https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=45073
Aaron

I started a build thread finally.
Mike

So, it's been awhile..like four months since the last post. Time for a few updates on the Vette project.

I had to re-read the thread to see what we talked about, but I did mention we ordered a new frame in November. Well, 19 weeks (!) later, we got it. Other than the extended delivery (quoted 6-8), it turned out pretty good. We ordered a stock replacement 66 frame with one exception, full welded seams.

Here is a pic when I picked it up:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psn5iywae7.jpg

We decided on powdercoat as a finish and went with something other than black. It's a metallic silver. Looks great with some black contrasting parts bolted on. Not many on yet but we're getting there.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pssosjjg2u.jpg

We really wanted to do a full bolt-on suspension upgrade. Had a few discussions with the guys at Ridetech about there new setup, but we decided to refurbish the stock front control arms & spindles for now. We want to experience the car before and after the upgrades. We will be running upgraded trailing arms and shocks though.

Cleaning, dis-assembling, and rebuilding the front control arms, rear wheel spindles and half shafts has been nothing short of a huge project. Jill has been making friends with the sandblaster at my shop. She was so happy when I replaced the media that had turned to talc powder.
I was able to machine a test spindle for preloading the bearings to set free play and grind in the spacers to the low end of the tolerance. Here is an exploded view:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psegdloflv.jpg
All new u-joints for the half shafts (non-greasable type) Still have to complete the prop shaft.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pssojiydfl.jpg

Got the uppers and lowers all blasted up and new poly bushings installed. New balljoints also installed after this picture:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psyptzfudo.jpg

We've been ordering all sorts of clips, brackets, and fasteners for fuel lines, brake lines and linkages. This stuff takes forever:headspin:

The motor is all cleaned up and painted and pretty much ready to go back in. We went with a new Holley HP carb, that things looks awesome. I havent' had a carb on a car in over 20 years I think, lol. Haven't done anything with the transmission, but are considering going thru it just to be safe.

The rear differential was dropped off at a rear-end only shop for re-assembly. We provided all the new replacement parts including a clutch kit for the posi. The shop called and said there was bad news as someone neglected to put the spherical seat behind one of the spider gears and it had cut into the carrier casting. We called a few places and a few friends without luck. So $$$ later, we have a new Auburn LSD unit on the way.

One other thing we did score was a Wilwood brake setup, 6/4 piston. Also a master and prop valve combo. We have a little brake line work to change to get from the stock lines to the prop valve.

We hope the next update won't be so long from now, we are really trying to get this thing back together :G-Dub:

Great update Aaron!

Just read thru this Aaron....wow, what a cool project. :thumbsup:

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psc6267224.jpg

Doesn't seem like much to look at, but there's been a lot of time invested (as you are oh so familiar with).

Thanks Skip:thumbsup: pretty sure it's gonna get some looks :D

Aaron,

This is the first look at this bad boy for me.....looks great!! The vintage style is on the comeback like corduroy's and fro's LOL The C2's are such a great platform and are arguably the most awesome body style ever turned out by GM.....just my opinion :) Keep the pics and info coming, I can't wait to get back working on my 65 coupe.......errr, after I finish the Nova :underchair:

P.S, I know where you get get some nice updated headlight motors and a wiper kit :-) I know, it's shameless!!!

R/
Jeff

I'm a little partial to C3's but a flared vette is a flared vette!
Absolutely LOVE it!

Thanks Jeff. It's pretty crazy its been exactly the same way since '76. And I agree, best design from GM for sure. So what would you know about headlights and wipers...

Thanks Eric. It's flared for sure. With a side of flair :lmao:

We've been hard at it last couple of weeks. Making progress, but not without challenges along the way. Ok, every step of the way :headscratch:

Few pics:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psd72c12a3.jpg
new jute:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4jvb7fsa.jpg
carpet:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps51c4984f.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4290be6f.jpg
Engine
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5a475b29.jpg
Engine and trans back home:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psfb30fa8a.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ca457b7.jpg

What a perfect base for a project like this!

Where did you (eventually) get the chassis?

Your valve covers and intake look really nice - how did you refinish those?

The chassis came from Vette Products, Lake Orion, MI. Made with the original GM tooling and welding fixtures supposedly.
The intake, covers and bell housing were media blasted and painted with Eastwood Alumiblast. That paint looks killer and sprays very good.

The black parts on the silver chassis looks pretty slick. I'm loving the whole theme of this car. Please keep on posting pics of the progress!!! Get some of Jill bolting the new parts on HER car...

Thanks Lance! we like the contrast too.

I keep taking pics of her working on it, but she won't let me post them. :EmoteClueless:

This is about all she'll let me post :lmao:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps125bd4ca.jpg

Coward! You afraid to take a little beating?

A little? I can't take any more.

Me>:smiley_smack: <Her

If you still feel the pain you haven't taken near enough beatings yet! I don't even feel it anymore :bitchslap:

Deb doesn't seem to be the beating kind! lol

That sounds familiar actually... :rules:

The funny thing is though, pictures of ME end up posted on my Wife's facebook page quite frequently...
:popcorn2:

My wife and I had a good laugh over this one yesterday.

It seems apropos for this moment in time...lol

She's sneaky about it! The bruises are where you can't see them :hitaxeonthehead:

You have to break them in right, they'll get used to it after a while. Dawn is so tired of all the shenanigans, for so many years, she just shakes her head, and I always just say "WHAT?"

That's what I say too Ron! Then I get "really! you know what"

Glad the car is coming along nicely. I think the silver powder coat was a good idea, too. Good luck!

I see a pattern developing here :confused59:

That's a good one!

Very wise words GW:lol:

:lmao:

Thanks Trey.

Little more progress :)
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psw7bwnylz.jpg
Geez, I know, I need to clean my shop up :shakehead:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psurfjhjcb.jpg
Getting close to putting the body on the chassis, maybe next week. Fingers crossed.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7fb5ec83.jpg

Man, I soooo need a midyear!!

The little cogs in my brain spin really fast when i see these pics.

I can post more if it helps :animated_bye_bye_em

I know these are motivating me!! Thanks!! :idea:

That's pure sexiness right there Aaron...

Thanks Ryan.
You been driving yours yet? OMCC coming soon :hairpullout:

Aaron - Starting my own business has sucked a lot of time. We've also had a lot of family activities and so forth. My paint and body guy has fallen behind getting me back in for some punch list items and Lizard Skin. The guy I had lined up for my custom console and interior stuff has now decided to move to Florida, so if I'm in OMCC, it will be with clapped out interior and using it to shake down the car.

As a business owner myself, I hear you. Especially during startup times.

Don't be ashmed of a partially finished car, nobody will judge you. We might if you don't come though :mock: Haha, mine has rust on it, and I'm OK with that.

Body back on the frame tomorrow!

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pszz7jq9oe.jpg

Motorstate?

Yeah, probably not. Long list of lots of little things to do still. :drowninga:

We have touchdown!
Thanks to Bill and Billy at B&B Classics for the assist, and the hoist :thumbsup:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psfdi5d3r2.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psxfyoiigl.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pskibqevgq.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pscznlpkvx.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psmtvriuox.jpg

As I've heard in just about every vehicle assembly plant tour, "this is what we like to call the "marriage"!"

As sick as your Chevelle is this 66 is going to be one of those cars everyone wants a ride along in . 70's styling with an updated drivetrain ? I can't wait to see some videos of this thing on a road course , its gonna be awesome !!

I've seen a few Corvette bodies put on frames over the years, but NONE of those frames looked anywhere near as cool and menacing as that one did!!

Great job. She's gonna love the attention that car gets everywhere it goes.