Prior to starting another Cubic $$$ project (65' Cuda Turbo 408) I rightfully so decided to take care of my neglected 69' that has been sitting out of site and mind in another garage. This (445 w/flowed Big Valve 906's/ 528 Hyd) was my 1st fast car and engine assembly build and to put the age of it into perspective, since I lived in So.Cal at the time. All of the Motor and Head Prep was performed at the now defunct DLI (Dick Landy Industries).I had started this reboot about three years ago replacing a fuel pump, rebuilding fuel lines, draining and cleaning a tank and got about half way thru the carb rebuild when my aging mom started requiring a lot of attention so there it sat. Mom left to be with the Angels July 4th of this year and I've been back in the swing of things for a couple of months now.
I finished the carb rebuild a couple of weeks ago and today got it up on jackstands, dropped the exhaust got that cleaned up and prepped for repaint (too windy to finish that today), shop vacked the arachnophobia like undercarriage, cleaned and organized the storage garage a bit (ALOT) and took inventory of what else was in need that I had forgotten about and of any new developments.
1) Well the radiator starting spitting coolant on the floor when I was jacking it up and I discovered it had some serious electrolysis going on so it's a likely candidate for the trash heap hopefully I can find another decent steel 4 core, if not a Griffin like Alum will fill its spot.
The old stuff I had forgotten was that though driveable the TF needed a rebuild, the 3000 stall converter's stator was history and that fkn old Chrome DC deep trans pan never ever ever, no matter how flat or what tightening sequence or combination or flavor of gasket was put on it was gonna fkn leak so it too may get replaced (WILL GET REPLACED).
* Observations I made as I was reintroducing myself to this former young mans build were that as I have gotten older, I am way more patient about getting it right and paying attention to detail. I'm no longer grooving to the 80's Pro Stock style Aero Scoop Fiberglass Hood and i've gotta do something to help the frontend support the beast within.
** My first trip ever down a Drag Strip was in this car at the long gone Orange County Raceway in Irvine, Ca. and the Tech Guy said I needed an Overflow Bottle....That freaking Liter Soda Bottle was found in the pits that day, zip-locked on and still holds freaking water...Not a Biodegradable object I suspect.
My Ol' lady don't give a Rat's Azz about Old Cars and I've gotta tell someone so I'll keep y'all informed whether ya like it or not..Ha Ha Ha!
Till next time---Peace Out!
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