March 2006
Well after many years of languishing in the garage, I finally got back to work on the GS! There's still a lot of work to get done, but at least I'm getting something done!
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1) The old TCI Turbo 400 was rebuilt
2) A Hughes deep sump aluminum pan was added
3) A JW Racing 3000 rpm stall torque converter was purchased from TA Performance.
4) The front end was completely rebuilt. New ball joints, bushings, rotors, calipers and shocks.
5) All new brake lines and a new combination valve was installed
6) New rear axle brake lines, brakes and shocks were installed. The gas tank was removed to be replaced with a 1970 model.
7) TA Performance supplied the mandrel bent 3 inch exhaust system and Super Dyno Max mufflers.
8) Chevelle Classics supplied the new deck lid, which happens to be the same as the GS.
9 ) The engine and transmission have been put back where they belong!
10) The old chrome Kenne Bell headers were showing the effects of 20 years of use.
11) A trip to Jet Hot, where the headers were were stripped and sprayed with their Sterling Silver coating.
Summer 2006
Due to work and other plans, there wasn't a lot of progress on the GS the rest of the spring. I finally got back to working on the car this summer. The garage was 110 degrees mid day, so work goes a little slower!
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1) Finally got the 3 inch TA exhaust and Dynomax mufflers installed
2) The cleaned up fuel tank was hooked back up and placed between the tail pipes.
3) Newport Start n Charge supplied the high torque mini starter.
4) New Edelbrock regulator set up was installed on the 850 Holley carb.
5) RobbMc Performance supplied the high volume mechanical fuel pump.
6) I had bought a new firewall insulating pad many years ago and luckily found it dusty, but still boxed up in the attic!
7) The poor old original wiring harness had been cut and spliced so many times, it was time to dump it for a replacement.
8 & 9) Painless Wiring supplied one of their 18 circuit GM Musclecar harnesses. I didn't see the sense in using a stock replacement harness since I'd have to modify that for the complete MSD ignition, one wire alternator, Ford starter solenoid, Autometer gauges and an eventual after market A/C. The Painless set up makes it easy to incorporate the upgrades.
10) Here's the fuse block mounted inplace of the old fuse block. Having the entire dash and interior out makes it a lot easier.
11) Engine harness and headlight sections are pulled through the firewall and sorted. Painless? Well see.........
12) Got the MSD and remote solenoid wired up.
13) Newport Start & Charge also provided the 140 amp one-wire alternator
YES! After 11 1/2 years the Buick rumbles back to life! Not quite ready to hit the road, I have some tuning to do, but it is running. Click on the picture for a video of the start up!
When I bought marks GS and all the associated extra parts, this was one of the best scores! A new OEM core support from Buick. Mark bought this years ago, it's no longer available from GM. It had some surface rust, but just a quick sanding and some semi-gloss paint, it's ready to bolt on. Then I can hook up my old radiator for the time being. An aluminum one will be the permanent resident I can tune the motor without having to run it on a garden hose!
Dec. 2006 I picked up a new Ron Davis aluminum radiator from TA Performance. The radiator comes with a nice shroud that mounts 2 SPAL electric fans. The kit comes with the requisite relays and wiring for hook up. Hopefully this will make the GS streetable on those 110 degree Phoenix days!
The wiring is coming together. I still have some wiring to tie up under the dash, but I'll wait until the doors are back on and the rest of the wires are connected. I got the dash and dash pad remounted. I found some of the conical shaped clear lenses to go over the gauges. Greg Setter provided the reproduction dash wood grain decals.
Finally got the car moving uder it's own power. Here's the two pictures and a video (~14 meg) VIDEO
ON TO THE PAINTING,
CLICK HERE
