Here is a brief update on this fun project. I'm happy to say we've spent the last month running around and slowly working on some fine tuning. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to enjoy the car after this little re-fresh.
I had an old college buddy who just retired from the Air Force spend a weekend in February and we finally removed the old LT-1 to get this next phase started. Thanks Matt. I'll get a pic of us placed somewhere in this thread. Between the cold weather, my own scheduling conflicts and obligations in other areas, we were stalled out from around February of 2016 to June!
There was building anxiety, as getting this car back up and running was something I knew needed to happen sooner than later- and I wasn't the only one this was affecting. I was aware of the situation, and though I would have loved to have a hand, how would my Dad feel if the car left his garage? This is a garage where a ton of cars were torn down, modified re-built and completed. My Mom sprung a risky little "Overhaul" surprise on my Dad for Father's Day. I could sense a little apprehension in his voice, but with a big smile he said "We'll get it ready to go!"
My Mom and I already selected the shop and scheduled the time. Mike's Hot Rod Garage in Hatboro was the obvious choice. We knew Mike Clark and Bob Stanfield for years (20 or 30?) and they "got" what we were doing. Keeping true to the car's past. The fact it is a local car known to many, since new only help with the enthusiasm for this little project!
I've got better pics of the guys, but for now, here is Mike going over the extras like new fuel tank and fuel system.
Sometimes the little stuff all gets forgotten and the fun stuff, like stabbing in the motor is what you focus on. Here is the only pic I have of Bob right now. No worries, I've got some follow tech we used to solve some issue and more of the guys involved and tech will show up in a "Tarantino" timeline recap later.
Managing the freshly coated, early 1970's headers can be a challenge. These guys did us right.
So after a very short few weeks, the car fired up and we drove this little 500hp beast home!
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In true Day 2 theme, we brought the car home and put the Cragar's on! Kids had fun marking the driveway while I sorted out the new, larger front tires.
Went to a couple local shows and the smile on my Dad's face says it all!
The car really runs great! I will get some better video clips up in the near future. This motor through these 40+ year old Corvair Turbo mufflers have the perfect sound of true nostalgia muscle!
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