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-   -   Introducing Project Sabre, 1971 Cutlass S Pro-Touring car (https://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=34115)

BulldawgMuscle 10-26-2011 04:24 PM

Introducing Project Sabre, 1971 Cutlass S Pro-Touring car
 
1 Attachment(s)
We're just getting started on "Project Sabre", a '71 Cutlass S being built for/in conjunction with Sparky at RnD Fabrication. In Sparky's own words:

We wanted to take a moment to introduce our future shop car and Autocross machine, called Project Sabre. The base of the project is a 1970-72 Oldsmobile Cutlass 'S'. We will be swapping in LS motor, manual transmission, chassis upgrades, custom brakes, Rushforth Wheels along with a slew of other killer upgrades.

The goals for this project are a platform to display our products in use, that we can also use competitively at the autocross tracks. But the main goal for this project is to build a very streetable and usable Pro-Touring Muscle Car that anyone can replicate with a little planning and elbow grease. This will not be an overpowered, overpriced car that spends all of its time at shows and on trailers. It is meant to be driven, and driven hard!

There are quite a few great folks involved with this build, including Bulldawg Musclecars, Jason Rushforth and others. We will be documenting the entire build from start to finish, so that everyone can see exactly what we used and why.

You can see our project site and updates here:
www.projectsabre.com

BulldawgMuscle 10-26-2011 04:25 PM

Project Sabre is underway! Here are a few shots of it the day it arrived at the shop.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/047.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/046.jpg

She's pimpin' with that white interior!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/045.jpg

The "Rocket" 350, now gone to a new home in an '87 4-4-2

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/044.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/043.jpg

As Sparky mentioned, this build is intended to show that it isn't necessary to have an air-to-water intercooled American Express Black card to have a nice Pro Touring car. If you're looking for the latest widget machined from billet unobtanium, you're probably not going to find it here. We are using off the shelf parts, and in some cases parts that will soon be released to the general public. We will also be using some used parts, where deemed safe and reliable enough. For less than the cost of a new crate motor, we will have a 400+ engine with a 6 speed manual transmission and a rear end that will take anything we throw at it. Make no mistake, while this car is being built to the highest standards, it is being built with a realistic budget in mind.

killer67 10-26-2011 09:24 PM

Nice project Joe! Headlights and grill are nicest 3rd gen. Underrated A body IMO

BulldawgMuscle 10-27-2011 06:24 AM

Thanks Fernando! We're in the parts acquisition/mock up stage right now, but we have a pretty tight schedule for the build so its going to have to move pretty quickly.

From Sparky:

Throughout the build, we are going to update what we've spent on various parts. We want this build to be able to be replicated, so the prices we pay will be what are available all over, rather than just a one-in-a-million deal that no one will ever find again. We will also list the parts we use on Sabre, as well as the companies / locations where we purchase them. The best part will be early next year starting to run Sabre on courses and proving that this project not only works, but will take repeated floggings.

Safety though will be of top importance. Brakes, suspension, belts, and other items are being chosen for safety AND performance, not just because they look neat.

Here we are getting started on the teardown:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...lecars/002.jpg

The 350 removed. The firewall and undercarriage are in surprisingly good shape. I'm used to doing tons of rust repair, but there will be very little of that here. Even the factory red oxide primer is visible on the bottom of the firewall.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1419.jpg

Somewhere underneath all that wiring and ugliness is an iron block 6.0 LQ4. We'll take care of that.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1417.jpg

The seller of this T56 failed to mention it was painted flourescent snot green...that is going to be fun to strip off.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1418.jpg

BulldawgMuscle 10-27-2011 07:00 AM

The truck oil pan isn't going to work with the BRP/Musclerods mounts (or anybody's, for that matter), so Sparky ordered the GMPP Musclecar Pan Kit, PN 19212593. This came from our own Jeff Tate at Day's Chevrolet.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1422.jpg

The Cutlass had an automatic, so a set of pedals was ordered.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1421.jpg

The stock steering wheel has to go. In its place, this one from Momo.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_1420.jpg

SparkyRnD 10-29-2011 12:31 PM

I can't wait to see the motor and transmission mocked up!

BulldawgMuscle 11-01-2011 10:29 AM

Here are a few pics of the engine, a 6.0 litre LQ4 from an '03 Chevy van. You can tell this isn't a passenger car engine, since it has a mechanical fan, "tall" accessory brackets, and the tall truck-style intake. Plus, it has an iron block. In this pic, I have just removed the intake, and you can see all the accumulated nastiness underneath. A shop vac and a wire brush made quick work of it, though.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0001.jpg

The coolant tubes are pretty rusty, too...that'll need to be replaced.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0002.jpg

The fan, which will be replaced with dual electrics, from RnD Fabrication, of course.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0005.jpg

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The original truck-style oil pan.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0009.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0011.jpg

And removed...

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0012.jpg

The old windage tray and pickup:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0014.jpg

The new...

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0015.jpg

BulldawgMuscle 11-01-2011 10:29 AM

GMPP Musclecar Pan Kit Installed (minus the dipstick and tube; this is just mockup)

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0016.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0017.jpg

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If you're using a T56 with an engine that had an auto, don't forget the pilot bearing:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0019.jpg

Clutch assembly installed

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0020.jpg

BRP/Musclerods Motor Mount installed

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0022.jpg

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BulldawgMuscle 11-01-2011 10:31 AM

The mounts bolt up to the same ones as the original Olds mounts; no drilling required. I hit the holes with a little silver spray paint for clarity.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0025.jpg

One of the original mounts

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0026.jpg

This shot gives a better idea where the engine mounts up:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0027.jpg

Mocked up (trans isn't in place yet)

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0028.jpg

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The last shot shows my trusty TPIS "Happy Hooker"...its an older one, but we drilled it for LS engines as well as several extra carb patterns.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0031.jpg

The old gas tank is also out, but no pics of that yet.

BulldawgMuscle 11-02-2011 03:28 PM

When I saw that Sabre had a vinyl top, I initially cringed...the rust under a vinyl top is usually pretty bad, with lots of pitting in the metal. This one is in very good shape, considering...at least on the driver's side.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0036.jpg

The passenger side wasn't quite so good. There was evidence of rust under the bottom molding, and a couple of small holes in the metal. This isn't really that bad, though, and will be easily fixed with a fabricated patch. This is the worst part of the whole car.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0037.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0038.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0039.jpg

The previous owner's nickname, apparently...

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0040.jpg

We'll be filling the hole in the firewall with a fabricated panel, and adding Vintage Air.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0042.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0043.jpg

In sort of an odd coincidence, I worked for Lewis Welch Olds briefly in the early '90s.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0041.jpg

BulldawgMuscle 11-04-2011 11:32 AM

Today we stripped off the rest of the vinyl top, and the moldings for the front and rear windshield, as well as the drip rail moldings, rocker moldings, and a few other pieces.

The rust in the passenger side sail panel, after a little grinding. We'll make a patch for this. The top overall looks very good, considering it had a vinyl top on it.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0056.jpg

Rear window trim removed. The channels look good, with just a little surface rust.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0057.jpg

Badges? We don't need no stinking badges...

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0058.jpg

We took off the Olds trim panel while we were at it...not sure if its going back on at this point, or if we'll be filling the holes.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0059.jpg

Vinyl top removed

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0060.jpg

Bodyside moldings removed. These holes will be welded up.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0061.jpg

We discovered this as we pulled the rocker molding...rust in the bottom of the fender. No biggee, we'll patch it.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0062.jpg

This pile of rust fell out when the rocker molding came off:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0063.jpg

Windshield trim removed. The channels are in good shape.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0065.jpg

There is a little rust in the top of the dash, under the windshield.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0066.jpg

A little more rust under the wide cowl trim, but this is just surface rust.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0067.jpg

cencalc6 11-04-2011 12:03 PM

Great Progress :thumbsup:

BulldawgMuscle 11-04-2011 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cencalc6 (Post 376850)
Great Progress :thumbsup:

Thanks! We're a small shop, with several projects going, but we're making pretty quick work of this one. Fortunately, its a very clean starting point (for GA standards at least), so that is going to make things much faster than we are used to. It seems like nearly every car that comes in needs floors, quarters, etc...this one just needs a few minor patches.

SparkyRnD 11-05-2011 06:28 AM

We were very fortunate to not only find a low-rust original car, but also lucky that no one bought it before we did. That is a benefit of finding a car an hour outside of the city is that most people don't want to travel to the middle of nowhere to buy a car from a redneck (thankfully we do!).

We are also very fortunate to have a shop like Bulldawg in our backyard. I have seen quite a few projects come out of their shop and have been very impressed. That is why we chose them for our projects. I keep thinking after this one is done, we need to build a C10 shop truck!

BulldawgMuscle 11-23-2011 07:27 AM

The factory Rally wheels that came with the car sold a couple days ago ($150 back in the budget), and we have gone further with the teardown. Since the last update, we acquired an LS1 intake and rails, a new clutch master cylinder and fittings, and a new throwout bearing.

Clark and Curt are heading up the teardown today, and have the steering collumn, brake booster/mc, and the rest of the A/C system out, along with the dash.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0118.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0120.jpg

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Some of the rat's nest of wiring removed under the hood:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0122.jpg

Both doors stripped

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0117.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0119.jpg

BulldawgMuscle 11-23-2011 07:28 AM

More progress...the rearend is now out!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0128.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0127.jpg

More engine compartment disassembly. The stuff caked on the frame appears to be concrete! Someone apparently couldn't resist driving through a fresh sidewalk at some point.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0129.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0130.jpg

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BulldawgMuscle 11-23-2011 07:29 AM

BTW, you A-body and Olds fans should watch out for our next, as-yet-unnamed project. Its a '65 Cutlass, on the way here later this week from Kileen, Texas! Plans include a 525hp LS3 crate, updated suspension, and a ton of other upgrades. This shop is rapidly turning into A and G body central!

BulldawgMuscle 11-23-2011 08:21 AM

This was a nice find under the carpet...the build sheet!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0137.jpg

Built in Arlington, Texas.

BulldawgMuscle 11-29-2011 09:30 AM

Curt got the T56 mocked up and we started the part that I had been dreading a bit...cutting the transmision tunnel. Its not that big a deal, but the dread comes from cutting perfect factory sheetmetal!
A T56 is a huge transmission, and the tranny tunnel in the Olds is unbelievably small. One would think any car that came with an optional TH400 would have plenty of tunnel clearance, but not in this case. BRP has complete instructions on where the cuts need to be made, to essentially "stretch" the tunnel to fit. A filler piece will be needed right in the center, and it'll take a little extra work in the shifter area, but nothing too difficult. I'll get some more pics as we start modifying the tunnel.

I had planned to take the entire weekend off (unheard of around here!), but decided to come in this afternoon and take care of a few things. Sundays can be the best time to get stuff done, with no interruptions. I welded up several trim holes, including the ones for the vinyl top trim and the decklid trim, and then cut out the rust damage on the passenger side quarter panel. I made a patch out of 16 gauge cold rolled steel (same gauge as factory, in this area), and began tacking it into place.

BulldawgMuscle 11-29-2011 09:31 AM

As expected, Fed Ex brought us an early Christmas today! Many hanks to Bret Voelkel and his crew at RideTech!
Sabre will be receiving RideTech's front and rear StrongArms, along with single adjustable front and rear CoilOvers, 2" drop spindles, front and rear MuscleBar sway bars, and billet Tie Rod Adjusters.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0138.jpg

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http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0145.jpg

The pictures don't do these parts justice...they look too good to put under a car! Its obvious that the people at RideTech really care about what they are doing, just by looking at the quality of the finishes, the welding, and the supplied hardware. Even the packaging is top notch! Everything was securely wrapped in black foam, so nothing could get scratched.

BulldawgMuscle 11-29-2011 09:31 AM

Sparky came by a little while ago with more goodies...from Comp Cams! This should really wake up the 6.0.


http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0146.jpg

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BulldawgMuscle 11-29-2011 09:32 AM

From Sparky:

I've always been impressed with RideTech's quality, but lately I've had the chance to spend a good bit of time on the phone with them deciding what kit and components would be best for the car, the budget and my goals. I can't say enough about them, they will continue to get my business without a doubt.

We should have quite a few more goodies arriving over the next week or two, including the rear differential cover with girdle, wiring harness, headlights with built-in signals, exhaust components and more.

SparkyRnD 12-06-2011 03:10 PM

Here are the completed renderings, thanks again to Jason Rushforth!!!!



SparkyRnD 01-05-2012 05:52 PM

Here are a few updates from one of our other, more current build threads:


The front suspension is now gone:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0174.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0175.jpg

Welding up trim holes

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0176.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0177.jpg

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RnD Fabrication's prototype fuel cell:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0179.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0180.jpg

Once we check fitment, this one will get DA sanded down to remove any scratches, and then probably a brushed finish.

Here is the new wiring harness from EZ-Wire:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0178.jpg

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

Update time! First, a few pics of the Kwik Performance accessory brackets. I have used these on other projects, and they work great, are relatively inexpensive compared to other "new" alternatives, and look good. Plus, in our case, they allow the use of the truck style water pump and hub, but with a Corvette-style layout.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0237.jpg

Next up is the Vintage Air Gen IV kit, made specifically for the '70-'72 Cutlass. This is a new item...so new, in fact, that the new control panel wasn't available yet, so the great people at Vintage Air converted our stock one! We have converted Chevelle-based kits for use on BOP cars in the past, but Vintage will make this one easy on us.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0240.jpg

The stuff in the bag is from our original control panel, which Vintage Air sent back to us. Notice the nice braided covering on the wiring; this is straight out of the box! We must use the same supplier on wire loom, since I use the exact same stuff in my shop.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0241.jpg

The Sanden compressor and hose kit

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0238.jpg

Condensor, drier, and lines. The condensor came with nice custom brackets for mounting in the stock location.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0239.jpg

Vent hose and a few other misc kit items

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0243.jpg

The evaporator unit itself...still wrapped up for protection, since it won't be permanently installed til the car is painted

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0244.jpg

They even sent a banner, which Sparky and I will probably be fighting over!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0242.jpg

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

SparkyRnD 01-05-2012 05:55 PM

The transmission tunnel is almost done! According to BRP, the tunnel can just be stretched a bit, by cutting it down the middle and adding a piece, but we went a different route and are fabbing up a whole new tunnel.

The tunnel is in, but not fully welded at this point. Obviously, we still need to cut a hole for the shifter!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0245.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0246.jpg

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

We're running a little behind, but we have several goals for the week. First, we will be setting up the control arm brackets on the new reared housing (more on that later), and mocking up the RideTech suspension so we can measure for the new Rushforth wheels. We'll also mock up the new steering box and Hydroboost, pull the engine and trans, and finish weld the trans tunnel and possibly the marker lights. By the end of the week, I hope to be installing the new Comp Cams goodies, and getting started on the engine and transmission detailing.

The meeting with the upholsterer went very well. We spent an hour and a half going over the project, the intended use and desired effect, budget and tossed around ideas. At the end of the meeting, we had nailed down a rough concept of where we wanted to go and he is going to finalize a quote and time frame over the next few days. We are going to keep the interior clean and simple, and affordable (key to our whole build theme). If we can come in at or under budget, I think we will have a winner. He is also a small local business with nationwide ambitions, which I like to promote. Hopefully we can get the deal knocked out in short order.


The polished LS stainless steel bolt kit finally arrived, and we are still waiting on the ARP head stud kit (found out after ordering for the second time that ARP has them on back order, and they won't ship until 1/9/12). Hopefully though we will have them 2-3 days later and can start the cam swap and get the motor ready for clean up. Harness and ECM should also be back late next week, possible early the following.

SparkyRnD 01-05-2012 05:56 PM

Where did the marker light go?

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0306.jpg

Jeremy fitting a patch panel for the quarter.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0307.jpg

Vinyl top trim holes filled

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0308.jpg

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SparkyRnD 01-10-2012 08:44 PM

Got an update on the ARP head studs, looks like they are delayed again (3rd time now). So rather than ship yesterday, they are 'set to ship' by Friday.

SparkyRnD 02-01-2012 07:54 PM

Here are a few updates on the build so far:


SparkyRnD 02-01-2012 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulldawgMusclecars (Post 876126)
Making some progress today. I started tearing into the 6.0 for the cam swap. The oil pan, timing cover, and oil pump (mounts to the front around the crank hub) have been removed at this point.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0790.jpg

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The cam card.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0798.jpg

I had the hubs turned down today to fit the rotors (drum brake hubs left over from a '67 Camaro disc swap), and Curt got the brakes bolted up with the new KORE3 brackets, GM abutments, and a new C6 J52 (Z51) brake rotor and remanufactured C5 Corvette caliper, both from our local O'Reilly Auto Parts. This is just a mockup, so note the pads aren't installed.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0799.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0800.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_0801.jpg

They also got about half the valve springs, retainers, locks and seals changed out, and will get the rest knocked out in the morning, and install the new lifters and re-seal the heads. While they're off, the guys at BullDawg will get the heads cleaned up and looking good, and get the block cleaned up and primed. After color selections are finalized, the block will get painted to match and start reassembly.

SparkyRnD 02-02-2012 07:02 AM

Looks like our shift knob for the T56 transmission in Project Sabre is ready!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...14223428_n.jpg

Hulley 02-02-2012 09:06 AM

I cant wait to see how this progresses. The first car I bought (16 yrs old) was a 72' Cutlass, same color with a Rocket 350. I loved that car, I ran across it a few years ago at a Year One, inc car show and I wished I bought it. The current owner was selling it and it was in great shape. I had a 68' Chevelle at the time so no room for 2 cars. That was 23 yrs ago and damn I feel a little old.

SparkyRnD 02-10-2012 04:09 PM

that's always tough. Maybe one day you'll cross paths with it again and can pick it back up.

SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:19 AM

Sorry for the lack of updates over the last few months. Here are updates from back in February to now to bring things up to date:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulldawgMusclecars (Post 886919)


SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:22 AM

Before the body was stripped, and a mock up with the old wheels and tires to check the stance

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulldawgMusclecars (Post 887282)
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1003.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1002.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1001.jpg

I love that its tucking the front tire, and the engine and trans aren't in the car yet!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1004.jpg

Crossmember is a little low, but we aren't going to be jumping speedbumps in this car anyway.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1005.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1006.jpg

Plenty of room for a nice meaty wheel and tire combo...I can get my fist in there with the 15x8 Cragars reinstalled.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1009.jpg

I can still get two fingers in at the front

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1010.jpg

The 8.8 installed for the first time...fits like a glove!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1008.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1011.jpg


SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:23 AM

A few better shots of the stance with the old wheels:

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/x...re-Ground1.jpg
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/x...re-Ground2.jpg
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/x...re-Ground3.jpg[/QUOTE]

SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:24 AM

The body is off!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1029.jpg

Talk about clean floorpans...that isn't rust, its red oxide primer, and it looks fresh! This is by far the cleanest starting point we have ever worked with in the shop.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1030.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1031.jpg

Jeremy finishing the welds on the pass-through for the passenger side (frame is upside down).

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1032.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1033.jpg



I ordered the tires through Discount Tire. I ordered Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110's based on their reviews, ratings, knowing a few people that have used them, and the price point. I got DT to price-match Summit Racing's prices (killer deal), and after it was all said and done, it saved another $300 over what I was going to pay. Thankfully, that money is now needed for some other parts that we didn't put in the budget, that are now required.

I also went to our upholsterer's new shop and looked at leather samples, and I think we've nailed down the color for the interior. It's definitely coming along, and I always forget how busy / hectic things get around the last half of a build!

SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:26 AM

A few more pics. The body is getting close to ready for priming, but we're going to have to do some minor blasting here and there beforehand...and its raining here now, and will be tomorrow, so the plan is to come in on Sunday to knock out the blasting and priming.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1082.jpg

Jose working on the roof.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1083.jpg

DA sanded in 80 grit in preparation for priming

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1084.jpg

Stripping the old undercoating from the wheel wells. I have never seen it come off so easily...no heat, just scraping.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1085.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1086.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1087.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1088.jpg

alfierro 04-18-2012 06:26 AM

Fan of the cutlass
 
I am a huge fan of the cutlass a body cars. Your project looks like it will be loads of fun. I am finishing up my 1970 442 vert now. Good Luck and keep the posts coming.

SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:26 AM

The hood modifications...basically, the old lower skin was cut away where the louvered panels bolted up. New tabs are being made for one side, since the panel attached to holes drilled in the old panel. The whole opening is being boxed in, so that full strength is retained. Its actually stronger than before.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1092.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1093.jpg

The shell, before going over it a final time in some areas with 80 grit.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1094.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1095.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1096.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1097.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1098.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1100.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1099.jpg

SparkyRnD 04-18-2012 06:27 AM

I thought I had a few pics of the car in bare epoxy, but I don't. Here are a few shots taken today, after the bodywork has been started.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1137.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1136.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1135.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1134.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1133.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1132.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1131.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1130.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1129.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...e/IMG_1128.jpg


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