My Tenth Anniv.

[roadking77]

2023-06-17_06-13-13 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-18_12-42-00 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-18_12-41-26 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-17_06-12-54 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-06-18_02-18-46 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Getting stuff cleaned up a bit. Got some stuff mocked up on the motor. Once I have it all figured out I will sock everything down the right way.
Went to Napa to get the alternator and surprisingly it was not there. They usually have really good service. The girl at the counter acted like she had no idea what I was talking about. Then after hemming and hawing she asked if she was the one that took the order, which she was. Admitted she forgot to order it. Supposed to be in today.

[roadking77]

I will add, the more I submerse myself into this motor, have been reading through the service manual, comparing to my 77 and talking to a couple of well versed people the more disappointed I am. Still havent got the flywheel or dipstick (although I havent pressed the issue). Said he had it in his truck. I figured the flywheel was removed to attach the lifting sling. Not sure why the dipstick is absent. I have another but realized that the top half of the tube is not there. This is not repro'd and I was lucky enough to have one. I hope its in his truck as well! There are a few minor nitpicks and I hate to be that guy, but for what I paid and how long this took it should be perfect in every way. Its not and I will have some work to do to make it that way.

[FormTA]

Ya, but it is really looking good!

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great Kerry!

[roadking77]

2023-06-22_08-08-41 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
One more piece LOL. At this rate the 3 year wait will seem insignificant
Picked up the 80 amp alt. It was too big, the oversized bracket was going to cost $150, so lets look for another alternator. The build sheet calls for a 63 amp unit and so I figured if thats good enough for the factory......... Took the big one back to NAPA. I ordered an 80amp ONLY because when that part went kaput on my 77 a few years ago I went to NAPA for a replacement and they suggested that size since the car had a/c. I found the part no. on the one in my 77 and gave it to the counter person, lo and behold they had one in stock. So, its an 80 amp with the smaller housing. I ordered a bunch of hardware, bolts etc, steering pump. All should be here tomorrow. In the meantime my magnetic pick up tool was just the right size to hold things in place. If all shows up as supposed to hope to get a good go on things this weekend.

[5th T/A]

Brackets and alternator look great, one more thing you can check off your list.

I had to go back and look at all 9 pages of your project to refresh my memory and see just how far you have come. I thought you had to replace a floor pan? maybe that was someone else. What about sheet metal was it all in good shape, or did you have to replace some of that as well? Maybe it was before I was a TAC member.

[roadking77]

My 77 was a total rust bucket. One of the reasons why I got the automatic TATA many years ago was that it was literally free of all rust. I got it from a former member here that got it from another member on here (still following?) that had parted out a complete car because no one wanted to buy it as a project. I was interested when it was being offered originally but I was knee deep in my 77 resto. Fast forward, that car was lost in my barn fire as I was doing some work to the door. With the insurance money I got for my stash of parts I found this 4 speed TATA somewhat local to me. This car was complete, however the prev. owner removed the motor, tore it completely apart and left it that way. He had a sea container full of T/A parts and all that I could grab and carry came with the car. The car I am presently restoring was also 99.9% rust free. The body itself was perfect. A good bit of surface rust and it looked pretty bad when I got it but was solid. There was a hole about 6" x 6" in the pass side floor. I simply replaced a patch in the middle. The pass side rear quarter had been replaced at one point which I am guessing was accident damage. I only had to do some touch up around that. They did a great job with the replacement.

[MNBob]

You were lucky to find that 4spd car; there aren't that many.  I knew you lost the other one in the fire, but i didn't know the story of getting the new one.

All the brackets came out really nice!

[tajoe]

Super clean. Will almost be a shame to light it off. (I said "almost")

[FormTA]

Ya I really wanted to buy that shell from you. Motor looks awesome!

[ryeguy2006a]

Ya I really wanted to buy that shell from you. Motor looks awesome!

I was also very seriously considering that shell.

[roadking77]

Im glad I didnt let it go. It was completely rust free and honestly only suffered a bit of damage from the fire. It did need a roof replacement, and the pass side quarter should have been replaced as the easiest fix. That was about it. HOWEVER, after sitting for the last several years it has completely rusted through! There is NO trunk pan and it looks like it has been sitting below dirt for 20 yrs now. I am sure the culprit is the chemicals in the fire fighting equipment that was used to put out the barn fire. I never would have had an idea they would do that! Now I know what they mean by using a special fire extinguisher for your car and not the average abc model.

[roadking77]

2023-06-29_07-35-19 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-29_07-35-25 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-29_07-35-12 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-29_07-35-03 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-06-29_07-34-21 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-29_07-34-30 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-06-29_07-34-47 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-06-29_07-34-38 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

One bite at a time. Nothing put back on the motor yet. Got some more stuff cleaned up. Napa failed again and sent the wrong PS pump pulley, but the correct pump. So a re order is needed. Need to get that installed before I put the pump into place. Waiting on a couple of fasteners, then I think I can get the front end put together. Need to get the trans to the shop for a once over. I will be surprised if it needs anything other than maintenance. It seems pretty sound to me but what do I know? Once that has been confirmed and I get my clutch ordered then I think I will be almost ready for an install. We have been really busy at work, but a few days each week have been a bit 'relaxed' and allowed some free. Fortunately we are slammed again for the next month but that means less time for the shop work

[5th T/A]

I love the before and after pictures. Amazing job on the fan and clutch assembly. I noticed you can clearly see the Delco markings on the clutch assembly!

[roadking77]

Yes and the Ohio USA is there as well. I forgot to point out my special parts cleaner! LOL.

[5th T/A]

Yes, I couldn’t hep but notice that purposely built fan cleaning tray. If your ever done restoring fans, it might work as a garbage container lid!

[MNBob]

Nice work, those parts really cleaned up well.  Be sure to replace the transmission front seal before re-installing.

[roadking77]

Will do Bob, Thats a great idea Larry, I never thought of that 
Had some bolts shipped for the fan to water pump but for some reason they never got here because the post office says I dont live where I do. I wish people that send me bills would get the same memo, LOL.
Replacements are on the way, MANY THANKS AGAIN! Once I get them and the replacement PS pulley I should be able to get the front buttoned up.
Took my trans to my builder for a once over. Just doing a visual and clicking through the gears he didnt think there would be anything wrong with it. Hes going to open it up though for a once over and put some new lube in.
The bad news-When I dropped the trans off, he informed me that one of his shop foremans had passed away suddenly. Other than the obvious for his sake the bad part is that he had my dipstick and upper tube. Now they are MIA. I have no idea why this guy had them but it is what it is. I have a new dipstick, no biggie now to find the upper tube!!

Its been super hot, and I have been super busy so not much shop time. Once I have the correct bolts I plan on getting back to things and start to thinking about getting this beast installed.

[Nexus]

Lots of work done!!

All caught up!!

looks amazing!!

[roadking77]

Not much happening as of late. Too hot and too busy. Ordered some more parts from Ames that came in promptly, water pump studs are backordered, but they said they should have been in this past week so I am hoping to get them sometime next week. I got most of everything else I think I need at the moment. Havent heard back on the trans, but will reach out next week to see if he had a chance to look it over. Went to the Camaro nationals yesterday in PA to pick up my exhaust system. I ordered it from Firebird (camaro) Central in May with a sale. Delivered to the show and no shipping fee. I had been wanting to go the venue for awhile so it was a good excuse to take the day off. Place is about 40 min or so from home.
2023-07-15_09-03-29 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
The funny part is that FBCentral had the best price at the time on the Pypes, so they delivered from KY. The Pypes HQ is maybe half hour at the most away from the show where it was delivered

[roadking77]

Forgot to ad, the upper dipstick tube (which the shop lost) is not repr'od anymore. Ames used to have them but no longer. I found one from Franks in Cali. Ordered on Monday, delivery was set for Thurs. Get an email on wed, delivery delayed until friday! Get an email on Friday delivery delayed because of weather, no date given. Get an email this morning, delivery for Monday. We shall see.
I ordered parts for my dishwasher the day after the Franks order, also from Cali and those parts got here yesterday.

[MNBob]

Frank's is a great resource.  My orders were shipped quickly.

[tajoe]

Dishwashers are "definitely" more important than car parts. 

[roadking77]

You got that right! Mice ate through the drain hose 3 times now!! I found a couple of spots where I think they got into the house and kitchen in particular. I think I have eradicated them, and sealed everything. Hoping for the best. The dishwasher is a bosch, and unlike most others I have dealt with the drain hose connects inside of the unit. Some parts have to be taken apart to gain access, its a big PIA the first time around. I can do it with my eyes closed now. I have worked on several areas of this thing and know it pretty well. BUT I will never buy another Bosch.

[5th T/A]

Sounds like you need a steel braided drain hose!

Wandering off topic here.
Sorry you had a bad experience with your Bosch dishwasher. I replaced ours with a Bosch probably six years ago maybe more. They switched the fitting for the water supply line to what you see on a washing machine or garden hose. I didn’t like that, but maybe all manufacturers use that type of hose now? I also had to replace the soap dispenser because half the time it would not open. The part was cheap and only took about 10 minutes to replace. On the plus side it’s so quiet you don’t know it’s running. More important, it does an incredible job cleaning dishes. No rinsing is necessary. I am just amazed at how soiled dishes can be and they come out spotless.

[roadking77]

The last time I replaced the hose I used a piece of flex electrical conduit as a sleeve. In order for me to get it hooked up and then set in place I had to leave the conduit about 4" short. The little b&^&^%&^%& ate through that one point!! I cannot believe the hose is made of a product that emits such a scent (I suppose thats what attracts them) that is so enticing.
My old DW died right in the middle of covid. It was Easter weekend and all of the places I checked were into July before a new DW would be available. So we started scouring all of the stores for in stock inventory (which was almost non existent). I had a decent one to begin with and didnt want to cheap out but was running short on options. We finally found this bosch as a floor model from best buy. It retailed for almost $1400 and we got it for $800 being a floor model. First problem encountered when we went to hook it up. It did not wire direct like all the others I have hooked up. Instead Bosch has a better idea of having a power box which is sold separately, which the Best buy salesman forgot to tell us!! Fortunately Lowes had one in stock. Never have been crazy about how it cleans, not nearly as thorough as our old dw. Threw a code and the water drain overflow was flooded, so had to take things apart to fix that. Then when the drain hose fiasco started found out that you have to take things apart to change the hose. One thing you are right about though, with my hearing I cannot even hear when its running, it is that quiet.

[roadking77]

Back to the regular scheduled program
Weather finally cooled off enough to give me some motivation for shop time after work. I got most of the parts in from orders to get things rolling. First I pressed the pulley on the new power steering pump. I 'borrowed' the tool from autozone. Had a hard time getting the pump installed. I thought it was pretty much cut and dry After several attempts, then a couple trips back and forth to the garage to look at my 77 I realized that NAPA gave me the WRONG pump! One bolt hole lined up with the install bracket the other did not. SO now to remove the pulley and look for the correct pump. I did learn how to press the pulley on and remove so theres that NAPA did good with parts that I have needed for my 77, batting 0 with this one so far.

[roadking77]

I forgot to add a special thanks to KY YETTI. He sent me the vent tube I was looking for. A few minutes with a fine gr. roloc and its ready to roll. Now I need to move the hole in the air cleaner.
2023-07-18_08-16-01 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-07-18_08-16-09 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

THANKS AGAIN MIKE!

[tajoe]

Cool.  looks like an exhaust pipe for a mini-bike.

[FormTA]

I feel that the olders these cars get the harder it is to aquire correct parts. I know that sounds like it would be obvious but I think I forget how old these cars really are. 

The tube cleaned up nice!

[N PRGRES]

I feel that the olders these cars get the harder it is to aquire correct parts. I know that sounds like it would be obvious but I think I forget how old these cars really are. 

The tube cleaned up nice!

You mean you forget how old we are don't you? 

[Nexus]

Cool.  looks like an exhaust pipe for a mini-bike.

I had the exact same thought!!!

[roadking77]

Bought a motor lift from HF, it was something like $30 and I found out why. Its only about 16" long! NOT nearly big enough for a Pontiac motor, may fit a toyota, LOL. So I did some rigging and made a contraption to move my motor about. It works just fine like this but Im not comfortable enough to set the motor in the car with it. Will have to borrow the shops sling when the day comes.
2023-07-24_09-37-05 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Still waiting on the water pump bolts and the steering pump. Though I did get an email today saying I have a delivery scheduled for today, but no shipper mentioned?? So I decided to clean up the A/C stuff. I really have no desire to use this stuff and am planning on a new compressor but just in case I dont get one and need to put something in for looks I have this as a backup.
 2023-07-24_09-36-46 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-07-24_09-36-38 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-07-24_09-36-03 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-07-24_09-35-55 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-07-24_09-35-46 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[FormTA]

That is one beautiful mock up piece!

[5th T/A]

Beautiful job on the compressor, hoses and mounting hardware. Maybe the compressor is not functional, it sure looks good.

When I earned a living as a mechanic I spent the extra money for SnapOn sockets and wrenches, they fit better over rusted nuts and bolts and if they ever did break the tool salesman came once a week and replaced them. Fifty years later if something breaks I call them up and the ship a new replacement within days. Nowadays I go to Harbor Freight for something new because the price advantage is hard to argue with and from a hobbyist standpoint it gets the job done. I would pass on something like their Jack stands where my life could be at stake.

[MNBob]

I bought that same HF load leveler, it is supposed to be good for 1500 pounds.  Can't you just hook it to the intake bolts?  Or are you planning to use the lift tabs?

It is hard to beat the price/value at HF.  I always go there first and most of items have been good quality.

[kentucky yeti]

More progress      I envy you guys.  I just don't have the dedication anymore.  Getting old ain't as fun as they said it would be.

[MNBob]

The younger guys have all that youthful enthusiasm and go power.  Us old guys plug away at a slower pace.

[roadking77]

Carb is mounted and motor has been run, so I dont want to mess with anything. Yes using the lift points on both ends of the block.

I lost a bit of motivation waiting for the last 3 years for the motor to get done. I really thought it would be in the car by now as I had planned on putting it in the week after it came home. Still waiting on some small parts. Got some stuff today and hopefully will get the rest of what I am looking for by tomorrow. The heat is the big thing for me. I dont get around in it as well as I used to. I really hope that once the motor is back in the car I can dedicate a couple hours a night until its back on the road.

[roadking77]

Five minutes of progress. I got the correct ps pump from Ames, got it in place no problem. Comparing it to the 'correct' part from NAPA it became clear why I was pulling my hair out trying to get it in. Wasnt even close.  Larry (5th ta) was kind enough to send me the studs to mount the fan to the pulley (along with many other parts, THANKS AGAIN). BUT they were lost in the mail. Hopefully he has luck with the PO. SO, a replacement order was made through the parts place, but again they had a local storm and something messed up on their end and the order was lost. In the meantime I placed them on order with AMES but they are back ordered. I was told they were expecting them within a week so I let the order stand. After 2 1/2 weeks and counting I decided to check back with the parts place. I placed the order and 2 days later they were on my door step. Pretty good service    Went to install yesterday and these darn things just keep fighting all the way The stud has 2 types of threads, one coarse and one fine. The fine threads go into the block, the coarse hold the fan assembly in place with a nut. The parts place sent the nuts and washers for the FINE thread side SO, off to the local hardware store to get the proper nuts. Got there at 4:04, they closed at 4. Gives me a trip today.