Ever think a car hates you?

[camcojb]

Just got back from PA, spent a couple weeks helping my best friend with his 69 Nova SS. The car was featured here earlier, but like most things continues to evolve.

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showpos...98&postcount=1





Ended up with engine issues from a prior builder, so he got the short block repaired and assembled and I flew out to finish the engine and get the car back together.

From day one everything fought us. I have a LOT more patience when working on other peoples car than on my own so I tried to keep things on track and in a positive direction. But I will admit it was not easy at times... It was a one step forward, two steps back deal.

We pull the new Wilwood brake master off for a CPP hydroboost install, the master is leaking and needs a rebuild. The Hydraulic t/o bearing was fine when removed, and immediately springs a leak AFTER we fully install the trans and exhaust. Complicating things even more, my buddy lives in a small town so nearly everything aftermarket means a day or two to get it. Of course this happens two days before I have to fly home. Rocker arms that were clearanced for a couple valve cover issues and cleared before taking the engine apart, and one needs a lot more clearancing on reassembly. Nothing changed, same everything and we we even swapped sides on the rockers to see if that would work, but the altered rocker wouldn't clear on either side now. There were several things like this throughout the project. Got the car back together with no time to tune and it now has another ignition or related issue, but I had to go. Hopefully we can figure it out over the phone, the car will be a blast to drive.

I know we all have issues, bolt on parts that don't fit without being modified, gremlins, etc. Been playing with cars for over 50 years, but this is the most challenging project I've had, complicated by a two week limit to complete it. What is yours?