Body off 61 RestoMod project
 

Just for grins I took a few pictures of my body lift today. I'll try to keep this thread posted with my progress. What I started with is an abandoned project by the previous owner. No interior, top , engine, trans etc... The PO modified the original frame to fit C4 suspension front and rear. Not a bad job on the back (but not complete) but the front left a lot to be desired as he sectioned the C4 cradle and welded it to the original frame rails. I bought this car a couple of years ago and have been slowly accumulating parts so I didn't pay too much attention to the frame... I thought I wouldn't have to worry about that part. I had a severe case of Corvette fever when I bought the car and did a real poor job of looking the car over... I was so jazzed that it already had a C4 conversion done that I overlooked A LOT of problems.... Oh well, I now have a Billy Dawson replacement frame on order, and a LS1/T56 waiting to drop in. I approached the body lift a little differently than normal I suppose, but it worked well for me since I always work by myself. Suggestions or comments are certainly welcome as this is the first time I have done a body off project.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...03Medium-1.jpg
I used my 4 post lift and some tie down straps and it lifted it pretty straight. I had placed some lumber under what I thought would be good lifting points but the straps wouldn't have any of that and placed all the pressure on the rockers....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...04Medium-1.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t006Medium.jpg

I built my dolly from the drawings in the Noland Adams body lift work book but it doesn't line up well with the body mount locations... To fit correctly, the dolly should be about 6 inches shorter from front to back. side to side matched up OK. I don't have my radiator core support in so the front just floats.....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t015Medium.jpg

Here's the retrofitted frame I will not be using.... lot's of welded up rust repair and I don't like the way the suspension was mounted. Billy Dawson at Corvette Corrections makes a real slick replacement frame and I'll be driving to pick it up in about 3 weeks or so.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t008Medium.jpg

If anyone is interested, the frame will be available after I strip the suspension from it....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t013Medium.jpg

When I lifted my '60 I grabbed the seat belt anchors with my 4 post lift....

http://images108.fotki.com/v612/phot...83small-vi.jpg

http://images115.fotki.com/v680/phot...G_5065s-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v273/photo...G_5127s-vi.jpg

I did 95% of the lift with the seat belt anchors and the last little bit with the radiator surround. DO NOT lift heavy on the radiator surround, just use that point to balance it. My seat belt anchors were in great shape. Using them depends on the shape they are in. You need to evaluate them prior to trying this. Mine were good.

I could lift the body and put it on in 45 minutes...all by myself......this worked really good for me. I probably put it on and off at least 15 times!

good luck!!!

Are you saying that the body mount locations are off by 6"? I am not familiar with the dimensions in Noland Adams book but if your body mounts are out that far I would check them against the dimensions in the ST12. If you need the correct dimensions, I can email you the page.
Charles

What I meant to say was that the stand I built from the plans in the Noland Adams body lift work book did not match up with my body mount locations.... I'll check my ST12 for the dimensions and check my body mounts tonight, but I don't think the body (and frame) were altered in that manner... I think it is more of a case that the Noland Adams dolly specs are incorrect... (while I'm not a carpenter, I checked my dolly after I assembled it and it's only 1/8" off)
It is difficult to believe that no one else has made this observation in all the years since the workbook was published.... Maybe it's just me and I'm looking at this thing wrong...wouldn't be the first time... Anyway, doesn't matter, the body is on the dolly and the next time I lift it off I'll add some lumber to the thing and make it fit better.

mine was built to the specs as well and it fits. At first I didnt think it did, but it was more a case of me not knowing where I should drop it on the dolly. The front radiator surround should be mounted in the body and if you do that, it sits on the very front cross bar. The rest lined up for me once I got the front sitting where it was supposed to.

http://images15.fotki.com/v264/photo...81small-vi.jpg

the photo below is NOT SITTING on the dolly correctly. This was when I had the radiator surround out and not in place. The car sits too far back.
http://images108.fotki.com/v610/phot...93small-vi.jpg

Check it out one more time.......

good luck....herb

Slow progress
 

Just got back from my road trip to Seguin Texas to pick up my Corvette Corrections frame.... Spent half the day with Billy Dawson, drooling over the numerous cars and parts at his shop and I got to drive one of his LS1/T56 conversions..... Holy sh**, that thing rocked! Billy was an awesome host and spent lots of time with me as I took pictures and asked hundreds of questions.....
Anyway here's a couple of pics of what I will be building on....
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s072Medium.jpg
New car hauler and frame.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s074Medium.jpg
Back at home in the garage. Front side with cradle attached.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s076Medium.jpg
Rear with Dana 36 temp installed.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s079Medium.jpg
And my old partial stock conversion frame from which I'll be utilizing the C4 suspension. More pics as I progress. Lots of cleaning to do on my used parts before I install the suspension, engine and trans.

Good luck with your project, Billy is a 1st class guy. :cheers:

looking GREAT!!!!:thumbs:

Got lots of work to do this weekend. Poly bushings and shocks arrived today and I have some more dissasembly and cleaning to do on the suspension pieces. The C4 forged aluminum pieces clean up real good and look great in their natural state.. I am trying to resist the temptation to polish this stuff... I gotta remember it's a driver.... new rack and pinion due in Monday so I should have a roller by this time next week, if time and family obligations allow.. Then I'll start getting the engine and trans ready for install... pics to come this weekend....

keep those pics coming!!!!

I wish I had know you were coming up, I would have driven over to Billy's to meet you! Billy is one of the good guys, and builds a great chassis as well. You will be very pleased with his chassis! I live just a few miles from him, and am always looking for a good reason to take a few hours off to go visiting him!


Regards, John McGraw

A little progress
 

Just a little closer..... spent some time cleaning the rear suspension parts and doing the modifications required for the rear spindles. Cutting forged aluminum with a cut off tool takes a long time.... wish I had access to a band saw....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n003Medium.jpg
a poor picture of one of the cuts required about 1/2 complete

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n004Medium.jpg
cleaned parts ready for assembly

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n006Medium.jpg
More of the same

After I post this I'm heading to the blast cabinet... I'm gonna clean some parts then try out my new Harbor Freight powder coat set up tonight.

Did a little more bead blasting and powder coating last night.... Funny thing.... I was rounding up and cleaning some more parts to be powdered red to go along with the transverse front spring brackets I had ready to go in order to do a bigger batch.... I found a few more brackets to do, sprayed them and then put them in the oven then cleaned up my mess while I was waiting.... After I finished cleaning up I found the parts that I had originally wanted to do in the first place still sitting there undone... DOH!!!

And in the category of "while I've got it apart", I figured I would replace the upper and lower control arm bushings with Poly Graphite pieces.... While disassembling the cross bar from the uppers I had one bolt seize on each side.... totally fubarr'ed threads on both pieces.. (forged aluminum) I'm gonna try to re-thread them but I think I'm headed for replacement.... pics to come after I regain my sanity...

Gotta remember..... 3 times the amount of time planned and twice the cost.....
Spent the weekend assembling the suspension and got it rolling..... Still have to replace my junkyard calipers (rusted pistons), they are actually pretty reasonable as rebuilt loaded pairs from AutoZone. I'll powder coat them red and slap 'em on. Then I'll start the brake plumbing. I got a stainless line kit from Billy when I picked up the frame so that part should go pretty smoothly....
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7003Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7004Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7010Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7002Medium.jpg

Good rule of thumb for most any project :thumbs:

The chassis is looking great.

Rich

Progress... just not as quick as I'd hoped. Life keeps getting in the way... I'd better hustle if I am to finish my car by next May (50th birthday and I wanna' drive it!) Anyway just a couple of pics that show the brakes installed.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s003Medium.jpg

Gotta pull the rotors back off and clean that rust....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s002Medium.jpg

Loooking GREAT :) :)

Keep the updates comming :)

George

It looks great! Keep it up and keep posting some pics with updates.

:thumbs: :cheers: :thumbs:

Your frame looks great!!! I'm leaning toward painting my frame the same color as my car.

BTW, I had bought a 61 frame from a guy who had repaired the rear section with a section that looks like yours. Can you buy just the rear section? By rear section I mean from the center crossmember back. All I needed was the front section and not the rear section.

I got my complete frame from Billy Dawson, Corvette Corrections.. I don't belive he makes repair sections for stock frames but I could be wrong.

Thanks. I'm really not sure where it came from. Well after looking at your frame I'm headed out to the workshop.

58n65

Engine drop
 

A little more progress, I dropped the LS1 between the frame rails for the first time. No bling, just a 40,000 mile engine and trans from a 2002 Camaro. Went real well, no problems.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...l003Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...l004Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...l005Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...l007Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...l008Medium.jpg

I see you had to remove the a/c compressor and the alt to install the motor. What accessory brackets are you going to use to mount them? The t'stat housing looks a little close as well. What rear end are you using, what gears? Making progress! Have fun! :thumbs:
Nick

The alternator will most likely go back in it's original location. I only removed it for cleaning, not due to a clearance issue. (edit: I was wrong here, see future posts) I was told that the A/C compressor would not fit in it's stock location so I removed it just so I would have no issues when I swung the engine. (I was working by myself). I haven't tried to fit it up yet but it looks like there will be interference. Others are using the S&P drive to relocate the compressor but there is also a kit made by Alf in Sand City Ca. (no web page) that places a Sanden compressor up high on the passenger side and keeps the rest of the accy. drive stock. I haven't contacted him yet to get the parts but I understand that it is a lot less $$ than the S&P drive. Oh, and for the t-stat I'll be using a straight housing from S&P. I'll post more pics when I get all that finalized. The rear end is a Dana 36 (dainty 36?) with 3.73 gears.

Been down for a while, sick like never before... shingles..... wouldn't wish it on anyone... It's been 3 weeks and I'm still not right..... :ack:
Got lots of parts in the meantime though. Hopefully this weekend I'll be installing an LS7 clutch kit, laying out the engine harness, installing the A/C compressor, alternator and accessory drive, modifying the fender wells for suspension clearance and other wise preparing the body for it's first time being placed on the frame. If my plan holds, I'll have some updated pics to post by the end of the weekend. :D

Get Well Soon
 

Andy, Glad your better. I had the shingles at age 17 and it was no fun at all. Bad news is you can have them more than once. My mother-in-law is with us now, age 87 and she is in her third week with the shingles. Talked to my doctor and plan to get the shot next week.
Anyways your car is out of this world and I know you can't wait to get back on it. Keep this pics comming.:thumbs:

:cheers:
Earl

Sorry man shingles suck. That is of course a medical term. Hope you feel better soon.
Progress looks good.

Scott

Get better soon as I'm enjoying your progress... It's like watching ABC's LOST only to find the next episode is two months away...

Take care and keep posting...

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Well.... I got the clutch changed out, that went great. Installed an LS2 flywheel and LS7 pressure plate and disc in addition to new hydraulics and a remote bleeder kit...

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s003Medium.jpg

Swung the engine and trans back in and started to work on the accessory drive, relocating the A/C pump to the passenger top side of the engine.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s005Medium.jpg

After congratulating myself on what a fine job I did selecting the relocation kit, I started to mount up the alternator in it's stock location.... I thought somehow I had this all figured out and it would fit there (low on the drivers side). After removing the rack and pinion to get enough clearance to slide the alternator and idler pulley in there I was getting concerned because while the alternator did fit, the rag I had placed in between the frame and the alternator to protect the powder coat would not slide out, it was that tight... After looking at it for a while and figuring out how I was going to clearance the frame to give the alternator a little more room I realized that I had completely blocked access to the rack and there was no way the alternator was going to reside there. Glad I started paying attention before I got out the BFH and made some room for the alternator.....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...s006Medium.jpg

Now I 'm hoping I didn't blow my money on the A/C relocation kit and I can get something to work for the alternator... 1 step forward, 2 steps back... ahh well.... On a positive note, I got my drive shaft and there was no drama with that..... While I figure out the accessory drive and wait for the parts, I'll get back to work readying the body to drop on the frame for it's first fit check.

With considerable help from Nick D, I think we have the accessory drive figured out. I'll be using the stock LS1 Corvette power steering/alternator bracket and idler on the drivers side spaced out to accommodate the rest of the drive which is set up for Camaro drive spacing. Just got the parts ordered today from GM so it'll probably be next week before I can move forward on that.
I was going to cut my inner fender wells for suspension clearance yesterday but I don't have my core support installed yet and to use the cut template I got from Billy Dawson, it needs to be installed.
Net result of this weekend..... nuttin' much..... :toetap: I'm gunna' have to start working on it more weeknights if I intend to finish before May 30... (50th birthday)

Question!
 

Andy, I assume the engine came from a salvage yard. What would one have to pay for a similar engine? Sure looks sweet between those frame rails.:thumbs:

Earl

Thanks. I didn't get this one from a salvage yard, I found it on the Las Vegas FBody forum from a private seller. I paid $2600 for the approx. 40K mile engine, trans, computer, a totally trashed wiring harness and all the accessories. I also got the Camaro engine cradle complete with rack and pinion, brakes and suspension that I intend to sell to offset some of my cost. I have seen better deals out there but I think I did OK. The are always lots of LS1s on EBay so you can figure current pricing from there. I got outbid a number of times on Ebay but 26 was all I wanted to pay. You can sometimes pick up a whole totaled Fbody for 2500 or less and then after you remove the drive-train you can part out the rest and damn near get your engine and trans for free. Takes time, contacts and a hassle free space to do the work however. (I've got a restrictive home owners association and my garage is already full.....)

Thanks!
 

Good data and thanks! My current project is going back original, but I hope I can do a C1 resto-rod next.
I also live in a neighborhood that restricts such things. Thank goodness I have a friend who let me do the dirty work at his shop. Just got it back from the paint shop and doing the assembly in my garage here at the house. As you have seen on TV we are having a late heat wave here in Va, 91 yesterday and the same thru Wed. Plan to get back on it as soon as it cools down. Thanks Again and keep those pics and good info coming.

:cheers:
Earl

Andy, it is looking great, the guy who did my 65 Coupe is doing a 61 now as well. Have you visited his thread http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1781661
My 65 is covered under http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1590723 . Your running into things that he is as well on both builds. I'll keep watching both while I finish mine up. Keep up the good work. Tim

Slowly.....
 

Got my exhaust manifolds back after ceramic coating. They are one year only 98 F-Body manifolds which are steel rather than cast iron. I think they look good and they are supposed to flow OK.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...derwellm-4.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...derwellm-3.jpg

I also marked and cut the inner fender wells for suspension clearance.

Before:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...derwellm-2.jpg

And after:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...derwellm-1.jpg

And mocked up the core support to drill holes in the left fender well for the core support and left extension:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...erwellmods.jpg

Initial body drop this weekend? After that I've got lots of glass work to do on the firewall. I want to remove that ridge where the lower tub mates to the upper section and close and smooth out all unnecessary holes. I'll be using a Vintage Air system and Raingear wipers so the firewall should be fairly clutter free when complete..... I hate bodywork...... :ack: If you think the project has been going slow to this point, wait till you see the excuses I come up with to put off glassing, sanding and priming.....

What a great Yarn..
 

Keep it coming i'm watching with interest over here in OZ.I spent two years restoring the front end of my brothers torana (Aussie Muscle car) and it bloody near killed me, but in the end it's well worth it.Keep the pictures coming,Aussiesnagz

:cool: Keep Cruizin:cool:

Initial body drop
 

Put the body in place for the first time on the new frame last weekend. Just needed to cut the shifter opening for the T-56 on the way down. I haven't played with the shims yet but it's considerably different than my stock frame. On my stocker, to align the rear edge door gaps I needed a stack of shims on the rear mount locations to bring the gaps close. The way it sits now, the doors are touching the body at the rear without any shims on the rear mounts. So If I have this figured correctly, I'll have to raise the middle mounts up so the rear can go down... Someone chime in here if I've got the sequence wrong... Hopefully I'll start on that tomorrow.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7002Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7001Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7003Medium.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7004Medium.jpg

After getting my doors and panels aligned, I'll start mocking up as many components as I have including chrome so I can plan the rest of the bodywork. I've got some glassing to do in the spare tire well, around the shifter hole and the center console. I also intend to reinforce the back side of the firewall so I can smooth the engine side the next time the body is off. Still waiting for my ps pump and alternator bracket to arrive but no worries there, I have plenty of work to do in the mean time.

Looks great! Keep em coming. :cool:

Also, curious question. YOu ra into some pulley issues with the pump and rack. Do you think the new March System (pricey I'm sure) would clear with your chassis? It look like the pump may just be high enought o tuck the nose of the rack underneath but may be hard to tell.

http://www.marchperformance.com/products/ls1_480px.jpg

Tough to tell from that angle but it looks like it might clear everything.....

Thanks for the posts Andy. Looks really good. Have you decided where to put the PCM? I had mine mounted pass side engine compartment under right fender, but now I decided to put AC on and want to relocate PCM. I also have the Alf Bracket. I used the corvette front end accesories and everything else fits fine.

Good looking engine David... Those valve covers are too cool! Couple of questions for you. What type of throttle cable is that, stock? What are you going to do with your intake plumbing?
To answer your question on PCM location I'm thinking either drivers side splash shield or behind the drivers side kick panel.. If I get real ambitious I suppose I could relocate it to the trunk where there's lots of room... but that's a whole lot of wires to splice and extend....

Thanks! The throttle cable is a stock Camaro Z28 one covered w/ nylon split loom wire cover. My intake plumbing is a 90degree elbow to the right w/ a cone filter. I was thinking about trying to take it through to in front of radiator. I relocated PCM to right behind battery on the floorboard upright surface.. Fits pretty well and should be protected from elements w/ splash panel. I thought about behind pass side kick panel, but have speakers mounted in them and was wondering if magnet would affect pcm.

Resto Mod
 

I see you have a Billy Dawson frame. You are gonna LOVE the way that thing drives.
Mine (62) sat a little higher in the front than I liked with a stock
87 spring and 215x15s in the front and 225x15s
in the rear so Billy trimmed the front spring a little for me.
Bud Landacre

Mine still looks like a 60's era gasser also..... My spring has already been trimmed so I'll wait until I'm finished with everthing installed and at final weight. I still have basically just a shell. I expect it will settle some more... What I need to get is some stock rear spring bolts. The rear suspension I got had a lowering kit in it already and it looks like it will be too low once the car is loaded.

I got a custom spring from Vette Brakes and the wedges, its still maybe a a bit too high, but it definitely settled after a month or so of driving. Billy told me he takes the stock spring and trims off a quarter inch w a table saw.

we will be out your way during thanksgiving.....staying for a few nights.....perhaps we can get together and see your car?

let me know if you would be up for visitors....

regards, Herb

Andy....

I've been admiring Billy's frame for a couple of years. In fact nearly bought one last year...but decided to hold off a little longer....
.....the only thing I'm not familar with on Billy's frame is the possible routes for the exaust. I guess the only pics I have seen are of cbernhardt's frame with side exhaust and spiral baffels. Is that what you plan on doing or is there room to go over/ under the rear suspension to the rear of the frame/car?

.....Stan M.

Old frame
 

Do you still have the old frame ? I'm looking for one to repair mine I need from the rear kickup on the RT side to the very rear crossmember. David

Actually there is plenty of room to run the exhaust over the half shafts close to the center section. Billy also sells custom bent exhaust specifically for his frames. The reason there is room in his conversions vs. a lot of the others is that he modifies the "batwing" by removing a great deal of material leaving room for the exhaust. I'll most likely get my exhaust bent up locally to save on freight.. But everything here in Vegas gets real expensive when I mention 61 Corvette..... funny how that works...... :rolleyes: Maybe I'll just bring the rolling chassis in and tell them it's from a Studebaker or something.....
Here's the exhaust pic of one of the Corvettes at Billy's shop. Not run all the way out the back but it does go over the half shafts.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ictures028.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ictures027.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ictures031.jpg

It's been over a month.....
 

So I figured I'd update this thread...... I have now qualified for the maximum discounts at Corvette Central, Paragon and Zip..... Boxes have been arriving almost daily for the last couple of weeks (at work) and the guys in the mail room and the warehouse are starting to look at me funny... I've got a couple of extended backorder issues at Corvette Central but pretty much everything else is here or on the way....
To update, I started with an Ebay "project" that was basically stripped of all it's trim, interior, chrome, etc...... Just a shell really.
I am doing preassembly and needed to have all the parts to mock up so I can plan out, then accomplish my final bodywork the next time the body comes off. The good thing about these cars is parts availability.. The bad thing is cost...... That has probably been the major determining factor in the length of this project..... trying hard to not incur any debt before I finish.
Next step is to mock up all exterior trim and bumpers to ensure everything lines up..... pictures as I progress......

Is the strain very bad on the body the way you picked her up? It looks scary to me. I have the same type lift. And I want to remove the bodie on my 62. I think my seatbelt holes would not work. I want to look the frame over. There are a couple repairs that I can see. The resto Mod new frame my be in my future. :yesnod:

Long time, no progress
 

Writers have been on strike I guess, so no progress on my 61 "Lost" resto mod project in a while. (see post #28)

Spent the day modifying the front bumper brackets to match up with the frame tabs provided on the Corvette Corrections frame and bead blasting them to get ready for black powder coat.... issues with my bead blaster so I didn't finish today. :toetap:
The body on this car is much worse than it appears on pictures.... I've been busy trying to fit chrome before final body work and have found a few things. Upper and lower grille areas are a bit wavy as well as a couple of the cove surrounds and the parking lights have a 1/2" gap on the lower side..... which begs the question.... When the parking lights are correctly installed are the screws holding the glass lens completely horizontal? Mine are not and I suspect that is part of my fitment problem..
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ights009Me.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ights008Me.jpg

Back at it.... long time, no significant progress
 

Rather than start a new thread I'll keep my ramblings on my on again, off again project in one place....
Started some of the fiberglass work for the conversion. Did the top side of the trunk opening, and the interior firewall where the tub splits. I intend to smooth out the engine side of the firewall and I'm starting by reinforcing the interior side before I cut the joint on the engine side. I'm working on positioning a fiberglass mount for the hydraulic clutch cylinder and I've also got to work on the tunnel to accommodate the relocated shifter.
Here's the cutout for the rear suspension

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3.../Trunkcut1.jpg

And here is my rough work to box it in

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...runkpatch1.jpg

To be followed by some duraglass filler etc. I'll reinforce the bottom side the next time the body comes off...

New project completion goal date: August 09.... hopefully ready for Hot August nights in Reno... :toetap:

Just curious how things are going Andy..

Haven't head from you in a while.

:lurk:Stan

Nothing to report... so why am I posting?
 

Thanks for checking in on me Stan..... No real progress on my car... I have purchased a lot more parts though! Work and life keeps getting in the way.... I'm hoping to get some quality time in the garage soon... I will post here when I do....

Roger that ...look forward to it..

:thumbs: Stan..

:lurk:

:lurk::seeya

Stan...

update...
 

Just a little work on the car this weekend...

Got the rear bumper support bracket (the long one) slid into place..... push it some, bend it a little, push it some, bend it a little, etc., etc. Not as difficult as I thought it would be, but it did not install itself... Then I mocked up the rest of the rear bumper brackets with only a couple of small complications.... Moved on to tranny work.....

I'm running a t-56 6 speed trans from a 2002 Camaro in my car and the t-56 does not have a provision for driving a mechanical speedo. . The options are:
Modify speedo to convert to electric drive... Best looking, least hassle but uber $$$$
Add a "Cable X" box to translate VSS output into mechanical speedo drive... $$ Lots of folks use the cable x box but I've heard varying reports of reliability issues and jumpy speed indications....
And the last option which I chose, is to add a speedo drive gear to the trans tailshaft.,, $ This involves removing the tailshaft extension housing and sending it off to have it machined for the speedo drive.

There's a guy on the third gen F-body forum that does the job for a bit less than the commerical outfits. So I pulled the housing and boxed it up for the UPS guy to pick up Monday....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t/DSCN0391.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...aftpics005.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...aftpics006.jpg

Allrightey then Andy...

Glad to see your making some headway. I just dug my rear bumper brackets out a few days ago to contemplate the best way to put them on Billy's frame...body on of body off. Which way is best?

Looks like you'll have yours going before long now...Congrats on some progress, keep it up..:thumbs::thumbs:

Stan...

Well, I recommend you do an initial body-on mock up to ensure your brackets are straight and everything fits up right but after that and prior to your last body drop, it would be easiest if you loosely fit up the passenger side rear bumper brackets to the frame as a minimum. There is less clearance on the passenger side due to the spare tire well being offset to that side and it can be difficult to fish each of the three brackets on the right side into place after the body is down. The drivers side is a piece of cake with the body on and with the brackets off during the body drop that's one less place you have to keep an eye on as it's going down...

As far as me finishing anytime soon... I wouldn't count on it.. Far too many things left to do on the car and many other distractions interfering with my quality time.... My busy little world just won't stop and let me off........ I originally intended to have the car complete in time for my daughter's homecoming football game during her senior year of high school... She's a junior in college now.... :banghead:

Every little bit counts Andy..small amounts here and there are what has finally added up to some tangeable progress in my case. Makes me feel good even if I only get a little done....kinda of soul food I guess.

You'rs looks good to me...a lot already done with the chasis and engine together. I can really relate to delays. Between relocating my elderly Mother and remodeling some of her property to support her...life has me on hold three years. Plus I have had some health issues to boot.

I'm getting able to do more now...after building a 20x40 paint shop addition on my existing building I finally have everything in palce after purchasing Billy's chassis and actually have made a little progress myself.. yea!

Thanks for the bumper allignment sugestions...I remembered that the right side was a pain to remove. I didn't think it would go back the way it came off...I had to pry it out.

Good luck and hang in..

Best regards..Stan

:lurk::seeya Stan...

Cool...thanks for sharing....

I guess I am not the only one that seems to struggle with time, money and life in general interfering with my project. :banghead:

I hope kwkenuf is doing well. I have enjoyed following his progress. It looks like he has done some great work and I look forward to seeing the completed project! :)

Delayed update from the front...
 

The never ending saga continues... sort of...

Got my parts back months ago for the T-56 mechanical speedo conversion, here's what it looks like installed. Now I can retain my stock speedo (still need to freshen that up).

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t/DSCN0485.jpg

Did a bit of real rough fiberglass work. Reinforced the interior firewall a little over the top of the hydraulic clutch cylinder mount... I'm using stock 4th Gen Camaro parts and there is an angle which must be dealt with. Billy Dawson sells a piece you can glass in to the firewall which saves some fabrication time. I'm installing an Ididit steering column which is why the stock hole for that is glassed over. After I smooth and reinforce the front of the firewall, I'll locate the new ball mount for the column.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t/DSCN0495.jpg

More fiberglass to do including finishing up the tunnel, here showing the rough relocated shifter hole. The paper is a template of the aluminum shifter boot plate I've got. It's a little on the large side so I'm currently looking for a smaller version that is still rectangular.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t/DSCN0494.jpg

And finally, the gas door opening I've been unhappy with... Nothing real serious, but I am a rank amateur at this stuff and I've been putting it off for far too long. I need to close up the front gap a bit and also round off corners of the (now) square opening. I've also got a bunch of cracks, rough spots and other misc pita type work all over the car.... I really hate sanding....

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...t/DSCN0492.jpg

Thanks.
I've had problems with my t56 conversion with leakage.
I've tried resealing around the insert, but have persistent leak.

:thumbs:Congrats on the renewed progress...

David,
That's not good news.... I questioned the guy who did my machine work on this subject. His reply, "no leaks on any he has done including his personal vehicle which is a daily driver"..... Time will tell I guess. Looks to be a function of machining accuracy and placement of the sleeve.
Who did your drive conversion?

Sorry for delay, missed seeing message.
Mine was done by shiftworks.
He told me he did have some leaks because initially was using JB weld to seal sleeve and recommended resealing with silicone. He did apologize profusely.f
I removed mine and had the pass side welded, on the drivers side unable to weld due to way it's recessed. I sealed it with silicone very carefully. Still leaks!
Let me know your experience and vendor.
Thanks, David

:lurk::seeya:bigears

Thanks for checking in Stan... No progress to report unfortunately. Lots of excuses, no good ones however. This sure is one long term project. I'm hoping to get off my butt and make some progress this spring... :D

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...16Medium-1.jpg

Yep I can relate Andy...spring will help me too. Hang in there...:yesnod:

Stan..

Hello again Andy...how's it going?

Well it's nearly spring...only a year later!! Last spring didn't help as much as I thought it would. but..

I did get my new Sermersheims front end mounted...hauled the car to Florida and Mike Coletta worked on it 11 days. Mike got a tremendous amount of work done but I had to come home.

Since then I've accomplished practically nothing.

My hardtop won't fit (and the body is perfect)....so I've sent it off to Glassworks to see what gives there....they have a jig that will tell if it's out of square. Lots of time lost there...

I bought several sets of cove trim...all the front fender curved pieces fit like crap...and I'm not going to settle for less than great. Absolutely will not tolerate a gap between the fenderwell opening and the front of the trim piece. I have found out that there is a reason for this...but won't go into it now. "Lots" of time waisted there...waiting for trim...one set which got mangled in shipment by UPS...Still haven't conquered the problem..

I found out not just anyone will plate the grill surround pieces...which we have fitted to the car. So I wound up ordering reproduction pieces...mainly to avoid waiting months to get my old stuff back....and would have cost hundreds of dollars more than the repros. Another disappointment...now I have to fit the new stuff. Bummer...the stuff Mike fitted looked sooo nice!

So far I have managed to fit the front and rear bumpers ...since Thanksgiving...and buy some paint equipment. If I ever get paint on this thing I'll feel Like I'm done! LOL...

I decided I had to give it a break...it's was eating my lunch. So I bought a new trap gun ..and am blasting off some of my frustrations. That sems to be working....and I haven't used it on the car yet...heh heh!

:seeya Stan..

I have a uncle or two and me three who would love to drive your completed C 1 , keep info best you can on your build .my 61 is old school !

Stan if I could ask who did you get pricing for on recoating your grill surrounds? I am thinking of having my original pieces redone....Tim

Sure ..you have a PM.

What ever happen with this build?

Still in construction unfortunately... Haven't touched it in 18 months... Hopefully once my present bout of unemployment ends I'll get re-motivated (and refunded) and return to regular progress updates...

Not sure if this will work:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...tall-body.html

I believe Holley offers a Corvette style bracket using the F-body balancer depth.

Hope you can get on track soon. I will look forward to reading your new post. I just started putting together a Billy frame. Did you have any isues with the cross member or fitting the diff spacers?

Good to see you post a reply. I'm also on the "slow boat to China" on our 58 rebuild. We have had it for almost 30 years, was a basket case when purchased, and always the "next" project. I purchased a Corvette Correction frame 3 years ago but am just now really working on it. Stay with it and I look forward to more progress posts.

Ricky

No, no problem with either. My diff spacer is just a solid block of aluminum and the cross member fit fine. I drilled the frame mounts to match the cross member holes when I swung the motor and trans in the first time.
If you have any problems at all with the Corvette Correction parts, give Billy a call. He'll make it right.

Thanks for the link to the retrofit/hybrids section of that forum. Normally one of my favorite haunts but no time for that lately either...
I like the the looks of the Speedway alternator bracket. And if I use that I won't have to mess with the Camaro power steering pump. Looks like once my project is complete I'll have a stock and new early C5 alternator bracket with fabricated spacers for sale....

:lurk:

Still lurking...how's it going ?

Stan:seeya

Stan, Thanks for your patience! Been real slow going here. Lots of excuses, just no good ones! Here's a recent pic of the '61 getting some fresh air after being cooped up in the garage for a few years....
You're driving yours already no?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0b7ef51b30.jpg

Allrightey then glad to see it moving again...thats too nice a car to not get finished some day. Keep the progress posted...looking forward to more pics.
Mine has 85 miles on it...but I built a new Dart block...with Tony Mammo
massaged intake and AFR heads and his custom roller billet cam that goes in the car after Christmas.
Hopefully that will be the last major change to the car .
In the mean time I picked upa '69 GTO and a '67 Camaro project...like I have time for them..lol!

Long time but I'm back!
 

Been more than a couple years since I've posted progress pics of my 61 RestoMod project. Today I cut a hole in the firewall to start mock-up of the Ididit column and ball mount. Next will be measure and cut the shaft to connect to the rack. It'll be nice to actually steer this thing instead of muscleing the tires in position as I roll it around. Once everything is mocked up, I'll pull it all out and make a steel firewall reinforcement plate. I'll be running a hydraulic clutch and don't want a firewall failure from the pedal pressure. Lots more work to go but I'll try to make steady progress as I am finally retired. The C1 competes for time with my other projects though and I am currently in deep on a 66 Suburban body being grafted onto a 2002 4WD Tahoe floorpan, firewall, chassis and drivetrain. TaBurban.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...19f7511250.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0f447b7a08.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...1067361e87.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...24ce548a47.jpg

Congratulations on a new restart, and retirement, I've always been interested in your car, hope to get to see it on the road......I'm still working on our '69 GTO, and the Corvette is somewhere in the mix. But I completely remodeled our home and am in the middle of building a 125x40x16 shop. Never quite get finished with anything it seems, especially with the weird problems caused by the Covid (which I've also had myself).
Sorry about not replying sooner, I've been sick, but am much better...hopefully for a loong time. Keep up the progress reports...and pics. Till next time, all the best, Stan..