63 Biscayne

[renegade6]

Let me try this again.

I've been gone so much with work trips I haven't had time to post an update. I didn't think I accomplished much until I started looking at all of the pictures. I would have had it in primer sooner but, until recently, it's been too cold to put any paint down.

For this update I've done the following:

-With some help, built the center console out of household foam insulation and laid it up in fiberglass. I don't have a final picture but, should have one soon. Because of the size of the planned head unit, I had to make a spot in the tunnel for the radio to fit in.

-Installed the front bracket for the AC condenser.

-When I finally put the transmission in, I saw a few problems. The cross-member didn't go back far enough for the 6L80E to fit in so, I had to move the cross member back, weld some nuts to the frame and put some pass thrus in the cross-member for the exhaust. I really appreciate Dale Schwart's help with figuring this out.

-I took it off of the frame for the last time so I can get the frame powder coated. Additionally, I started laying out the brake lines. Once I get them installed I'll drop the body on the frame for hopefully the last time. If anyone is interested in an Auto Twirler rotisserie, PM me. I expect that it will be up for sale in the next two or three weeks.

-Installed front and rear seat belt mounts.

-Also,I seam sealed everything under the car and put SPI bedliner underneath the body to act as the undercoating. One thing I wish I would have done differently is use some black primer. I ended up using just shy of three gallons to coat the entire bottom of the car!

-Last accomplishment was getting it covered in epoxy primer. I still need to prime the trunk lid and one door but, I should be able to knock that out soon. I need to get everything covered before I have to move in six weeks. I would hate to get more rust on it than it already had.

[renegade6]

More pictures

[slamdimpala]

It's looking good!!

[renegade6]

Thanks!

[renegade6]

I haven't done much since the last update. I did manage to seam seal everything on the inside as well as putting some 3M expanding foam in some of the areas where I might get some vibration. Some of you may think, that foam will only rust but, it is an automotive grade. If any of you do this, it expands about 10X the original volume.

Because I wanted to sell my rotisserie before I moved I went ahead and put the brake lines on it. This was my first experience with NiCop (cuniform) and it was much easier to work with than stainless. I did have to make a couple of modifications on the top of the frame rail and I used studs to hold on the clamps but, nothing too difficult.

The biggest news is that I found my final engine for this. A 2012 L77 (Caprice PPV engine, the multi-fuel version of the G8 engine) with only 18,000 miles and most of the accessories.

It's together for the time being, just enough so I can trailer it to the new house.

[renegade6]

I figured I had better post an update. Since the last one, I've moved to Texas and occupied a new shop. I wish I was staying as this shop is fantastic. Unfortunately, I'll only be here a couple of years. The one thing I don't like about it is the cottonmouth on the toilet...

Nothing really dramatic other than the body work is just about finished!!! Additionally, I received my fiberglass hood from VFN

The majority of the metal work and filler is done and hopefully next weekend I can shoot the high build and block it out. Then it's on to the engine to get it running. As far as the engine goes, I received my cam from EPS along with pushrods, springs, retainers, etc. Here's the Specs for the cam:

222/226 .604”/.604” 113 LSA +2 advance

My goal is to have it running by the spring and then finish up the paint and go from there.

I'm just glad the body work is just about done. I can do it but, I'm not quick at it and there are a lot of things I would rather be doing. Fortunately, I've had some help from someone far better at it than I.

One last tidbit is that I modified Chevy HHR lights to work in place of the stock Biscayne/Impala taillights.

Now, on to the pictures:

[WSSix]

Looks like you've got lots of room to work with at the new place. Best of luck on the continued progress.

[renegade6]

I finally was able to spray high build (Featherfill G2). There are a few spots that will end up needing some more filler but, so far it looks pretty straight. Still have to fit up the VFN fiberglass hood but, the body work is getting closer.

Once it is blocked and shot with 2K, I will work on getting it running. My intent is to do all of the final cutting, drilling, etc and not have to worry about scratching paint in the process. I did that on my last project and it was a good lesson learned.

[waynieZ]

Everything you did looks great, nice work.

[Winmon]

Looking great! Nice shop too....