Getting close to the start

I'm getting close to starting the Chevelle. I have had a few personal issues that have taken me away from working on it, but here and there I managed to get the powertrain just about there. I had to order a few parts; I broke a foot of the electric fan mount - had to order a new one for $3 off eBay. I found out the battery tray was not for the correct car, so I had to order a new one. I needed the speed nuts for the fender extensions - after I spent many hours trying to adjust the front end sheetmetal to fit.

I added the coolant to the engine, installed the trans cooler, fixed most of the wiring and just need gas and battery cables. If my parts come in this week, I'll be ready to fire it up!

New front end

I finally finished putting the brake components in, the master cylinder, proportioning block, calipers and lines. Then I started to mock up the front end with all the new Goodmark sheetmetal that's been taking up all my free space in the garage. WOW, you should see the pile of cardboard I threw out tonight, and all the room I have in the shop now! I had to work the front edge of the right fender a bit with the body hammer and dolly, and it looks like the rear edge of the hood will need a bit of the same. I shimmed up the same fender a bit and adjusted the fender/door/hood edge to a barely acceptable starting point. Even though I hear how good the new fender and hood are, I can tell that it is going to take a lot of work to get this looking right.

I found that the new electric fan will mount up using the stock holes in the upper radiator mount, all I have to do is fabricate a lower bracket. I also have to finish wiring up the fan and relay, all I have so far is the temp sender in the head.

Rain over

It's been raining ALL WEEK, with hardly a break to go outside and get something done. I did manage to spend a few minutes Saturday morning to prime the oil system, set the engine to TDC and install the distributor, wires and plugs. I also stopped at Inman Auto and picked up a bit of seam sealer strip caulk for the heater box, and the power steering fluid. I fabricated up a quick plastic coupling for the electric drill out of some PVC and used it to prime the power steering pump as I added the fluid. It seemed to work pretty good!

I plugged up the hole on the firewall with a rubber grommet and a little seam sealer, and removed the front seat and carpet. I also pulled the rubber mat out from underneath the carpet....that's going to the trash.

The next thing I need to do is finish installing the brakes by bench bleeding the master cylinder and attach the lines. After that, I can install the rear shocks, radiator hoses, front sheet metal and start it! Oh, wait, I still need a battery and cables yet! Damn.......

Wiring Fixed

It was raining this morning, so I figured I'd order some shocks online and take it easy, but by noon the sun came out and I was working on the wiring. I removed the external regulator, and all the TCS wiring and switches, because I don't have most of it anyway. I took the extra time and soldered my connections and even shrink wrapped and taped everything real nice. I also finished connecting the vacuum hoses for the distributor, trans and PCV.



Then I pulled the heater box cover, tested the fan and checked the heater core for leaks. Everything works great! I thought I needed to order the seal for the box cover, but I learned I just needed to use some seam sealer on the firewall and box cover.

I installed the radiator support, and test fit the radiator. Just for fun, I threw on the fender to see what it looked like. The front sits pretty high, a bit over 29 inches from the ground to the wheel opening. Looks like I'll be cutting those springs, but after the car is running I think. I also need to remember to pick up R45TS spark plugs and power steering fluid for the pump I finally remembered to hook up today.