Project WidowMaker - The Build Thread

[The WidowMaker]

the overlap is getting trimmed a little and they will get rounded corners as well. i think the paint color will tone them down a little too. i do agree they look large in the pic though. they dont look that way in person.

[70rs]

Looks great! No matter what Ron says.....:D

I have followed this from the start. I really like that you are doing all of this yourself. This thread and several other "built at home" projects have really helped me.
Thanks for taking the time to post it all.:cheers:

[Ron in SoCal]

^ yeah Tim. What he said....:lolhit:

[coolwelder62]

I also am enjoying the fabrication being done here.:thumbsup:

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys!!!

heres the first piece of the grille. now i just need to makes the sides and i can start assembly. i also wish i had a mill (or talent) that allowed me to make pieces that didnt need any cleanup. theres obviously very little slop in the mill, but very little is still too much.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2303.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2308.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2305.jpg

[Nick.V70]

thanks guys!!!

heres the first piece of the grille. now i just need to makes the sides and i can start assembly. i also wish i had a mill (or talent) that allowed me to make pieces that didnt need any cleanup. theres obviously very little slop in the mill, but very little is still too much.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2303.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2308.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2305.jpg



I really hope you are making 2 right :hail: you could offset some time/cost :unibrow:

[intocarss]

Incredible :hail:

[The WidowMaker]

heres a pic of the grille. i still have to cut the middle bars to length and it obviously still needs to be welded. i hope to have it done by the end of next week.

im also gathering quotes right now on the motor. im still not settled on a builder, but mast, wegner and hke are the front runners. if anyone has any reviews or advice id love to hear it. if you'd rather not post, shoot me a pm.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2364.jpg

I really hope you are making 2 right you could offset some time/cost

i wish i could make a second. im spending way to much time on the first:yes:

[intocarss]

You could talk to Mark @ Rapp racing engines in HB on Gothard St http://rappracingengines.com/

Also you may want to talk with these folks They do heads but can steer you in the right direction

http://proheads.com/

Or I have a friend (Nills Castillo) that builds and tunes the LS etc engs for off road race trucks, he dynos at our shop out here in the valley. . If intrested I can Pm Nill's # to you. Hope this may help you. Here is one of Nill's Engs..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/IMG_4575.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/IMG_4573.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/IMG_4572.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/IMG_4571.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/IMG_4567.jpg

[tones2SS]

The grill looks awesome Tim. How much time do you have into it already?

[The WidowMaker]

You could talk to Mark @ Rapp racing engines in HB on Gothard St http://rappracingengines.com/



thanks. i'll give them a look.

The grill looks awesome Tim. How much time do you have into it already?

my guess would be 20 hours. i dont have quick change bits and my mill head only tips one way. it led to some more complicated setup that took some time. i figure ill have another 10 in it between welding, grinding/sanding of the joints, attaching the mesh and mounting it.

[The WidowMaker]

getting closer. ive only knocked to tops off the welds and i still obviously need to weld in the center bars. when its mounted only 3/4" of the solid ends will be visibile. it will give it the full perimeter that i was looking for.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2459.jpg

[waynieZ]

Thats going to be sweet! Nice work. I can't wait to see it done.

[tones2SS]

Seems to be going great so far. Looking forward to the finished product.

[The WidowMaker]

still needs a lot more work, but its getting closer.....

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2467.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_2469.jpg

[mrgm]

nice fit. window cutain on hood?

[wellis77]

Very nice! I would love to be able to do a custom grill on my project. May have to get me some tools...

[HEEP]

Widowmaker,
It is like you are building my car. I'm still collecting parts, and you're showing me what I have been thinking about. Love the grill. Please go ahead and make another one to save me some time.
Outstanding......:hail:

HEEP

[The WidowMaker]

Widowmaker,
It is like you are building my car. I'm still collecting parts, and you're showing me what I have been thinking about. Love the grill. Please go ahead and make another one to save me some time.
Outstanding......


i just hope it all comes together. i would have been done years ago if i had done a stock type rebuild. i think its going to be worth it, but the added money, stress and lack of time with the family is really starting to wear on me. it was one thing when my oldest was 1 and taking naps, but i now have a 4yo, 2yo and a third boy due in january. i neep to friggin hurry this thing up:yes:

[HEEP]

i just hope it all comes together. i would have been done years ago if i had done a stock type rebuild. i think its going to be worth it, but the added money, stress and lack of time with the family is really starting to wear on me. it was one thing when my oldest was 1 and taking naps, but i now have a 4yo, 2yo and a third boy due in january. i neep to friggin hurry this thing up:yes:

I understand that. I started on a JEEP when my daughter was born. Got it road worthy before my sone was born and started a complete rebuild after he came around. Now they are in the sports things and school, she is 13 and he is 8. I work after they have gone to bed at night. That seems like the only way I can do this. Yours are at the age where they really what the Daddy time also.
Keep hammering away at it and keep on posting pictures. You truly are doing things on yours that I have thought about for mine. The grille is awesome. If you would pm me what your final picture in your head is going to be.
HEEP

[The WidowMaker]

If you would pm me what your final picture in your head is going to be.


which part you looking for? most of it changes daily and im still kicking around ideas for the engine compartment. i need to figure something out for the close out and i really need my wheels to figure out if a stock style inner fender will be enough even if modified. thats my next project when the grille and bumper are done.

[HEEP]

I've had my Chevelle since I was 15. Believe me, my ideas have changed over the years. My goal has always been some sort of pro-tour / later-g type car. The latest and greatest tech, or as much as I can afford.

I always wondered what a billet style grille would look like. Now I can see. What will the inserts for the opening be? My thought was a flat stainless bar design kind of like a 34 ford, just horizontal not vertical.

Keep up the great work and keep picture coming.
HEEP

[70 chevelle]

Great work on the grille. Want to make two?

[The WidowMaker]

here are the pics of the new wheels. 3 piece rushforth wildsides. 20x11 315/35/20 rear, 19x9.5 275/35/19 fronts. rear has a lot of room to come down, but it would be a reverse rake. i have about 4.25" to the front crossmember. i may come down another 1/2", but thats the limiting factor on how much more i could drop for an actual ride height. i wish i could do more, but its really not possible.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3185.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3187.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3195.jpg

[tones2SS]

Wow Tim, those wheels are going to look killer on that beast. What color are you painting the car?

[HEEP]

Widowmaker,
great looking wheels. I need to go back to see if you put tubs in there. the rears look huge.

I also spy the grille on top o the roof. Did you post finished pictures? Still wanting one.

Keep updating, because I am living vicariously through you right now. Mony is tight and haven't done anything to mine at this time.
Looks good.
HEEP

[The WidowMaker]

I need to go back to see if you put tubs in there. the rears look huge.

I also spy the grille on top o the roof. Did you post finished pictures? Still wanting one.



tubbed the rear. no way to get these in there at this ride height without. even with the tubs i had to push the wheels in more than i wanted. plenty of clearance at ride height, but it tightens up real quick when under compression.

grilles still not done and the one you see up top is the stock one. i have actually been pretty sick over the past couple months. im back to about 90% strength as of last week so i plan to start working on it again.

[The WidowMaker]

i was back to feeling like crap last week but doing better today again. so heres the newest addition. its still a little rough but this is what i got done a little over a week ago. it will end up tying both fenders together and going up over the core support. i need to get the radiator mounted to see if that will be covered or left exposed.

one issue needing a solution is the hood latch. the pin should end up going through the piece thats floating in the middle. not 100% sure how i will finish that piece, but its roughed.

i also need to know if im going to use the hook or not since it complicates the plan. i planned on mounting a solenoid that would pop the pin since i took the stock release out of the bumper. the concern would be the solenoid popping the pin while driving and not having the hook to keep the hood in place. anybody else feel comfortable drving with only the pin? ive never had a hood pop to the hook before, but it would be a huge deal if it did without a hook.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3285.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3287.jpg

[LUACE]

This is one killer build thread!!! I cant believe i am just noticing it, especially being that we are both from HB. Now i am going to keep an eye out for a killer Chevelle around town... Keep up the nice work! :thumbsup:

[coolwelder62]

This is an awesome build thread.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[DriverzInc]

How are things going Tim? Long time no talk....

[The WidowMaker]

How are things going Tim? Long time no talk....

much better than the last few months. things were pretty rough for a while but im starting to feel much better now. docs think i had some crazy virus that put me out for 4 months. i see so many sick people with my job that it at least makes a little sense. i also had my third boy on the 4th. pretty crazy around the house.

im hoping that i can start working on it again slowly next month. i still hope to get it in paint this summer and maybe even on the road by this time next year. we'll see.

thanks again for all your help with the wheels. they look friggin sick!

[Swain]

Congrats on ur 3rd boy. I'll stop by one weekend to check progress

[Flash68]

Tim, congrats! You are a boy making machine! :D

I was gonna check in with you this week actually and see how you're feeling... hope the worst is behind you bro.

[The WidowMaker]

well, im almost back to normal. ive taken about 6 months off the car and im starting to feel much better now. im still a little dizzy and have some mild shakes, but im back to about 95% mentally and 75% physically. still not sure what the hell happened, but the docs still think i had a bad virus. being that im around sick people all the time, it makes some sense. over the past few months ive learned that when my body tells me to slow down, i have to slow down. before it all started i had a mild cold and was still working out hard and pushing myself on some short 3 mile runs. no more of that. i think if i would have rested at the start, the last 6 months wouldnt have happened. plus its made me reflect on life and the family and where my priorities were. cars going to get done, i just cant spend 3-4 hours a day on it anymore. luckly, its not too far from being finished. im still hoping to have it in paint by the end of summer. its a year behind schedule, but at least it will be done. i just need to figure out where i left on and start working on it again. more to come soon......

[waynieZ]

The mosty important thing is getting healthy so your around to enjoy all your hard work. Glad your feeling better.

[Tom.A]

Glad you are better Tim. Due dates on car builds never seem to be on time. It will get done when it is done.

[Flash68]

Tim, glad you posted and have improved... Health and family trumps a car anyday. Hang in there and keep feeling better man.

[The WidowMaker]

finally got some progress done on the closeout panel. i ended up flush trimming it to the grille and started making the rest of the panel. i debated including the radiator under the panel, but left it out. i think it looks great and dont really want to hide it. i'll post some pics up tomorrow when i get a little further.

also, i need to come up with another material for the grille. the hex mesh just isnt doing it for me. even when painted black it almost doesnt exist. ive seen some honeycomb sheets that i may use if i can find one thats ~3/16 thick. this would give the appearance of being more closed off which i think it really needs.

still hoping to get the car in paint by the end of summer if jcg has room. its going to take some work to get it there, but it needs to get done. my plan was to build it completely with a running motor and all before tearing it back apart. since being sick set me back about 6 months i dont think thats going to happen. hopefully i dont ruin too much by doing the work after paint. im also hoping that working on the car doesnt set my health back at all.

[Swain]

Tim, good to hear your back on it.

What color were you going with again?

[214Chevy]

.......hopefully i dont ruin too much by doing the work after paint.

Good to hear you are doing well sir. If I may say, I would do the work before paint. It's bound to get nicks and scratches no matter how careful you are. Paint it last.

[crazycarguy22]

I've been doing some brainstorming with some grill mesh ideas and am worried about the same problem you sound to be having with the washed out grill. I haven't done any tests yet, but was thinking I may try the honeycomb painted black but take the time to file the paint off inside the honeycomb to add some depth. I know it would be time consuming and have no idea how it would look, but it was just an idea I was throwing around.

[The WidowMaker]

Tim, good to hear your back on it.

What color were you going with again?

thanks! its still "supposed" to be mercedes mars red with the frame color accenting on the outside. ive tossed around the idea of black, but i get swayed back when i see a nice red muscle car.

If I may say, I would do the work before paint. It's bound to get nicks and scratches no matter how careful you are. Paint it last.

i agree and im going to get as much done as possible. its going to be things like fuel and brake lines and some of the wiring that probably will have to wait. the old plan had me buying a motor in the next couple months, but i blew that money on a new truck. the kids were getting too big for the extended cab and chevy wanted to give me 13k off sticker. i do have the mockup motor, but its not any good for plumbing or wiring. im hoping to do my research and have some holes placed in the proper spots for whats needed.

I've been doing some brainstorming with some grill mesh ideas and am worried about the same problem you sound to be having with the washed out grill. I haven't done any tests yet, but was thinking I may try the honeycomb painted black but take the time to file the paint off inside the honeycomb to add some depth. I know it would be time consuming and have no idea how it would look, but it was just an idea I was throwing around.

that would probably work and look really good at the same time, but theres thousands of holes in this smaller mesh. what i would like is if you were staring straight at it, you could see through what was directly in front of you, but it appears blocked off the further you get to the sides. hard to describe, but right now its not even close to doing that unless you view the piece from its end.....

[The WidowMaker]

here are a few of the pics. still not finished, but close. the main piece still needs to get extended all the way to the fenders and where the top piece flares out isnt quite done. the whole back side of the top piece rolls down 3/4" to make a nice lip in the rear, but there isnt one yet where the piece slopes down. when this piece is welded in the transition between the center and the little edge flares will get radiused.

im not totally sold on the edges flaring out by the fenders. its small enough that they dont really distract you, but not large enough to appear to do anything. the real reason was so that i didnt have to cut the support on the drivers side fender. if i end up hating them the piece will just run straight across and ill modify the fender.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1370.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1367.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1368.jpg

[Flash68]

Hey Tim -- I am glad to see you feeling better and posting. I hope your health continues on a strong path.

I really love that grill piece. :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

The grill looks awesome, nice work. Glad to see your well enough to get back on it.

[214Chevy]

As stated, glad you're better.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: That's the most important thing. The grill is sweet and it's not even finished yet. I love it!!:hail: :hail:

[dug]

damn that grille looks awesome. I too have a 70 chevelle however it's no where near the level yours is at. Do you have more pictures of how you fabbed the top piece of the core support? I'm not a big fan of the stock style ones myself.

:hail:

[tones2SS]

Great job Tim. Glad you are feeling better!

[The WidowMaker]

Hey Tim -- I am glad to see you feeling better and posting. I hope your health continues on a strong path.

I really love that grill piece.

thanks buddy. and thanks again for the call. its guys like you that make this site great.

damn that grille looks awesome. I too have a 70 chevelle however it's no where near the level yours is at. Do you have more pictures of how you fabbed the top piece of the core support? I'm not a big fan of the stock style ones myself.


i dont really have any more pics of the build process, just where it sits now. i did most of the machine work with a wood router with the exception of the inside of the triangles. i cut the perimeter with the router and hoggged out the rest of the material with the mill. the top piece started as a flat 1/8" piece of aluminum. i routed a 90* V cut into the back to about half the depth. this allowed me to ease it over to the bends that i needed and kept them razor straight. i did however have an issue doing the same for the flares. different piece of aluminum, and no matter what i did as far as cut depth, the piece would split before hitting a 90* bend. i welded the back of them, but they no where near as easy as the main piece. im not sure if they were different grade metals or what, im just glad the 48" wide piece wasnt the tough one.

what still amazes me is how easy aluminum is to work with. i still cant weld worth crap, but you can knock the welds down and then clean them up with 80 grit on a block. not as fast as wood, but way faster than i would ever have thought. and i still cant believe the finished product turns out as good as it does after seeing it part way through the process with extra material lumped everywhere.

[dug]

thanks buddy. and thanks again for the call. its guys like you that make this site great.



i dont really have any more pics of the build process, just where it sits now. i did most of the machine work with a wood router with the exception of the inside of the triangles. i cut the perimeter with the router and hoggged out the rest of the material with the mill. the top piece started as a flat 1/8" piece of aluminum. i routed a 90* V cut into the back to about half the depth. this allowed me to ease it over to the bends that i needed and kept them razor straight. i did however have an issue doing the same for the flares. different piece of aluminum, and no matter what i did as far as cut depth, the piece would split before hitting a 90* bend. i welded the back of them, but they no where near as easy as the main piece. im not sure if they were different grade metals or what, im just glad the 48" wide piece wasnt the tough one.

what still amazes me is how easy aluminum is to work with. i still cant weld worth crap, but you can knock the welds down and then clean them up with 80 grit on a block. not as fast as wood, but way faster than i would ever have thought. and i still cant believe the finished product turns out as good as it does after seeing it part way through the process with extra material lumped everywhere.

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna go back through and check the pictures/compare it to what you said. I've got a single turbo up front and I'm realizing that I may need to shift things around a lot more than originally planned with an intercooler/radiator/fans etc.

[The WidowMaker]

let me know if i can clarify anything. its hard to type, but would be really easy to show you in person. if you have a tig making the top piece is actually pretty simple. really time consuming, but simple. i also say this with never having take a car to a painter. they may bust my ass because of my finish work, but it looks good to me.

[dug]

let me know if i can clarify anything. its hard to type, but would be really easy to show you in person. if you have a tig making the top piece is actually pretty simple. really time consuming, but simple. i also say this with never having take a car to a painter. they may bust my ass because of my finish work, but it looks good to me.

****. I just now noticed you're in Huntington beach! I was just working in Long Beach for about 7 weeks and yesterday I came home for good. I would have LOVED to see your car in person- if that would have even been possible.

It's kind of hard to follow part of your last post about how you built it. I understand the large triangle piece which you did with a mill (which is completely bad ass) but initially I was referring to the top piece of the core support as you also described. I would be more inclined to fab one out of steel because for me it's a bit more forgiving. I'm going to go back to my shop tomorrow and do some brain storming. I really appreciate your help in trying to explain and help me.

[The WidowMaker]

the top piece isnt that difficult. i just made it wide enough to fit over the top piece of the core support. it drops down about 1.25" in the front and 3/4" in the rear to give it a clean look and to hide the back lip of the original core support. if i had to guess, its probably about 2.25" wide at the top. i was able to heat it with just a plumbing torch and get a nice radius drop down towards the ends.

i agree that sheet metal is easy to work with, but you cant beat the rigidity of the 1/8" aluminum and the ability to work the welds with just 80 grit on a block. there would be no way to sand out the welds as easily with sheet metal and i would fear the normal issues of grinding too thin with 18 ga. if i lose .030 on the 1/8" piece its no big deal at all. plus, the weight difference is minimal, but theres no warping or twisting etc... the bends dont affect the rest of the metal and it can be bolted down without denting as well.

[dug]

the top piece isnt that difficult. i just made it wide enough to fit over the top piece of the core support. it drops down about 1.25" in the front and 3/4" in the rear to give it a clean look and to hide the back lip of the original core support. if i had to guess, its probably about 2.25" wide at the top. i was able to heat it with just a plumbing torch and get a nice radius drop down towards the ends.

i agree that sheet metal is easy to work with, but you cant beat the rigidity of the 1/8" aluminum and the ability to work the welds with just 80 grit on a block. there would be no way to sand out the welds as easily with sheet metal and i would fear the normal issues of grinding too thin with 18 ga. if i lose .030 on the 1/8" piece its no big deal at all. plus, the weight difference is minimal, but theres no warping or twisting etc... the bends dont affect the rest of the metal and it can be bolted down without denting as well.


ahhh I gotcha. I didn't realize that the 1/8" aluminum just covers the stock steel piece. That makes since and I understand what you're saying about grinding aluminum vs. the mild steel. I'll have to try working with the AL a little more. How did you attach the aluminum to the stock steel? Is it just bolted at the ends under the fender? This last post totally cleared everything up, the "V" cut to make the 90* bend etc. all makes sense now. Thank you again.:cheers:

[Musclerodz]

Glad to see your back making progress again.

[The WidowMaker]

Glad to see your back making progress again.
thanks mike. and thanks again for the radiator. it looks bitchin



just a little update for today. i ended up getting the ends of the bottom piece welded on and smoothed out. now i just need to finish the back lip, weld the two pieces together and figure out how im going to mount the latch. its going to use the stock piece with some mods. more pics to come.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1460.jpg

[The WidowMaker]

here are the latest pics. its now one piece and the back lip is complete. i will work on the latch later this week and still need to add 2 more bolts into the grille and the bolts on the end of the closeout to the fender. the radiator is still just sitting on the metal, so it will come up ~1/4" to make it the same level as the closeout.

i also plan to call steve at RED about sleeving a block. still hunting for a gen IV aluminum 5.3 block that i can use. ive been convinced that theres no reason to pay for an ls2 or 3 only to sleeve it. im also going to start calling around again for some builders. im actually hoping i can find someone local instead of trying to play phone tag with texas just trying to get a quote.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1527.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1528.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1529.jpg

[dug]

looking good. theres bound to be someone that is good with LS motors around you down there.

[mrgm]

yes. very cool

[tones2SS]

Looking good Tim. Nice job.
You can check ls1tech.com for parts. There's always someone selling lsx engines and parts. Good luck.

[The WidowMaker]

You can check ls1tech.com for parts. There's always someone selling lsx engines and parts. Good luck.

turns out my mockup block is an ls2 block. never really paid any attention since i thought it was trash. it has a few nicks in the deck and the front surfaces which can be welded up. ive also been told that the 5.3 blocks are stronger since there are no windows in the lower webbing. problem is this only complicates windage issues at high rpm. so, steve is telling me to use the ls2 block that i have.

i now just need to decide what i want to do and who i want to build it. im down to two builders right now and will call one more tomorrow. i have a feeling theyll be close to 20k and thats not in my budget. as far as size, i was originally quoted 1500 for a new ls3 block for a 416 and i can buy a block and get it sleeved for 2300. so for 800 bucks more i can get 454 ci. easy choice in my mind since i will regret it if i dont, plus i have friggin 600 dollar hood hinges. the problem is with the added power, the engine builders want me to add a bunch more money for better parts (dry sump, steel caps, titanium valves etc..) this will add a TON to the cost and kill the idea. if i could just build it the same as the 416 but with more cubes it will get done. not sure this motor will ever get pushed the way i think they believe it will. 95% street use and my car and my skills wont complete an autocross like kyle. i just cant see running a dry sump on the street. hell, the 4k cost would buy me a rebuild.

[The WidowMaker]

no updated pics, but ive gotten some more work done. i ended up welding a 1/4 plate to the bottom of the closeout that mounts the latch. i was going to bolt it so it could be adjusted, but decided that i could move the part mounted to the hood so there was no need. i also had to cut and weld on the nice cast latch that i bought from rick a while back. since my closeout doesnt drop down like stock, the part that the hook goes into was about 1/8 too long. in addition, it hit the little trim ring that the pin goes through. i ended up taking about 3/4" off. all i need now is the hook and the closeout is complete. i work the next 3 days, but ill get some pics when i get back home. heres a pic of the latch that i had to cut down.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/rsk68_album/70-72-polishedassy.jpg

[sokoloka]

looking good. theres bound to be someone that is good with LS motors around you down there.

Turn Key Engine Supply - worked with Kolby there to get my LS3 - a little ways south of you in Oceanside.

Can't recommend them enough!

[The WidowMaker]

thanks. i thought of them, just wasnt sure if they did custom stuff or just supplied crate engines. i'll look into it a little more. right now, im still stuck on charlie at rpm in santa clarita and erik at hke in texas. one has tax, the other has shipping. both seem to be great builders. im going to call a couple more socal shops, but i dont know that im going to find much else.

[sokoloka]

thanks. i thought of them, just wasnt sure if they did custom stuff or just supplied crate engines. i'll look into it a little more. right now, im still stuck on charlie at rpm in santa clarita and erik at hke in texas. one has tax, the other has shipping. both seem to be great builders. im going to call a couple more socal shops, but i dont know that im going to find much else.

They do some awesome work - got their start in trophy truck engines and have been expanding the business ever since. Do some custom work as well, I started off with a crate LS3 and had them start tweaking from there.

Again, couldn't recommend them enough and Kolby / Paul are stand up guys. They put up with me stopping by their shop on once a month or so to talk for 6 months before I placed my order haha.

[The WidowMaker]

heres the last pics on the closeout. other than some smoothing and paint, its done. i got the hook done, and although it sits higher than i want it works really well. i had to balance being able to get my hand in to unlatch it with trying to make it as short as possible. luckly i have huge hands..... i was able to unlatch the pin and put ~100lbs of pull on the hood and it didnt budge. forces at speed are insane, but i think it will be sufficent. you can also see how i shaved down the part that holds the hook. i took 3/4" off and it works really well.

next up is finishing the front bumper. still need to get it cut to the correct angle for the grille. i'll finish it off with some 1/4" round bar on the lip to make it nice and smooth. i also need to get the inserts mounted. after the bumper i will start working on the front inner fenders.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1710.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1711.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1712-2.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1718.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1716-1.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_1714.jpg

[waynieZ]

It looks great, you do very nice work. :thumbsup:

[mrgm]

getting better and better :thumbsup:

[The WidowMaker]

just spent 3 hours trying to get the bumper back on and re aligned. i pulled it to do a little straigtening before welding the round bar to the edge against the grille. the camaro guys dont know how well they have it with nothing to line the bumper up with. between the headlight extensions and the grille its frustrating as hell.

i also finally pulled the trigger and bought an ls7 short block. its sitting at RED in oceanside and will be getting a full sleeve job. i will end up boring it to 4.185 and will either build a 4" stroke 440 or a 4.125" stroke 454. im really wanting to do the 454 and will have to look past some of the hype about rod angles. the longer sleeves get rid of the issue of piston rock with the longer stroke. i also now have the stock titanium rods and ls7 crank for sale........

im also deciding if i want to do a wet sump with accusump, or an ls7 dry sump. the wet sump would use the autokraft pan and the dry would use the stock pan, avaid pan baffle, stock pump and peterson 2.5 gallon tank. i found a pretty good deal on most of the ls7 stuff, so a rough quote makes these two systems about $200 apart. at this point, 200 means nothing. but, some say the ls7 system isnt any good and start upgrading even more parts. if i have to run an ARE pan, ls9 pump etc., its no longer worth it. but, if the poorly built ls7 dret system is still better than any wet sump pan it will be worth it to me. any thoughts? ron gave me some good insight.

have a quote from charlie at RPM and waiting on livernois, wegner, dan zio and hke

more to come.....

[Ron in SoCal]

Tim ask Steve if the 4.185 will take an over bore or if it's one and done?

[Matt@BOS]

Tim, I asked Steve the same thing a couple of weeks ago when I dropped off an LS3 block with him. He recommended that I go with a 4.155" bore in a dry sleeved block. 4.185" is the max you can go with a dry sleeve, and I believe 4.210" is the largest you can go with a wet sleeve. I'm going with a 4.155" bore dry sleeve for a grand total of 447ish cubes. If you really want to hit the magic "454" number and still be able to clean the cylinders up later with an over-bore, you'll have to go with the wet sleeves, which require you to run Evan's Coolant and Water Wetter. Additionally, you'll need a set of Cometic's head gaskets, etc. After my experience with wet sleeves, I wouldn't take another chance with them.

As far as piston rock, and rod angles. I wouldn't worry too much. When I took my 454LS apart there was a little bit of wear on the piston coating, but nothing terrible. I like to air on the side of caution and after looking at everything I'm still retaining my 4.125" crank with a 6.125" rod.

Matt

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys!

you are correct, 4.185 dry is once and done. but luckily these arent like an iron block where its trashed. i obviously hope nothing happens, but if it does chances are it wont be in all cylinders. at that point it would be about the same price to resleeve the one cylinder vs buying a new set of rings and pistons plus the charge to bore. id really like to be safe, but at this point the 454 badge would be nice. i guess its a gamble and i'll have to decide which way to go. id still like to hear opinions.

i called peterson today and talked tanks. it sounds like they agree that the stock pump isnt very good, but they still make it sound better than any wet sump pump/pan combo. he told me to call gary at ARE to discuss more and i will hopefully do that tomorrow. still deciding on whether i should pull the trigger and get it done.

i also have to decide on the holley hp vs the gm e38. most builders i have talked to like the holley. many claim that a base tune supplied by holley would be all that is needed. they say that even i could tweak the small stuff with a laptop.

im pretty lost at this point. a ton of money and lots of decisions. i would have thought that for this much money everything would be the best of the best. but i find myself trying to save some money on lesser parts and still being WAY over budget. the $14k 416 wegner offered me last year is sounding cheap......

[dug]

why not run a turbocharged small block? you can get the power an reliability with out spending nearly the $14k you mentioned. hell, even supercharged for that matter.... both would get you there.

[The WidowMaker]

the 14k was a complete motor with ecu, dyno and tune. theres no doubt this motor could be done cheaper. almost 1k in an oil pan and valve covers add up quick. plus, im hoping this motor is bullet proof and reliable when complete. id rather not have any headaches and i want it to start when i turn the key.

[Matt@BOS]

Got back to most of your question in that message I sent you. I just saw what you were hoping to get out of your motor, and wanted to add that I don't think you'll lose any reliability with the 454LS, at least relative to a supercharged/turbo car. Everything requires careful maintenance when driven hard.

Matt

[Vegas69]

You think it's bad now, wait until you start using it. :lol:

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys. this is not a cheap hobby. i just keep telling myself that the wife doesnt need a bigger house.

the motor plan is coming together nicely. i finally got a hold of erik at hke and i dont think theres anyone better to build this motor. just talking to him you can hear how well he knows these motors. the plan right now is still to do a 454 with afr 245 heads, super victor intake and accufab/fast 4150 tb. ill run all this with the holley hp dbc system. running the afr heads will also end up saving well over 1k. anything ls7 commands more cash. the super victor will also help the meshing of old and new technology and appearance. ive never liked the look of sb aluminum manifolds, but the spider look of the ls manifolds is insane.

im also leaning towards the dry sump setup with stock ls7 pump, pan, avaid baffle and peterson tank. its still a couple hundred more than an accusump and autokraft pan but i think its worth the price.

heres the only issue; will the super victor fit? my body is dropped about 3/8 and the motor is raised about 3/4". i have the various heights of manifolds written down, but they give heights from valley mounting surface to carb pad. im unsure of how these valley heights differ between sb, bb and ls (read, same height manifold different motor, does it sit higher, lower or the same). if i could figure this out i can search to see what fits with the other motors. although my motor is about 1 1/8" higher, the accufab tb is about 1 1/4" lower than a holley carb. and i hear the dominators are even taller.

Tim

[The WidowMaker]

going off online dimensions, it looks like the ls7 pan is going to be a tight fit. i have a little over 12" before the crossmember and it appears the ls7 sump is 11" long. im going to try and get some accurate measurements and see if this is going to work.

[The WidowMaker]

i picked up half of the dry sump today. redlinemotorsports does the motion camaros and buys ls7s and changes them over to wet sump for packaging reasons. 500 bucks got me a pump, pan, front cover and windage tray. wet sump stuff would have been over 700 for the same.

pump - 150
wet pan - 425
front cover - 135
windage tray - ?

so i think it was a pretty good deal. its not an optimal dry sump and i dont think i will seen any of the true dry sump benefits, but i think that a gravity fed oil pump and an additional 3 quarts of oil wont hurt.

still working with peterson on a drawing and a price for the tank. im having to run a sight tube on the side to check fluid levels since im hiding it up under the fender and wont be able to pull the top. im also planning on using a dual inlet style, but the second inlet will be my filler to top the tank off. my inital thought was to use an existing hole towards the bottom of their stock tank, run a 90 off of it and a piece of hose up the side. id add a nice cap to the line which would be both my fill and a visual on oil level. their thinking that although the fill would be slow with a -8, it would be impossible with needing to fight gravity.

id love to hear other suggestions that would make this damn thing cheaper.

[dug]

It might seem like that big of a deal but I think I would hate filling through a -8 line:willy:

sorry, that is all I have to offer

[The WidowMaker]

i agree. it would probably take an hour and id spill a quart in the process.

[dug]

yup! nothing like getting on your hands and knees to soak up some oil on the shop floor. Don't ask me how I know

[The WidowMaker]

got the dry sump stuff in the mail today. pan is acutally a little smaller than what i had mocked up, so i see no reason it wont fit. the side walls really slope in towards the bottom giving it a lot more clearance than it would seem. peterson is working on a quote and im still debating the aviaid pan baffle. some guys say that a good tank is all thats necessary. not sure its worth the 250 bucks.

still working out ideas for the injectors. the plan right now is for the ls9 injectors which are 52lbs. but they use a bent cone spray and im unsure if these would be optimal. pretty nice that you can get new ones for 200 bucks.

block is close to getting done. i was told 3 weeks and that was a couple weeks ago.

i finished up the edges of the bumper. i never liked the large radius of the fender and the tight radius of the bumper. i cut the heck out of the bumper and my .180 flows across the top and wraps around the sides now. still debating on what im going to do for a spoiler. id like to add an inch or so to the rocker, so it may require something up front to match.

i bought new inner fenders and have already cut up the drivers side to get tire clearance. its not the nicest looking mod, but you cant see it from the engine compartment and the tire hides it from the outside unless youre on your knees and really looking.

[Ron in SoCal]

Nice update Tim! My opinion is get the pan baffle. It's cheap insurance...:thumbsup:

[The WidowMaker]

i agree. without the pan baffle the two setups are only 50 bucks apart. but an extra 250 to not worry about it is worth it. im going to call tomorrow and order one.

thanks again for all your help ron. and let me know next time youre in the LB.

[Ron in SoCal]

You got it Tim. Maybe Monday, mid-day. I'll let you know :thumbsup:

[The WidowMaker]

small update. i was able to get the drivers side inner fender done. welded in a notch in the top and had to relocate all the holes. i have the passenger side cut up and a template made for the notch. i still only have 3" of bump travel with the wheels straight. anyone think this isnt enough?

i also picked up an old style ls7 water pump for my wegner front drive, new ls coils on ebay for 128 bucks, new (dyno time only) FIC 60lb injectors for 150 bucks and the ls7 pan fittings for $35. im still working on the aviaid pan baffle, peterson tank and a few other small parts. block is now supposed to be done in 2 weeks.

for those interested in the ls9 injectors, they are also labeled as magnuson, edelbrock and lsa 52 lb. most guys yank them during the installation of their aftermarket supercharger.

more later.....

[The WidowMaker]

just another small update. both front wheel tubs are done and ive moved back to the bumper. ive finished machining the second part of the inserts and have now moved on to gettting them mounted. i have a few more small projects on the body, but i think my next plan is to start the interior. i want to get the trunk and rear package tray roughed in and start on a center console. i just want the mounts done and welded before i spray the coating on the bottom. im hoping that marquez is close to done with their interior. i called them the end of last year and they hadnt started yet but planned to have it by this time.

the block still isnt done, but ive now been told the end of this week. i started talking with wegner again, but they are a few grand more than hke. the plan is still to ship the block to erik at hke and get this thing done.

[dug]

slow/small progress is still progress nonetheless!

[The WidowMaker]

slow/small progress is still progress nonetheless!

true. still not feeling perfect yet, so i'll take what i can get.

i mocked up the new hellas last night to check clearance for the peterson tank. the h4's fit perfect with no cutting needed, but the h1's need a hole in the core support and stick further out the back. in addition, my hellas fit different in the trim ring with one sitting about 1/4" out further than the other. since the h4 fit without cutting and they look different, im thinking about running all h4's and having the inner h4 hooked just to the brights.

and for those that are interested, check out lehigh valley (<-- short version)...... ive always used my 4.5" variable speed grinder to do all the work (grinding, cutting, blending, etc) and switch back and forth tons of times a day. finally, last year i picked up a second cheaper one speed grinder that i only used with the harbor freight cut off wheels. after running through about 100 dics, i finally decided to give the dewalt wheels a chance at twice the price. ive found that i get more than twice the use and i havent had one gernade yet. i wont use the hf again. they worked, but a slight bind on a deep straight cut an they were toast.

so back to the first sentence and lehigh valley..... home depot used to stock norton abrasives and had flap wheels for ~6 bucks a pop. expensive, but cheaper than dewalt and they didnt compare to the HF stuff. they recently switched suppliers and jacked up the price again. i went looking and found lehigh valley. ended up with 50 bucks worth of stuff at my door and gave them a shot yesterday. VERY VERY impressed. it seems like they last a little longer although the rumor is they use norton abrasives. they have a thin and thick version, but the thick is only $2.50 ea and is thicker than the old nortons. check them out.

[The WidowMaker]

now that the bumpers done, ive turned my attention to the interior. going to start work on the trunk, build a sub box for through the rear deck and build a panel for the rear deck as well. once thats all done i'll start on the door panels and the dash.

ive also been working on the ring bros door handles. im a tall guy with huge hands and ive never liked how my hand fit the handles. i would literally have to use just two fingers behind the pull which isnt an option. i also didnt like how they didnt fully cover the recessed hole in the door. so, ive added 3/8 to the back of the handles for a full 4 finger fit and ive massaged the door to remove the recess. the only thing left is to cut my 3/8 spacer at an angle. right now the handles stick up at too far of an angle. the stock handles are backcut at an angle, but the ring bros are not. they werent really designed for our car and i knew that, so its not an issue with their product.

i also picked up the block from steve and plan on shipping it out in a few weeks. i want to wait on valve covers from wegner and some more little parts before it ships.

more to come.

[The WidowMaker]

made some progress on the trunk. i decided to use mdf since i have all the tools and somewhat know what im doing. so far the pieces around the latch are 1/2 and the uprights are all 5/8". both are ultralight mdf with the 1/2" at 42lbs per sheet and the 5/8" at 52lbs (3/4 regular is ~96lbs). the side pieces you see now have the inlaid portion cut out, but there is still more to cut. they currently weigh ~1.2lbs. im using 1/8" mdf for the inlay and should have these panels under 2 lbs. i know i could have saved some more weight with foam, but it would have been a lot more time and money and im not sure i would have gained that much. i will end up routing a portion of the bottom piece out to save weight as well.

i talked to the local shop and they want $75 an hour and $450 a hide to cover. ive looked around online and found hides around $150 shipped. ive already recieved some samples and they look really good (although not sure what im looking for). i plan on getting one and covering the trunk myself. i might do the rear shelf as well, but i have a feeling the door panels, dash and center console will be left to the pros.

i'll post more pics later.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3265.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3261.jpg

[Swain]

Coming along. Have you found out who your going with on Paint and Body?

[WSSix]

I like the lay out. What all do you have planned system wise?

[The WidowMaker]

Coming along. Have you found out who your going with on Paint and Body?

thanks. still looking at taking it to cris at jcg if he still has room. if i can keep on track, im about 6 months out. ive said that many times before, but im starting to run out of stuff to kill my deadline.

I like the lay out. What all do you have planned system wise?

so far its going to be focal 165vr components up front, focal 165a1 components in the rear (other set of vr's are in my truck), jl hd900/5 (in the truck but will be moved back) and a focal 27v2 sealed sub (also in the truck but buying another). the focals are bright but clear and the sub kicks ass. i was thinking about putting an image dynamics 10 in my truck and moving the focal, but i dont want to build another box. id like to keep the chevelle all focal or there are some other good sq options for subs.

i still dont know on the head unit. it will probably be one of my last purchases to get the newest greatest bs they have out at the time.....

[The WidowMaker]

still working on the interior, but a few updates. first, the block is done and in the garage. i put a deposit down on the motor and erik at hke will be building it. plan is still the same; 454ci, afr 245 heads, greg good ported super victor, ls7 dry sump. should be a beast.

the dry sump tank showed up from peterson. i originally wanted them to build a semi custom tank. i needed the catch can rotated compared to the inlets, catch can shortened 1" and a sight tube put on. they wanted about $400 extra for this work. instead, i had them build me a stock tank and had them leave the bottom of the catch can off. it will be easy enough to cut an inch off and weld. i still need to figure out a filling solution and something to check the level.

i got a free 12 hour day from the family and got the seat belts welded up. i used 1/8" plate and created a lower mounting point for the retractor and used the same plate that mounts the harness bar and the upper point of the 3 point. it has a huge surface area and isnt going anywhere. i struggled with getting the 3rd point as high as possible, but ended up with a ~25* angle off my shoulder. i had to make sure that the rear door panel will still cover it while using up every 1/8" possible. im 6'3", so it only gets better with shorter passengers. its been a couple weeks and its pretty wet here with the marine layer so it already has a nice layer of flash rust.

and heres the latest on the trunk panels. theyre mounted and ready for more router work. im going to get all the inside edges cut and cut out the inlays as well. then its on to the rear shelf, dash, door panels and center console....

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3273.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3274.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3275.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3276.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3285-1.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3288.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3292.jpg

[dug]

that motor is going to be nuts!

[crazycarguy22]

Oooo I love the trunk so far, how about making me one right away to save me some time. :unibrow:

[Matt@BOS]

That block looks familiar; I just got mine back from Steve at R.E.D. last week. You're going to love that motor! It is going to make all kinds of torque from cruising RPM on up.

Matt

[The WidowMaker]

that motor is going to be nuts!
That block looks familiar; I just got mine back from Steve at R.E.D. last week. You're going to love that motor! It is going to make all kinds of torque from cruising RPM on up.



it should be insane. steve is a great guy and does amazing work. cant wait to see yours done as well.


Oooo I love the trunk so far, how about making me one right away to save me some time.

if i didnt have a custom trunk floor id make you a set. wouldnt take long at all to replicate.

[The WidowMaker]

inside edges are now routed. i was hoping to find a bit that left a ledge for the inlay to sit on, but it didnt work out. not a huge deal, but could have been a little easier.

i also started to pull the really old dynamat off the package tray and found a mess underneath. it looks like a few sets of speakers had been installed, so instead of dealing with swiss cheese, i cut it all out and welded some sheetmetal back in. i would have done without any metal and just my mdf package tray, but the upper portion of the 3pt is going through and i obviously wanted some support.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3399.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3401.jpg

[Swain]

Nice work. So glad ur a mile away so when my cars ready for interior I can bring it by for the stereo :rofl:

inside edges are now routed. i was hoping to find a bit that left a ledge for the inlay to sit on, but it didnt work out. not a huge deal, but could have been a little easier.

i also started to pull the really old dynamat off the package tray and found a mess underneath. it looks like a few sets of speakers had been installed, so instead of dealing with swiss cheese, i cut it all out and welded some sheetmetal back in. i would have done without any metal and just my mdf package tray, but the upper portion of the 3pt is going through and i obviously wanted some support.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3399.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3401.jpg

[The WidowMaker]

more progress on the interior. got some work done on the package tray. there will be a 1/8" piece inlayed and the speakers will be flush with that. i plan to build the box in the next week or so and finish getting the speakers mounted.

i also added a couple pics of the door handles. still rough, but getting closer. the ring bros handles were WAY too small for my hands so i made some spacers. not sure if i will epoxy or attach another way, but they will get smoothed and painted as one piece.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3497_zps46713094.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3498_zpsecffac37.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3500_zps8ad12101.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3504_zps9ade87a6.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3505_zpsab80e34a.jpg

[Flash68]

Jeez Tim that is NICE work! :cheers:

[tones2SS]

Great job on the rear deck lid Tim.

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys. cant wait until rttc to get even more motivated again!

[waynieZ]

Your doing an awesome job, Rear deck looks great.

[The WidowMaker]

more updated pics. i would call the trunk just about done. i plan on making an aluminum "cover" for the trunk latch hole and i need to remount the new back piece. other than that, its ready for material.

a few people have asked about the back cuts that i used to lighten the panels. if i wouldnt have put the detail in the panels, i could have gone with a thin piece and not needed a back cut. id also wait until done mounting before doing the cut if i did them again.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3662.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3666.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3668.jpg
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/IMG_3669.jpg

[69x22]

Looking good! I don't think you will be dissapointed in the Focal speakers.

[214Chevy]

Trunk looks good unfinished, so I know the once finished it will be even "awesomer". :yes:

[waynieZ]

Wow that looks great! The man's got skills !

[The WidowMaker]

progress is happening, but its slow. i built the sub box and have started working on the dash. id love to buy one, but money is really tight. just sold my house and bought another. move in date is supposed to be dec 28th..... awesome since the holidays are already busy. the house is twice the size, garage is bigger, still 3 miles from the beach, end of a cul-de-sac, but my lot got smaller. my drive to work also got longer and i had to leave orange county, but in the end it will work out well.

dash should have some good progress in the next few weeks, but then its going to switch to packing and building cabinets. once at the new house its going to be a couple months before i get back on it. my timeline continues to get screwed up, but now the plan is paint in june and hopefully running in a year. its always getting closer, but still seems a long ways away.

[The WidowMaker]

well, no updates. the car is still sitting in my grandmas garage while i get the new house done. ive spent the last few weeks working on the back yard and logging 24 hours in a bobcat. once its done, i need to finish installing the 100 amp sub panel, my cabinets and lighting before the car comes back. i did finish the garage floor and it looks sick!

[HEEP]

Widowmaker. Good to see you are still around its amazing how things get in the way. You know we need pictures of he garage. Sometimes, that is as important as the car.

Can't wait to see what you have in store for us chevelle guys.

HEEP

[dug]

agreed. glad to hear you're still at it.

[Swain]

Where did you end up moving to. I should have my car back soon you should come check it out.

[SEVENDY2MALIBU]

i really like the stance on your chevelle. can't wait till you get settled in and get back at it. :D

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys! the new house has been an insane amount of work. literally 16-18 hour days......

Where did you end up moving to. I should have my car back soon you should come check it out.

carlsbad. twice the size, brand new, still 3 miles from the beach and the same price. things seem a little slower than the oc. its kind of nice, although i havent had much time to enjoy it.

id LOVE to see your car when done. pics look insane!

[The WidowMaker]

well its almost back in my garage 600 sqft garage. i wish it was twice the size, but theres no way to pull that off and still be 3 miles from the beach. heres the current run down.

- floor products from versatile building products
- installed 22 2 bulb recessed fluorescent troffers
- 100 amp sub panel
- 20 120 outlets
- 6 220 outlets
- 2 hardwired 220 outlets for the mill and compressor
- high lift conversion for the garage door
- jackshaft opener
- 3 air outlets and one additional drop

i still need to build 44 doors for the cabinets and finish the trim work (going to put some base, case and crown in), but those should be the last projects.

im still hoping to get it painted this year and get it running by this time next year. time will tell.......
__________________

[HEEP]

:ttiwop:

nuf said....

HEEP

[214Chevy]

.....i still need to build 44 doors

WTF?!! All by yourself?? :hairpullout: :hairpullout:

[The WidowMaker]

crazy i know. ive got 3k in lumber in just garage cabinets. doesnt count my time, hardware or mohawk products.......

[Che70velle]

Anybody on here know Tim? I know he's been busy with the move, and building a new shop, but I also know that he was pretty sick for many months, a couple of years ago, and the doctors never really knew what was going on with him. I'm hoping that all is well...

[Flash68]

I talked to him about that when it happened as the symptoms sounded eerily similar to something I went through. He did end up coming out of it and was doing well last I heard and had just been busy with life since. Hope all is still well also.

[The WidowMaker]

thanks for the concern...... all is well, except for progress on the chevelle. its still sitting at my grandmas house as i am STILL working on mine. brand new house and still tons of stuff ive had to do. couple that with 3 boys and a job and i just havent had any time for the car.

i still hope to get it back in my garage in the next few weeks. pics to come!

[Che70velle]

Good to hear Tim! Don't forget about us.

[raustinss]

Also don't forget about that other sites I stalk you on time lol
Cheers Ryan Austin

[waynieZ]

I hope everything goes smooth and you get it back home.

[The WidowMaker]

thanks guys. i really want it done!

[The WidowMaker]

Car is FINALLY home! No time to work on it in the near future. Hopefully in the next couple months. Somewhat tempted to pay someone to finish it. ...... http://rs858.pbsrc.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/Mobile%20Uploads/20140405_180204.jpg~320x480

[BigJoe]

Your build is awesome and inspiring, I have grown up around cars but definately not in the industry as I'm in the service but I planning on doing as much as ican teach myself to do on my projects after getting screwed by a couple shops. Keep it up man, love it

[Che70velle]

Car is FINALLY home! No time to work on it in the near future. Hopefully in the next couple months. Somewhat tempted to pay someone to finish it. ...... http://rs858.pbsrc.com/albums/ab145/chevelle496ci/Mobile%20Uploads/20140405_180204.jpg~320x480

Good to see this Tim. You've done so much amazing work on this car yourself, that it would be just wrong to have someone else touch it. You have totally inspired me to build my Chevelle myself. I hope that time opens up for you this year, and you get back on it. I'm pulling for you!

[WSSix]

Glad to know it and you are still out there, Tim. Hope you're able to get back on the car sooner than later.

[MCMLXIX]

Car is FINALLY home! No time to work on it in the near future. Hopefully in the next couple months.

How about now? :bump: