Winter Projects

[XcYZ]

So what's your winter project going to be this year?

Mine will be just plugging along with my car. Nothing exciting - yet. ;)

Anyone tearing into something special?

[Derek69SS]

Santa Clause drives a brown truck, and christmas was yesterday at my house :thumbsup:
Too bad the scrooge has to bring my credit-card bill :D

I now have most of my front suspension - tubular lower arms, adjustable upper arms, tall ball-joints, 700# 9.5" springs, Speedway spring height adjusters, etc. I still need shocks and steering components.

I still need to get the harness for my LT1, a stall converter for the 4L60, and the ambition to put it all on my new frame, and then swap the body over onto the new chassis when it's ready.

[907rs]

Same here, just working on the car as time allows.

[race-rodz]

i plan on finishing up the engine/trans, fab work, get it final assembled to test it out as soon as the snow melts... however, the winter time is my money makin time of year paintin harleys, so who knows what will actually happen.

[Rybar]

I plan on doing my shakedown runs and final assembly. Will post updated pics/vids when the time comes.

[evilzee28]

intend to get started on my '69 Camaro in the next few weeks & try to get it ready for the start of next seasons, circuit race championships. HELP!!!!!!!! . :willy:Just gotta remember where I put it lol. :unibrow:

[almcbri]

my plans are to finish all the bodywork on the 65 mustang, then primered and assembled for paint this spring.

Project Old School-I am hoping to get my front suspension torn back apart, blasted, powdercoated and re-assembled w/ the new suspension UCA, tie rods, disc brakes etc. Paint the firewall, dash, and misc. parts black. Next thing is to drop in the engine and trans. then...she will wait patiently until summer 06' for paint.

That should take up my month off of school till Spring semester starts back.

[Damn True]

Plan Wedding
Renovate House

The car comes after Kathy is happy.

[Rick Dorion]

I picked up a stock bore 400 block for a 412 motor to replace my tired 355 :)

[astroracer]

#1) Adding a 30' x 26' addition to the shop. ASAP...
#2) Moving the Firebird and Model A into the new part
#3) Organizing all of my "stuff" in the new part
#4) Finishing up the front cradle and control arms
#5) Building the rear sub, traction bars and wheel tubs
#6) Stripping down the van and getting it ready for the transplants...
Lots to do...

[Smack_talker]

I plan to install the turbo on my Mustang then if funds allow transplant the motor into a 69 Mustang PT car.

[Payton King]

hopefully:

ready for paint Nov
painted by Dec
put together Jan and Feb
shake down in March

Hide the women and children in April...it will be time to rock and roll.

[slck6t9]

Hopefully add some rear disc brakes and finally get some new wheels.

Scott

[T Bell]

Maybe moving into another house. Which will be no fun since my car is in umpteen bazillion pieces. Motor and tranny in backyard. Body in right bay, frame in left bay. Hood on front wall. Core support and other various parts in the attic.

But if we don't move, I will finish up painting the frame to put back under the car. And I may order a steering box.

[mdprovee]

I'll be just plugging along too. Finish, Dynamat, brakes, and front suspension. Then the paint stuff will be next.

[Stuart Adams]

Nothing here, because it is never really winter here. Hot rods all year long.

Our winters are for spoiled wimps like me.

[XcYZ]

Well then Stuart, I know where I'm going for a vacation this winter. :D

Derek, will your LT1 be stock?

[Stuart Adams]

Scott, your always welcome. Even if you make atrip to Las Vegas or phoenix this winter, let me know. I would love to get together.

Have you sent my shirts yet? The temp. finally is below 100, so I need to put a shirt on now!!

[XcYZ]

Cool, sounds great Stuart.

Yep, your shirts are in the mail. I'd guess you'd have them Saturday or Monday. :)

[MaxHarvard]

Mine will probably be fiberglassing a new center console for the camaro :)

[Derek69SS]

Derek, will your LT1 be stock?
Temporarily. I'm going to focus on getting it in and running before I do anything expensive. Just headers, exhaust, and programming for now.

12.9s and 20mpg is my 2-3 year goal as time and money allows. :cool:

[MarkM66]

Start my '66 Chevelle. :D

[Steve1968LS2]

Get Penny ready for track days next year.. it really sucks not having anything to take out and have fun with..

Install LS2, trans and front sub. Rework rear suspension and install new gas tank.

Also will be getting everything in place for the '68 Stang.. gonna be a busy winter.

[XcYZ]

Which sub are you doing, Steve? 21st CSM?

[907rs]

Start my '66 Chevelle. :D

Mark, what are your plans for the '66? If you've already told us, I don't recall, as it's been well over a year(?) since you bought the car.

Got any pics you'd like to share? :D

[Steve1968LS2]

Which sub are you doing, Steve? 21st CSM?

Well, there is probley some rule that says it is a secret but I missed it in the rule book.. so it does look that way.

I am very impressed with thier product and their eagerness to have it put through the paces at the end..

Will be doing the install out here in sunny CA though.. anyone wanna help? lol

[XcYZ]

I think you had mentioned it in an earlier post, but I wasn't 100% sure.

[radrambler]

well

im like stuart ill be wearing a t-shirt and shorts. :cool: ....damn the snow
its always car time here..oh ill do a lil bass fishing as it gets about 75-80 for the high in about two months
ill be bustin ass on the rambler getting it assembled for the new year
paint should be going on before too long.(still not 100% on scheme)...im finishing fab work and getting paint prep work done now ..
hope to be :drive: driving it around the turn of the new year....

radrambler

[Stuart Adams]

Rad, Ls1?

[radrambler]

Rad, Ls1?

most likley ..but ive been looking on the internet for other choices....maybe a turbo something, different.....trying to look at all options..i have such an open compartment almost anything will work....also lookin at "weight to hp"
also looking at the money factor...what cost what to make this thing fun to drive. should be about 2500 pounds done...so it wont take a monster to make it fun...
thank for askin stuart

radrambler

[Musclerodz]

most likley ..but ive been looking on the internet for other choices....maybe a turbo something, different.....trying to look at all options..i have such an open compartment almost anything will work....also lookin at "weight to hp"
also looking at the money factor...what cost what to make this thing fun to drive. should be about 2500 pounds done...so it wont take a monster to make it fun...
thank for askin stuart

radrambler
What about a Buick GN turbo motor? Can make good hp and should be good on the weight to hp ratio.

Mike

[Musclerodz]

My plans will are to have the Blazer finished by late winter, early spring. I also want to have the Camaro at the minimum rolling on it own 4 feet.

Mike

[radrambler]

What about a Buick GN turbo motor? Can make good hp and should be good on the weight to hp ratio.

Mike

good idea..ive thought about that.....availability
they seem hard to come by..we have some gn guys around here.....just dont find engine/trans combos here much

[Stuart Adams]

Yeah, too many motor options , hard to choose sometimes. Reliable, easily maintained, light weight, enough power - satisfy those and you can't go wrong.

[Damn True]

My plans will are to have the Blazer finished by late winter, early spring. I also want to have the Camaro at the minimum rolling on it own 4 feet.

Mike

That would be really cool.
As if the Rambler isn't original enough.

[Damn True]

Well, there is probley some rule that says it is a secret but I missed it in the rule book.. so it does look that way.

I am very impressed with thier product and their eagerness to have it put through the paces at the end..

Will be doing the install out here in sunny CA though.. anyone wanna help? lol


I would love to see how that process works. I am in Nor-Cal, but perhaps something can be arranged.

[Steve1968LS2]

Come on down.. I have beer! :)

Car is going to Hot Rods and Custom Stuff in Escondido for the firewall loving and to have the panels replaced in the firewall and trans tunnel that make for a better fit with the 21st century subframe.

They will also coat the bottom side of the car with dynapro.. The firewall will be the same charcoal color as the 69 and they are going to shoot the inner fenderwells as well in orange.

even with my good guy discount it will cost me thousands but nobody ever said this is a cheap hobby.. lol

I will assemble the frame and with a bit of assistance install it on the car. I will then roll it back to HRCS to have them hang the sheet metal. Then I will take it for the little stuff

At least that is the plan..Should end up being 4 stories..

1. story on the engine (before dyno, parts swap, after dyno)
2. story on the install of the engine and trans and maybe the fuel system
3. story on assembly of the front suspension and install will include firewall mods
4. install of misc parts (fuel tank, etc) and track test

Lot of stuff to fold into only 4 stories but I will make it work.

[radrambler]

Yeah, too many motor options , hard to choose sometimes. Reliable, easily maintained, light weight, enough power - satisfy those and you can't go wrong.
its kinda fun but i take it as more of the challenge of the build."pain in the ass".
it has to be enough power to make the car fun.not cost a million bucks..
it has to be driveable. have available aftermarket parts so performance changes can be made.....ls1 seem to be the easiest to fill the bill .im going to finish my fab and prep work then THE MOTOR CHALLENGE. IM JUST RESEARCHING STUFF NOW...

RADRAMBLER

[Damn True]

Did you say beer? You guys heard beer right?
Gimme a 2-3 weeks notice and I can arrange to be down there to help out.


Come on down.. I have beer! :)

Car is going to Hot Rods and Custom Stuff in Escondido for the firewall loving and to have the panels replaced in the firewall and trans tunnel that make for a better fit with the 21st century subframe.

They will also coat the bottom side of the car with dynapro.. The firewall will be the same charcoal color as the 69 and they are going to shoot the inner fenderwells as well in orange.

even with my good guy discount it will cost me thousands but nobody ever said this is a cheap hobby.. lol

I will assemble the frame and with a bit of assistance install it on the car. I will then roll it back to HRCS to have them hang the sheet metal. Then I will take it for the little stuff

At least that is the plan..Should end up being 4 stories..

1. story on the engine (before dyno, parts swap, after dyno)
2. story on the install of the engine and trans and maybe the fuel system
3. story on assembly of the front suspension and install will include firewall mods
4. install of misc parts (fuel tank, etc) and track test

Lot of stuff to fold into only 4 stories but I will make it work.

[trapin]

This winter?

Hopefully I'll be snapping the car back together after getting it painted. Have to paint the living room, revisit the basement (cause the kids tore it up). Watch football, watch hockey.

Oh yeah....and I might get the wife pregnant too.

[USAZR1]

I'm on vacation this week so here's what's in store for my 69 El Camino:
(1) install remote on Air Ride system 9 (tomorrow)
(2) fab & install stainless exhaust bezels in rocker panels (Wednesday)
(3) install new Fatmat insulation,new carpet,and new Arizen Sport seats
(4) send front wheels to Weldtech to have backspacing changed to 5.75"
Hope to have my NOS bed molding reconditioned before Xmas

[jack67rs]

I'm with Stuart on this one, weather is just starting to get nice, will hopefully get the motor runining in the next few weeks. Then the front clip will go back on soon after.

[lil427z]

this winter , i hope to finish my twin turbo 427 sbc . do some inside car shows. winter in dallas is not much . summers are hot as hell . :thumbsup:
rick kirkindall :D

[BC69]

I dont know, I was thinking some Curious George, The Cat in the Hat, Where the Wild Things Go, See spot run...you know those books.
The Camaro likes to be read too while its stuck inside and there is 2 feet of snow outside. Shes just about the age for those books now. Sometimes at the scary parts I have to pull the cover over her headlights..

But yeah...thats about it.

Tim

[Steve1968LS2]

What's this "winter" you all keep talking about???

[907rs]

What's this "winter" you all keep talking about???

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/896083/23_jpg.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/896083/94_jpg.jpg

Need I say more? :D

[zbugger]

What's that white stuff?

[Mean 69]

Need I say more?

Nope! Wow, that looks CRAZY!
M

[Blown353]

The engine is coming out sometime before the year is up for a cam swap; same grind but this time on a billet core, and I'll also change to beehive valve springs and matching Ti retainers. The cam/springs/retainers are already sitting in the garage waiting to be installed. My current cast HR has me very nervous about lobe failure, hence the switch to billet.

Common sense tells me I should also strip the car while the engine is out and paint the thing before the rust holes in the front fenders get any larger, but our typically mild California "winters" suggest I leave it together and keep driving it every day the roads are dry... much more fun because it makes even more power in cold weather.

Heck, since March I've put more mileage on the Chevelle than my daily driver... and the Chevelle only gets taken out after work 3-5 times a week! :P

However, given past experiences, chances are I won't paint it and keep driving it (there goes another year, been putting paint off for 9 years now) and instead will re-do the front suspension again, change wheels, and put in some good seats, and then paint it next year (LOL) once I build up the new frame / 3-link. I also want to change dashes soon, probably going with a Covan's that I will modify; I want to move all the gauges up where I can easily see them. Right now they're all under the dash, which is rather tough to see at a quick glance.

Troy

[awr68]

I hope to get the body work finished, paint the bottom, inside and trunk, then take it in for exterior paint...well it sounds good, but it never seems to go as quickly as I plan. I'm hoping to drive it next year, so things have to move right along for the next 8 months!!

[Ummgawa]

Here you guys are talking about changin stuff and i can't even get the stuff i have bolted together...

[907rs]

Here you guys are talking about changin stuff and i can't even get the stuff i have bolted together...

Jim, you're not alone. I've been changing stuff I haven't bolted on for months!!