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1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I thought I would share something here with you guys. I have been toying with the notion of doing side work on Chevelles for a while now and finally made the jump. I have taken on my first customer car, a 70 SS 396/4 speed car built in Atlanta. It still retains its original engine, transmission, and rear. It's an L34, unsure if it's an M20 or M21 as I have not verified that yet, and a 3.31 cogged posi. I have a list of things the owner wants done including a suspension and brake overhaul, power steering conversion, interior work not completed by the previous owner, electrical work on the dash and under the hood, I will be pulling the dash out, also an install of a factory original AM/FM 8 track STEREO...how cool is that, the holy grail of 1970 Chevelle radios and this car has one! The engine needs a little tuning as well. I have to rebuild the door hinges, align them which will be a little tricky since it has had new quarters installed at some point and done incorrectly at that, then adjust the glass and fix the door guts. I also have the green light to go ahead and fix any other issues I come across. The inner OCD part of me wants to tear the whole thing apart and do a frame off, but now I have to remember that I am suppose to do what the customer asks and offer suggestions instead of going all out like I do on my own stuff.
I can say that I am really excited to have a paying job on a Chevelle instead of one costing me money. Here are some pics of the car.. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6261.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6262.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6264.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6265.jpg Original rotors still in place. I thought it was odd there is one of each type... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6243.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6244.jpg Original non cowl early hood... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6258.jpg Engine Stamp... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6253.jpg Engine... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6247.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6246.jpg The dash that needs some TLC... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6267.jpg |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Nice first side job Tom. Hope one of the services is a good paint correction and shine. It'll look like a million bucks when you are done with it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Thanks Rick. The paint is VERY dirty and I will be cleaning it up. I may even run the polisher over it after a good clay bar job. The left door has a split in it which the owner will be getting repaired elsewhere after I do the door hinges and adjust them. I'm not ready to do paintwork yet, it's too costly for a loner in a back yard shop to do. At least it has the correct stripes on it for the model year [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
What's the paint code? Looks like a '69 color Lemans Blue.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Very nice Tom!
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Love that color! Whats with the 1970 Camaro steering wheel?
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Tom,
Good for you! I`m sure your customer will love what you do to it [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Congrats! Boo on the Power Steering conversion.....I love a Manual Steering Chevelle. See if you can also locate a correct master cylinder, get rid of the Cowl Screens! Are you going to go as far as putting back on the original intake, carb and exhaust manifolds? Dan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
The original paint/interior codes are 28 B and 756...Fathom Blue with black bucket seat interior. It has been repainted some variation of what looks like 69 LeMans Blue.
I will be campaigning to put a correct steering wheel on it, that kind of bothers me but again...up to the owner. The cowl grills definitely have to go Dan. As far as the engine, as of right now I'm only giving it a tune. If he decides he wants it pulled and detailed later, that would be OK...another job later on! He does want to find an original intake and carb for it to have. |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Tom,
Be sure to stress and make the owner aware of just how rare that hood is [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] Dan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I already took care of that Dan [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img] That was the first thing I noticed when I lifted it because my blue hardtop has the same hood on it!
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing pics when you are done.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I had some time today to look over the car a little better. It is going to need ALL new brake lines as well as some under hood harness replacement. I took it out for a road test before taking it apart to see how bad the wheel hop is. Holy hop Batman is all I can say. As soon as you step on the gas it breaks the tires loose and shakes violently.
Another thing I found today after I drove it (steering wheel seemed off to me) is this. I did not even think it was possible to screw this up... Here is the steering wheel with the steering box centered. Notice the position of the mark (180 degrees out) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6273.jpg Now this is even better, here is the steering wheel centered. How someone did this is way beyond me. Notice the mark compared to the steering wheel. How in the world could anyone clock the wheel that far out? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6274.jpg Here is the trans stamp, it's an M20 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6279.jpg The rear axle code... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6288.jpg The cowl tag... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6292.jpg |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Holy Crooked Steering Batman [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]
Your just the guy to make it RIGHT! Keep the updates coming! Dan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
You know I will Dan. I should have the front suspension off and the rear out tomorrow.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
On the steering wheel: they probably installed the column to the rag joint 180 degrees off. Even though there are two different sized alignment studs/bolts, it can be done with some effort. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Yep they did. I really can't figure out how they clocked the steering wheel wrong though. I can't wait to pull that off and see how bad it's damaged. The horn contact on the cancel cam has to be snapped off too I am guessing.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Besides being 180 off, they probably couldn't figure out how to turn the tie rods ends to bring the center mark back the extra 30 degrees. They just threw the wheel on, ignoring the alignment marks and breaking signal tab in the process, in order to make it fit.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I have it all torn apart...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6302.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6301.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6295.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6298.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6299.jpg I also found some issues, and I have to say there are some people out there that have NO clue what they are doing when working on a car. The one front spring was installed upside down. One of the control arm shaft bolts was cut short with a hacksaw. The front shocks were held in with nuts and bolts from the inside, that was fun to get off. Several of the rear control arm bolts were rusted to the bushings inner sleeve..nothing the good ol' air chisel couldn't take care of. Then I found this. I can fix this, but I have never seen it happen before. This is the left rear shock mount on the top of the frame. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6308.jpg |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Ha, Not Shocking, LOL! Great job, Tom [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Your having fun!
Dan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Nice play on words there Dan [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]. This car REALLY should be taken all the way apart and be treated to a frame off.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
It is only time and money. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
Looks like fun. Ryan The 1970 Lemans Blue L78 Chevelle that was highly publicized a little while ago looks so perfect in that color it's hard to argue. |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I am just glad it's not my money this time. I like doing the work, but I get a little tired of spending every dime I have on my own stuff. I would much rather see this car back in it's original Fathom Blue configuration. The current color is some mutation between Marina Blue and LeMans Blue.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Tough to do what the customer wants or what can be afforded at the moment.
Looks great to me. Ryan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Reminds me when I had my front end apart this past summer. It was HOT in my garage!
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Damage to the upper rear shock mounts was somewhat common, in the 70's. It was often caused by guys lifting the back of the car with air shocks, to make room for huge tires.
The weight was no longer on the springs. All the body weight was on the shocks, so it started tearing up the upper frame shock mounts. It was a problem with El Caminos too, because all Elkys came standard with air shocks. The air shocks should only have about 15-20 lbs of air in them. Back in the day, the higher the better, so they often got 100 lbs. |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
are we there yet?
are we there yet? Bump, more pics? Ryan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I'm working on it [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]. I blasted all the front control arms, the spindles, steering arms, steering box, etc. The rear trailing arms are shot so I am putting Hotchkis pieces on it. The front springs were already replaced at one point not long ago so I cleaned them up. Tonight I installed the whole front suspension and a correct quick ratio 676 power steering box. I was able to piece together a whole system from my own stock so I don't have to go out and buy everything. I have all of the parts I need sitting here except a few detail things which I will pick up from Ground Up when I go there this coming weekend.
Here are some shots of the spindles after I cleaned them up, see the original inspection marks... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6320.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6319.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6318.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6317.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6313.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6314.jpg The original dust shields are kind of messed up. Someone chiseled the seal guard off one of them. Now I have to debate whether to replace them with aftermarket ones or take one from my stock or let it be and just have them replated. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6326.jpg I am also going to have the original caliper brackets replated. I can't leave them as is with those fresh control arms and spindles on there... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6322.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6321.jpg |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Looking good, moving along nicely.
Ryan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Here are a few new shots for you guys and an update. I have most of the chassis back together. I blasted and painted the front control arms, replaced the rears with Hotchkis pieces. I had to replace the front brake dust shields as the originals were mutilated. I sent the caliper brackets off to be plated, hopefully they come back next week so I can finish up the front. I am also waiting on the brake lines to come in.
I pulled the cover off the rear so I could remove the axles to replace the seals. What a can of worms that opened up! Both axles are shot, grooves so big you could run a train on them, luckily I had a spare set of originals in nice shape. That's not the worst of it though, someone had been into the rear before and they had NO clue what they were doing. The gear set and differential were replaced and NOT set up correctly. The differential was moving back and forth laterally....NOT GOOD! I pulled the caps, removed the differential and flushed all the oil out as well as cleaned the axle tubes. New axle bears and seals were installed, I left the differential bearings alone for the time being just because I want to see the the gears are going to start howling since I set the backlash and preload on the differential the right way and in spec. If it howls, I'll probably end up pulling the whole rear apart and redoing it...not something I really like to do for others just because of the nature of them. I also got the power steering pump assembly on. I know it's not the correct reservoir, but it works. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6376.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6377.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6378.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6381.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6385.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6382.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6367.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6366.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6365.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...S/IMG_6364.jpg |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Looks nice! I am sure the client will be thrilled when you are finished.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Tom,
When your all done with this project, you`ll have to take one more picture for all of us....a picture of the current owners smiling face when he takes his first test drive [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Great Job! Dan |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Nice axles!!! Good thing you opened it up as broken axles can get quite exciting.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
I think I might name this car Snowball. Every time I touch something, another can of worms is opened. The master cylinder needs to be replaced as the current one on there is leaking out the back. The area on the booster where they mate up is not is so good of shape either so that might get swapped out too. This will be a good time to put a correct master cylinder with bleeders on!
I also took the steering wheel off to see what was going on there. The lock plate was installed incorrectly. Once again I am not sure how that is even possible since it's keyed so it only goes on 1 way not to mention the retaining ring wasn't installed to hold the lock plate down. Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars. I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues! |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
2 Attachment(s)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars.
I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues! </div></div> I will trade you for the 70 442 Resto Mod we have in the shop right now! We have to completely remove ALL the wiring in the car and throw away. They also ran the fuel lines and battery cables inside the frame rail and then filled it with expandable foam. I could go on and on.....The "restorer" went out of business right after completing this car. Imagine that! Would you believe the car is owned by an Attorney? I could not believe he actually wrote the check to the builder. Sad what we see on a day to day basis. |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
Yeah that kind of looks like a nightmare Rick. I need to see pics of the expandable foam though [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif[/img]. I can't even think of any words for that, just shaking my head.
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Simple fix but seriously...some people should not be allowed to work on cars.
I can't wait to dive into the electrical issues! </div></div> I will trade you for the 70 442 Resto Mod we have in the shop right now! We have to completely remove ALL the wiring in the car and throw away. They also ran the fuel lines and battery cables inside the frame rail and then filled it with expandable foam. I could go on and on.....The "restorer" went out of business right after completing this car. Imagine that! Would you believe the car is owned by an Attorney? I could not believe he actually wrote the check to the builder. Sad what we see on a day to day basis. </div></div> Ha Ha that looks like the rats nest of wires I pulled out from under the dash of a car that came from a place that charges $125 an hour... it is amazing what people will put their name to. |
Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
$125/hour!! WOW, how can some places justify that kind of labor rate for crappy work?
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Re: 1970 SS 396 Chevelle: My first job!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BlueSS454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">$125/hour!! WOW, how can some places justify that kind of labor rate for crappy work? </div></div>
If customers keep returning, they will keep justifying it. |
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