Dazed and Confused

[Barnburner]

This is a project that is 32 years in the making. I bought the car as a sophomore in High School in 1980. It was my first car. It served as my summer cruiser and occasional bracket car for several years. After multiple engine combinations, it was disassembled in 1994 in preparation for a back half and wheel tubs. I didn't have the heart to cut the up. My wife and I had bought a 1985 Mustang GT (our first new car that we still own!) and we had been hooked by the autocross bug. We had also got hooked by the Jeep thing (you may not understand...) so the car sat in the corner of the shop from 1994 until last year.
I had always thought that it would be cool to resurrect the car back to it's TransAm/Mark Donohue roots but with todays technology. Then I started seeing Jimi Days AMX and I decided that it was time to dig it out of the corner.

The b/w photo was taken the day I bought the car. The one below it was just before all three cars did huge burnouts leaving our wedding in 1984!

[Barnburner]

43663
Stealing some good ideas from Randy Johnson and Jimi Day, I decided to build the car utilizing some parts that have been proven to work. I bought a Heidts Pro G from suspension kit from Randy at D&Z and then removed the front shock towers.
43664

[Barnburner]

I have always dreamed about a big inch thumper big block motor. That's what this is going to get. We are building a Blue Thunder headed, FAST 2.0 557 Ford for it. The motor is going to be set back several inches. Ford Toploader 4 speed, Ford 9" full floater out of an ARCA late model. I have already installed a Ride Tech four link in the rear. It's not going to fit the typical Lat-G mold. But it is going to be built the way I want it!
43665

[Barnburner]

43666
Headers are going to be a challenge, but it looks like Hooker Super Comps for a Torino will get me started. We will make them fit from there.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Nice work and great car. Im betting this isnt your first rodeo.

[69x22]

Nice! Like the name too.

[FETorino]

Welcome

That looks like a cool project. It sure sounds like it has a cool history. :thumbsup:

I hope you start a build thread we can follow.

:cheers:

[Barnburner]

Nice work and great car. Im betting this isnt your first rodeo.

Vince-
I have been around cars my whole life. My Dad is still a car nut at 70+ years old. I have worked in the auto industry my whole life, including several years with QA1. We now own an auto repair business.
I have been involved in several builds over the years but this is my first "official" car build.

[Barnburner]

Welcome

That looks like a cool project. It sure sounds like it has a cool history. :thumbsup:

I hope you start a build thread we can follow.

:cheers:

Ron-
My blood bleeds Ford Blue. I bought the Javelin after having a 69 Mach 1 pulled out from under me by an owner who agreed on a price then sold it for 250 buck more to a guy after I left to get the cash. I was a heart broken 16 year old! I bought this on the rebound after my Dad made a comment that at least it wasn't a Camaro and I would pass myself 12 times a day on the road.

I know you are an FE guy so you'll understand the last two photos.
We also have these in the family:
43674

[Barnburner]

The Shelby is a real deal car. My Dad bought it in 1980 with 19006 miles on it. It had sat half in and half out of a barn in Alabama for many years.
It's a 427 Side Oiler/automatic car. The interior is still all original except carpet. It still has the original brake pads in it! Paint was shot in 1990.
Other than a set of Shelby aluminum heads and Hooker headers (manifolds were missing when we got the car) the car is pretty much correct.

[Barnburner]

43675

[Barnburner]

Nice! Like the name too.


Thanks!
The movie really reminds me of many high school buddies. I can compare just about every character in the movie to someone that I hung out with in school. I graduated in 82 so it wasn't far off!!

The real reason I used the name is just the fact that it is going to be a completely confused collection of parts. AMC car, 69 Camaro front sub frame components, big block Ford engine, Ford trans and rear end. Everything else is going to be aftermarket.

It would have been really easy and faster to do an LS, but Jimi and Randy have already done that. I don't want to copy his any more than I already have. They did an amazing job on that car. I want to do something different.
I think this will accomplish that!!

[SSLance]

Very cool collection of family cars and cool build going on now. Looking forward to watching it progress.

[FETorino]

Ron-

I know you are an FE guy so you'll understand the last two photos.
We also have these in the family:


I can relate to the first picture also.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/Buckynew.jpg (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/superjinca/media/Buckynew.jpg.html)

I always like the 67s best even if the driving lights made them overheat.

Now if we could just get an FE in the Javeline :D

:cheers:

[Barnburner]

I love old Shoebox Broncos!! The Jeep has a 351W in it out of a 91 Bronco. I retained all of the factory fuel injection.
An FE in the Javelin was a thought. There is another 427 in my Dads garage looking for a home... He would like it to find its way into a 64 Fairlane Tbolt clone...

[FETorino]

I love old Shoebox Broncos!! The Jeep has a 351W in it out of a 91 Bronco. I retained all of the factory fuel injection.
An FE in the Javelin was a thought. There is another 427 in my Dads garage looking for a home... He would like it to find its way into a 64 Fairlane Tbolt clone...

If you want help building a sweet Tbolt let me know. I know a guy :lol:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=40698&highlight=tbolt

[GregWeld]

Subscribed --- this is the best new build on Lat G in a long time…

[Barnburner]

Subscribed --- this is the best new build on Lat G in a long time…

Thanks! We'll see if we can live up to it!!
I am doing this at home in my spare time but working 6 days a weeks makes for slow going!

Just ordered headers today. I think we are going to have to do some modifications to make them work. For some reason nobody makes an engine swap header for an AMC Javelin with Ford big block!

[BMR Sales]

Welcome!

T.C.

[GrabberGT]

AMC Javelin with Ford big block! = SUBSCRIBED!

[Barnburner]

How do you suggest I start a build thread? Just start from the beginning with another intro or do something different?

[FETorino]

How do you suggest I start a build thread? Just start from the beginning with another intro or do something different?

Well

Your introduction is basically the start. All you ned to do is post it in the Project updates section.

Most people don't keep looking back at the new introductions once the threa falls down a page.

One of the Moderators will move this thread to the project updates if you want it to become the build thread.

We need to get you an avatar and a signature line also :lol: :lmao: :lol: :lmao: :lol: :lmao:

:cheers:

[Flash68]

It's not going to fit the typical Lat-G mold. But it is going to be built the way I want it!


Right on man. :thumbsup:

How do you suggest I start a build thread? Just start from the beginning with another intro or do something different?

If you would like it moved to the Project Updates section just say the word.

[Barnburner]

Well

Your introduction is basically the start. All you ned to do is post it in the Project updates section.

Most people don't keep looking back at the new introductions once the threa falls down a page.

One of the Moderators will move this thread to the project updates if you want it to become the build thread.

We need to get you an avatar and a signature line also :lol: :lmao: :lol: :lmao: :lol: :lmao:

:cheers:

Heck-- I was proud of myself for figuring out how to post the pictures!!

[Barnburner]

If you don't mind, go for it. I will continue with the updates as I progress. I guess it is good incentive to keep chasing parts!

I have to commend you guys for always trying to stay positive. I have been involve in a couple of off road forums in the past that were completely the opposite and would light a guy up just for asking a simple, admittedly naïve question.

Here stupid questions turn into 4 pages of text book learning! You gotta love the generosity of the knowledge and enthusiasm from both members and vendors.

[FETorino]

Subscribed --- this is the best new build on Lat G in a long time…

Yep now you just need to keep the updates coming.:thumbsup:

We'll be waiting :popcorn2:

[aggie91]

I dig these old AMX cars. A neigbor down the street from were grew up had a couple and a few ther AMC's when I was a kid.

[Barnburner]

Yep now you just need to keep the updates coming.:thumbsup:

No new pictures but I picked up a Wilwood Brake/Clutch pedal assy. on Monday and on Tuesday the UPS guy dropped off a pair of Hookers for my Christmas present!
I ordered a set of Hooker Fox body Mustang headers. From my best precision guesswork it looks like I am going to be able to make them work with minimal tube modifications.
I will get a couple pics tonight to post up.

[Barnburner]

43931
I was hoping but not holding breathe that these Hooker motor swap headers would get me close. They did. I need to clearance the front subframe a little bit. The motor is still 1" off set to the right. Once the frame is clearance I will move it over and see how the passenger side fits. Steering is going to just barely slip between the primary's.43933


I moved the engine back another inch. It will require modifying the cowl flange slightly. I guess that is a good reason to clean it up or eliminate it.
I wasn't going for a complete custom engine compartment look but it is what it is.

I need to get to the engine builder this week and pick up my other cylinder head so I can mock it up with both headers in place to figure out mounts.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

looking great!!

[RussMurco]

I have to commend you guys for always trying to stay positive. I have been involve in a couple of off road forums in the past that were completely the opposite and would light a guy up just for asking a simple, admittedly naïve question..

Shout out to another Minnesota member, and what a cool car!
I think you'll find about the friendliest group of guys right here, nobody unzipping to compare manhood at every turn!
Welcome!!!

[Barnburner]

I think you'll find about the friendliest group of guys right here, nobody unzipping to compare manhood at every turn!
Welcome!!![/QUOTE]


As a fellow Minnesotan, you know all too well that unzipping and comparing anything in this weather isn't gonna get anybody anywhere!!

Thanks for the shout! I've stared at your Mustang many times. I am in the exhaust business as well. We own the Midas in Shakopee.
I have installed many of your mufflers over the years!

[GregWeld]

The people that come on here with attitude -- they get run off pretty fast… and not in a bad way -- it's just that nobody bothers to respond to them.

This is by far the best forum in the Universe. -- WELCOME!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Shout out to another Minnesota member, and what a cool car!
I think you'll find about the friendliest group of guys right here, nobody unzipping to compare manhood at every turn!
Welcome!!!

I think you'll find about the friendliest group of guys right here, nobody unzipping to compare manhood at every turn!
Welcome!!!


As a fellow Minnesotan, you know all too well that unzipping and comparing anything in this weather isn't gonna get anybody anywhere!!![/QUOTE]

Oh man, so that's why you Minni's are always so fricken happy. LOL

[Ron in SoCal]

I think you'll find about the friendliest group of guys right here, nobody unzipping to compare manhood at every turn!
Welcome!!!

As a fellow Minnesotan, you know all too well that unzipping and comparing anything in this weather isn't gonna get anybody anywhere!!


80 degress in SoCal today. Just sayin' :lol:

[RussMurco]

As a fellow Minnesotan, you know all too well that unzipping and comparing anything in this weather isn't gonna get anybody anywhere!!!

We could compare how deep our second belly-buttons are!:badidea:

Oh man, so that's why you Minni's are always so fricken happy. LOL

No, two reasons... Nordic women and a great excuse to hide in the garage for 6 months at a time!!!

[Barnburner]

I spent some time tonight cutting the driver side subframe and tube. The passenger side went in with just some very minor trimming. Tomorrow night I will fill the relief holes and shoot a couple photos.
All in all, I am really surprised at how well the headers fit. I got really lucky when I decided to order these. I was originally going to build a set. This is substantially easier.
Once both headers are bolted in, I will need to figure out motor mounts. I had originally thought about doing motor plates but I think I found some 460 Ford motor mounts from Speedway that will work. I think...
I am getting excited because I am really looking forward to building the firewall and floor. At that point, it will start to feel like I am getting somewhere on the project.

[Barnburner]

44094
Last night I was able to get the sub frame clearance and the upright for the bay bar done. Tonight I will put the motor back in to see how these will fit.
44095

[Barnburner]

44099
In order to make room for an air cleaner once the motor is set in place, it appears that I am going to have to modify my cowl. Anybody have a good idea on relocating the wiper motor? I have been digging around on some of the street rod sites but haven't found anything yet.

[66fury]

who needs wipers,use rainx :)

[Barnburner]

who needs wipers,use rainx :)
I have thought about that... it is that one amenity that I would like to keep. If nothing else, I can use them to keep the bugs off the windshield!

[Barnburner]

After digging around a little bit, I ordered the SPW kit from Speedway. Once I get that in my hands, and get a better idea of how it works, I will cut up the cowl and start on the firewall. I keep thinking that I am finally done cutting, then I find more to cut!

[Barnburner]

It's been a couple weeks since I updated this. Haven't had much time to get out in the shop. Not a ton to show, but I did get the firewall roughed in, motor mounts built and A-Pillar/Roll cage supports built and installed. 46068
A buddy of mine runs Hell Yeah Hotrods. He is milling a set of decorative rings that will cover the bay bar/firewall.

The engine is still at the builder. Hopefully we will be able to make a decision on the final displacement so I can order engine parts.

Next up is to install my Wilwood pedals and steering column. Then I am going to build the exhaust system before I build the floor. I have done WAAYY to many street rods over the years that the exhaust is an after thought. I promised myself that the exhaust would NOT be a compromise and I would build additional clearance before I build the floor.

[Barnburner]

46691

Dash bar and steering column roughed in. Steering wheel should be here tomorrow so I can get a better feel of final position. I had a buddy cut up some trim rings for the bay bars. Had to make them out of two pieces but he installed .125" pins to keep them from deforming.
I am struggling with my Wilwood pedals. I am having a hard time finding any documents that will give me some direction on appropriate pedal height and positioning from the firewall. It's times like this where I wish I was building a Camaro so I could just copy someone else's good ideas!!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Looking good. I was wondering how it was going.


As far as pedal height, I like to get the gas pedal in first then see where you heal goes. Don't forget to take into account possible floor material, dyna mat or blast plate. Then set the rest of the pedals based on that.

Sometimes with the wilwood set up you have to put them where the masters will fit. Engine and header location can change that.

[Barnburner]

Thanks Vince. I am using reverse mount pedals so the MC's will be under the dash. I think your advice has some merit. I need to order a gas pedal.

Every time I get out to the garage I get a terrible case of A.D.D.
There are so many things to do that I get brain cramp! Tonight I just stood underneath it and stared at it for an hour trying to get my noodle around this thing! I start playing with the pedals then I am working on the transmission crossmember. Next thing I know, I am staring at the tail light panel trying to decide what I am going to use for a fuel filler! By the time I was ready to come in I was sweeping the floor. I hadn't done anything yet!!

[Tuske427]

Sweet project! I look forward to seeing the updates

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Thanks Vince. I am using reverse mount pedals so the MC's will be under the dash. I think your advice has some merit. I need to order a gas pedal.

Every time I get out to the garage I get a terrible case of A.D.D.
There are so many things to do that I get brain cramp! Tonight I just stood underneath it and stared at it for an hour trying to get my noodle around this thing! I start playing with the pedals then I am working on the transmission crossmember. Next thing I know, I am staring at the tail light panel trying to decide what I am going to use for a fuel filler! By the time I was ready to come in I was sweeping the floor. I hadn't done anything yet!!

Man, I have no idea how that must feel... that must suck.
:sarcasm_smiley:

The worst is that I sit and obsess about things you will never see when done.

I do what I can with what I have and try to knock it out fast. The longer you take will give you time to think about it too much. Nothing motivates me more than an empty box and an installed part.

[charchri4]

Thanks Vince. I am using reverse mount pedals so the MC's will be under the dash. I think your advice has some merit. I need to order a gas pedal.

Every time I get out to the garage I get a terrible case of A.D.D.
There are so many things to do that I get brain cramp! Tonight I just stood underneath it and stared at it for an hour trying to get my noodle around this thing! I start playing with the pedals then I am working on the transmission crossmember. Next thing I know, I am staring at the tail light panel trying to decide what I am going to use for a fuel filler! By the time I was ready to come in I was sweeping the floor. I hadn't done anything yet!!

Epic build that I have been following for a while now. I finally joined the forum because I wanted to post up a note of encouragement here for you. You have probably read the same warnings I have about this being a marathon not a sprint and that is so true. But even so I have suffered from the same ADD brain freeze out in the shop many times!

I have found the trick is to take the big picture view when I plan but when I head out to the shop just focus on one job at a time. When I don't the enormity of the project freezes my brain like a deer in the headlights every time. With so many systems and parts in process at once it is overwhelming but if I leave my to-do list in the house and just focus on one task in the shop I know exactly what to do next and how to proceed. So even though my list is huge it makes no difference because I only have one thing to work on tonight. And slowly but surely the day will come when that list is down to just a road test!

You are doing a hell of a good job on this build and it's not going to be amazing someday when you are done - it's amazing now! When you get down remember it’s really not rocket science it’s just a big rocket!

[Barnburner]

Sweet project! I look forward to seeing the updates

Thanks! It feels good to make a little progress every now and then. This dad-gum thing called work keeps getting in the way of rapid meaningful progress!

[Barnburner]

Epic build that I have been following for a while now. I finally joined the forum because I wanted to post up a note of encouragement here for you. You have probably read the same warnings I have about this being a marathon not a sprint and that is so true. But even so I have suffered from the same ADD brain freeze out in the shop many times!

I have found the trick is to take the big picture view when I plan but when I head out to the shop just focus on one job at a time. When I don't the enormity of the project freezes my brain like a deer in the headlights every time. With so many systems and parts in process at once it is overwhelming but if I leave my to-do list in the house and just focus on one task in the shop I know exactly what to do next and how to proceed. So even though my list is huge it makes no difference because I only have one thing to work on tonight. And slowly but surely the day will come when that list is down to just a road test!

You are doing a hell of a good job on this build and it's not going to be amazing someday when you are done - it's amazing now! When you get down remember it’s really not rocket science it’s just a big rocket!

Thanks!
Everybody that builds a car in their garage wishes they could progress with the same level of speed, efficiency and quality that the pros do. Many guys can. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them!! Because my business eats up 11 hrs/day 6 days/week, I don't get as much time in the shop as I would like.
The time I do get out there is a form of relaxation for me. I have no misconceptions that this is an endurance race and not a drag race. But I am like everyone else, I would really like to get it done as soon as possible because I am stoked about the completed vision. Part of the goal of the this project is to do as much of it myself as I can. I am farming out the motor build to a builder that I have known for years. Other than that, I am going to do everything else myself, except upholstery.

[Barnburner]

I didnt realize that it had been 6 years since the last update. Progress has been slow but slowly steady. Paint and body work is done. I painted it myself in my back garage. We built a cheap, makeshift booth. All in all, Im really proud of the paint. After cleaning a few nibs and dirt, the first round of cutting and buffing came out very nice. I decided to wait for the final rounds of buffing until it is closer to complete. I will install all of the trim last.

[Barnburner]

Clutch arrived today. I ordered a Ram Dual Disc set up to put in front of the T56 Magnum. Fuel lines are all plumbed. I had to modify the factory dash to fit around the A-pillar bars and the Wilwood brake pedal assembly. I'm trying to utilize as much of the OE interior panels as possible.

[Barnburner]

I sprayed the entire chassis with Raptor liner. It worked really nice to cover up some of my sheet metal fitment foul ups.
I just ordered rotors and calipers. Hoping they will be here next week.

[ScotI]

Nice build. Glad you did the update!

[WSSix]

x2 Thanks for updating. The car looks good in white. Keep up the good work!

[Barnburner]

Well, it runs! For the first time since the engine was on the dyno, three years ago, we put fire in the pipes. It felt good to hear it run again for the first time since 1992.
I installed the brakes, built brake lines and measured for wheels. I ended up ordering Budnick wheels yesterday. Probably the second most stressful decision I've had to make on this. Measuring for parts that take 3 months to arrive and cost a bunch doesnt leave alot of room for mistakes, makes a guy second guess everything!
This weekend we will recover the factory dash pad and reinstall the remainder of the OE upholstery. 90% will get reused. It is still in great shape and I like the idea of trying to keep it look simple inside.

[Chevelle]

Awesome!

[WSSix]

Congrats on hearing it come alive! Keep up the good work!

[LS7 Z/28]

Looks great

[Boosted Falcon]

Nice build

[Dave Pratt]

Thats beyond cool! I love this build!This is exactly along the lines of what I want to build with 69 Camaro

[Dave Pratt]

But I think that Javelin looks ten times cooler.The Ring Brothers built one recently the gold/black build...beyond cool!

[Barnburner]

Thanks Dave! It's so close I can taste it now. But, regardless, I get to wait until spring to test drive it.

[Barnburner]

I was able to get more of the interior put together. I have learned that I am horrible at upholstery. I am going to have to pull the dash top off and have it upholsted properly by someone much more talented than me to make it look proper. I also learned that buying cheap seats to save money doesnt work. I am on the hunt for some aftermarket seats that fit my needs better. The driveshaft was ordered. I am going to run a QA1 Carbon Fiber shaft. The windshield and back window were installed last week. I was able to find a new windshield but the rear is no longer being produced. We cleaned up the rear but it still has some scratches in it. Not bad enough to be of a major concern. Still waiting for my Budnick wheels but they arent due for a couple more weeks. Door glass and door panels will hopefully go in this weekend, along with the weather stripping. I am slowly running out of parts. I need to order a different steering wheel. The one in the photo came with the steering column I purchased used.

[Barnburner]

After waiting for wheels for what felt likes decades, they finally arrived. I decided on Budnik Pivot's for it. Once they were on, I didnt have anymore excuses to drive it. It was either going to move under its own power, or I was going to have to answer for screwing something up!
After sitting in my garage since 1992, it backed out and drove around the block on its own. Pretty emotional feeling after working on it, mostly on my own, for 10 years.
It made it two trips around the block, then the MAP sensor on the FAST 2.0 ate itself alive. I have to say, FAST's support is absolute ****. I fully understand that I bought the unit 7 years ago. I wasnt expecting any warranty. I was just hoping to get some information to make it work. That went no where.
Luckily the googler was able to chase down an aftermarket MAP sensor, I swapped it. It ran. For a minute. Next was a brand new Aeromotive Phantom pump that got eerily quiet and quit making pressure. After having the wife tow me home, a quick test showed proper signal to the pump but no go. I ordered a replacement pump, swapped it and all is good.
Because of my complete and utter lack of trust in the FAST set up, I ordered a Holley Sniper for it. It's going on this weekend.

[camcojb]

Turned out great!

[Barnburner]

Last night, we were able to take it to a local Wednesday night car show for the first time. It was 98 degrees and humid when I backed it out of the garage. I was concerned about overheating it since I had very little time on it. It made the 7 or 8 mile trek both ways perfectly! Engine temp stayed right about 200-205 which I'll gladly take given the ambient temp. One of our daughters brought the Grandkids to hang out for a bit. It was a hot but fun evening.

[Vegas69]

Very well done! It's nice to see something other than a 1st gen camaro.

[Barnburner]

_5QIS4ir7c0

First drive!

[Barnburner]

YlJlOY1vVMo


This is the car we left our wedding in, 1984. It has some history

[WSSix]

Congrats! Must feel great.

[Chevelle]

Turned out great!

[Barnburner]

We took the car up to a local Saturday evening cruise in last night. Hung out there for a couple hours, then headed to a buddies house to check on his project. Overall put 40 miles on the car. It ran flawless. The more I drive the car, the more comfortable I am. I still am playing with shock settings and I have to reconfigure the front upper shock mounts. I need to add an inch of travel and put a set of softer springs in. The only issue that I ran into was my 9 inch rear diff decided to burp diff fluid thru the breather that I have mounted above the axle housing on the shock crossmember. Fluid level was not overfull, but it made big stink after misting the exhaust system. Diff did not feel overly hot when I got home so I am at a loss why it puked all over itself.
I am going to pull the center section just to give it a look. I ordered a breather/catch can set up from Speedway, but I am at a loss for a reason.

Other than that, I am thrilled with the car! It is everything I had hoped it would be.

On another note. I started the car to be more race car than street car. 10 years of build time, it turned into more street car than race car.... I wish I had put AC in it.... it's been in the 90's the last couple weeks up here...

[Barnburner]

I've been putting some miles on the car, trying to sort it out. Now have over 100 road miles on it. I joined a local motorsports club to get back into auto-x after a long absence. Working to get it prepped for the next practice day and auto-x the following day. We took it to a local show over the weekend for an excuse to go drive it.

[Che70velle]

Turned out great! Love the backstory here. Lots of guys would give anything they own to get “that” car back, and you were smart enough to keep yours. Good on you sir!

[214Chevy]

Bad a$$!! The brushed lips compliment the car so well.

[Barnburner]

First shot was leaving the QA1 open house last Friday on the way to Street Machine Nats in St. Paul.
The other shots are from a photo shoot done with photograper Duane Lage. Excited to see the final product from that shoot.
Next week we are doing a driving instructor day with the local Autox club to work out the rust on the driver.

[Barnburner]

Was able to get it to the last track event of the season locally in early October.
Car worked well. Driver needs more seat time...

[Chevelle]

Looks like a lot of fun. Tried looking for your car on Friday at the Street Machine Nationals, but didn't find it, maybe next year...

[camcojb]

Great pics!