Simple solution and kinda hidden, I like it. :thumbsup:

Wheels to Adam (( 08-31-23 ))
 

Well I removed a couple things off the table today.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bebe88c-me.jpg

The wheels are heading over to Adams to get Ceramic Coated.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ca8084a-me.jpg

Wheels are Coated (( 09-01-23 ))
 

Adam texted this picture of the wheels

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ce55aee-me.jpg

All better and coated

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0dd982d-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f008077-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d9a60df-me.jpg

Final Battery Ground Cable (( 09-02-23 ))
 

Time to build the final ground wire and I have way to many wiring connectors.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f69676e-me.jpg

While the mock up battery was in the car I estimated the cut length of the cable.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8cece2b-me.jpg

Looks good

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...11daae0-me.jpg

This was the point when I should have swapped to the Black Anodized tray.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...be411a8-me.jpg

Confirming

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...238e6c7-me.jpg

Crimping with my helper.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...374b9bb-me.jpg

Heat Shrunk cable end.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0f3ec79-me.jpg

Confirming the gap.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bc067e9-me.jpg

I enlarged the holes to allow some wiggle room.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...562c42a-me.jpg

Time to make some battery bolts. You can see that I used a shouldered nut and grimmped that in the vice and then I installed
the bolt and tightened it. At this point I can cut the bolt and not damage the visible nut.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...675074c-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9982b46-me.jpg

I also shortened the acorn nut to it didn't poke into the bottom of the battery case.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...cd7c37c-me.jpg

Since the negative cable is close to these two nuts I swapped them out.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d0f11a4-me.jpg

Much better looking and of course they won't damage the ground wire.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dae2984-me.jpg

If you look at the ground wire you can see I wrapped it in DEI Abrasion wrap.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...484e2cf-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...fc25b76-me.jpg

Tray is in.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d5b9b33-me.jpg

Support Rod is in.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1a325c8-me.jpg

And yet there is more !!! (( 09-03-23 ))
 

Final Battery Bolts !!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...82e8d9e-me.jpg

This is the hardware I will be using on the battery hold down brackets and I will be using star washers on all of the bolts.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...438a92e-me.jpg

I need to swap out the bolt circled in red as it will be supporting the AC line.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...301e65a-me.jpg

Enlarging the holes so I don't have to go to Home Depot !!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...011f9c5-me.jpg

Test Fitting

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...15fb079-me.jpg

AC Hose secured.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...49001ea-me.jpg

The area circled in red was bent into the engine compartment and it sure did look like it was going to eventually cut through
the ground wire. So I gently bent it flat and added some black touch paint.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f2650bc-me.jpg

I also put a note reminding me that there is a Nylock nut on the other side.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...42cc3e3-me.jpg

I ended up going Hi-Vis

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...a7989a8-me.jpg

More star washers and I also confirmed that the longer bolts would not poke through the bottom of the battery tray.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ec12a96-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...555fe1b-me.jpg

I installed the bracket and tightened prior to installing the battery.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6a8893c-me.jpg

I really hope this is the last time I have to lift this battery.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7ad8c0a-me.jpg

Ugh, I need to remove a little bit of plastic.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6b5b07e-me.jpg

Thankfully the utility knife worked.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8d88781-me.jpg

It's in !!!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...78b8f69-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...41f5f3d-me.jpg

and it' off

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...a59bd23-me.jpg

Vintage Air lines secured and it looks so much better.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...55823d8-me.jpg

What does the ceramic coating on the wheels do? Easier to clean brake dust?
Car is coming along great.

Exactly and once I start driving the car I will keep you posted on how well it does.

On a side not I am going to have him do the wheels on my Cayman and I am also going to change the pads from race to street pads.

I had Budnik do that to a set of their wheels on my GTO, made cleaning them like doing a chrome wheel. No more polishing, stayed much cleaner than a normal aluminum wheel.

That is exactly what I am hoping for.

Optima Battery Charge Cord (( 09-04-23 ))
 

Since the Optima needs constant charging with all of the on & off I have done with the ignition I decided to add the charge plug back on.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ae21fee-me.jpg

Tape is on & off again

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8bb6002-me.jpg

Charge plug is back on.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e091db5-me.jpg

Time to remove the blue tape from the Anvil Inner Fender

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e730bdb-me.jpg

I had to remove the air filter so I could get the rest of the tape off.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...801c0ab-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bbb2539-me.jpg

I need to modify the little rubber things that go under the Anvil Radiator cover.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bafe817-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0e573bf-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6d8aa79-me.jpg

Ugh, the nutzert that I installed started spinning so I had to tighten it up again.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ad565db-me.jpg

Anvil Radiator cover installed and I can't wait to see the Anvil Core Support cover installed.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d0b2107-me.jpg

I needed to clean out the threads on the factory blind nuts

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...88adefb-me.jpg

Confirming that things are tight. (( 09-05-23 )0
 

I am finally going back and confirming everything is tight.

Steering Shaft U-Joints are tight !!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...847e063-me.jpg

Rear Suspension nuts are tight .

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dce2120-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...226d7cc-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d210807-me.jpg

Brake Line has finally stopped leaking

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6cec241-me.jpg

Billet Specialties Wheels are going back on (( 09-06-23 ))
 

Today is a big day as the car is starting to look like a complete car again.

GTO roller are coming off and know you can see the Kore3 brakes from Tobin.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d7940e6-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ee39fc8-me.jpg

I am happy that I can finally get these out of my way.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...de3ddc6-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...4891133-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ef1f29e-me.jpg

Fetish Cycles Mountain Bike (( 09-09-23 ))
 

As the car is getting closer I finally decided to put the bike together that is going on the side of the car.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5c5f271-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9559215-me.jpg

My buddy donated a set of very cool wheels for the bike.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7e86128-me.jpg

Still needs so stuff but it's starting to look like an old school bike.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...43700bd-me.jpg

Bad Ass Fender Cover finally coming off (( 09-09-23 ))
 

I decided to remove the Bad Ass Fender Cover just to see what the car looks like and possible drive it off the rack.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bf9b264-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f36783e-me.jpg

My temporary drivers seat.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5e988bd-me.jpg

First Engine bay photograph without tape, towels or the bad ass fender cover.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b109a74-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3e2d5bd-me.jpg

Holy cow, I just put the ramps on for the first time in years !!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d7be2c9-me.jpg

Well, the car did start but was running horribly most likely due to a very low battery.



http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...772a472-me.png

Looks like the valve covers are leaking.



Yep, Battery is very low.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7b2e2c6-me.jpg

and just a funny video to make me feel better.

CJ Kuster Doodle Art (( 09-09-23 ))
 

I have been following CJ Kuster for a couple years now and a couple weeks ago he asked if people would like their car ''Tooned''.

I jumped on the chance to have him do a sketch for me for many reasons.

Reason 1, He is really cool artist and I love the stuff he draws.

Reason 2, He is true car guy and will be using the money to modify his handicap equipped van.

Reason 3, This man has found a talent in himself the 99.9% of the world could never do.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0331df6-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0ae814d-me.jpg

I want you guys to look closely at the name of his studio. Yes it says "motormouth".

CJ is paralyzed artist and he draws and paints with a brush in his mouth.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...fd15f4f-me.jpg

Here is his story.

Please, please take the time to read it as his story is truly inspirational.

https://www.fox13news.com/news/tarpo...-him-paralyzed

His Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/cj.kuster.37/

How cool is that image! I'll be checking him out & hitting him up.

Great story, thanks for sharing.. You're not in Florida, are you?

Nope good old Illinois and we look to be about 3 hours apart.

First Set of Amazon Valve Covers (( 09-12-23 ))
 

Well, At least I tried.

Picked up some Valve Cover gaskets from the local Napa Store.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b613f61-me.jpg

Taking things apart again.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...eddd87b-me.jpg

These are very nice quality and unfortunately I can't use them as my coils won't bolt up. (they didn't list the coil spacing)

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...de25fe8-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3110586-me.jpg

Remy asked me to stop swearing

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ea756e5-me.jpg

On a side note anyone have an extra square nut for my inner fender where the hood hinges bolt in. Seems mine is gone.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b7ecc13-me.jpg

Kick Panel Close Out Drivers Side (( 09-12-23 ))
 

I am sure I said this before

The last 10% is takes up 90% of the time.

+++++ Missing Image - will add soon. +++++

I used the good old blue tape to make the pattern.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7dd1f27-me.jpg

Gently removed it and placed on a 20 point piece of chipboard. You can also see the inside pattern
which is what I traced while it was stuck to the kick panel.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...c0e5385-me.jpg

Since, it is easier to remove material I added more of the pattern which was a good thing.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6667e8a-me.jpg

First Test fitting.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0711f48-me.jpg

I traced it out on some thin sheet metal and made the first piece.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...10f5322-me.jpg

My main reference point is the wire clamp and it seems to fit really well.

Wow, One and Done !!!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ca71178-me.jpg

I marked the location where I felt it was safe to drill.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ce53a95-me.jpg

Drilling some holes and yes I am wearing my "Tap Cap" so when I am under the dash my bald head doesn't get
cut up from the dash brackets.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...029192d-me.jpg

Time to screw it in and make it look final.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...22dc436-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1ca21dc-me.jpg

Looks good.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...eeb8e86-me.jpg

My supervisor told me to watch my head as there is a bunch of sharp brackets under the dash.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...737f8cc-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e90bc2a-me.jpg

Time to paint !!

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...73919ba-me.jpg

Painted.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...43e8ea1-me.jpg

The patterns will be sent to Ron Wilson so it can draw it in CAD and send it out to anyone that needs it.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3d0d07e-me.jpg

Holley Dash Wire & Burn Out Switch (( 09-16-23 ))
 

So, I am still trying to figure out what the wire from the back of the Holley dash does and where I am going to put the Burn Out Switch.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dbf860b-me.jpg

Drivers Side Kick Panel (( 09-16-23 ))
 

Now that I finally finished the close out panel I need to finish the kick panel.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1e2286b-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bb9f34c-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5aa7e14-me.jpg

Door Pulls & Steering Box Nut (( 09-17-23 ))
 

I finally ordered the correct steering box nut.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...79d378e-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...0a08339-me.png

Finishing up the door pulls

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8bf400d-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...80dc1b7-me.jpg

The Star washers keep the screws from loosening when you pull on the strap.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d51fb92-me.jpg

and of course my supervisor is watching.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3926441-me.jpg

First Set of Valve Covers (( 09-21-23 ))
 

So, I ordered a set of LS Valve Covers from California Company's Amazon Store. Talk about a lack of quality control and the
lack of care in how they ship. Both valve covers were wrapped in the thinnest bubble wrap and of course they shipped them in a
giant box. This allowed the valve covers to bounce around in the box and get more damage then they had previously had. Yes, they
were previously damaged and they rattle canned them before shipping. I know this because the bubble wrap had fresh black paint on them.

Right now I will be removing the beautiful Carbon Valve Covers trying to isolate the leak issue.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9baee94-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8b215ed-me.jpg

I was very excited when I saw Amazon drop them on my front porch.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b53f1b7-me.png

Then I picked up the box and heard them move around in the box. Insert very sad face here.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6fded22-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...084df13-me.jpg

This is one of the 5 or 6 chips in the covers.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...a1aca4b-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3b24a68-me.jpg

I was just about to put them on when I noticed sand blasting media and aluminum shaving.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e7aa2ae-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...84564e8-me.jpg

I hate to bitch to sellers about things, but I would definitely let them know. That's ridiculous when the solution to shipping them without damage is so simple.

Wow are prices going on stainless steel hardware.
 

Picked up some Stainless Steel Nylock Nuts at Ace Hardware. Holy Crap are they expensive.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...aa1c757-me.jpg

and the washers aren't much cheaper.

ACE Hardware has to be the most expensive place to buy hardware

If you need the stuff that day then a local purchase is the only option. I keep a supply of the most common size bolts, screws, washer, and nuts in my shop, buy them from Mc Master Carr. Far cheaper than what you've been paying.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/nuts/

On the plus side though, Marty’s at the purchase level now where Ace provides free roadside service!

:G-Dub:

I agree 100% and it was right there.

Great Idea.

I need to confirm that but you might be right.

GM LSX Tall Valve Covers (( 09-23-23 ))
 

Good news the second set of Valve Covers arrived.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...65c8600-me.jpg

These are so much nicer then the last set.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5a56eda-me.jpg

Coils coming off again.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...171a021-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8b18608-me.jpg

Now this is how a valve cover should look.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...39e5288-me.jpg

Need to fix a loose blind nut.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...fd22dbc-me.jpg

I moved over the coil mounts from the Carbon Valve Covers.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...259660a-me.jpg

Torque to proper spec.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...4e0ba0a-me.jpg


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d1fe7e3-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...67854f0-me.jpg

Drivers Side

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9a06d47-me.jpg

Since I didn't show this on the Passenger Side I did put a little bit of oil on the hardware.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...edecbe5-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...18a0547-me.jpg

Sucks to have to cover up the LSX logo

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5309dfa-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...fb85e0f-me.jpg

Ugh, I missed a loose blind nut.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...76875d0-me.jpg

Need to redo this line.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...60ef3ad-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dde793c-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1a0cc29-me.jpg

Good News they don't leak.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...72e5ed2-me.jpg

Very nice work Marty!!

Awesome work Marty !
Cheers
Steve

Optima Battery has been discharged and recharged (( 09-24-23 ))
 

So the optima battery is back and it is fully charged. I dropped it off at my buddy's shop so he could use the big Optima
charger so it could be reconditioned and charged back up.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1424a41-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f6e7df1-me.jpg

I am getting tired of taking this battery in and out.

However, I am getting really good at it.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dbdc9f0-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...da6cf86-me.jpg

Dr EFI Andrew is in the house ''Virtually'' (( 09-29-23 ))
 

Well, Andrew is back in the house and it's a Friday.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f35a876-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...c1c83c1-me.jpg

Andrew was kind enough to log back into my car and tweak the tune just a little bit. He confirmed my PWM fan connection
to the Holley worked and we figured out that my thermostat wasn't opening.



We also assumed that there was still air in the cool heads and he sent me out to get the Funnel fill set up.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dac8a51-me.jpg

Swapping the Thermostat (( 09-30-23 ))
 

Back in the garage and plan to change out the thermostat.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...c7ee57e-me.jpg

please don't tell my wife.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5c2269d-me.jpg

Here we go again.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b93e056-me.jpg

So, as I was taking the Thermostat housing out one of the bolts fell directly behind the battery against the core support.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...2586c8c-me.jpg

Thank god the bolt was steel and I was able to fish it out from behind the battery with a magnet.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9f1b678-me.jpg

Housing is back on and I hope this works.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d486cb1-me.jpg

While I was there I finally put the cover on the positive terminal.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...17a6013-me.jpg

Back together again.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...78db60f-me.jpg

Off to the grocery store to get more distilled water.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...222d102-me.jpg

I also picked up some Windmill Cookie's

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...908d8ea-me.jpg

Picked up the Funnel Fill kit.

50 Dollars at Advanced Autoparts and the China Knock off is $20.00 on Amazon.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3792868-me.jpg

I can't believe how well this works.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...92ca3dd-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...108442e-me.jpg

Clock works

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9276aec-me.jpg

Calling it a night and heading to the trail to get a ride in.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...705aad2-me.jpg

I forget where I saw the funnel being used for the first time, but after I tried it, I was sold.

Andrew

I’m glad you’re making progress, Marty. It’s playing out like you said about the last 10%. Hopefully not much longer.

What PWM fan controller are you using?

He has the C6/Ford Fusion control box.

Andrew

This quote is so true

The last 10% is 90% of the work.

and tonight I am removing the starter trying to figure out where the leak is coming from.

Possible the crank position sensor.