Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 41793 times)

NOT A TA · « **Reply #80 on:** July 16, 2021, 07:54:36 PM »

Nice job on the rear & parts! Did you fill & smooth the axle tubes & drive shaft? They look remarkably pit free.

roadking77 · « **Reply #81 on:** July 16, 2021, 08:09:28 PM »

Yes, I used filler primer with several coats. Was gonna put a coat of glazing on decided against. Did the same for the back cover plate. I was wanting to polish them back to bare steel (which they should be) but they were just too bad to do so with success. Same with the drive shaft.

RamblerRacer · « **Reply #82 on:** July 17, 2021, 06:19:42 AM »

Looks great Kerry. Glad you are able to continue to share this project with us.

JT

MNBob · « **Reply #83 on:** July 18, 2021, 03:43:24 PM »

Nice job on cleaning up those rusty parts! I have done that before so I know it's some work.

I have a rehabbed factory bolt box where I put anything worth saving. Some of them have built in washer heads or indented heads so they are nice and most are really strong too.

I also purchased a Cold Case radiator today so we will see how that works out.

roadking77 · « **Reply #84 on:** July 29, 2021, 06:39:32 AM »

2021-07-28_06-45-41 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Parts back from the powder coater. A bit rougher than I wanted. I was debating on sanding and filling and spray bomb painting but figured that would end up making these a $75 sand blast job. Not as pretty as I would like but in the end this is probably the closest anyone will ever see them.

« **Reply #84 on:** July 29, 2021, 06:39:32 AM »

roadking77 · « **Reply #85 on:** July 29, 2021, 06:44:25 AM »

2021-07-28_06-46-10 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-07-28_06-46-18 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-07-28_06-46-26 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-07-28_06-46-34 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-07-28_06-46-42 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

I got calipers from Firebird central. They told me they are for camaro, a bit different than the stock I have but those are unobtanium. I have rebuild kits for mine and plan on doing so just because, but will use these in the meantime. I need to get the lines hooked up but it doesnt look like the ones I have, also from firebird central will bolt up without some major contortion. I may end up bending my own for this part. I still have plenty of material left so I wont fight with these too long. Once the lines are hooked up I believe I can finally get this back to the car then move forward.

roadking77 · « **Reply #86 on:** August 02, 2021, 05:14:57 AM »

2021-08-02_07-07-14 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

SUCCESS!! Pretty nice weekend weather wise. A few hours on Sat and a few more on Sun and I was able to get the rear installed. I was able to get the impact gun to the old shackle on the pass side and it spun right off. Dr. side was a bit different. There isnt enough overhead room to get the gun in there so I had to resort to a grinder and cut that side out. Still not too big a deal. Once all was in I tried to hook up my drop links and found them to be about an inch too short. A side trip to the garage and take a look at my 77 confirmed I had the sway bar in upside down

Fortunately its pretty easy to pull off. Now everything is new underneath

Last big thing is the gas tank. Hoping by this time next week that will be finished as well.

roadking77 · « **Reply #87 on:** August 02, 2021, 05:16:56 AM »

2021-08-02_07-06-59 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

These are some of the old bushings I removed. As far as Im concerned anyone getting a trans am should at least check to see if theres have been replaced. My guess is that they havent been. I would hate to drive a car around on stuff that looks like this!

Nexus · « **Reply #88 on:** August 05, 2021, 06:52:19 AM »

Great stuff

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #89 on:** August 05, 2021, 10:50:28 AM »

That rear diff turned out fantastic Kerry!

5th T/A · « **Reply #90 on:** August 05, 2021, 02:43:05 PM »

I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I see you got your differential installed, looks great. Is the car a roller now?

Jack · « **Reply #91 on:** August 05, 2021, 04:13:21 PM »

Good update and great progress.

roadking77 · « **Reply #92 on:** August 06, 2021, 07:35:50 AM »

Thanks Jack. Almost Larry, I need to get the fuel tank installed (maybe this weekend) that should finish the underside. At that point my plan is to start on the weather stripping/interior parts of the car. Patiently waiting on news about my motor

5th T/A · « **Reply #93 on:** August 06, 2021, 06:49:30 PM »

Seems like you are moving right along and have plenty to keep you busy. Hopefully your engine will be done soon, although engines always seem to take longer. It’s maybe little consolation but at least you have another TA to drive.

roadking77 · « **Reply #94 on:** August 08, 2021, 11:28:36 AM »

Just because Im bored, I dont think I put any before pics in.

2021-08-08_12-58-51 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-08-08_12-59-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-08-08_12-59-16 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-08-08_12-59-05 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

« **Reply #94 on:** August 08, 2021, 11:28:36 AM »

5th T/A · « **Reply #95 on:** August 08, 2021, 03:53:42 PM »

Seeing the before pictures makes me appreciate the after that much more.

roadking77 · « **Reply #96 on:** August 11, 2021, 07:54:27 AM »

2021-08-10_03-57-02 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-08-10_03-56-42 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Gas tank installed!

5th T/A · « **Reply #97 on:** August 11, 2021, 08:43:55 AM »

Not everyone cares or gets excited about the undercarriage of their car, but I do and can definitely appreciate everything you put into getting it done correctly. Looks great Kerry!

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #98 on:** August 11, 2021, 10:06:35 AM »

Looking great Kerry! Glad you got that strap figured out.

FormTA · « **Reply #99 on:** August 11, 2021, 11:49:41 AM »

Dang! That looks amazing! Nice work. I wish mine was that clean!

roadking77 · « **Reply #100 on:** August 11, 2021, 03:03:09 PM »

Thanks guys. Larry, a lot of the time as I am over analyzing I think to myself that I am the only one that will ever see what I am doing, and most likely the only that cares. Its good to hear from someone else. Makes a bit of overdoing it worthwhile.
As a response to Ryan, I was talking to him over the weekend when I was installing this thing.
It went pretty well but I couldnt get the strap tight enough for the bolt to catch. I found one in my stash 1/2" longer than supplied and it worked like a charm. Only had one though, so I had to wait for another day to get the other bolt.

5th T/A · « **Reply #101 on:** August 11, 2021, 03:40:45 PM »

Funny, I had the same problem when installing my new fuel tank from Tanks. I called them up and asked if my new tank might have a slightly larger diameter. They said no, OEM straps should work. So I figured the shape of my new tank was slightest different. I initially installed my new tank with slightly longer bolts stretching the straps into position and then reinstalled the original bolts. I think if the straps were just a little more flexible it wouldn’t have been an issue.

roadking77 · « **Reply #102 on:** August 11, 2021, 07:34:28 PM »

I put a very thin piece of rubber as the 2 isolation strips on top of the tank, as well as I cut a narrow piece and put it between each strap and the tank. I thought this may have had a little to do with it.

Gene-73 · « **Reply #103 on:** August 11, 2021, 10:39:00 PM »

Quote from: 5th T/A on August 11, 2021, 03:40:45 PM

I initially installed my new tank with slightly longer bolts stretching the straps into position and then reinstalled the original bolts. I think if the straps were just a little more flexible it wouldn’t have been an issue.

Similar experience here, although mostly because I went with a stainless steel tank and the stainless straps were way less flexible than the originals. Had a heck of a time getting the right length bolts and spacers.

TATurbo · « **Reply #104 on:** August 11, 2021, 10:39:10 PM »

Looks great Kerry!
I get the attention to detail it looks awesome.
Careful though...That level of niceness can lead to OCD type behaviors.
Even though I don't think my TA's done to your level, and I don't consider myself the detail type, I found that I can't help but wipe down the underside of my car whenever I'm under there now. A couple weeks ago I had to replace the starter. I caught myself taking a bottle of cleaner and a rag with me under the car, along with the requisite tools for the actual job.

Congrats on the progress. I can't wait to see your TATA!

« **Reply #104 on:** August 11, 2021, 10:39:10 PM »

Nexus · « **Reply #105 on:** August 24, 2021, 06:34:34 AM »

That's a nice looking backside you got there sir!!!

5th T/A · « **Reply #106 on:** September 26, 2021, 08:58:22 AM »

Kerry,

I always wonder how you manage to get so much done while running a business but haven’t seen an update for a while. I hope your doing OK and still moving forward on your TATA.

roadking77 · « **Reply #107 on:** September 26, 2021, 10:35:45 AM »

Hi Larry, Things are good, have been super busy with work, no garage time. Spent a couple of weekends looking for my new truck, now thats out of the way. Been doing the final clean out and move from my small shop to the big shop. Small shop is being converted into a gym/lifting room for my son. Now the big shop is a mess with crap piled every where. I am ready to start working on the int. of the car. I got some sound deadening mat and some spray, been sitting in the box in my office for a few weeks now! I have all the weather strip and would like to get that stuff done. I also sent my dash bezel to Randy C for a restor. Now that the weather is cool I may get some 'shop time' in. Slow but sure Im still rolling along.

wheels78ta · « **Reply #108 on:** September 26, 2021, 07:46:38 PM »

Great work.

I sent my Y88 dash bezel to RC and got it back in about 6 weeks. He does excellent work. I don't have any pics of the restore because they were on another computer that crashed. But you won't be disappointed with the end result.

Did you ever get your motor back?

roadking77 · « **Reply #109 on:** September 27, 2021, 05:51:30 PM »

No news on the motor

I really need to get on him about this thing. Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Randy did the bezel for my 77 and I was more than pleased with it. Familiar with his work and yes it is first rate.

roadking77 · « **Reply #110 on:** September 30, 2021, 07:15:31 AM »

Temporary bad news on the motor. Hoping things will work out. Stay tuned...........

Nexus · « **Reply #111 on:** September 30, 2021, 07:37:04 AM »

EEEEGAD

There always seems to horror stories with engines. Everything is crossed in hopes it will turn out ok!!!

roadking77 · « **Reply #112 on:** October 21, 2021, 07:08:21 AM »

No motor news yet.......
But, it seems like I have done a great job of lately collecting parts

Figured no time better than now to get started. I bought a new windshield from Auto City Classics in Minn. Service was great and it came in less than a week. I had a chance to get the same part from the same vendor at Hershey a couple of weeks ago for $129. I had no way to cart it back to my truck parked miles away so I had to pass on the deal. With shipping to my house the same thing cost $299. Now Im looking for an installer.

Have started on the int. Got a package tray and headliner material from Ames. They sell the package tray as a replacement for 10th ann. cars, but its totally wrong!! The original is a crosshatched material (which I have re-ordered and its back ordered) so I will use the crappy one in the mean time if I need to.

I was thinking my headliner board was good, looking at it for all these years. But as typical it crumbled when I took it out. So I made a new one out of a piece of FRP panel. the panel is about an 1-1/4" too narrow so I 'glassed a piece on the back tab. I roughed it up and took the shine off with some 60gr on the orbital sander. Used 3m spray glue and all is good. I pulled my trim pieces out and remembered they all need replacing so another order off to Ames.

2021-10-20_03-51-14 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
New windshield

I also ordered carpet and it has yet to arrive. I have been searching for the last couple of years for something that is correct for these cars with no luck, so I had to settle with what is now offered.

2021-10-20_03-45-06 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-45-44 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-45-57 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-46-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-46-34 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-46-47 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-51-26 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

roadking77 · « **Reply #113 on:** October 21, 2021, 07:11:52 AM »

2021-10-20_03-47-03 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Also found these in my box of parts. Took the buffer wheel and cleaned them up a bit for re-install

2021-10-20_03-47-14 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-20_03-47-23 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

FormTA · « **Reply #114 on:** October 21, 2021, 07:19:35 AM »

Nice! Mine are no that nice! If I ever need to change the T-top seal I may replace them.

Nice restoration there! You have home serious attention to detail here!

Nexus · « **Reply #115 on:** October 21, 2021, 07:42:40 AM »

I'll need to do my headliner board too!!!

I saved the headliner material years ago and tossed the crappy cardboard (or whatever they use) it was attached too!!

looks good!!

5th T/A · « **Reply #116 on:** October 21, 2021, 09:28:01 AM »

Headliner turned out nice. Getting rid of that rotten board and replacing it with new will help contribute to that new car smell once your finished. For sure it won’t have an old car smell. The window trim cleaned up nicely. I imagine if it wasn’t stainless, there wouldn’t be much left.

Looking back at your completed differential makes me envious, that really turned out well too.

roadking77 · « **Reply #117 on:** October 21, 2021, 11:08:06 AM »

Thanks. Yes one of the things I dont like about an old car is the smell. I may be strange as some people I believe to love it. All of the soft parts on the inside contribute to it. Like my 77, everything will be new or refurbished. I will (and did) buy new seat foam and all for those as well. New insulation, new fabric, new all. When my wife got into the 77 the first time she complained that it smelled like an old car!, WTHeck!!

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #118 on:** October 21, 2021, 12:26:29 PM »

Nice work Kerry. That headliner turned out great!

TATurbo · « **Reply #119 on:** October 22, 2021, 10:11:24 PM »

Looks great Kerry.
Can you share more specifics about the FPR board you used for headliner backing?
One of the projects on my winter to-do list is to try to make a set of shades for the T-Tops. I've heard use of 'FPR' for headliner boards, but don't know where to find it or what specs (thickness or whatever) to look for. T-Top shades aren't high on my list, but I'd like to have them as an option for Summer road trips where we might be on the interstate for long periods.

« **Reply #119 on:** October 22, 2021, 10:11:24 PM »

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Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 41793 times)