE BODY OFF...THE ENGINE, DRIVE LINE, SUSPENSION, FUEL SYSTEM, ETC... HERE'S A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION: JAN 29 - FEB 22 - COMPLETE STAND TO HOLD BODY. FINISH BODY REMOVAL. PREPARE ALL COMPONENTS FOR BLASTING AND/OR REBUILD. FEB 23-29 - GET ALL ITEMS BACK FROM SANDBLASTER AND GET ALL STEERING AND SUSPENSION ITEMS BACK FROM BAIR'S. GET ALL ITEMS PRIMED AND PAINTED. MAR 1 - APR 17 - COMPLETE THE RUNNING CHASSIS, INCLUDING ENGINE, DRIVE LINE, SUSPENSION, EXHAUST, FUEL SYSTEM, BRAKE SYSTEM, ETC... APR 18 - MAY 15 - FINISH ASSEMBLING INTERIOR. PLACE BODY. FINISH NECESSARY RE-WIRING OF CRITICAL COMPONENTS. FINISH ASSEMBLY OF ALL ITEMS CONNECTED TO BODY AND FRAME. REPLACE ALL BODY TRIM. MAY 15 - MAY31 - WORK THROUGH FINAL ITEMS ON CAR. ASSEMBLE ALL NOTES, INVOICES, AND PHOTOS. PLEASE PLAN TO HAVE LICENSE PLATES (AND INSURANCE) READY AROUND MAY 15 SO WE CAN DRIVE THE CAR. FIRST WEEK OF JUNE - CAR READY FOR PICK UP...GO HAVE SOME FUN!!! IF YOU CAN GET DOWN IN MARCH IT WOULD BE GREAT. I THINK THIS WILL BE A GOOD TIME TO DECIDE ON OUR FINAL LIST OF ITEMS. I'LL HAVE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS AND ASSOCIATED COSTS READY AS WELL. ALSO, WE'LL BE FAR ENOUGH ALONG ON THE CHASSIS, IT SHOULD GET YOU EXCITED FOR JUNE 1! OF COURSE, IF YOU'RE DOWN EARLIER, YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME TO STOP BY. JUST GIVE ME A CALL AHEAD OF TIME TO MAKE SURE I HAVEN'T HAD TO LEAVE TOWN ON RITE-WAY BUSINESS. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 01-09-04 | AS I
DESCRIBED IN MY LAST NOTE, WE'RE BACK ON THE CORVETTE. I'M IN THE
PROCESS OF REMOVING ALL OF THE FINAL PIECES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE
THE BODY. THE BODY SHOULD BE READY TO LIFT OFF ON SATURDAY...BUT I
DON'T KNOW IF I CAN ROUND UP ENOUGH PEOPLE TO HELP ME LIFT IT OFF.
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING I'VE READ, THE BODIES ARE PRETTY
"FLIMSY" WHEN REMOVED AND THEY HAVE VERY FEW POINTS THAT ALLOW
FOR LIFTING. I'LL HAVE PHOTOS WHEN WE REMOVE THE BODY.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 08-14-03 | HELLO
JOHN. I TOOK A FEW DAYS OFF LAST WEEK (FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST) AS MY
SISTER WAS IN TOWN (UNEXPECTEDLY). NEITHER MOM AND DAD, NOR MYSELF
HAD ANY IDEA SHE WAS COMING HOME, WHAT A SURPRISE. I DON'T GET TO SEE HER MUCH AS SHE LIVES IN
FLORIDA. ANYWAY, I WASN'T IN THE SHOP MUCH AND SPENT A FEW NIGHTS
WITH THE FAMILY.
STARTED BACK ON THE CAR THIS WEEK. AS DAD AND I BEGAN TO PULL THE TAILSTOCK BUSHING, WE FOUND SOME OTHER CONCERNS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. FIRST ALL OF THE LINKAGE AND SIDE COVER BOLTS WERE LOOSE (SIDE COVERS WERE LEAKING). I COULD UNSCREW MANY OF THE BOLTS WITH MY FINGERS. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAD ONLY ONE BOLT IN PLACE...WE DIDN'T KNOW WHY. ALSO, THERE ISN'T A DRAIN PLUG ON THE TRANSMISSION, SO THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THE TRANNY GREASE HADN'T BEEN CHANGED IN A LONG, LONG, TIME...IF EVER. LAST, THE LINKAGE KIT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO INSTALL WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN PLACE. SO...WE ENDED UP PULLING THE TRANSMISSION TO ADDRESS THE AFOREMENTIONED CONCERNS. I'LL RE-SEAL THE SIDE COVERS AND CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION GREASE. WE FOUND A BROKEN BOSS ON THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING...WHICH WAS THE REASON YOU WERE MISSING A BOLT. THERE ARE A FEW THREADS LEFT AT THE VERY TOP OF THE BOSS. I THINK WE CAN MAKE A BOLT TO PLACE IN THE MOUNT AND HOLD THE TRANSMISSION ON THAT SIDE. THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT WAS SHOT AND NEEDS REPLACED. MOST OF THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS LOOK TO BE FAIRLY MINOR AND INEXPENSIVE ON THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE EXCEPTION. DAD LOOKED AT THE SHIFTER, AND HE THINKS THE "H" PATTERN IS PRETTY SEVERELY WORN. YOUR SHIFTING PROBLEM MAY BE IN THE SHIFTER ITSELF, AND NOT IN THE LINKAGE. I HAVEN'T PRICED A SHIFTER, AND I'LL KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SHIFTER'S CONDITION IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. I HAVE PURCHASED THE SEAL AND BUSHING TO PLACE IN THE TAILSTOCK. WE'LL NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW SHIFTER BOOT, AS YOURS IS TORN. I'M GETTING READY TO ORDER THE FRONT END PARTS AND SEND THE STEERING GEAR IN FOR REBUILD. I'M GOING TO GET A PRICE FROM BAIR'S TO REPLACE THE A-FRAME BALL JOINTS...THEY'RE RIVETED IN AND I DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO REPLACE THE RIVETS AND MAINTAIN THE APPROPRIATE PRESSURE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE BALL JOINT. I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT I FIND. QUESTION FOR YOU...DID THE SPEEDOMETER WORK IN THIS CAR? THE CABLE IS FROZEN SOLID. IT APPEARS THAT IT WASN'T WORKING, BUT MAYBE IT FROZE UP WHILE SITTING? LET ME KNOW...I THINK IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THE SPEEDOMETER WORKING. OVERALL THINGS ARE MOVING ALONG NICELY. I'LL WORK ON THE CAR THURSDAY, FRIDAY NIGHT, AND SATURDAY. I LEAVE FOR THE LAND SPEED RECORD RUNS AT BONNEVILLE ON SATURDAY (08-16) AFTERNOON. I'LL BE BACK IN THE SHOP ON THURSDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 21. I'LL BE GONE THE FOLLOWING WEEK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS (LABOR DAY WEEKEND) AT THE KRUSE AUCTION IN AUBURN. I'M STILL HOPING TO WRAP THIS CAR UP BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER. I PLAN TO TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS OFF OF WORK IN EARLY SEPTEMBER AND PUT THE MAJORITY OF THE CAR BACK TOGETHER. TALK TO YOU SOON. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 07-29-03 | CONTINUED
CLEANING PARTS AND PAINTING. NO BIG NEWS TO REPORT, JUST GETTING ALL PARTS READY FOR REASSEMBLY.
I PLAN TO FINISH THE HEADS TOMORROW NIGHT...WON'T TAKE TOO LONG, JUST
FINISHING THE LAST TWO VALVES. I GOT THE CORRECT WATER
PUMP...EXCHANGED THE "WRONG" ITEM I SHOWED YOU ON SATURDAY.
CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 07-24-03 | SEVERAL
THINGS TO UPDATE YOU ON. I'VE BEEN WORKING A LOT ON THE CAR AND
WE'RE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.
LET'S START WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR. I STILL NEED TO CHANGE THE TAIL STOCK BUSHING AND THE TRANSMISSION SEAL. I'VE GOT SOME IDEAS, BUT HAVEN'T RUN THE BRAKE LINE YET. THE FUEL CELL IS NEARLY READY, AND OTHER REAR END PARTS ARE AT THE SANDBLAST SHOP. I NEED TO INSPECT THE SHIFT LINKAGE...I FOUND A NEW LINKAGE KIT THAT YOU HAD PURCHASED ON ONE OF THE BOXES OF "STUFF" SHOVED BEHIND THE SEAT. FINAL PAINT COATS SHOULD GO ON ALL REAR END PIECES BY WEEKEND. I'M GETTING READY TO START CLEANING THE FRAME FOR PAINTING. AS FOR THE ENGINE, I HAVE ONE HEAD COMPLETE AND I'M GOING TO FINISH THE OTHER HEAD TONIGHT AT DAD'S SHOP. UNFORTUNATELY, WE WEREN'T ABLE TO SAVE THE INTAKE VALVES. THE GRIND SIMPLY MADE THEM TOO SHARP (THIN) AND THEY COULDN'T BE SAVED. I'M SURE THEY WERE GROUND AT JASPER, AND I'M GUESSING THEY'VE HAD ANOTHER GRIND BEFORE JASPER. SO FAR, THE EXHAUST VALVES HAVE CLEANED UP FINE...FOUR MORE TO GO TONIGHT. DAD CUT THE TOPS OF THE GUIDES TO ACCEPT THE PERFECT CIRCLE SEALS...THEY LOOK GREAT. TONIGHT, I'LL PLACE A COUPLE OF PHOTOS OF THE HEADS ON THE WEB. WE'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE LEFT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AS IT IS CRACKED PRETTY BADLY. I STILL NEED TO ORDER THIS...SEE PHOTO. I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING TO THE FRONT END YET. I NEED TO GET THE STEERING BOX OFF AND SEND IT FOR REBUILD. BEFORE I PLACE THE ENGINE BACK IN THE CAR, WE WILL FIX THE FRAME AND REPLACE/REBUILD OTHER FRONT-END COMPONENTS. OBVIOUSLY, IT'S MUCH EASIER TO ACCESS THE FRONT-END PIECES WITH THE ENGINE OUT. I HAVE SOME PARTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PLACED ON THE BALANCE SHEET. I WILL TRY TO GET THAT DONE TONIGHT WHEN I GET HOME, OR ON FRIDAY, SO YOU CAN SEE EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE WITH EXPENSES. I ALSO HAVE TO PLACE THE HOURS FOR THE LAST 5-6 DAYS. I'VE BEEN QUITE BUSY AND I HAVEN'T HAD THE EXTRA TIME TO UPDATE THE WEB EACH NIGHT. HOPEFULLY, I CAN GET BACK IN THE PRACTICE OF DAILY UPDATES AFTER THIS WEEKEND. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THIS WEEKEND. IT WILL BE NICE TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE HAVE DONE AND DISCUSS WHAT IS LEFT TO DO "IN PERSON". CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 07-14-03 | HEY JOHN,
HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. WE'RE DOING PLENTY OF SANDING,
CLEANING, AND PAINTING. GETTING READY TO REASSEMBLE THE REAR END
OF THE CAR. FINISHED THE U-JOINTS TONIGHT IN THE HALF SHAFTS AND
THE DRIVE SHAFT. I STILL NEED TO REPLACE THE GUIDE BUSHING IN THE
TRANSMISSION TAILSTOCK AND REPLACE THE REAR TRANSMISSION SEAL (WHICH IS
LEAKING).
NAPA SENT ME A REBUILT WATER PUMP INSTEAD OF A NEW ONE...I EXCHANGED THE PUMP, AS THE NEW ONE WAS ONLY A FEW DOLLARS MORE (I DON'T LIKE REBUILT WATER PUMPS). ALSO WE WERE SENT THE WRONG PERFECT CIRCLE VALVE SEALS. SENT THEM BACK FOR EXCHANGE...SHOULD HAVE THE NEW ONES EARLY IN THE WEEK. DAD HAS THE TOOL REQUIRED TO CUT THE VALVE GUIDES FOR INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PERFECT CIRCLE SEALS, SO WE'LL PROBABLY ASSEMBLE THE HEADS AT DAD'S SHOP. STILL NEED TO GRIND THE VALVES ONE EVENING AND WE'LL BE READY TO ASSEMBLE THE VALVE TRAIN. I PICKED UP ANOTHER INTAKE, WHICH I HAVE SENT TO NAPA FOR BOILING AND CLEANING. HOPEFULLY THIS ONE ISN'T CRACKED. FINALLY GOT MY CANS OF "HIRSCHER GAS TANK SEALER" IN (BEEN BACKORDERED), SO WE'LL GET THAT JOB COMPLETED. THE DRIVE SHAFTS WENT TOGETHER OK. THE RIGHT REAR HALF SHAFT HAD BEEN "BEATEN TO DEATH" AT SOME POINT. I'LL TAKE A DIGITAL PICTURE AND PLACE IT ON THE PHOTO PAGE FOR YOU TO SEE. SOMEBODY TRIED TO CHANGE THE JOINTS PREVIOUSLY AND REALLY ROUGHED UP THE YOLK. THE OLD JOINT CAPS WERE BADLY RUSTED, AND THE SNAP RING GROOVE WAS VERY DISFIGURED. SO, WE HAD TO CUT THE JOINTS OUT OF THE SHAFTS (WHAT A MESS WITH THE BURNING GREASE). ONCE APART, WE WERE ABLE TO CLEAN UP PRETTY NICE. I ALSO HAD TO EXCHANGE TWO OF THE U-JOINTS FOR THE HALF SHAFTS...NAPA SENT TWO WITH GREASE ZERKS AND TWO WITHOUT. NOW, ALL 4 HALF SHAFT JOINTS HAVE GREASE ZERKS...YOU'LL WANT TO BE SURE AND KEEP THEM GREASED, AS THEY TAKE A LOT OF ABUSE ON THE INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION. JOHN - DO YOU RECALL ANY TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR SHIFTING? I DON'T PLAN TO TAKE THE TRANSMISSION OUT UNLESS YOU TELL ME THERE WERE PROBLEMS. EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE (FROM THE OUTSIDE). WE'LL DRAIN THE TRANS GREASE AND REPLACE WITH NEW. ALSO, STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET THE "FRONT-TO-BACK" BRAKE LINE IN WITHOUT HAVING TO LIFT THE BODY...I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED. I RECEIVED A FEW MORE PARTS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS...I'LL GET THE ADDITIONAL PART COSTS PLACED ON THE BALANCE SHEET LATER IN THE WEEK WHEN ALL OF INVOICES HAVE ARRIVED. I WILL NOT BE IN THE SHOP TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY NIGHT...BACK IN ON THURSDAY, THE 17TH...ALSO I'LL GET MORE PHOTOS ON THE WEB SITE LATER THIS WEEK. I'VE STARTED ASSEMBLING NOTES AND PHOTOS FOR THE BINDER I'LL GIVE YOU WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETE. IT'LL HAVE COPIES OF ALL INVOICES, ALONG WITH ALL PART NUMBERS, NOTES, ETC... I'LL ALSO INCLUDE ALL OF THE DIGITAL PHOTOS ON FLOPPY DISKS. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 07-03-03 | I'VE GOT
MOST OF THE ENGINE PARTS AND I RECEIVED A SHIPMENT FROM BAIR'S TODAY
WHICH INCLUDED SOME PARTS, AS WELL AS OUR REAR END, TRAILING ARMS, AND
STRUT RODS. I'M REALLY PLEASED WITH WHAT I SEE SO FAR...THE PARTS
FROM BAIR'S LOOK GREAT!
YOU'LL SEE I HAVE PLACED THE PARTS COSTS (TO DATE) ON YOUR BALANCE SHEET. AS I LOOK BACK AT MY NOTES AND ESTIMATES (SEE HIGHLIGHTED AREA ON 06-08 NOTES), IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE ON PACE WITH MY COST PROJECTIONS. I'M STILL TRYING TO FIND A GOOD PRICE FOR SANDBLASTING THE BALANCE OF MY PARTS, AS WE'RE CLOSE TO PUTTING THE REAR END OF THE CAR BACK TOGETHER. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-27-03 | PICKED UP
FRONT ROTORS AND FLYWHEEL... LOOK GOOD. STARTED SANDING THE FRAME
AND REAR END COMPONENTS FOR PAINTING. I'M GETTING QUOTES FROM A
COUPLE OF SANDBLAST COMPANIES TO SHOOT MOST OF THE SMALL PIECES.
CONTINUED CLEANING ENGINE PARTS. CLEANED FUEL CELL AND BEGAN
PREPARATION FOR PAINTING AND (INTERIOR) SEALING.
HERE'S MY MOST DIFFICULT TASK CURRENTLY...THE BRAKE LINE THAT RUNS FROM FRONT TO BACK. THE BODY IS "CHANNELED" AND SITS OVER THE FRAME (LIKE AN UPSIDE DOWN "U"). THE OLD BRAKE LINE LIES ON TOP OF THE FRAME AND IT IS HELD IN PLACE WITH SMALL TABS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE FRAME. BASICALLY, YOU CAN'T GET THE OLD LINE OUT WITHOUT LIFTING THE BODY. UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S TUCKED SO FAR UP INSIDE THE BODY, YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE IT. YOU CAN LEAVE THE OLD LINE IN PLACE AND "FISH" THE NEW LINE INTO PLACE, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TABS TO SECURE IT. TO DO IT RIGHT, THE BODY REALLY NEEDS TO BE LIFTED (UGH!). I'VE MADE A COUPLE OF CALLS TO CORVETTE GURUS, AND THEY SAY THIS IS THE ONLY WAY. I'LL TALK ABOUT THIS MORE NEXT WEEK, AS IT'S TIME TO GET THE BRAKE LINE IN PLACE SO WE CAN BEGIN TO REASSEMBLE THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS SHOULD BE FUN TO FOLLOW...I ENJOY THIS STAGE OF THE PROJECT, WHEN THE CAR STARTS GOING BACK TOGETHER. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-26-03 | RECEIVED A CALL FROM BAIR'S CONCERNING THE REAR END. BOTH REAR AXLE SHAFTS ARE WORN PAST TOLERANCE AND WILL NEED REPLACED ALONG WITH THE FRONT FLANGE. ADDITIONAL COST OF ABOUT $170. I TOLD THEM TO FIX IT. AS I MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER NOTE, WE HAD A LARGE AMOUNT OF "END GAP FREE-PLAY" IN THE AXLES, SO THIS DOESN'T SURPRISE ME TOO MUCH. ALSO, WE HAD TO REPLACE ONE ROTOR ON THE REAR. IT WAS WORN DOWN TOO FAR AND COULDN'T BE CUT. I'M GOING TO ORDER A FEW OTHER PARTS WE NEED FROM BAIR'S AND HAVE EVERYTHING SHIPPED TOGETHER. WE SHOULD SEE THESE PARTS BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK (07-03?). I'LL PUT SOME PHOTOS OF THE REBUILT PIECES ON THE PHOTO PAGES WHEN THEY ARRIVE. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-25-03 | PICKED UP MOST OF THE ENGINE PARTS. I HAD THE USED INTAKE MANIFOLD I PURCHASED BOILED AND MAGNA-FLUXED. THEY FOUND TWO SERIOUS CRACKS IN THE MANIFOLD. OBVIOUSLY, IT'S NOT WORTH FIXING. I'LL TAKE IT BACK AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ANOTHER USED ONE (REPLACED) AT NO CHARGE. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-24-03 | DROPPED OFF HEADS, ROTORS, AND FLYWHEEL. PICKED UP USED QUADRA-JET MANIFOLD. ORDERED THE MAJORITY OF ENGINE PARTS. I'M SORTING ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE SHOTBLASTED...WILL PROBABLY TAKE THIS WEEK. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-23-03 | SHIPPED THE REAR END VIA UPS. REMOVED THE FLYWHEEL FROM THE ENGINE. LOADED HEADS, ROTORS, AND FLYWHEEL FOR TRIP TO MACHINE SHOP...BOIL HEADS, TURN ROTORS, AND RE-FACE FLYWHEEL. I'M GOING TO ORDER ALL ENGINE PARTS TOMORROW (TUESDAY). CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-22-03 | PULLED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER AND REAR END TODAY. DRAINED THE REAR END, CLEANED IT UP, AND PACKAGED IT FOR SHIPPING. I'LL DROP IT OFF AT UPS ON MONDAY. EVERYTHING WENT ABOUT AS EXPECTED, ACCEPT THE REAR END GREASE...IT WAS REALLY, REALLY DIRTY (SEE PIC). I ALSO HAD A BOLT THAT WAS BROKEN OFF IN THE FRONT MOUNT. IT TOOK A LITTLE WORK, BUT FINALLY GOT IT OUT. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-20-03 | ENJOYED
VISITING WITH YOU ON THE PHONE THURSDAY. I DIDN'T GET TO WORK ON
THE CAR THIS WEEK...IT WAS ONE OF THOSE WEEKS WHERE I HAD TO BE GONE
WITH MY "REAL JOB" ALL WEEK. I PLAN ON HAVING A GOOD
WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK SHOULD BE VERY PRODUCTIVE. WE'RE MAKING GOOD
PROGRESS ON THE CAR AND I DON'T WANT TO SLOW DOWN.
AS WE DISCUSSED, I DIDN'T HAVE ANY LUCK AT THE SWAP MEET. I WILL CHECK THE BELL HOUSINGS I'VE PICKED UP ON SATURDAY TO SEE WHICH ONE WORKS ON YOUR CAR. ALSO, I SHOULD HAVE AN INTAKE BY NEXT TUESDAY FROM A SALVAGE YARD. I'M CHECKING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF A GOOD USED GM QUADRA-JET. I PLAN TO DROP THE REAR END ON SATURDAY. NEXT WEEK, I'LL ORDER ALL ENGINE PARTS AND TAKE THE FRONT ROTORS TO BE TURNED. WE'LL GET THE REAR END SHIPPED OFF FOR REBUILD AND HOPEFULLY START PUTTING THE ENGINE BACK TOGETHER. I ALSO PLAN TO START LOOKING AT THE REPAIRS ON THE FRAME. I'LL TRY TO GET THE CARBS AND MANIFOLD ON E-BAY VERY SOON. I HOPE WE HAVE SOME LUCK SELLING THEM IN THIS MEDIUM. I RECEIVED MY ESTIMATES BACK FOR THE ENGINE PARTS. LOOKS LIKE WE'RE GOING TO BE VERY CLOSE ON MY ORIGINAL ESTIMATE. IF YOU WANT TO SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF THE ITEMS, LET ME KNOW, BUT MY ORIGINAL ESTIMATE IN THE 06-08-03 NOTES IS PRETTY CLOSE. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS, I'VE ADDED SEVERAL SHOTS. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-10-03 | I RECEIVED A CALL TODAY FROM ED AT BAIR'S. THEY RECEIVED OUR TRAILING ARMS AND BROKE THEM DOWN FOR INSPECTION. THEY DID FIND A COUPLE OF PROBLEMS. THE LEFT REAR ARM HAD A WHEEL BEARING OUT. IT HAD DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR SPINDLE BEYOND REPAIR, ALONG WITH THE INNER FLANGE. THEY WILL PLACE A NEW SPINDLE IN THE ARM AND A "USED" INNER FLANGE. OVERALL, THEY THOUGHT THE ARMS WERE IN GOOD SHAPE. THEY PROJECTED A 2-WEEK TURNAROUND TIME. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-09-03 | JOHN - GOT
SEVERAL VALVES OUT ON THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD. THE WORN ROCKERS HAD
"MUSHROOMED" THE VALVE ENDS, SO WE HAVE TO SLIGHTLY FILE THE
TIP TO GET THE VALVE OUT. BUT, THE VALVES LOOK PRETTY GOOD...SO
FAR, WE CAN SAVE ALL OF THE VALVES. I'LL FINISH THE OTHER HEAD
TONIGHT. SO FAR, THE SEATS LOOK GOOD AS WELL...ONLY A COUPLE ARE
CUT DEEP. HAVEN'T FOUND ANYTHING THAT A GOOD VALVE GRIND WON'T
REPAIR. THE GUIDES HAVE ALREADY BEEN KNURLED (JASPER?). SO
WE'LL HAVE TO LIVE WITH WHAT WE HAVE. CHEVY'S DO NOT HAVE A BRASS
GUIDE, IT IS MACHINED DIRECTLY INTO THE HEAD CASTING...SO REPLACING THE
GUIDES IS NOT AN OPTION. I'LL PROBABLY TAKE THE DAMPENER OFF AND
THE TIMING CHAIN OFF ON WEDNESDAY...THEN WE'LL PULL THE CAM TO BE SURE
WE DON'T HAVE A "FLAT" OR SEVERELY WORN LOBE. THE
BIGGEST PROBLEM WE FOUND WAS THE VALVE SEALS...THE WERE DEFINITELY SHOT
AND HAD CAUSED QUITE A BIT OF CARBON TO GATHER ON THE INTAKES...
OVERALL, EVERYTHING WE FOUND TONIGHT WAS "GOOD NEWS" STUFF.
DAD AND I ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO WORK THE SWAP MEET AT THE IRP GOOD GUYS HOT ROD SHOW ON SATURDAY. DO YOU WANT TO GO ALONG? YOU'RE WELCOME TO GO WITH US IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE DOWN THIS WAY. BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT ME TO SELL AND/OR TRADE YOUR DUAL-4 INTAKE AND ROCHESTER CARBS. DON'T KNOW WHAT I CAN GET, BUT IT WILL BE BETTER THAN SETTING ON A SHELF IF YOU DON'T HAVE PLANS TO USE THEM. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-08-03 | WE HAVE
LOTS TO TALK ABOUT. FIRST, I GOT THE TRAILING ARMS SHIPPED OFF TO BE
REBUILT.
I SPOKE WITH BAIR'S ABOUT YOUR REAR END. THEY INDICATED THAT TOO MUCH END PLAY IN THE AXLES CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS. THEY RECOMMEND NO MORE THAN 0.020"-0.030"...WE PROBABLY HAVE 0.200"-0.250". IF BAIR'S REBUILDS THE REAR END, IT WOULD BE ABOUT $575 FOR EVERYTHING. I DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT (NOR DOES MY DAD) TO HANDLE THE REAR END REBUILD. YOU NEED SPECIAL TOOLS THAT SPREAD THE HOUSING, AND SPECIAL TOOLS TO GET THE SHIMS AND CLEARANCES SET IN THE POSI-TRAC CLUTCH PACKS. I KNOW IT ISN'T CHEAP, BUT I'D RECOMMEND GIVING THIS SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. IF WE'RE GOING TO DO IT NOW'S THE TIME, AS THE REAR END IS THE ONLY PIECE LEFT UNDER THE CAR. I GUESS YOU CAN'T BE TOO SURPRISED IT'S WORN, AS ITS PROBABLY MADE MANY REVOLUTIONS IN THE LAST 40 YEARS. DAD AND I SPENT SOME TIME LOOKING AT THE FRONT END, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE CAR HAD SO MUCH TOE-IN. WE NOTICED THAT THE UPPER A-FRAMES HAVE BEEN "SPACED" VERY RADICALLY SIDE-TO-SIDE AND FRONT-TO-REAR. IT APPEARS THE CAR MAY HAVE BEEN WRECKED AND EITHER A NEW CROSS MEMBER, OR A NEW SPRING POCKET WAS INSTALLED ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER'S) SIDE. WHEN THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THEY DIDN'T GET THE FRAME WELDED BACK CORRECTLY. NOT ONLY IS IT "BROKEN" RIGHT NOW, BUT EVERYTHING IS SET "CROOKED". WE CAN CERTAINLY RE-WELD THE FRAME, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WE CAN STRAIGHTEN THE FRAME WITH THE BODY ON. I'VE ATTACHED A COUPLE OF PICTURES. IF YOU STAND JUST RIGHT, YOU CAN SEE LIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS THE ROOT OF OUR TOE-IN PROBLEM. AS FOR THE ENGINE. OUR COMPRESSION CHECK WAS "FAIR", AND DAD FELT LIKE MOST OF THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE HEADS. MOST CYLINDERS SHOULD READ ABOUT 150...WE HAD TWO THAT READ 140, MOST READ ABOUT 125, AND TWO THAT READ 110. WHEN WE TOOK THE INTAKE OFF, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT YOUR WATER PASSAGES WERE PLUGGED. WHEN JASPER REBUILT THE ENGINE, IT APPEARS THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE LIFTERS, ROCKERS, OR PUSH RODS. THEY TURNED THE PUSH RODS UPSIDE DOWN (WHICH DAD SAYS IS AN OLD REBUILDER'S TRICK) TO GET THE WORN END OF THE PUSH ROD IN THE LIFTER. NOW BOTH ENDS OF THE PUSH RODS ARE WORN, HAVE A SHARP EDGE, AND A LIP. IF YOU LOOK AT THE PICTURES, YOU'LL SEE THE OIL HOLE IS WORN IN AN OVAL. THE LIFTERS ARE SEVERELY WORN. THE CUP (WHERE YOUR ROLLER AND BOLT GO THROUGH) HAS A SHARP EDGE AND THE EDGE THAT PUSHES ON THE VALVE IS GROOVED BADLY. IF YOU LOOK AT THE PICTURES, YOU'LL SEE WHERE THE ROCKER HAS SHIFTED AND WORN SEVERAL "GROOVES" IN THE VALVE TIP END. THE VALVE GUIDES ARE WORN AND SHOULD BE KNURLED. WE'LL LOOK AT THE VALVES ON MONDAY NIGHT. I HAVE NOT PULLED THE PAN YET, BUT WILL DO SO. WE SHOULD CONSIDER REPLACING THE OIL PUMP WHILE THE PAN IS OFF. WE'LL GIVE AN INSPECTION OF THE BOTTOM END, BUT WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE ENGINE'S BOTTOM AT THIS POINT. THE CYLINDERS LOOK EXCELLENT. OF COURSE, JASPER WOULD HAVE CLEANED UP ANY EDGES WHEN THE BLOCK WAS BORED. I'M HOPING WE DON'T FIND ALL OF THE BLOCK'S WATER PASSAGES PLUGGED (LIKE THE HEADS). ON A POSITIVE NOTE, WHEN WE PULLED THE BLOCK PLUGS TO DRAIN THE WATER, THE FLUID CAME OUT NICELY. NO JUNK, NO BLOCKAGE...SO WE'LL HOPE FOR THE BEST... WE'LL PULL THE TIMING COVER AND INSPECT THE TIMING CHAIN...AS YOU KNOW STRAIGHT SHIFT CARS ARE HARD ON TIMING CHAINS AS DOWN-SHIFTS WORK THE BACK SIDE OF THE CHAIN...MY GUESS IS YOU'LL WANT TO REPLACE IT. TWO OTHER ITEMS I FEEL SHOULD BE REPLACED WHEN THE ENGINE IS THIS FAR DOWN INCLUDE THE OIL PUMP AND WATER PUMP. THE PRICES ARE GUESSES...MONDAY, I'LL GET FORMAL ESTIMATES FOR EVERYTHING. IT APPEARS THE VALVE SPRINGS & SHIMS WILL BE ~ $45, THE RETAINERS ~ $22, THE ROCKER ARM KIT ~ $62, PUSH ROD SET ~ $50, 16 HYDRAULIC LIFTER ~ $85, AND WE'LL PROBABLY TIE UP ~ $180 IN HAVING THE HEADS BOILED AND THE GUIDES KNURLED (I'LL PROBABLY HAVE THE BOILING AND KNURLING DONE AT NAPA RENSSELAER). I'D EXPECT ABOUT 3 HOURS OF LABOR IN PUTTING THE HEADS BACK TOGETHER. WE'RE PROBABLY LOOKING AT ABOUT $500 TOTAL FOR THE HEADS. PLUS OIL PUMP ($70?), TIMING CHAIN KIT ($90?), GASKET SET ($80?), AND A WATER PUMP($75). WE'LL HAVE THE COST OF A USED INTAKE ($100), A USED HOLLEY CARB ($125), AND A USED BELL HOUSING ($65). WE'LL HAVE TO PLACE A REBUILD KIT ($35) IN THE CARB AND A FEW OTHER MISCELLANEOUS THINGS SUCH AS ANTI-FREEZE, AND HAVING THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CHECKED, ETC.... WE'LL HAVE SOME LABOR FOR ASSEMBLY ON THESE ITEMS ($150). I'D PROJECT ABOUT $1500 FOR PRIMARY PARTS IN THE ENGINE. WE'LL STILL NEED TO ADD ANCILLARY ITEMS, CAP, POINTS, CONDENSOR, AND OTHER TUNE-UP ITEMS, VACCUUM LINES, FUEL LINES, FUEL FILTERS, SOLENOID, PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, PLUG ENDS & BOOTS, HOSES, BELTS, EXHAUST GASKETS, OIL, OIL FILTER, BATTERY, CABLES, ANTI-FREEZE, ETC... I'M GOING TO THE GOOD GUYS HOT ROD SHOW IN INDY NEXT WEEKEND. THEY HAVE A PRETTY GOOD SWAP MEET, SO I'M GOING TO LOOK FOR A SINGLE 4-BARREL INTAKE (HOPEFULLY IT WILL COME WITH A GOOD HOLLEY). I'LL ALSO LOOK FOR A USED BELL HOUSING. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TRADE YOUR DUAL 4-BARREL INTAKE IF I CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL TRADE? LET ME KNOW. IF SO I'LL GET IT CLEANED UP AND SEE IF WE CAN SWAP IT. JOHN, THE REBUILD IS BEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE. IT APPEARS WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A TOTAL OF ABOUT $1500-2100 INVESTED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, ONCE IT IS BACK TOGETHER. WE'VE STILL GOT TO SEAL THE FUEL CELL, LOOK AT THE FUEL GUAGE, ETC... THE VARIANCE WOULD DEPEND UPON THE REAR END (IF IT NEEDS REBUILT...IF WE CHOOSE TO REBUILD IT). THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WILL PROBABLY RUN ABOUT $1,900 IN PARTS AND LABOR ONCE WE'VE GOT THE ENGINE INSTALLED AND HAVE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ALL OF THE ITEMS I'VE LISTED ABOVE. THE FRONT END IS PROBABLY GOING TO TAKE ABOUT $1500 TO REBUILD, AS LONG AS WE DON'T RUN INTO ANY SURPRISES WITH THE FRAME PROBLEM. I HAVEN'T SET DOWN AND PRICED EACH COMPONENT, BUT I KNOW WE NEED TO GET THE STEERING BOX REBUILT AND WE NEED TO BUY A NEW IDLER ARM. I LIKE TO REPLACE THE PITMAN ARM EVERY TIME I HAVE A STEERING BOX OUT. WE'LL GET BUSHING KITS FOR EVERYTHING ELSE AND WE'LL HAVE TO GET THE CAR LINED UP, FRONT BEARINGS, INNER & OUTER SEALS, ROTORS TURNED, ETC... THEN WE HAVE OTHER ITEMS THAT WILL APPEAR. IF YOU FIGURE $1,200-$1,500 FOR OTHER "SURPRISES"...OUR PROJECTED TOTAL COMES TO AROUND $6200-$6500. WITH THE REAR END YOU'RE PROBABLY LOOKING AT $7000. IF ALL GOES BETTER/CHEAPER THAN EXPECTED, WE MIGHT BE UNDER $6000. AS YOU KNOW, ABOUT 75% OF THE COSTS WILL BE IN PARTS. AGAIN, THIS IS A "GUESS" AT THIS TIME...BUT I THINK WE'RE STARTING TO GET A FEEL FOR THE UPCOMING COSTS. I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS NUMBER MEETS WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS, BUT HOPEFULLY IT WILL HELP YOU MAKE A DECISION ON THE REAR END. PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-05-03 | THE SPECIAL PACKAGING BOXES ARRIVED THIS MORNING (VIA UPS) FOR SHIPMENT OF THE TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLIES TO BAIR'S IN PENNSYLVANIA. I'LL PACKAGE THEM TONIGHT AND GET THEM OUT ASAP. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-04-03 | REMOVED REAR LEAF SPRING PACK. WE'RE GOING TO START LOOKING AT THE ENGINE ON THURSDAY NIGHT (06-05). CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-03-03 | REMOVED LINK FROM HUB ASSEMBLIES AND REAR LEAF SPRINGS. REMOVED TRAILING ARM PIVOT BOLTS AND ALL SHIMS. FINAL REMOVAL OF THE TRAILING ARM AND HUB ASSEMBLIES. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 06-03-03 | JOHN, I'VE SPENT A FAIR AMOUNT OF TIME RESEARCHING VARIOUS PROVIDERS FOR CORVETTE PARTS, AS I'D LIKE TO BUY ALL OF OUR PARTS FROM A SOLE PROVIDER. ALSO, I'VE TRIED TO FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL OFFER ME A DEALER DISCOUNT, SO THE PRICE I CHARGE YOU ISN'T SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN ADVERTISED PRICES. I'VE DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH A COMPANY CALLED BAIR'S OUT OF PENNSYLVANIA. THEY COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND I'VE SPOKEN WITH THEIR "TECH" PEOPLE ON THE PHONE TWICE. I THINK THEY'RE THE RIGHT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS. I FIND THEIR PRICES TO BE COMPETITIVE AND I BELIEVE THEY'LL DO GOOD WORK. THERE ARE A FEW ITEMS THAT I CANNOT GET A DISCOUNT ON, BUT THEY'LL WORK WITH ME ON MOST ITEMS AT "DEALER COST". THEY HAVE (LITERALLY) EVERYTHING FOR '63-'82 CORVETTES AND IT SHOULD BE A ONE STOP SHOP FOR OUR NEEDS. THEY HAVE SPECIAL BOXES FOR SHIPPING THE TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLIES, AND I ORDERED THEM TODAY. I SHOULD HAVE THE BOXES BY THE END OF THE WEEK...THEN, I'LL PACK THE TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLIES AND SHIP THEM FOR REBUILD. THEY'LL INSPECT AND CONTACT ME IF THERE ARE ANY PARTS THAT CANNOT BE SAVED AND MUST BE REPLACED. I'D ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE AT WWW.BAIRS.COM , I THINK YOU'LL BE IMPRESSED WITH THEIR CATALOG AND HISTORY. DAD AND I ARE STARTING TO LOOK AT THE ENGINE THIS WEEK. I'D LIKE TO GET A HANDLE ON OUR ENGINE NEEDS WHILE WAITING FOR PARTS TO REASSEMBLE THE "BACK END" OF THE CAR. I'LL ALSO START CLEANING AND PAINTING ALL "BACK END" PARTS FOR REASSEMBLY. ASSUMING I DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE TOWN UNEXPECTEDLY FOR MY RITE-WAY JOB, THIS SHOULD BE A PRODUCTIVE WEEK. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-30-03 | REMOVED CAMBER RODS AND BRACKET. REMOVED SHOCK BOLTS. BEGAN REMOVING TRAILING ARMS. AS EXPECTED, EVERYTHING IS SEVERELY RUSTED, WHICH TAKES A BIT OF TIME TO HEAT, ETC... CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-26-03 | STARTED TAKING THE REAR HALF SHAFTS, SHOCKS, AND CAMBER RODS APART TODAY. YOU HAVE A BOLT ON THE LEFT REAR HALF SHAFT THAT SOMEONE HAS "ROUNDED"...I'M GOING TO HAVE TO WELD A PIECE TO THE BOLT TO GET IT OUT...THAT'S WHAT I'LL WORK ON NEXT IN THE SHOP. PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE HUB ASSEMBLY REBUILD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE'RE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS ON THE CAR AND I WANT TO KEEP MOVING. THE NEW SHOCK YOU HAD PLACED ON THE RIGHT REAR DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT? IT SEEMS TO BE FAILING UNDER COMPRESSION. CERTAINLY NOT A BIG ISSUE AT THIS TIME, WE'LL ADDRESS LATER. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-23-03 | I SPOKE WITH A COUPLE OF RE-BUILDERS REGARDING THE RTAHBA (REAR TRAILING ARMS/HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY). WE WOULD HAVE YOUR RTAHBA REBUILT, NOT EXCHANGED. THIS WOULD INCLUDE NEW INNER & OUTER BEARINGS, NEW INNER & OUTER RACE, NEW SHIM & SPACER, NEW INNER & OUTER SEAL, NEW INNER DUST SHIELD, NEW CASTLE NUT & WASHER, NEW EM. BRAKE CABLE GUIDE, NEW EM. BRAKE ADJUSTER, NEW EM. BRAKE SPRINGS, NEW ANCHOR BOLT LOCK, NEW BACKING SHIELD, BOTH EM. BRAKE SPRINGS, AND NEW WHEEL STUDS. THE ROTORS WOULD BE RE-RIVETED TO YOUR REAR HUBS AND THE ROTORS WOULD BE TURNED/TRUED AS AN ASSEMBLY. A NEW RTAHBA BUSHING KIT (FOR FRONT ATTACH POINT), TRAILING ARM STUDS & NUTS. THE LABOR WILL INCLUDE RE-SETTING BEARINGS, RECONDITIONING OF SPINDLE SUPPORT, INSPECTION OF THE 30 SPOT WELDS ON THE RTAHBA, AND PACKING OF BEARINGS. THEY'VE RECOMMENDED USING A SHIM KIT DESIGNED FOR A 1970 OR LATER 'VETTE, AS THE LATER CARS USED FORKED SHIMS RATHER THAN DRILLED SHIIMS ('65). IF WE DID THIS, A NEW HOLE WOULD BE REQUIRED IN THE FRAME JUST BEHIND THE TRAILING ARM BOLT. IT WOULDN'T BE ORIGINAL, BUT A REALLY NICE UPDATE, TO MAKE SETTING THE REAR "TOE" MUCH EASIER. LET ME KNOW IF YOU'RE OK WITH THIS. WE'D REPLACE THE (4) U-JOINTS IN THE HALF SHAFTS, AND BOTH U-JOINTS IN THE DRIVE SHAFT. INSTALL THE NEW CALIPERS, REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES, AND REPLACE EM. BRAKE CABLE. I'D PURCHASE AND INSTALL A REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT KIT WITH REPLACEMENT BUSHINGS, CUSHIONS, BRACKETS, AND BOLTS. FINALLY, CHANGE THE REAR END GREASE AND YOU SHOULD BE GOOD IN THE REAR DRIVELINE. I'LL CHECK THE SEALS IN THE REAR END AND THE OUTPUT SHAFT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. FOR THE WORK I'VE DESCRIBED, YOU'RE PROBABLY LOOKING AT ABOUT $1,450. YOU'LL HAVE ABOUT $1,000 IN PARTS AND REPLACEMENT ITEMS, ABOUT $100 IN FREIGHT BOTH WAYS FOR THE RTAHBA. YOU'LL HAVE ABOUT $300-$400 IN LABOR. YOU'VE ALREADY GOT SHOCKS, PADS, CALIPERS, BRAKE LINES AND ROTORS (ALTHOUGH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO USE YOUR REAR ROTORS...I'LL FIND OUT MORE). WE'LL STILL NEED TO FINISH THE FUEL TANK, CHECK ALL REAR LIGHTS, CHECK FUEL GAUGE, AND INSPECT THE REAR BODY MOUNT RUBBERS. OUTSIDE OF ANY SURPRISES, WE'LL RE-ASSEMBLE ALL PARTS AND THE REAR OF THE CAR SHOULD BE DONE. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT'S HARD TO GIVE AN ESTIMATE, BUT I THINK I'M PRETTY CLOSE. IF YOU WANT TO PROCEED, I'D LIKE TO GET THE RTAHBA OFF THE CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND SHIPPED TO THE REBUILDER. I'D LIKE TO GET THE REAR PORTION OF THIS CAR COMPLETE SO I CAN START ON ITEMS FORWARD OF THE TRANSMISSION. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-17-03 | I GOT THE EXHAUST OFF AND DROPPED THE TANK. THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK IS SEVERELY VARNISHED. IN FACT, I CUT THE FUEL LINE AND NO FUEL CAME OUT. I DROPPED THE TANK AND COULD NOT GET THE FUEL TO DRAIN...I EVEN PUT AIR IN THE TANK, AND STILL COULDN'T GET IT TO DUMP THE FUEL. I'LL LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM IN MORE DETAIL LATER. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-11-03 | I WORKED ON THE TANK AGAIN TODAY, BUT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE THE EXHAUST APART TO GET THE TANK OUT. I WAS REALLY HOPING I WOULDN'T HAVE TO TAKE THE EXHAUST APART...AS YOU KNOW THIS CAN BE A REAL JOB, TRYING NOT TO DAMAGE THE EXHAUST SO IT CAN BE RE-USED. I'VE GOT THE CROSSMEMBER OUT AND ALL OTHER ITEMS, AND THE TANK IS HANGING FREE... BUT I CAN'T GET THE TANK OUT WITHOUT REMOVING THE MUFFLERS. THE TANK HAS BEEN A BIGGER JOB THAN I EXPECTED...PROBABLY WON'T BE OUR LAST SURPRISE. NEXT TIME IN THE SHOP, I'LL FOCUS ON THE EXHAUST AND SEND YOU A COUPLE OF PHOTOS OF THE TANK OUT OF THE CAR. WE'LL GET THE TANK CLEANED AND SEALED AS WE DISCUSSED. I'LL HAVE NUMBERS THIS WEEK FOR THE COST OF PARTS BEING CONSIDERED. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-10-03 | I BEGAN TAKING THE FUEL CELL OUT OF THE CAR TODAY. THERE IS A HEAVY WHITE OXIDATION ON THE TANK INTERIOR. THE FUEL FILTER ON THE INTERIOR PICKUP WILL NEED REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE RUBBER SPLASH RING ON THE FILLER NECK (IT IS BADLY TORN). I'LL GET SOME ESTIMATE PRICES. I STILL NEED TO REMOVE THE EXHAUST HANGERS AND THE TANK CROSSMEMBER BEFORE DROPPING THE TANK. HOPEFULLY I WON'T HAVE TO TAKE THE EXHAUST PIPES APART. ONCE THE TANK IS OUT, I'LL SEAL IT WITH HIRSCHER SEALER. DO YOU RECALL IF THE FUEL GAUGE WORKED IN THE CAR? IF NOT, WE SHOULD ADDRESS IT NOW WHILE I HAVE IT OUT. I'LL TAKE THE BRAKE ROTORS IN FOR TURNING NEXT WEEK. YOU'LL SEE PICTURES OF THE RIVETS I DRILLED OUT ON THE PHOTOS PAGE. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT THE REAR ROTORS HAD NEVER BEEN OFF OF THE CAR! WHAT A SURPRISE FOR A CAR ALMOST 40YEARS OLD. THE RIVETS WERE PLACED IN THE ROTOR AND AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY AT THE FACTORY. ..THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED (ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL). I'VE GOT SEVERAL OUTLETS FOR PRICING ON THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, AS WELL AS THE BUSHING KITS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION. I'VE PLACED A COUPLE OF PICTURES THAT SHOW SOME BUSHINGS THAT ARE COMPLETELY SHOT. I'VE ALSO FOUND A COMPANY THAT TRADES OUT COMPLETELY REBUILT REAR ENDS...SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. OBVIOUSLY WE'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE HALF-SHAFT U-JOINTS WHEN WE GET THE TRAILING ARMS OFF. I'LL GET SOME PRICING NOTES ON FOR YOU ASAP. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM |
| 05-09-03 | HELLO JOHN - WELL, I'VE FINALLY GOT A WEB SITE IN PLACE SO YOU CAN TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THE CAR. HOPEFULLY YOU'LL FIND IT NICE TO TRACK WITH PHOTOS, NOTES, AND ASSOCIATED COSTS. I PLAN TO KEEP THIS PAGE UPDATED FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST ONCE EACH WEEK. WE'LL USE THIS PAGE AS A FORM OF "CHAT ROOM" TO MAKE DECISIONS ON THE CAR, ETC... SORRY ITS TAKEN A WHILE TO GET THIS UP AND GOING. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING THE CAR COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I'LL LIST NOTES IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER SO ITS EASY TO SEE THE MOST RECENT NEWS. CONTACT ME WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS DOUG@WRIGHTRACE.COM THANKS. DOUG |