Sneak peak at my 66 Cutlass

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

The runout was measured off a long 7/16 bolt in the crank flange. Pilot hole is not for the pilot bearing. Its to clear in the input shaft. There is an adapter bearing that slides into the large register and has a bearing in the center. I hear mixed revues about them. Some say they have lasted for years with one othes have said they lost on in less than 5000 miles. I don't have the time to remove the crank and have it machined for a factory bushing so this is the only way I can go for now. The 455 will be done right with a bushing.

Here is the adapter bearing. Thanks for taking interest in my project. Its nothing compared to a lot of builds around here but its being done on a very limited budget on what little night time and weekend time I can find.

Very nice! I was going to mention the "adapter" bearing, but wasn't sure if you were already using one.

Very nice project! I finally started working on mine again... maybe I'll even finish it while I am young enough to drive it! =-)

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[gearheads78]

Well guys it does not look like its going to happen. I am over the budget I gave myself and still short about $500.00 for some mis stuff I need to finish. I was fortunate enough to get myself out of dept last year and I refuse to go back in. In addition the powder coating taking an extra 8 days just threw off my already very tight schedule. I could just slam it together and still make it but I have come this far already I just don't want to cut any corners. My wife has been very understanding but my 2yo daughter is having I hard time with me comming straight home eating and going out to the garage every night for the last month so I need to spend some time with her.

I already have the time off for PT and some money set aside for the trip so I am going to supprise them both and spend a few days down in South TX at the beach.

On to project update........

When I went to assemble my rear E-brake assemblies I noticed I was missing two little pins. My guess is they fell through the screen when I had the harware cleaned up and zinc plated. The only way to get that pin is a 100.00 kit from GM.

I dicided to make them and it turned out pretty good. I borrowed one out of a friends Camaro to copy. I used 1/4" grade 8 bolts to make two new ones. I chucked the bolt up in a drill and ground off the head will a bench grinder while the drill was spinning to keep it uniform. I used a file while the drill was spinning to sneak up on the size. Then 180 sand paper and finally 400 emery cloth to polish the tips. My finished pieces are with in
.004 of the of what the factory ones are long. Few hours work was a whole lot better than $100.00 to get new ones.


After greasing up the front bearings and installing the hubs I slipped on the C6 rotors. I one side I could see a bad wobble. I put a dial indicator on it and it was .035 tolerence on the runout. I took that rotor to work to check it on a brake lathe and it was fine. Now I was thinking I had a bent hub so I but the indicator on it. Luckiy the problem was a high spot on the face of the hub. I few minutes with a hand file and it was level with the rest of the hub. Now the runout is only .004 on that side. Much better.



Only other thing I have done is finish the front suspension and steering. I ordered the wrong drag link. I did not know there were two different sizes. I ordered a 7/8 and need a 13/16. I thought to save time and $$ I cleaned up the original and installed it but it has a little play in one of the joints so its going to come back off. Now I need to oder a 13/16 link or find a pitman and idler for the 7/8 one.

The last thing I did Saturday was test fit a wheel to get an idea where to run the hard lines so the still clear the 9" wheels up front. I sure do like that last picture.

[ScotI]

Attaboy for thinkin' about the supportive spouse & your daughter. You've done alot in a short time so take the trip w/the family. The car & the rest of us will understand.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by ScotI

Attaboy for thinkin' about the supportive spouse & your daughter. You've done alot in a short time so take the trip w/the family. The car & the rest of us will understand.

I'm bummed but nothing I can do. Maybe next year the 455 will be done and I can have Power on Power Tour

Today was a bust. As far as the project. I spent the morning with my daughter and went outside mid day. I planned on building brake lines. After making one of the rear axle lines I went to flare the end. Just as the tool started to seat I heard a pop. The insert for the double flare broke :x


Only other thing I did was spend a few hours on the front calipers. I filed, sanded and smoothed all the machine marks and casting texture and flash. I can't wait to get these painted. They are one of my favorite things about the whole build.

[SteveMcqueenRules]

I reall like this build. It is how I would do it. Spend the money on the right things and on a budget.
Love the wheels and the calipers.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by SteveMcqueenRules

I reall like this build. It is how I would do it. Spend the money on the right things and on a budget.
Love the wheels and the calipers.

If you loved the wheels before what do you think now.

Waiting on a new hydraulic flare tool to do my brake lines. I did get the wheels painted and mounted the tires today. I can't wait to see the body down over these.

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

If you loved the wheels before what do you think now.

Waiting on a new hydraulic flare tool to do my brake lines. I did get the wheels painted and mounted the tires today. I can't wait to see the body down over these.

Dang those are sweet lookin'!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[SteveMcqueenRules]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

If you loved the wheels before what do you think now.

Waiting on a new hydraulic flare tool to do my brake lines. I did get the wheels painted and mounted the tires today. I can't wait to see the body down over these.

Those wheels look way better now! It is a classic design and the painted details emphasize this and give them more depth. Nice!