Project Wheels and Stance gets a motor and trans!

[JayR]

Wheels and Stance Phase 2.0!

Last year right about this same time, I started the original thread for the Rushforth Wheels company car shortly after I bought the bone stock cream puff and compiled the parts list that was to become my somewhat unlikely pro-touring machine. If you aren't familiar with the first phase of this project, I think it's worth a read for anyone who appreciates a cool car with a good story, especially a somewhat unusual car. Read all about it here: http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=21361

I cruised, showed, ran errands, and autocrossed that car right up until the weather was just too wet to drive a car like this on a regular basis. I don't treat it like a sugar cube but surviving 45 years in the NW is a feat in and of itself so I'm going to baby it a little more from here on out.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/IMG_2498.jpg

The car's only shortcoming was the 2 barrel, aluminum headed 300" V8 and Powerglide. Although the car ran like a top and you never had to shift out of first on even the biggest autocross course, the go did not match the whoa provided by the Baer brakes and the Powerglide didn't exactly have long legs when trying to get down the road in the fast lane. I knew from day one that I would be addressing this issue and it all came together this year.

My good friend Chris Holstrom, Username: YouthPastor here had a take out LS2 from an 05 GTO that he passed along to me for a song so I had it rebuilt and stuck a little bigger Comp Cam in it to help it breathe. Behind it is a complete Keisler Magnum kit and I do mean complete! They provide everything with the kit from the shifter ball, to new clutch and brake pedals and even a custom made driveshaft built to my car's specs.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1331.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1475.jpg

A couple weeks ago, the car pulled into Chris' shop; Chris Holstrom Concepts where he is in the process of building a killer 68 Camaro for a client but the meat and potatoes of his business model is doing things exactly like my car where client's cars will only spend between 1 and 4 weeks or so doing things like LS swaps, brake and suspension upgrades and even general automotive repair for hot rods so a guy who might not have the time, skill, tools to do something like a brake job or a computer diagnosis to his hot rod but he doesn't want to leave it with an ex-convict at the local lube shop and have Ferris Bueller's Day off reenacted on his pride and joy, he can take it to Chris and have it treated right and repaired properly with peace of mind. Personally, I think it's a brilliant business model so if you live in the NW and don't want to tackle that complete LS swap install or Baer brake upgrade, etc, Chris is your man.

Out of the rain and into the shop
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1465.jpg

[JayR]

Good bye little 300 and Godspeed on your 2nd life in a rat rod thanks to craigslist!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1468.jpg

Out with the old while the motor was still hot.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1473.jpg

Awaiting it's new home an Night 1
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1476.jpg

Awesome Autokraft pan and motor mounts from Don Hardy Racecars
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1489.jpg

Dropping in!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1487.jpg

[DFRESH]

That's awesome bro---glad to see you are able to make progress on it---a new motor---that's killer. I love these types of projects---one piece at a time type---they are near to my own. Keep us posted!

Doug

[awr68]

Very cool Brother! Can't wait to see it in a few weeks at the GG's Show....and hopefully go for a little ride in it! BTW, we are bringing up the trailer again and will be doing lunch on Saturday again for our NW friends and family!! :cheers: :lateral:

[OLDFLM]

Congrats my friend!!!!

[tones2SS]

Very awesome!! She better an even better car now! It is a sharp car Jason!:thumbsup:
I do remember Chris saying/mentioning that he wanted to do some minor build-ups at his house. Glad he got the ball rolling on that!:thumbsup:

[BanditDave]

Looking good man! Want me to do the rendering for it this time? :unibrow:

(Inside joke, folks...don't tell me the obvious :lol: )

[6spdcamaro]

I love this project :thumbsup:. Will you and the car be at GG columbus?

[GregWeld]

Jason --

You know it's a killer car... Now just a little bit mo' killer!

And you're right about Chris! He's the main event!

I asked him to come over and give me a hand one night... and he (with a little help from me) had that job, plus double done. He's a good man and knows his way around a car.

Will be fun to see everyone at GG again this summer.


:lateral: :cheers: :woot:

[GregWeld]

Dropping in!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1487.jpg[/QUOTE]


BTW ==== CHRIS! Pay attention!

I just ordered this for you (a new shop warming gift) to replace whatever the hell thing you have that nice engine hanging from. I'll call ya when I receive it and you can come get it or I'll bring it over. Can't have pics of that kind of old skool stuff floating around the 'net!

http://www.pitpal.com/products/Pit_Pal_Engine_Sling-919-20.html


:woot:

[JayR]

That's awesome bro---glad to see you are able to make progress on it---a new motor---that's killer. I love these types of projects---one piece at a time type---they are near to my own. Keep us posted!

Doug

You and I are on the same page, Doug! Don't let the car go down for too long so we don't go broke or miss out on a good time!

Very cool Brother! Can't wait to see it in a few weeks at the GG's Show....and hopefully go for a little ride in it! BTW, we are bringing up the trailer again and will be doing lunch on Saturday again for our NW friends and family!! :cheers: :lateral:

See you there, Tony! That was fun last year and this year will be even better. I'm working out my left leg just so I'm ready to cruise!

Congrats my friend!!!!

Thanks Ty!

Looking good man! Want me to do the rendering for it this time? :unibrow:

(Inside joke, folks...don't tell me the obvious :lol: )

Ha! I got it handled, Dave but thanks! Ironic that some of my most subtle work is my own car but there's plans afoot for some cool little visual elements so stay tuned.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/sc0381d9e6.jpg

I love this project :thumbsup:. Will you and the car be at GG columbus?

Melanie and I will be at Columbus with the Rushforth Wheels display but the swap is going to be a little fresh for a 2600 mile shakedown cruise.

Dropping in!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1487.jpg


BTW ==== CHRIS! Pay attention!

I just ordered this for you (a new shop warming gift) to replace whatever the hell thing you have that nice engine hanging from. I'll call ya when I receive it and you can come get it or I'll bring it over. Can't have pics of that kind of old skool stuff floating around the 'net!

http://www.pitpal.com/products/Pit_Pal_Engine_Sling-919-20.html


:woot:[/QUOTE]

LMAO! You're one of the good ones, Greg! You're right, that motor is way too pretty and Chris way too talented for that rusty old chain. You should bring it down in person and hang out with us for an evening!

[youthpastor]

Dropping in!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1487.jpg


BTW ==== CHRIS! Pay attention!

I just ordered this for you (a new shop warming gift) to replace whatever the hell thing you have that nice engine hanging from. I'll call ya when I receive it and you can come get it or I'll bring it over. Can't have pics of that kind of old skool stuff floating around the 'net!

http://www.pitpal.com/products/Pit_Pal_Engine_Sling-919-20.html


:woot:[/QUOTE]

Thanks man! ....I had that one coming- low tech at it's finest- can't wait for the new present:D

[T_Raven]

That is such a gorgeous car. Nice to see a proper engine and trans in it:thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

I vote for "Olds Gold" valvecovers!!!! :thumbsup:

[JayR]

I vote for "Olds Gold" valvecovers!!!! :thumbsup:

It's a Buick!

[OLDFLM]

:rofl: It's a Buick!

I KNOW!!! LOL But that old nailhead blue/green would clash with the lighter blue on the car!
I've got a few cans of Pontiac Baby Blue I can send you though! :rofl: It's pretty close to the right color actually! (c:]

I always thought that if I ever did an LSx swap in my Firebird I'd paint the valvecovers Pontiac Baby Blue and run a carb so
I could run a functional Ram Air aircleaner!

You going with a carb or FI? With a carb you could run a "Star Wars" style Buick air cleaner! Just a thought...

Can't wait to see it all together Jason!! :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

I love the car Jay. Its going to be a sweet ride with this engine combo.
Wayne

[youthpastor]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/LS168/Rushforth%20Buick/022.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/LS168/Rushforth%20Buick/001.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/LS168/Rushforth%20Buick/004.jpg

[awr68]

Looks like the firewall and inners got a little needed love as well!! :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Very nice!!:thumbsup:

[DFRESH]

Mama said knock you out----LOL.

Motor and trans goin in---that is bootyliscious---keep the pics coming bro.

Doug

[RECOVERY ROOM]

LOOKING GOOD....Dinner car at Del Mar next year:thumbsup:

[JayR]

Thanks everyone especially Chris for posting those extra pics. Sometimes we get the progress going and I forget to grab the camera!

Looks like the firewall and inners got a little needed love as well!! :thumbsup:

The car was so clean, we actually contemplated dropping it into the original patina'd engine compartment but I couldn't do it. She got a real good scrubbing and a careful application of semi-flat black.

LOOKING GOOD....Dinner car at Del Mar next year:thumbsup:

Oof, I don't know, Tracy. That's a LONG ways from Tacoma! Definitely Pleasanton once or twice a year though or why don't you guys fly out in July for Puyallup!

[travmon]

Let me know if you need to make any thing..Just got the shop remodeled ,,,,it is a fabricators dream..your welcome to it...Lathe.mill,all welders and every sander known to man..also tube bending stuff...got it all..talk to you soon Trav

[tones2SS]

Nice shop Travs!:thumbsup:

[youthpastor]

Let me know if you need to make any thing..Just got the shop remodeled ,,,,it is a fabricators dream..your welcome to it...Lathe.mill,all welders and every sander known to man..also tube bending stuff...got it all..talk to you soon Trav

ok...where are you at!! we need a shop tour! - Chris

[JayR]

ok...where are you at!! we need a shop tour! - Chris

Chris, That would be our old friend, Travis Moore whose screen name you don't recognize because he secretly lurks a dozen different boards in anonymity!

It's great to have good friends like Chris, Travis, Brett A and the crew at J-Rod and Custom right here in the NW who are down to help a brother out on the projects. Thanks Everyone! We may be calling on you, Travis!

Headed up to the shop tonight to work on the car and this time, I'll remember the camera to show J-Rod's handiwork on the trans tunnel that is almost too nice to cover in carpet and sound deadener.

[buickfunnycar.com]

Man that's such a killer clean Buick...have you posted pics on any Buick sites,damn those guys are rabid-loyal...ask me how I know,lol.:yes:

[PASD U]

Looking good as always.

[67ChevILL]

Man those are some nice wheels... Who make those???? :rofl:
J/k

Car looks really nice, good work and can't wait to see it done!


:hail:

[JayR]

We ran into a little hiccup that was resolved by an awesome vendor. In the picture, you can see the killer CTS-V accessory drive system that keeps everything in close and mounts the alternator way down low on the driver's side..... Right on top of my Lee steering box. The car and the motor were never in the same room until the swap started and bonehead me immediately went for the cool looking drive never thinking about side effects so I called Pace Performance to see if just by chance they might have a relocation bracket to save me from having to replace a $500 drive and they simply said to pack it back up and we'll swap you straight across for a Corvette drive! I'm so grateful so that is why there's no drive in some of these pics but that will get fixed very shortly.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1407-2.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1504-1.jpg

[JayR]

The Powerglide crossmember actually works with the new 6 speed with a couple slight modifications including cutting a tiny notch in the dead center and scooting it rearward a few inches.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1616.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1617.jpg

Yes, I'm going to paint those framerails but getting running is first priority!

[HRBS]

Yes, I'm going to paint those framerails but getting running is first priority!

Paint is added weight and will only slow you down. LOL
Looks good man.... like it belongs in there !

[JayR]

Paint is added weight and will only slow you down. LOL
Looks good man.... like it belongs in there !

It does belong in there! LOL

[The WidowMaker]

look at you do'in it. keep up the good work!

[travmon]

just watching from afar Chris, That would be our old friend, Travis Moore whose screen name you don't recognize because he secretly lurks a dozen different boards in anonymity!

It's great to have good friends like Chris, Travis, Brett A and the crew at J-Rod and Custom right here in the NW who are down to help a brother out on the projects. Thanks Everyone! We may be calling on you, Travis!

Headed up to the shop tonight to work on the car and this time, I'll remember the camera to show J-Rod's handiwork on the trans tunnel that is almost too nice to cover in carpet and sound deadener.

[bigtyme1]

Jay, I'm really glad you got this project going. What a sweet ride. :cheers:

[Sti_Guy]

Super excited to see the project happening. 64 Skylark was my first car boy do I miss it! Hows the daily running?

[89 RS]

Jason, awesome to see your "real world" type build...can't wait to see more! You provide inspiration to guys that can't afford the high-dollar type build.

[JayR]

Jay, I'm really glad you got this project going. What a sweet ride. :cheers:

Thanks Mark! If you ever come back here. we'll go for a ride!

Super excited to see the project happening. 64 Skylark was my first car boy do I miss it! Hows the daily running?

Come over anytime and dive in, Kendrick! I could use your skills! Daily is doing good!

Jason, awesome to see your "real world" type build...can't wait to see more! You provide inspiration to guys that can't afford the high-dollar type build.

Thanks Corey, glad you get it!

Headed out today to plumb the fuel system. Wish me luck!

[GregWeld]

Received Chris's new engine sling.... Now I'm going to have to come down and deliver it -- and see how that wheels and stance REALLY looks!

:rofl:

[DFRESH]

I love the jackstands and being under the car shot---I'm not alone----

Keep it going brother---love this stuff.

Doug

[JayR]

I love the jackstands and being under the car shot---I'm not alone----

Keep it going brother---love this stuff.

Doug

Thanks Doug! I was back under it last night and have more progress pics to post but we're headed to the airport for Columbus. The car is really well under way and coming together so I'll have some good content next week and WILL drive it in 2 weeks if not sooner!

[youthpastor]

Received Chris's new engine sling.... Now I'm going to have to come down and deliver it -- and see how that wheels and stance REALLY looks!

:rofl:

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!

We should get the Lat-G crew together for dinner GG weekend-

[youthpastor]

I love the jackstands and being under the car shot---I'm not alone----

Keep it going brother---love this stuff.

Doug

ya I'm still waiting for Greg to deliver the two post lift:D

That's funny- I was just telling Jason the other night- rolling around on a creeper sure does make me feel old- I'm not 20 anymore

[GregWeld]

ya I'm still waiting for Greg to deliver the two post lift:D

That's funny- I was just telling Jason the other night- rolling around on a creeper sure does make me feel old- I'm not 20 anymore


When I put in my new Rotary lift -- my "old one" could be had for a song...:D

Maybe this winter before I rip into the '37....

[JayR]

We've been slamming away on the Buick and it's looking great. I took a few days off to do our Rushforth Wheels booth at Columbus and within 12 hours from getting home last night, we were back at it and Melanie ran the RFW office for the afternoon.

The following is details and progress since my last update.

Where the hell do guys building Camaros and Mustangs keep all their parts??

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1625.jpg

Check out the clean little removable cover Jared Hancock made for the 6 speed. There's a 67 Camaro console to go over it but it needs a little love and restoration so I'll be rocking it this summer just covered in carpet.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1619.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1620.jpg

Since stance is an emphasis on this project and the LS2 makes enough HP to put the BF/G KDWs up in smoke at will, I bought Edelbrock shorty headers to keep the collectors way up off the ground and route the exhaust as clean as possible.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1621.jpg

The only rub is that the o2 sensor bung aims right at the crossmember. Well, even an allen bolt plug stuck out too far, so I took a cut off wheel to it and gooped up the threads with exhaust adhesive that becomes cement when heated up. We'll put the actual bungs in just a couple inches downstream out of the way.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1756.jpg

[JayR]

For fuel delivery, I decided to go clean and simple. This was a real relief to find because it's a bone stock factory spec galvanized tank with a built in electric pump straight from Spectra.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1629.jpg

Speaking of clean and simple, my friend Brett has a complete Dorman DIY fuel line kit that makes perfect factory style pressure fittings and we were able to do all of the fuel lines for under $50, and an obligatory pizza.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1627.jpg

Look at this guy just sitting in the engine compartment with a 6' long wiring harness that would make most men tremble. If not for Chris, I'd be going carbed!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1631.jpg

[JayR]

While waiting on the backordered accessory drive from Pace to replace the CTS-V drive that didn't fit, we went ahead and bolted on the new tall spindles from L&H Kustoms. These things are BEEFY and correct a lot of factory geometry flaws but unlike trying to just bolt in B-Body spindles to an A-Body, these are properly engineered to correct bumpsteer.

You can see how much taller it is than the factory unit and how about how much beefier it is? That's reassuring but you have to give props to the GM engineers who came up with the original unit that held up all these years.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1755.jpg

Those are the new upper control arms from Hotchkis to go with the newly revised geometry the spindles provide. Everyone knows about the snowball effect and when you replace spindles, you have to replace caliper brackets and since I installed the Baer Track Plus system, Baer came out with their super sick new T4 calipers and since I had to unbolt it all anyways and buy caliper brackets, why not add in some T4s, right?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1753.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1754.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1759.jpg

Nice!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1760.jpg

[GregWeld]

Look at this guy just sitting in the engine compartment with a 6' long wiring harness that would make most men tremble. If not for Chris, I'd be going carbed!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1631.jpg[/QUOTE]

The thigh bone connected to the... hip bone... the hip bone connected to the ....back bone...

That's wiring... One wire at a time. Eventually when you finally look up from the job it's all done! :woot:

Looks good Jayson!

[tones2SS]

Very nice! Talk about a transformation!:thumbsup:

[awr68]

Looking good boys! Nice to see all the parts going on it!! :thumbsup:

[DFRESH]

Awesome---can't wait to hear about the first impressions of the setup---

Doug

[crazycarl]

Subscribed. :cheers:

[89 RS]

Making great progress guys! Looking awesome, this is an awesome build Jason! I'll be curious to see how you like those headers, I've been looking at them myself.

[JayR]

Making great progress guys! Looking awesome, this is an awesome build Jason! I'll be curious to see how you like those headers, I've been looking at them myself.

They're a tight fit but they clear with the little mod I made to the O2 plug. I know not as much hp as long tubes but these look and fit nice and were very reasonably priced. A complete Magnaflow kit from collectors to X pipes to tailpipes will go behind them early next week.

[JayR]

Got the Corvette serpentine from Pace all bolted up. I still can't believe they exchanged it months after I bolted the old one on the motor. The low mount alternator looked so cool but was right in the way. Oh well....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1763.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Jay; Look's great.Can't wait to see the end product.:thumbsup:

[travmon]

What is left to do jason ? Ryan and I could sneak up one night and help if needed ? let me know TRAV

[awr68]

tick-tock tick-tock! :D :thumbsup:

[JayR]

We're on it doing some late nights and we're right there but a couple vendors and a UPS driver flaked on us so we're scrambling and the last thing we need is a TAC Module for the DBW gas pedal, GM Part# 12578953

Let me know if anyone has it and can overnight it. Thanks!

I'll be running around today so call Melanie on the wheel line and let her know if anyone has it. 253 306 3215

[JayR]

So, we've been pounding away in the evenings and working the wheel business and doing designs by day without time to update so these are going to be a little out of sequence but highlight some of the different things that are going into this project.

Remember when I said the Keisler kit was COMPLETE? It even came with a brake and clutch pedal that just slid right into the original brake pedal location and even had rubber o.e. style pads which were way too mundane for the interior of this car so they were used for radiator cushions! win-win!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1555.jpg

Keisler shifter ball that goes perfect with the Buick's white guts.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1764.jpg

And the coolest thing is the balanced driveshaft custom made to my exact specs after installing the motor and trans and calling them with the measurements. Delivered to my door the same week!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1757-1.jpg

Like I said about the o.e. looking rubber pedal covers, they were just too o.e. for a relatively stock interior in a car that probably belonged to a dentist or the like so I'm specifically trying to add some attitude to the abundant style and did so with a set of MODO Innovations pedal covers.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1761.jpg

I gave Shannon the dimensions of the Corvette DBW pedal and he picked out a cover that was just right but the pedal has a cool curve to it and the cover is flat so I put it in the press with a round dye and it curled up just right.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1613.jpg

Check it out with the killer pedal bracket Jared Hancock of J-Rod and Custom made for me which is now bolted to the firewall.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1769.jpg

He also fabbed this slick little bracket for the giant-ass ECM

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1770.jpg

and the slick little gauge panel Justin at J-Rod and Custom made that I personalized with a grinder to help add some attitude.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1786.jpg

[buickfunnycar.com]

Like the progress Jay...:thumbsup:

[JayR]

I have clearly been lacking in my updates and must apologize but being well aware of the time crunch at hand, Chris and I buckled down and hammered out the punch list every night leading up to the Puyallup show which was the deadline all along. I hope it shows when I do post that I put a lot of thought and care into it and between the wheel business, design business, motor swap and family, I barely had time to sleep, much less take pics and post them with a clever explanation!

My daughter Carly didn't hesitate to pitch in and when she wasn't holding wrenches on one side of a bolt under the car and hamming it up for pics,
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1777-1.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1785-1.jpg

She was taking pics of me hard at work.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1774-1.jpg

[JayR]

Check out the complete all-stainless Magnaflow system completely pre-bent for the car from collectors to tailpipes getting installed by our friend Mike Sader the day before the show. This guy is a street machine Obi-Wan to me and Chris and as young guys and was the only guy we knew who had built himself a car and a truck that were both on magazine
covers in the 80s and even when we were snot-nosed teenagers, he always made time to help us, give advice and suggestions and even took Chris to a street machine show in CA with the first car Chris built 20 years ago in Mike's still bitchin' slammed crew cab dually.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1792.jpg
These are almost too pretty to put under the car and let them get all funked up but you don't have to worry about them rotting out like the old days.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1794.jpg

[JayR]

It's hard to believe but Puyallup was just over two weeks ago and for the first week, I caught back up on work, sleep, and family with all intentions of posting up the rest of the story and the great news. Then my friend Craig Pike at www.MyRideIsMe.com heard about the car and asked if there was anything noteworthy about it that may be appropriate. Of course, I'm biased but I immediately told him I have a helluva story so he asked me to write it and I waited on him to publish it here http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/one-goodguys-roller-coaster-ride-to-puyallup/ along with lots of other cool pics and stories. Join up and check them all out. You can also read it right here.

Every car guy has a story about a late night thrash getting a car ready for a show whether it's debuting a million dollar piece of rolling art at the Detroit Autorama to contend for the Ridler, unveiling a car at SEMA or just getting your ride to this week's cruise night. This is our story and I think it's a good one.

Most car guys make like-minded friends and I'm proud to know car guys all over the world but a half dozen of my friends who live here in the Pacific Northwest are some of the best friends any guy could hope for and are collectively the only reason this car made it to our big, local Good Guys show last weekend.

On June 9th, I drove the Rushforth Wheels company car, our 64 Buick Skylark into Chris Holstrom Concepts which belongs to my long-time good friend, Chris Holstrom. This would be the last time the Buick ran with the 300" V8 it left Detroit with. The car only has 98,000 original miles and ran like a top but the little 2 barrel 300 and Powerglide weren't getting it done if you know what I mean so we commenced to swapping them for an LS2 and a Keisler 6 speed. The little Buick mill came out ninety minutes later and went to it's new home in a T-Bucket the next day thanks to Craigslist. All along, the plan was to finish the car in time for the Good Guys 23rd Annual Pacific Northwest Nationals in Puyallup, WA right down the hill from Chris' shop. We knew it would be kind of close but we were up to the task.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1790.jpg

Things were going very smoothly and we were knocking out the punch list one item after another and the car was looking good and then the day before the show, while hooking up the last bit of the miles of wiring harness to the drive by wire Corvette gas pedal, I found that the connector from the ECM did not match the pedal. The computer was from a C5 Corvette and the pedal was from a C6! I thought for a second and called my friend John Annon who has owned Corvettes for the entire 20 years I've known him so I figured he might know someone with one at a local Corvette shop or extra parts or a wreck or some kind of Corvette source and told him what I was up against. What does this guy do? Climbs his 6'7" frame under the dash of his Lingenfelter Twin Turbo C5 and yanks his gas pedal out and runs it across town for me!

On the same day, one of the things on the punch list is an alignment because we swapped to L&H tall billet spindles, Hotchkis upper control arms to match the new spindles' geometry and Baer T4 calipers (as if we didn't have enough to do before the show) so I call Luke Mau from L&H Kustoms to get the alignment specs for his billet spindles that correct the factory geometry flaws and allow for increased camber gain without dangerous and annoying bumpsteer. Luke sees that it's Thursday and knows the show starts Friday and starts picking my brain to see what else is left to do and knows there's no way we're going to get it all done so he jumps in the car with a few extra parts, tools, an alignment kit and some shims and drives two and a half hours from Oregon to align it! Unbelievable.

We couldn't align it at Mike Sader's American Muffler shop at quitting time when it came off the lift from getting a complete Magnaflow system installed under it so he threw us the keys to his dually and we loaded it back in the trailer Chris dropped it off in and we hauled it over to Jared Hancock's shop; J-Rod and Custom where we rolled it out and Luke began double checking the suspension install Art Stohrmann and I performed (Mostly Art) while Jared's crew and I started to try to figure out why the car wouldn't stay running. It would fire for a few seconds and then die every time. Fuel pump? Check. Ignition? Check. MAF clean and hooked up? Check. O2 sensors threaded in and wires attached? Check. What the hell? One of Jared's main guys is Howard Wolf who works for a Ford dealership by day so he doesn't flinch at the snake pit of wires and tubes associated with a new efi computer controlled motor the way analog old-school car guys like me do and he carries a scan tool in his truck so he hooks that up to the data port and there's still no red flags so once Luke finishes up the alignment and the punch list he came up with all on his own, and we tried in vain to start it again and again, I said to hell with it and just pushed her out in the midnight darkness and set about to washing the car and have a zen moment alone with the car. When I finally left at 3AM, I just told Jared I'd be back for her on Monday and figure it out then. Defeated.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1800.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1797.jpg

The next day, I accepted the fact that I'd be attending the car show on foot so I wouldn't grind my teeth all weekend and went to the show with as positive of an attitude as you can have on foot while suffering from malnutrition and sleep deprivation while retelling the same damn sad story all day when someone asks; "Hey Rushforth, where's your Buick?". Around 3:00 in the afternoon, I'm enjoying the show with my daughter, Carly eating ice cream and visiting with friends in the Summer sun on the opening day of the show when my phone rings. It's Jared exclaiming that he and his right hand man, Justin had loaded the car in his trailer and taken it to his computer tuner; Horsepower Ranch who plugged it into their laptop and found that an anti-theft code for the column lock had been left in the new aftermarket computer! The tuner eliminated the code so the computer stopped thinking we were stealing the car and it fired right up and idled away like it had wanted to do all along! Unbelievable. We had just about all but eliminated every variable and assumed it was something in the computer but I had personally given up the notion it would be resolved on Friday since we didn't have the ability to hook up a laptop and I was too exhausted to mess with it again so my friends did it! Unbelievable.

I drop my daughter off at home and Chris and I head over to Jared's to button up the last couple things like bolting the seat back down over the computer, bolt the newly acquired C5 pedal to the firewall and a few of those last minute things that come up on every project and take it for the maiden voyage which is completely surreal. The car sounds killer with the lumpy Comp Cam aggressively burbling through the MagnaFlow system as you hear the idle smoothing out while the computer and the motor figure each other out. On the drive, I lift off the throttle and hear the unmistakable sound of driveshaft smacking trans tunnel as the rearend tips upward and angles change ever so slightly. We pull back into Jared's and jack it up, slide under and see that the little balance weight attached to the driveline is in perfect alignment with the underfloor brace that runs through the tunnel so Chris takes a cut off wheel to it and removes every part of the brace that touches and Jared expertly welds it back in 3/8" further up into the tunnel without setting fire to the carpet all while laying on his back, effectively chopping and channelling the brace to gain the required clearance at Midnight. Unbelievable.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1802.jpg

Chris and I drove the car home at 1AM and finally get some sound sleep. I get up the next morning with a whole new attitude and outlook on the weekend and drive straight to the fairgrounds without even dusting the car off. That can be done when I get parked at the show! Once there, I lovingly give it a quick clean up while friends and strangers and people who followed the build here all come up one after another to see how we did.

[JayR]

Coming off that emotional roller coaster, I wouldn't have cared if there were 100 cars and it rained all weekend but that was not the case. Like most Good Guys events around the Country, it was absolutely packed with great cars, over 2500 to be exact, lots of vendors and tons of spectators flooding the gates all weekend long with perfect 85 degree sun and 9:30 PM sunsets all three days. We get a bad rap here for our rain but the Summers are hard to beat! In addition to great cars and great weather, Art and Craig Morrison from Art Morrison Enterprises here in Tacoma, WA are responsible for the Builder's Choice Awards which are killer billet trophies given to only the 10 very best cars in the entire show and I'm proud to report, my good friend Brett Anderson, whose car I designed and put wheels on got one of the coveted awards despite the fact he built his car himself in his two car garage!

Here's a pic of the Buick profiling at the show along with a variety of the talent represented this year in Puyallup at the Good Guys 23rd Annual Pacific Northwest Nationals.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/IMG_7890.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/IMG_7894.jpg

I was actually so numb and in complete disbelief the rest of the weekend, that I didn't even get any pics of the car there. My cousin took these and then my camera promptly took a crap the very next week and I haven't replaced it but my Birthday is next week, so you never know!

[srh3trinity]

Clean install. I love the Skylarks. They just ooze style.

[awr68]

Great car....and story! Car guys are the best! :cheers:

[JayR]

I broke up the last 2 posts because I was just informed the limit per post is 10,000 characters long so if you read it all, I sincerely thank you and hope it was worth it.

To sum it all up as best as I can without another novella, I could not have even dreamed of this without the help of some great friends here in the PNW as well as around the Country throughout the industry. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.

I hope it shows and is noted that not only am I in the industry, I put back into the industry and live this industry. I'm not making wheels and designs so I can hide out in my castle, I do it so I don't have to take time off a 9-5 job to go to shows, see my friends all over the Country and make new ones and play with cars. As most of you know, this car has already gotten lots of use doing road trips and autocrossing and that was with a 2 barrel 300 and a Powerglide so you better believe it's going to get even more action with the newfound hp, overdrive, efficient efi and all.

To sum up the last 2 weeks that I've been driving it, I know what all the LSX fuss is about and am so stoked to be part of it.

The car sounds incredible with the Magnaflow system and x-pipe. As many of you know, some LS motors with a stock cam and free flowing exhaust sound a little funny at idle due to the odd firing order but this Comp Cam sounds ROWDY and really wails when you get after it but without the deafening drone some mufflers make.

At the moment, I'm still running the stock rearend because I haven't bought a posi-unit yet so it isn't a rocket out of the hole but comes alive and pulls like crazy when you get rolling and the motor gets up on the pipe. With those gears, I haven't even hit 6th gear yet and have had it over 90 and 145 on the dyno (HAHA!)

I know this thread isn't exactly a how-to complete with every step and a parts list like Bart's amazing LS3 into his GTO but keep in mind that I drove it into Chris' shop on June 9th at 8PM and drove it the morning of July 24th and I was in Columbus for 5 days and Chris and I only worked on it in the evenings so if you're anywhere near here and can't do it yourself, you know where you need to take your project. Chris specifically wants to do LS swaps, disc brake upgrades, suspension installs along with similar small upgrades and hot rod upkeep and service with an occasional full build but the majority of work being small jobs that are only in the shop for a few weeks at the most for a large job like mine.

I'm going to use my wife's camera to take some more pics and continue updates, stories and driving impressions so stay tuned.

Thanks, Everyone

[JayR]

Clean install. I love the Skylarks. They just ooze style.
Glad you like it, Stephen

Great car....and story! Car guys are the best! :cheers:

You know it, Tony!

[tones2SS]

Very nice Jay. That engine looks right at home in there!:thumbsup:

[DriverzInc]

Great story Jay, well told.

[Flash68]

Beautiful Buick. Thanks for the story. Great read.

[SS1156]

I can really appreciate these cars. I was really big into Olds back when I was just a young lad. I had several 442's and Cutlasses. I really love 1965 442. I would love to see someone PT one of those things. That Buick looks really sweet Jason.

[JayR]

Thanks for reading the story, everyone! Glad you liked it.

[ccracin]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_1777-1.jpg

That's worth it all right there!

The car looks great and the story really shows the type of people you see in this hobby/industry all the time. It was great seeing you in Columbus. Keep the updates going!
:thumbsup:
Later!

[89 RS]

Jason, car looks awesome man, and I'm sure runs just as strong. That was a pretty cool story also.

[GregWeld]

I've decided you can't have it back....:D

[crazycarl]

Hey Jason, I just read this entire thread; I've been neglecting my Lat-G duties for several weeks now.

My one comment is that it's a good thing I had some of this handy.

http://goldenzen.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/kleenex.jpg

[zleehw]

I have had my car for a few years and been struggling to figure out what, how and where to get upgrades. Well five minutes of reading this thread and talking with the owner I have a whole new idea of what to do to my car. Thanks for the info, the detailed thread and pictures.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Yeah, Jayson does have that affect on people...:thumbsup:

[youthpastor]

^ Yeah, Jayson does have that affect on people...:thumbsup::unibrow: :lol:

He told me one day back in '05 I should check out some forum called Lateral-G.net....I want those 35,486.5 hours of my life back- Jason any updates/

[JayR]

I have had my car for a few years and been struggling to figure out what, how and where to get upgrades. Well five minutes of reading this thread and talking with the owner I have a whole new idea of what to do to my car. Thanks for the info, the detailed thread and pictures.

Glad you clicked the links I sent, joined Lat-g and got some inspiration, Doug!

^ Yeah, Jayson does have that affect on people...:thumbsup:

LOL! Thanks Ron!

:unibrow: :lol:

He told me one day back in '05 I should check out some forum called Lateral-G.net....I want those 35,486.5 hours of my life back- Jason any updates/

Aren't you glad you clicked the link, Chris? Chris Holstrom Concepts may have never happened or at least it wouldn't have 4 pro-touring cars with 3 of them running LS motors in the shop right now!

I'll post some new shots of the newly fabbed dash insert full of new Auto Meters in the Buick this week.

[youthpastor]

Aren't you glad you clicked the link, Chris? Chris Holstrom Concepts may have never happened or at least it wouldn't have 4 pro-touring cars with 3 of them running LS motors in the shop right now!

I'll post some new shots of the newly fabbed dash insert full of new Auto Meters in the Buick this week.

Um...I count 4 and so many Rushforth wheel boxes I can't move- Thanks buddy:D

Seriously- I am really looking forward to seeing some miles put on the Rushforth company car