78 TA Slow build

[silver78]

I posted some interior pics in the introduction section so I'll forgo those. I have a ton of pics to share. What I'm trying to do is keep the stock look of my TA but update the drive train. I have a motor,trans, wiring harness and ECM from a 96 Z28. The Z had about 40K miles on it when it passed on from this earth "crashed then junk yard". This motor and trans have been sitting in shops for over 8 years to my knowledge and have never been installed in anything.
So on with the pics.

The day I bought it.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/DSCN4454.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/DSCN4454.jpg.html)

Goodbye old home!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/DSCN4455.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/DSCN4455.jpg.html)

Got it home and started tearing into it. I started with the floor pans and interior. I thought I would just do that for short term and start driving it but things got outta hand and well you know the rest of the story. The car is very rust free thanx to living in the DFW area all its life.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4360.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4360.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4358.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4358.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4372.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4372.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4394.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4394.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage space/DSCN5540.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage space/DSCN5540.jpg.html)

Pulled the guts to start on the floor.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/DSCN4514.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/DSCN4514.jpg.html)

Most of the floor was not rusted but but I did have some work to do.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/DSCN4509.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/DSCN4509.jpg.html)

Rear foot well area had rust holes caused by a leaking rear window seal. Got busy on cutting, welding and painting.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/holeleft.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/holeleft.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/oldpan.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/oldpan.jpg.html)

New pan fitment.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/roughfiting.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/new floor pan isntall/roughfiting.jpg.html)

This thing is so holly it should be my Sunday-go-meeting car. lol Really this was the worst of the rust. I put two new pans in the rear.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/LFrearrustedpan.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/LFrearrustedpan.jpg.html)

Some patches I made. Nobody repops the sheet metal for under the rear seat area.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/RTunderrearseatwelding.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/RTunderrearseatwelding.jpg.html)

Patches for the front floor boards and toe board area.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/RTfrntfloorwelding.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/RTfrntfloorwelding.jpg.html)

Drivers side was good!! resealed it and moved on.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/LFfrntpanseamsealed.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/welding floor pans/LFfrntpanseamsealed.jpg.html)

Trunk pan only had some surface rust.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor_shock/DSCN4456.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor_shock/DSCN4456.jpg.html)

Shock mount had a broken bolt in it so I drilled it out and welded in a stud.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor_shock/DSCN4462.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor_shock/DSCN4462.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/trunk pan painted/DSCN4526.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/trunk pan painted/DSCN4526.jpg.html)

New carpet arrived from, Rockauto.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/carpet arrived25Feb/DSCN4546.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/carpet arrived25Feb/DSCN4546.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/carpet arrived25Feb/DSCN4548.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/carpet arrived25Feb/DSCN4548.jpg.html)

After I welded in the new rear pans I didn't like looking at the weld seams so I did a little body work.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4780.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4780.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4776.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4776.jpg.html)

I painted the inside of the floor with an enamel.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4775.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/floor feb2011/underside floor pan/DSCN4775.jpg.html)

Some of the factory welds were a bit to be desired so I added some stitches here and there to keep the car together another 40 years.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4502.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4502.jpg.html)

The bottom was so nice I only used hot soapy water and a scrub pad to get down to the factory primer. I then started painting things gray.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4494.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4494.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4497.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4497.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4495.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4495.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/DSCN4501.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/DSCN4501.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/30May reassembled/DSCN4886.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/30May reassembled/DSCN4886.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/30May reassembled/DSCN4890.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/30May reassembled/DSCN4890.jpg.html)

I dropped the tank. cleaned it up and stuck it back in. The inside was clean surprising.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/trunk pan painted/DSCN4488.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/trunk pan painted/DSCN4488.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/30May reassembled/DSCN4881.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/30May reassembled/DSCN4881.jpg.html)



More painting under the rear trunk and rear quarters.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/trunk pan painted/DSCN4524.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/trunk pan painted/DSCN4524.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/trunk pan painted/DSCN4525.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/trunk pan painted/DSCN4525.jpg.html)


I went through the A/C and heater box on the firewall. Cleaned it all out and resealed it.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4946.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4946.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4941.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4941.jpg.html)

Fixed some broken vacuum lines.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4939.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4939.jpg.html)

Tested things to makes sure it was gonna work for the long haul. Ya gotta have AC in TX.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4935.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4935.jpg.html)

To seal it back up I bought this tape at Oreily's it was about $16 for the roll. It's the black sticky stuff that looks OEM.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4957.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4957.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4958.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4958.jpg.html)

Got things cleaned and sealed up ready for assembly.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4956.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4956.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4961.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4961.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4960.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/78 TA/heater box removal/AC box removal/assembling AC box/DSCN4960.jpg.html)

So lets fast forward I didn't plan on pulling the front subframe for a long time. I wanted to fix a few things and drive the car for a summer or two. I posted in the intro about the bad bearings ect.... that led to the motor and subframe coming out.

Since the front sheet metal was already off I got busy and pulled the frame. Notice how nice the original bushings are. You can still read the part numbers! When I lived in the north you would never find this.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6595_zps30ebbe39.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6595_zps30ebbe39.jpg.html)

The body mount bolts came right out and still had the factory color codes on them.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6596_zps511c21cd.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6596_zps511c21cd.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6594_zpsb1485313.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6594_zpsb1485313.jpg.html)

Out it came.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6601_zpsb2952a2b.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6601_zpsb2952a2b.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6600_zpscd29a13a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/subframe removal and engine details pics/DSCN6600_zpscd29a13a.jpg.html)

Got the motor and trans pulled and separated them on the garage floor. This thing is HEAVY.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Engine Trans details/DSCN6820_zpsa084d31d.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Engine Trans details/DSCN6820_zpsa084d31d.jpg.html)

made a cool engine cradle to keep this thing standing up right.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Engine Trans details/DSCN6819_zpsc4028edb.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Engine Trans details/DSCN6819_zpsc4028edb.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Engine Trans details/DSCN6822_zpsb722b3db.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Engine Trans details/DSCN6822_zpsb722b3db.jpg.html)

Then off to the back shed. I work alone mostly so ya gotta get tricky on moving heavy stuff.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Engine Trans details/DSCN6824_zps975060e1.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Engine Trans details/DSCN6824_zps975060e1.jpg.html)

I got on with painting the rest of the floor and firewall. Boy talk about mission creep! I thought I'd be driving this thing not still tearing it down.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/firewall painting/DSCN6829_zps20c18750.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/firewall painting/DSCN6829_zps20c18750.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/firewall painting/DSCN6831_zps5c2070be.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/firewall painting/DSCN6831_zps5c2070be.jpg.html)

I tore down the subframe it was greasy and the grease preserved the metal very nicely.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6853_zpsd39d323a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6853_zpsd39d323a.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6871_zpsf7508e4c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6871_zpsf7508e4c.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6872_zps120140e5.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6872_zps120140e5.jpg.html)

I had some old Bio Diesel I used along with steel wool and a tooth brush really!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6973_zpse0ac75c2.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6973_zpse0ac75c2.jpg.html)

This thing is so nice you can still see the stamping from the factory on the end of the frame.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6977_zps6ddb2c8a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN6977_zps6ddb2c8a.jpg.html)

Since I had it tore this far down I went ahead and rebuilt the entire front end. These are the only tools I used to take the upper control arms apart. I am very lucky it didn't fight me any harder.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7032_zps11455911.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7032_zps11455911.jpg.html)

Usually you have to press out these bushing but I tried smacking them to see what happened and they started to come right out so away I went.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7036_zps24e37a4c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7036_zps24e37a4c.jpg.html)

For the lower control arms I welded some flat steel to the bushing area to reinforce it.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7045_zpsf4dbbd95.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7045_zpsf4dbbd95.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7050_zpsf9ccecce.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7050_zpsf9ccecce.jpg.html)

Got some primer and painting to do.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7043_zpsae9f3b24.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/SUBFRAME TEAR DDOWN/DSCN7043_zpsae9f3b24.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7071_zpsb4fb0758.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7071_zpsb4fb0758.jpg.html)

After getting the grease off I left the factory dark gray coating on the spindles and just cleared them.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7077_zps19063124.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7077_zps19063124.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7076_zpsa6748189.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7076_zpsa6748189.jpg.html)

Getting close to reassembly.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7081_zps9fae426c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7081_zps9fae426c.jpg.html)

I'm using Summit lowering springs. We'll see how they turn out.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7084_zpsf8a18d09.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7084_zpsf8a18d09.jpg.html)

All new steering linkage from Pro Touring F-Body. The joints and tie rods are much larger than stock.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7123_zps90cd208b.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7123_zps90cd208b.jpg.html)

My uncle brought the motor/trans down from OH. I know finally a pic of an LT1 right!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/New engine arrived/DSCN6834_zps7b3f4265.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/New engine arrived/DSCN6834_zps7b3f4265.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/New engine arrived/DSCN6835_zps258b4c42.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/New engine arrived/DSCN6835_zps258b4c42.jpg.html)

I'm gonna digress a little before I painted the subframe I had to clearance to front cross member so the stock AC compressor would fit.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 Motor mount fitment/DSCN6919_zpscbf77fe9.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 Motor mount fitment/DSCN6919_zpscbf77fe9.jpg.html)

Also I modified the right motor mount bracket so the AC compressor would still have rear support. This was my first iteration the second one used only one bolt to attach to the compressor. Same idea though.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6906_zps9be8a0bf.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6906_zps9be8a0bf.jpg.html)

the first design.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6907_zpsa560c22c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6907_zpsa560c22c.jpg.html)

The second design. The flat steel is thicker on this on too.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6961_zpse79b1b1d.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6961_zpse79b1b1d.jpg.html)

Dig my dolly! lol. I used a furniture dolly with some 2x8's added on top. For the rear I screwed some old wheels off a creeper onto the 2x4 pieces. Took about 15 minutes to whip this up. Saved me a ton of headaches moving the motor around.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6957_zps31d48620.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6957_zps31d48620.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6960_zps14204c55.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 AC BRACKET MOD/DSCN6960_zps14204c55.jpg.html)

I put the rear cross member in place.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6930_zps24a7aa50.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6930_zps24a7aa50.jpg.html)

It needed two new holes drilled in the frame to line up, also don't forget the access holes on the other side. I made mine rectangle shaped.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6933_zpsd85884cf.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6933_zpsd85884cf.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6935_zps91a6b4fe.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1 Trans cross member Mods/DSCN6935_zps91a6b4fe.jpg.html)

OK back to were I'm currently at. Getting rid of the EGR stuff.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7109_zpsfe2208f8.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7109_zpsfe2208f8.jpg.html)

Made a thin block off plate and tack welded it.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7114_zps3c8b2fca.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7114_zps3c8b2fca.jpg.html)

Used painters tape on the EGR valve for a template. Transferred it to some 3/16 flat steel drilled my holes first.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7118_zpsa3ae4f0a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7118_zpsa3ae4f0a.jpg.html)

Cut it out filed the edges painted and installed. Cost $0.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7120_zps6e3a6e84.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7120_zps6e3a6e84.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7121_zpsf366573a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7121_zpsf366573a.jpg.html)

I'm using the stock manifolds for now so I made this silver block off plate and used the original aluminum hold down bracket on the right manifold.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7128_zps25cd3407.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7128_zps25cd3407.jpg.html)

that dolly worked out real well. I got ride of the rear wheels and put my motorcycle jack under the trans cross member then rolled this sucker under the body.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7133_zpsa1b4263e.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7133_zpsa1b4263e.jpg.html)

Before getting too carried away I placed the solid body bushings and put these 2" long 5/8 bolts and nuts in place. The 2" bolts will align the subframe with the body, also the hole on the left side of the body is round and the hole on the right side is kinda oval. I started the alignment bolt on the left side and let the frame pivot and go in place on the right.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7136_zps02b10874.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7136_zps02b10874.jpg.html)

I switched to jacks on the front and the motorcycle jack under the rear. This thing went right in place so easy I was as giddy as a prom queen!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7139_zps15020606.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7139_zps15020606.jpg.html)

So this is were I am as of today. All bolted together.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7146_zps7f291b04.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7146_zps7f291b04.jpg.html)

Enough room for a family of five to live back here! lol

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7149_zpsb160ad30.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7149_zpsb160ad30.jpg.html)

The manifold is kinda close to the AC box 1" or so. I'll have to use some heat barrier for sure here.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7148_zpsb1fafff7.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/Sub frame reassembly/DSCN7148_zpsb1fafff7.jpg.html)

Hope ya'll enjoyed! I need some help on sorting out the wire harness and I do not even have a laptop any more so need some help on programming the PCM. The motor,trans, harness and PCM are all 96 z28 from the same car.

[popo8]

great write up so far... Ill approve it.


AND BTW... that LT1 looks PERFECT in there!

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[Blackbird96WS6]

Awesome progress! No intention of putting headers on it or anything? Almost seems like the perfect time to put them on, if you're going to, since you have everything apart. Loving this build, though! :cheers:

[Fastbird]

Epic. The work you've done cleaning that beauty up is really going to pay off in the end. Love the build man, please PLEASE keep coming back and showing us what's been done.

[silver78]

Thnx for the kind words. I thought about putting headers on. The cheap skate in me says just use the manifolds but the wise old man in me say's add them now or you'll be cusing later. Lol
I do have a dual exhaust system new in the box but need to make some head pipes to attach it. I have some 17x9 snowflake rims to go one also once I get that far. Thinking 285/40-17 for the rear and 245/45-17 for the front.

[F.G.]

Love the build man, that car will look great with the 17 inch snowflakes.

[silver78]

The TA is on the back burner while I finish painting a horse trailer for my daughter. I did decide to put headers on while in this stage of the build. I'm leaning towards Shoenfeld brand since they will clear the frame of a second gen F-body and fit the LT-1 "D" port head. Plus there made in good ol' Van Buren Arkansas USA!

Street Stock
Camaro 70 - 81 ¤ Monte Carlo 72 - 77 ¤ Nova 75 - 79
Will not fit Chevelle
Conventional Style Headers for Cars with Engine in Stock Location or engine set back.
Clears side and rear engine mounts.
Will fit straight and angle plug heads. Must use short oil filter.BOLTS AND GASKETS INCLUDED



TUBE
DIAMETER

COLLECTOR
DIA. / LENGTH

STANDARD
CHEVY

CRATE
MOTOR

PRICE

SPREAD PORT

STANDARD
18 DEG

PRICE



1 1/2" - 1 5/8"

3" x 8"

164VA

------

239.95

------

------
------




1 5/8"

3" x 8"

165A

165ACM

179.95

------

------
------




1 5/8" - 1 3/4"

3" x 8"

165VA

165VACM

229.95

------

------
------




1 5/8" - 1 3/4" - 1 7/8"

3 1/2" x 9"

165V3A

165V3ACM

299.95

------

------
------




1 3/4"

3 1/2" x 8"

166A

166ACM

179.95

166ASP

166A18
239.95




1 3/4"

3" x 8"

166A-3

166ACM-3

179.95

166ASP-3

166A18-3
239.95




1 3/4" - 1 7/8"

3 1/2" x 9"

166VA

166VACM

279.95

166VASP

166VA18
339.95



1 7/8"

3 1/2" x 9"

167A

------

339.95

167ASP

167A18
399.95




http://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/pictures/166ALR.gif

[SMok3 Em A11]

Awesome write up. Love the amount of detail you're putting into the car. Keep it coming can't wait to see the final product.

avid member of LTxtech.com for lt1/lt4 enthusiast...&
HRFbody.com for F body fanatics in the Hampton Roads Virginia area!!

[silver78]

Finally getting my harness and ECM out to BP Automotive for a rewire and flash. Looking forward to getting the TA on the road. Got the horse trailer painted and just need to rewire it then it's out of my way. Also started getting bids on building a new 30x30 garage this fall. Can't wait to have some real room to work on my toys.

[79LT1Monte]

Thanks for all of the pics, makes me want to start another project!

Looks killer by the way, keep'em coming.

[silver78]

Well got the harness back and it looks good. Ordered a new gas tank with built in fuel pump from spectra. Still waiting for it to arrive. And finally the Monday after turkey day we break ground on the new 30x30 shop.

[popo8]

want MORE pics...pleaseeeee. Looking very fwd to this being finished.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[silver78]

Got my harness back from BP Automotive looks real good.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20New%20Harness/DSCN7359_zps8ac0bdfd.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20New%20Harness/DSCN7359_zps8ac0bdfd.jpg.html)

Relay/fuse box they made.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20New%20Harness/DSCN7360_zps67501c45.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20New%20Harness/DSCN7360_zps67501c45.jpg.html)

Spectra fuel tank arrived after 2 months of waiting. This has a Walbro internall pump with baffling designed for 75 up f-body.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/LT1%20gas%20tank/DSCN7330_zpseb3871aa.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/LT1%20gas%20tank/DSCN7330_zpseb3871aa.jpg.html)

internal baffles.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/LT1%20gas%20tank/DSCN7347_zps618a3550.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/LT1%20gas%20tank/DSCN7347_zps618a3550.jpg.html)

[silver78]

Got the garage underway too.

Went from this.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7188_zpscd488caf.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7188_zpscd488caf.jpg.html)

To this.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7205_zps8021eca8.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7205_zps8021eca8.jpg.html)

Pad is poured.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7252_zps57f3bacd.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7252_zps57f3bacd.jpg.html)

Building is up. I painted it last weekend. Still waiting on 12x8 doors for the front.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7315_zps2b9dba64.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7315_zps2b9dba64.jpg.html)

[silver78]

That's about it for the last month or so. Got to run electricity to the new shop and all that stuff.

The TA build is slow but I'm in the parts acquisition stage right now. Mainly trying to decide on which headers to go with then start installing parts again.

Happy motoring

[popo8]

Thats one hell of a garage?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[79LT1Monte]

Looking good man, can't wait to see this thing on the road. That harness should make for a fast, clean install.

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk

[silver78]

Well the garage has doors but no electric yet.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7404_zps68d5d1e1.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7404_zps68d5d1e1.jpg.html)

The car project is slow going. I work for GE building locomotives and at the end of the day my body is tired. I made some progress over the last couple months.

[silver78]

I went with Hedmen headers. 1.75 inch primary tubes for sbc 2nd gen f-body.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7366_zps28e8d69a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7366_zps28e8d69a.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7375_zpscef012a8.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7375_zpscef012a8.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7371_zps655809cb.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7371_zps655809cb.jpg.html)

[silver78]

Had to bend the # 7 tube to clear the lower control arm on the drivers side.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7380_zpsfd622baa.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7380_zpsfd622baa.jpg.html)

drilled a hole in the collector and added the 02 bungs.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7398_zps37d99c9e.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7398_zps37d99c9e.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7399_zps6298ff83.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7399_zps6298ff83.jpg.html)

fit the header and lucky for me the 02 wire harness will reach just fine.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7402_zpsf99a5c0f.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7402_zpsf99a5c0f.jpg.html)

[silver78]

These headers sit tight against the floor. Check out the ground clearance. NICE!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7384_zps1fc5a40c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7384_zps1fc5a40c.jpg.html)

The factory only welded the tubes to the flange on one side. I even found pin holes in the weld. So I did some welding of my own.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7416_zps5334e303.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7416_zps5334e303.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7414_zpsa5a6f0c2.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7414_zpsa5a6f0c2.jpg.html)

My welds added for strength.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7418_zps99fb7bb7.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7418_zps99fb7bb7.jpg.html)

welded the pass side 02 bung on.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7408_zpsef38b14d.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7408_zpsef38b14d.jpg.html)

[silver78]

The AC box needed cut to clear the header tube. It's hard to see in this pic but I cut a piece out of the box closest to the header tube.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7390_zps9ac331b5.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7390_zps9ac331b5.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7392_zpsc8a76d70.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/LT1%20Headers/DSCN7392_zpsc8a76d70.jpg.html)

[silver78]

Well that's about it recently. I started running the wire harness too. Looks like I need to mount the inner fenders and mock up a mount for the ECM. I haven't forgot about ya'll I'm just slow.

[silver78]

Well I am slow. Had to work on the wife's car and other things cam up but got some more done on the TA and garage. I removed the rear end from the car and replaced the leaf spring bushings and rear shackles with some HD parts.

Had to drop the tank AGAIN!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7485_zps26c77c7f.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7485_zps26c77c7f.jpg.html)

lowered the rear out of the car.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7494_zpsc3029ef4.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7494_zpsc3029ef4.jpg.html)

Broke it down for paint prep and new bushings.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7511_zps2eb9061c.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7511_zps2eb9061c.jpg.html)

Hit it with a wire wheel.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7516_zpsc58e8f18.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7516_zpsc58e8f18.jpg.html)

Some black paint.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7522_zpse93695b4.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7522_zpse93695b4.jpg.html)

Removed old bushings and installed new ones.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7532_zps9dd0be21.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7532_zps9dd0be21.jpg.html)

All painted and new HD rear shakles with new bushings installed ready to roll back under the car.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7603_zpscb4ae55d.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7603_zpscb4ae55d.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7606_zps3fef61fb.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7606_zps3fef61fb.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7615_zps5d228c2b.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/rear%20end%20paint%20new%20bushings/DSCN7615_zps5d228c2b.jpg.html)

[silver78]

The garage is coming along too. Had some Veteran buddies help do the sheet rock on the ceiling and a little wiring.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7639_zps9894a87a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7639_zps9894a87a.jpg.html)

in one weekend we got the ceiling sheet rocked and all the lights installed and rough wired in place!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7654_zps1d86bdd5.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7654_zps1d86bdd5.jpg.html)


got the insulation put in the walls.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7660_zps4387d3fb.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7660_zps4387d3fb.jpg.html)

Even got the wife out there installing sheet rock on the walls.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7680_zpsc9f14d93.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7680_zpsc9f14d93.jpg.html)

Got this spaghetti mess finished today. didn't take pics though.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/gbeck1/garage%20build/DSCN7683_zps4b80279a.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/gbeck1/media/garage%20build/DSCN7683_zps4b80279a.jpg.html)

Next gotta run power cable from the breaker box in the house to the breaker box in the garage. Then mud, tape, and paint the walls. After painting the walls I'm gonna stop on the garage build and focus only on the TA.

[popo8]

Excellent write up man... its a slow process..esp when ur juggling multiple cars and a garage build... keep up the great work on all ur projects!!!

[79LT1Monte]

Glad you are making progress, it will be worth all of the hard work when it's done. I have been working on my garage project also but I am not nearly as far along as you are.
29499

[96firebirdowner]

Sharp looking car!

[MI6TA]

As a recent electrician apprentice I can say hats off to u for wiring all that ur self. Hope u ran 12 gauge wire for all the heavy duty machines you'll surely be using in the shop. Would have taken my crew about 3-4 10 hour days to do that start to finish. I wish I had own big of shop!

Sent from my LG-VM696 using Tapatalk 2

[silver78]

Thanks, Ya the wire is 12-2 for all the outlets and lights all have 20 Amp breakers. I ran two 220volt outlets to each back corner too. Only thing left to wire is the feeder line from the house breaker box to the new shop breaker box. I have the ditch dug too just need to figure out what size feeder wire I should run.