Just waiting!!

There she is … waiting for the next phase of the restoration.

Rear left side floor pan

This is a view of the rear left side floor pan … these areas of the floor pan are the lowest sections and are normally susceptible to settling moisture. If not coated correctly from the factory, they will eventually begin to rust. This area is paper-thin as well and will need to be replaced

Luck for me, my car was probably built right before quitting time and the factory workers were in a hurry.

Rear fight side floor pan

WHAT A MESS

This is a view of the rear right side floor pan … The picture does not tell the whole story here. The metal is so thin in this area; I can literally push my finger through the floor pan.

The factory black tar coating is the only reason the metal is not falling away. I will need to remove and replace this whole area.

Floor Pans

I removed the carpet and the original sound deadener ... WOW what a mess that was!
This is a view of the front passenger floor pan. Initially I thought there was just surface rust but upon a thorough inspection, I had several spots where the metal is very thin. There is one area where you can see the shop floor ... not good!

Firewall, heater box

Removed the heater housing and the heater core.
Car is very dirty! It has been so hot, the shop doors were open and the dust was all over everything

A view of the engine ... Just waiting to breathe

A view of the engine .. just waiting for the exhaust system and wire harness.

Another view of the steering column and the firewall

Another view of the steering column and the firewall. I removed the damaged clutch boot and retainer ring. As you can see … a lot of work ahead! Next week I will remove the “trash” wiring harness and replace with a Painless Wire Harness especially designed for a 69 Chevelle SS

A view of the steering column

A view of the steering column and the firewall. The steering column cover is the wrong type .. of course! Purchased the correct column plate on Ebay. Also ordered new sponge gasket, the clutch boot and clutch plate as well.

Whoever installed the wrong column plate created a hugh gap in the firewall. Idiot!

Great View under the front end

A view of the Moroso 7 quart oil pan. At first I was a little concerned with the clearance but looks good. Slightly below the skid plate. The Hedman Long Tube Headers were recoated and waiting for the Pypes 3" Exhaust System.

View of the High Performance motor mounts

Top View of Engine

Another view of the Engine

Anther View of the Engine!

Another View of the Engine

This BB 454 is almost ready for the dyno. Just a few more hours and she is ready too go!!

Engine in the BAY!

The Eagle has landed ... tough time mounting the drivers side motor mounts but all is well!

Heads

Two views of the heads and the top of the engine block …. While the engine is close to completion … I decided to rebuild the heads as well. Looks like most of the valves are original except for 1. Sometime ago, one of the valves needed to be replaced.

view of the engine bearings … WOW are they trashed!

A view of the engine bearings … WOW are they trashed!

The engine builder should resign! Most of the internal parts are new .. pistons, rods, cam, but all the bearings were severely scared. Obviously, the engine was assembled in a dirty environment.

Waiting for the POWER to arrive!

Another view - setting in the garage waiting for the engine

Waiting for the engine

Finally finished with most of the body assembly except for the "dog house". Waiting for the engine ... engine was in BAD shape!

Installing New Frame

Installing the new frame. We started in the rear insuring the body bushings were lining up and moving forward.

Damaged Frame

This is a view of the damaged frame.
As you can see, the only piece of metal holding the frame together is the strap of steel welded to the front. Sometime in the cars life, someone was looking to get killed.

Pulling Frame from the Body

03/13/2006
Finished pulling frame from the body

Frame Assembly

03/13/2006
This photo shows the removal of the old damaged frame from the body. You can see the new assembled frame all nice and pretty!! Me, I'm checking the damage portion of the old frame. WOW what a mess!

Engine

A view of the engine ready to be cleaned.

View parts on new frame

Here we see the radiator in place along with other parts waiting their turn to be installed

Front Body lower level

A view of the trans tunnel and fire wall

Front Body drivers side

A look at the front drivers side ...

Front Body

Finally pulled the dog house off and removed the engine.

Engine 454 cubic inches

This is a view of the engine prior to removing it from the engine bay

Different view of the rear end

Different view of the rear end ... brake lines attached. Waiting for the fuel tank!

Interior

Interior before body is lifted off the original frame

Engine

Picture of the engine before it is removed from the original frame.

Right front A frame top view

Right front A frame top view - Nice and clean!

Power Stering Unit

CLEAN - Power Stering Unit

Left front view of the suspension and disc brakes.

Left front view of the suspension and disc brakes.
Power stering unit .. nice and clean!

Right back view of the suspension and disc brakes.

Right back view of the suspension and disc brakes.

Right view of the suspension and disc brakes

02/18/2006
Right view of the suspension and disc brakes. All new parts except the rotors

Frame front

02/18/2006
Front end is finally finished.
New suspension ... look at the front G-Max Sway bar.
Look at the body with the tires placed in the wheel wells. Just having some fun!!

Body on old frame 3

The front and rear suspension is removed and body sitting on jacks

Body on old frame 2

 

Body on old frame

 

Old Frame Left Front