61 Bel Air

[Jon69RagTop]

Some of you might recognize me from the dark green convertible/white top, "LS3 Transplant" project a few winters ago. Well for the Power Tour this year my two oldest daughters wanted to come along so I felt the occasion required a bigger car. I should dub this tour "no luggage left behind" cause this sucker has one very large trunk.

I bought this California car back in October, been too busy to do anything with it until this month. I loved the stance, only issue was speed bumps and parking lots with uneven surfaces.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/0a61fe253279b4ffb8d467ab186c7aae.jpg

Delivery, turned out to be just as solid as advertised. Thank my lucky stars.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/posttrial_zps3896f497.jpg

Parts coming off
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/285fd5f353292d22a8883127b0f93d67.jpg

Went with the the Air Ride "Cool Ride" kit with E3 controller. I liked the simplicity of the shock and air bag being separate from each other, personal preference - I like to keep my options for repair as simple as possible.
Also installed their Muscle Bars for both front and back too, will most likely upgrade on the shocks if I feel the ride needs to improve, just not sure yet.
Should not have problems with ride height anymore.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/Bag_zps5f74f4bd.jpg

Had a stereo with sub installed first, wanted to build the location for the tank and controller around it.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/7d72e52e1be5f81c6c5f45a5179bdc15.jpg

Playing with it totally dumped, my daughter said it looks ghetto. LOL
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/e7a319051338ea40135416062e18c24c.jpg

Will likely get new wheels before the tour, these rears are a real pita to get off and out of the wheel well. I'm thinking a larger rim and less tire will make it easier to slip over the brakes and up and into the wheel well.

I've purchased an LS from Travis, we've discussed a few changes to the motor so I'm anxiously awaiting its completion. He's promised it by end of this month which is about my limit of the window I'll need for the install. Sounds like a ton of time to some of you but a lot of my time is spread out in many places. :)

This car gets so many looks and thumbs up its crazy, might even be a little more than the Camaro.

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Thats a great car :thumbsup: I looked all around for one of those till I bought a Buick bubbletop, Sold that and I'm back on the hunt for one of these

[Jon69RagTop]

I actually want to consult with you about my bench seat, will call you later this week. Your work is outstanding.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/14adfb7b08593188d274e15661521e45.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/4a49c2760c3123905b9f81ce3295aef8.jpg

[214Chevy]

I love the 61's. I wish I had one. And yes, the trunks are HUGE!!:yes:

[renegade6]

That is a nice car.

[waynieZ]

I love the body style. Nice ride.

[MarkM66]

Cool car Jon. :thumbsup:

[GAP Industries]

It needs some wheels. LoL

[RECOVERY ROOM]

I got your PM and sent one back

[jon72vega]

Nice!
I love 61"s!

[Jon69RagTop]

I'm really pleased with how this thing rides with the new suspension. Ride Tech air bags, E 3 controller and Muscle Bars front and back.

[youthpastor]

very cool car, I have my eyes on a '62 for a similar build. subscribed :thumbsup:

[GAP Industries]

I will ship the wheel tool out to you tomorrow. It has been a crazy week

[Jon69RagTop]

The front seat had been reupholstered with nice covers, problem is they reused all the original padding and most of the cushion was gone. I felt the springs were not quite as firm as they should be, so after speaking with Tracy at The Recovery Room, he gave me a couple pointers. What a great guy by the way.

I bought a new set of foam from Ciadella, nice quality too. I also cut a few pieces of lexan and affixed one piece on each side of the bench seat right where you plant your butt. The idea behind the lexan was to stiffen the feel of the seat while still allowing some flex. Seat is reinstalled and worked out great,I love the way it feels now.

I also mocked up the tires I'm putting on the car, I have to give kudos to The Tire Rack here. I ordered one front and one back for mock-up purposes, 20" for the rear and 19" for the front. The overall diameter and width was spot on, but I hated the lack of sidewall. Ended up ordering 19's for the rear and 18's for the front, liked the appearance of these much better. What I like about Tire Rack is they only charged me $7.00 for shipping two tires back, they put a call tag out for them, all I had to do was wrap them together and put'em on the front porch. Awesome service IMO. Tires in the pics are the new 19's and 18's.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/6b1954f35b3355811a289fcd06e07482_zpsc6e6c071.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/16a54386826e879fbb5668d53028d283_zps4569aa17.jpg

Wheelworks sells this tool, Scott the owner was very helpful answering a few questions.

Ordered my Budniks today, 10" wide in back and 8's in front. New Shotgun style wheel with combination polish and brush.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/88176b8d9eef551b6c931ce55a0fd714_zpsdfab9514.jpg

[ChuckDriver]

Nice ride!

[WSSix]

Good choices on rims. That's going to look great on the car.

[214Chevy]

The 61 is gonna be sweet. Good choice on the wheels too.:thumbsup:

[KPC67]

The 61 is gonna be sweet. Good choice on the wheels too.:thumbsup:

yup:thumbsup:

[Jon69RagTop]

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/1317e6549c4257e4f166ee8ae5fd0b41_zps52852f62.jpg

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/d00e046b5b3f9f167e54754e55a32de4_zps72436722.jpg

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/731e09675ad11ab7dbf896df05c971ee_zpsfc946bde.jpg

Last picture shows my only issue with the wheels, the shallow center caps don't clear brake rotor hub. I have room to shim the wheels out 1/4" , and this move along with turning down the outer diameter of the rotor hub .005. - this should do it. Worse cars scenario I exchange the center caps for the taller versions.
Overall the back space tool I used nailed it, the tires are in the wheel wells perfectly.

[214Chevy]

Looking good!! :thumbsup: It may be because of the driveway slope, but is the front a bit too high? If so, are you gonna drop it about and inch?

[waynieZ]

They look nice.

[Jon69RagTop]

With the new wheels I need to adjust the presets on my air ride. :). Only a button to push. :)

[WSSix]

Looks great, Jon! Those wheels look good in there.

[Jon69RagTop]

Looks great, Jon! Those wheels look good in there.

Thanks Trey

[tones2SS]

Very nice. Great wheel choice.

[GAP Industries]

Looking really Good

[Jon69RagTop]

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/20ed1c3d26b8afc89804059e7ebac707_zpse00ed70f.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/b3065d86ceed8c26f6036fc92e984d01_zpsbbf51f44.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/c3c8845d15d57499b58588e1ec9f38d1_zpsb01dc298.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/df232bdfd6eb4ee537476aa794468cec_zps4779c98d.jpg

Taking my two oldest daughters, Dallas - Memphis. Introduce yourself if you see me.

Jonathan

[214Chevy]

I love it aired out.:RunninDog:

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Look awesome! Enjoy

Carter

[Swain]

Looks good with the Air out

[Cole]

I had a 61 Biscayne 5 yrs ago. One of the best looking classic cars.

Great job!

[Jon69RagTop]

I've always thought the same thing.

I had a 61 Biscayne 5 yrs ago. One of the best looking classic cars.

Great job!

[bonecrrusher]

Looking good Jon!

Are you long hauling?

[Jon69RagTop]

See ya in Dallas.

[bonecrrusher]

I'm sure a few C6's will be on the tour - look for a dark blue c6, a wide body rear kit on it, and some 345's out back!

[Jon69RagTop]

Winter project, LS2 with 4l65. Asa cam, lsxrt fast intake to be straddled by coil covers from Edelbrock. Trying to imitate the look of a big block. These engine bays are so big, I think the look will be just right.

I'm hoping the brake booster interference isn't too severe but I'm anticipating some issues here. Choices I guess would be , switching to manual, hydro boost, or moving the booster further to the drivers side. Option 3 will be a last resort but will tackle if necessary.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/0d2681ae76d35b07929e2f0e5a6cae82_zps4ecee24b.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/57ca10398cd7821e0ff5e938549c64b5_zpscf054699.jpg

Sure I will have some questions for you all.

[WSSix]

Nice engine choice! :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Sweet looking motor!

[Jon69RagTop]

Can anyone help me and identify what year or model truck this bracket for the throttle body cable is from? I guess FAST expects us to know what to source these from.

The three holes to mount it plus screws were in my kit, but when I called them the tech guys didn't know the answer.. :huh:

Appreciate any help, and if you have one I'll buy it.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/intakemanifoldbracket_zps2c6a7864.jpg (http://s590.photobucket.com/user/Niezing66/media/intakemanifoldbracket_zps2c6a7864.jpg.html)


http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/photo34_zpsd4fd1806.jpg (http://s590.photobucket.com/user/Niezing66/media/photo34_zpsd4fd1806.jpg.html)

[RussMurco]

Great car! Love the looks of those bodies and great choice for power!
My Silverado 1500 has the fly-by-wire system (2011) but the manifold on the 5.3 LS motor has those mounting bosses in it. I would say any LS powered GM truck from 2000-07 should have this bracket.

[syborg tt]

I was able to clear the brake booster in a 70 Camaro with The Edlebrock Covers so you shouldn't have a problem.

I'm hoping the brake booster interference isn't too severe but I'm anticipating some issues here. Choices I guess would be , switching to manual, hydro boost, or moving the booster further to the drivers side. Option 3 will be a last resort but will tackle if necessary.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/0d2681ae76d35b07929e2f0e5a6cae82_zps4ecee24b.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/57ca10398cd7821e0ff5e938549c64b5_zpscf054699.jpg

Sure I will have some questions for you all.

[Jon69RagTop]

Last weekend we pulled the motor.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/8c233e93004183b1e7b86c1acbd67b62_zps4bd86107.jpg
Thanks to Craigslist I sold off the motor and Chevy Rally wheels, nice to get that stuff out of the garage quickly.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/7bfc41483d4e425f8c58ce478e8f232d_zps96004beb.jpg
Some of you might say priming the motor before turning the key isn't necessary, but I'm of the belief it can't hurt and doesn't really cost that much to accomplish. I bought a small bucket and drilled it for fittings both bottom and top. Bottom was the oil feed and top line was compressed air, used air pressure to punch oil in through the oil pressure fitting.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/46ed70031fd43ebc250ddc991db4100e_zps3ee0695e.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/3f76658baf459c034bec701b15d6904e_zps21d7f1a3.jpg
Installed the Lokar gas pedal, bought the floor mount version. That's gonna work out sweet, action shot my wife snapped because she thought it was funny looking with me sitting in the engine compartment.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/8d3a72f64e33cbc67d067797853b91e5_zps9057a006.jpg
Installed the fuel tank today with plumbing to corvette regulator.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/078f4a03129e4cc49b2ad5a254d407eb_zps015dd5c5.jpg
Will finish up the plumbing this week, taking Thursday and Friday off for the install. Good buddy is coming in from Houston to help, going to be a fun time for sure.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/c6a0038de4c98d2aef31e59ba169a015_zps1e759a1b.jpg

[WSSix]

Neat way to prime the motor :thumbsup: Good luck finishing the install

[Jon69RagTop]

After some solid attempts to get the motor to sit low enough, I knew it was time to notch the cross member. The LS oil pan is much wider than the small flat area gm designed into the very bottom of this crossmember. I'm running the MAST oil pan, even if I chose the autograft pan I believe it still would have required the same cut.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/491f978dc30caf5ce911bc9c92749bbe_zpse7b72947.jpg
Initial cuts are across the frame parallel to the base of the motor mount then proceeded down the edge towards the flat base of the crossmember. Score/cut two small relief triangles front and back and bent those inward prior to hammering the area flat to widen the flat base area.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/7b178b78c450da5e8ee13a84e4c160be_zps752990cd.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/62e95c3596de2e3e8f69feef08f6b0df_zps7f498546.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/5d596a0979d6e61dd0a6ab08335f367b_zpsbea2ab1c.jpg
Little fresh black paint and she is good as new.

[Jon69RagTop]

Had the drive shaft altered, installed an upgraded bearing assembly and had the rear portion of the drive shaft converted to a slip yoke. The bearing is cased in polyurethane so it's less forgiving for suspension travel but able to handle the horsepower. The slip yoke in essence reduces the stresses on the bearing.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/0aeb29fa2a3250eadba0ffbcceff1a34_zpsb07f24eb.jpg
Bought the radiator and wiring harness from Entropy, nice piece for sure and very comparable to the Ron Davis radiator in the Camaro. Has the transmission
cooler built into it .
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/c18bcdeb2d96d2aa8d79d95d5a8aeae1_zpsc2cb92d4.jpg
Also want to give a shout-out for John Leonard over at Modern Vintage Systems for the wiring harness and flash tune. Very helpful guy, always takes my questions.

[Jon69RagTop]

What a week, lots done and so many high points. Sounds mean with open headers and the asa cam. Made a video on the iPad of the start up but for some reason it's not uploading to photobucket. Any ideas on what it takes to get that loaded let me know.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/1a105714806907f1eaa73c41c9625c60_zps1ed39c86.jpg
Got the intake dabbed up, probably will paint it all black with dei sound deadener, like the Kringle finish on that stuff. The engine bay will get some major attention to detail, I just started throwing wires and hose on so it could be started. The only thing that kept me from taking a quick spin was the computer was still sitting in the front of the engine compartment loosely on a beach towel.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/f5a3c5d2d0a6c9aa9cf07217c168cea0_zps1981d951.jpg
Bought some PVC to help me route the first part of the exhaust. X-frame low riders can be a little tricky to get from inside the frame rail to the outside of the frame, but this really kept the waste to zero by playing with PVC first.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/94bf7b106ef963a130e324832209299e_zpsfd11371b.jpg
Still have lots to do, but now that it's running I will work at a much slower pace and enjoy the journey.

By the way, LSXRT's will not fit, that was my screw up. Need to put that on ebay, had to fed ex the Lsxr into the house for Saturday delivery. Whoops!!

[ChuckDriver]

Nice upgrades!!

[RussMurco]

Looking really good and I like the very clever PVC pipe idea! :idea:

[Jon69RagTop]

lRGTlZJrtUY

http://youtu.be/lRGTlZJrtUY

This was the initial start-up, follow along for the rest of the story. Will add new video later next week of the new tune.

The initial tune was "way -off". It had trouble idling, and if I put it into gear the motor died instantly. I was getting worried I had a torque converter lock-up issue it died so suddenly in gear. Found someone in St. Louis that opened up the tune and made major adjustments. Came home today and figured within 15 minutes I could throw the computer back in and try to fire it up. Heading out of town with the family, figured I would be either depressed or elated based on the results. :headspin:

The tune was my issue, the motor now has no trouble idling, sounds very crisp on the throttle, and doesn't stall when put into gear. Time to move on to the exhaust next week and finish wiring up the dual fans.

Plan on going back to the tuner for a full Dino session sometime later in December.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Jon,

From the youtube link, put the characters in between the = signs, in this case

lRGTlZJrtUY&feature

in between the bracketed text (it will show 'youtube' inside both brackets) that show up when you click on this icon http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/images/moviereelix6.gif that you'll see when you open up a new post. :thumbsup:

lRGTlZJrtUY&feature

[fleetus macmullitz]

I just saw this 'illustrated' how-to that should simplify what I wrote.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=14032

[Jon69RagTop]

I will try that.

[GAP Industries]

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/8d3a72f64e33cbc67d067797853b91e5_zps9057a006.jpg

Look at the head on that one. LoL. Car is coming along nicely. Wish you could have made it out to SEMA with us again.

[waynieZ]

Very Nice guys, I love this project.

[Jon69RagTop]

Well, life has keep me busy. Work, holidays, dam cold, etc, been tough to find time for the project.

For those of you that have performed an LS swap, you'll understand the feeling. Today I drove the car for the first time, took it up to get some gas and cruised around for short time. Pretty much running open headers right now, but before I finish the exhaust I wanted to be sure I had no major issues. :drive:
Here's a pic of the limited exhaust run I have right now, just enough to get the mid length headers to be routed outside the x frame and turned towards the rear.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/91fe9b40e0d2d520a6d7632aa737ee08_zps960ed598.jpg
My preference on the first drive is to always keep the hood off. No better way to keep an eye on what's going on.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/afdef40610986f7fa87e00207108db32_zps09752a7c.jpg

Overall what a fun afternoon. I will enjoy the balance of the exhaust fabrication, need to start thinking about a new rear end. The unit in the car is an original single drive with 3.08 gears. I'm thinking a moser with 3.55 gears to go along with ASA cam and 4L70e transmission gears.
I'm open to some input here guys, this is mainly a cruiser. The adrenaline rush will come from the Camaro.

[GregWeld]

Nice project and great car! Taking the daughters is the best part of sure!

[Jon69RagTop]

I always enjoy your builds and commentary.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Congrats on your progress Jon. :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Looking good sir. :thumbsup: I bet it's a hoot to drive now with the LS, huh?

[Jon69RagTop]

These x-frames are a challenge when it comes to hanging exhaust. I can't imagine what a shop would charge for a custom exhaust on a frame such as this, lots of angles to deal with. I'm running the mufflers parallel to the frame in the center of the car along with running a flex pipe to absorb some of the twist. Also welded in a v-clamp and made a custom hanger on the engine side of the muffler, want to be able to completely unbolt the system with relative ease, while still maintaining rigidity in the system.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/a0409b4a01e77e0eac4f82f38676adf2_zpsd2b0606d.jpg
I'm very satisfied with the first section of the passenger side, hopefully the time it takes for the drivers side will be about half.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/5121be39f80440fe8160b3b1c0905ecb_zpsbdca8657.jpg
Chose to exit the frame between the wheel well and where the frame drops down to floor board level, want to keep everything tucked up as close as possible. Left 1" between the top of the muffler and the floor pan, with the muffler this close to the engine it will have some heat in it which I don't want transferred to my feet. :idea:
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/fe27ab60f2643c5d8cde4e483b7f23a5_zps6932ce75.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/95935b42c49b0efc2632e64a83ce2478_zps63693f82.jpg
This is my work bench/welding table along with the saw I bought, really like the compact size and quick cutting capability of this Femi saw.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/1cd46e6dd5b14e3b2a567029c70b2bc4_zpsdbdc5268.jpg
.

[MarkM66]

Looking good Jon.

What are you doing for exhaust in the rear? There's really no room back there to go over the axle, beside factory style which kills tire clearance.

[Jon69RagTop]

I'm open to suggestions, but realistically I was thinking of dumping in front of rear tires but with rectangle tips. What's your thought of going under the axle?

[MarkM66]

I'm open to suggestions, but realistically I was thinking of dumping in front of rear tires but with rectangle tips. What's your thought of going under the axle?

I think I would go with dumping in front of the rear tires.

[Jon69RagTop]

After looking at it again, airbags and rear sway bar make it impossible to get anything over the axle.
Thanks Mark, and Happy New Year

[GAP Industries]

I am about to post up a build thread on that 61 we did. I had to kick it out before the back tire.

[bonecrrusher]

Where did you get that saw?

[Jon69RagTop]

:G-Dub:

[Jon69RagTop]

Brand new rear end from Moser Engineering, bought it un-assembled via miscommunication I guess, but in the end it did save me around $350. Anyway I opened the case containing the third member and now I'm getting a little aggravated. Is it possible that moisture in the assembly lube can cause this much rust. I'm thinking they should take this one back and send me a new one, price paid doesn't warrant a rusty part.
I'd like your thoughts, am I being ridiculous?

I'd like to add the ups driver brought everything into my garage the day it arrived, I made sure my wife was home for the delivery. I'm thinking somehow this thing got fairly wet before during shipment, not my problem. You agree?
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/a0f1a3c423dca8c25f2cdb74a36f2dd9_zps75b36a0d.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/1dc84f5f6de5fed0a88da4335f3b2f79_zpsa16ae98b.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/27b0c6eff6d7ed4d006e4639092e8097_zps2884eef5.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/e8700d464e7b77f698d5f1a46b9903d7_zps54f95aef.jpg

[GregWeld]

Well.... it is RAW cast iron (or Nodular Iron).... and that little bit of rust won't hurt anything... And you're most likely going to paint it??


I don't know... what I'd do - but I'd probably just clean it up and roll with it.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I had one come in like that. from condensation. As long as the bearings and seal surfaces are ok you should be good but I would call your sales person and see if it left the warehouse like that. They may exchange it. Why pay X amount to just have to pull rust remover treatment.

[Jon69RagTop]

I've been working on the car here and there, but must admit family time has crept in and the weather has really sucked. All good stuff, this is my winter project.

I went ahead and kept the Moser rear end, that slight surface rust cleaned right up so I painted everything and installed it. Bolted in with no issues, they must have a good fixture for the positioning of the brackets they weld on. No complaints at all.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/f9b18136e96d28e9f0408001fa8a14d2_zps8cd6cccf.jpg
This cart I made for the LS as I assembled it worked out nice for getting the rear end underneath the car with minimal effort.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/ffc2784000973fa81965950b95c6fde3_zpsc07e8650.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/06f2e993e9780ce602fb43b38813df24_zps61abfe9d.jpg
I had to move the engine forward from the installation position I started out with. Originally I tucked it too close to the firewall which in turn did not give me enough room in the tunnel to raise the rear of the transmission high enough to net the optimum driveline angle. Had a slight vibration that would have driven me nuts on the Power Tour. Luckily I had originally purchased the Dirty Dingo mounts which that have three mounting positions, so after disconnecting the exhaust and the motor mounts I slid the motor forward to the next position on the adapter plates. This game me enough room to raise the tranny up 1/2" and netted me 4 degrees at the first u-joint. I also had sliced off 3/8 of an inch from the base of the carrier bearing, this helped bring the driveshaft angle down as well at the first u-joint.

So today I redid the initial connections of the exhaust, fixed a couple issues I wasn't pleased with from the first attempt. Looks much better now and gives me room to redo the fuel line and keep it away from the exhaust. You'll notice in the pictures I ran a flexible line from front to back, this is only temporary as I recently bought some hard line from Mark at Bent Fab.
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/3af53180fd80d155ffd178256e28ef46_zpsbf25187b.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/42abbeb0ba3b91ac0b6dfed132e25996_zpsea85f217.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/Niezing66/Bel%20Air/80432859921da534e51327023e5f86d8_zps49196a2d.jpg

Later this week I'll finish up the drivers side connection and then proceed to finish out the tail pipes.

[Zoomin]

Love the flat top 61's, just so unique.

What are you doing for instruments?

What engine mounts did you use?

Killer project man.

[Jon69RagTop]

Not sure on the gauges yet, currently running auto meter for keeping tabs on oil pressure and water temp.

Might have the speedometer converted to electronic.

I used the Dirty Dingo motor plates, the ones with 3 mounting positions and then used Energy Suspension motor mounts, OE style buy out of urethane.

[kwhizz]

How does it sound with the Magnaflow's......??????????

[Jon69RagTop]

This is my second set, the first ones were chambered and bad drone. These are much better, both ends offset.

[ProTouring442]

A piece of unsolicited advice. Clean and re-weld the factory lower control arm mounts where they attach to the frame. You might even consider bracing the lower arm mounts.

Because of the three link design, a hard shift causes the rear to want to pivot on the upper link, putting added stress on the lowers. How do I know this? Because when I was younger, a nice second gear ripped the right lower control arm mount right off the frame, with near disastrous effects. To this day, I cannot tell you how I kept the car from flipping, as it kept trying to bounce completely sideways each time the now liberated control arm dug into the pavement. I crossed two lanes to my right, then back again and into the turn lane before I got the damned thing stopped.

This occurred on car on which my father had performed a frame off restoration, including cleaning and painting the frame. After my little bucking bronco of a ride, we opened a section of the rear floor board (under the rear seat if I recall correctly) to reattach the mount. There were no signs of rust, and neither the frame itself, nor the mount had torn. The then 30 year old weld had simply failed given the shock of a good second gear shift (admittedly, I was running a bored and stroked 409 (482 cubes) and a muncie 4 speed), but add the additional twisting forces of urethane bushings (which it looks to me like you are running), and those lower mounts might not be long for this world.

I added a second upper link when I repaired mine, but you really can't do that with urethane bushings. It still might be something to think about.

Please don't take this as a dig on your build, I am very much enjoying it, but I nearly lost my car that night to a simple, have a little fun hard throttle second gear. I'd just hate to see lose their car over something so easy to prevent.

[Jon69RagTop]

Thank you for the advise, I truly appreciate you taking the time to post your experience.

I will put that on my list of things to do. :thumbsup:

[Zoomin]

Thank you for the advise, I truly appreciate you taking the time to post your experience.

I will put that on my list of things to do. :thumbsup:

Me too. Don't need that happening.