1968 build thread

[JasonBachus68]

Hope this is the right place to start this thread. This build will take me awhile to finish and I will have tons of questions. 35243525


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[JasonBachus68]

I am currently taking everything off the car so I can get the frame out from under it. 3526


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[Ms Grumpy]

Jason there is a lot of knowledge here. And nice people too. Many of us have been where you are and will do our best to help you along.

[shadowgray396]

Let the fun begin. Been there and done that. Took 7 years for me before I drove it again.

[JasonBachus68]

Thanks guys. So, what should my order of operations be? As I said earlier I have been stripping everything off of it.


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[carpoor]

Save everything, tag and bag it all.

[JasonBachus68]

Where is the best place to get a body bushing kit? Any that I should stay away from?

[Quadracer392]

I'm currently doing the same thing but I started on it a bit over year ago. Like carpoor said, ziplock is your friend, bag and tag EVERYTHING!!! Also, take as many pictures as you can! If your taking the body off the frame. I would start with striping the frame down and cleaning (sandblasting) and painting the frame and replacing the suspension the bushings unless your upgrade components.

[Quadracer392]

Where is the best place to get a body bushing kit? Any that I should stay away from?

I can't say anything for other brands but I pretty sure I got mine from Ground Up and they seem to be pretty good quality and they came with new bolts.

[chevymaher]

I got my body bushings from Energy suspension. Same time I got my A-Arm and 4 link stuff.

[shadowgray396]

Almost all vendors sell all the same stuff. I went with a local vendors, built a repor with them. Save on shipping and could return things when they were not correct. I have purchased from Ground up also. Always get the persons name who helps you, that way you have a contact.

[JasonBachus68]

How many bolts hold the body to the frame. I found and removed 6. 2 behind each rear wheel and 2 at the front corners.


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[chevymaher]

My 68 has 8 not counting the 2 on the core support. 2 By the rear bumper area. 2 behind the rear wheels. 2 in front of the rear wheels 6 inches or so away. And 2 in the front cab area.

[Quadracer392]

On mine, just the body itself I had 12 bolts, 6 pair. Two pair behind the rear axle. One pair above the rear axle, one pair in front of the axle, one pair in the middle of the body and one pair in where the fenders meet the body. I have about 500 pictures from my build so far in the photobucket link in my signature if you need to reference anything.

You should be able to see the holes in these two pictures that are about 1.5 inches in diameter where the bushing should be at. On some cars the one right behind the crossmember is just a bushing without a bolt in it.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q6/quadracer392/70%20Chevelle/IMG_20140813_171625290_HDR_zpslqtz8fsv.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/quadracer392/media/70%20Chevelle/IMG_20140813_171625290_HDR_zpslqtz8fsv.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q6/quadracer392/70%20Chevelle/IMG_20140813_171615034_zpsg3m3vj6g-1.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/quadracer392/media/70%20Chevelle/IMG_20140813_171615034_zpsg3m3vj6g-1.jpg.html)

[JasonBachus68]

Awesome. Thanks guys.


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[chevymaher]

Yep I went down and looked last night and I missed a couple.

[JasonBachus68]

3531353235333534


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[Ms Grumpy]

Justin you have some great pictures from your build.

[JasonBachus68]

A little progress. 3535


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[Quadracer392]

Thanks Nancy

Jason looks like you've got a pretty good start! Mine was sitting like that not to long ago. A word of caution if I may, the block you are using to hold the car up are very weak in the center where the board is laying, they are much stronger if you were to turn them 90° so the board is laying on the two tips sticking up and even stronger when laying flat if you had enough block. My grandpa, dad, and uncles were all brick masons and I've been around it my whole life. I'd just hate to see one of the block give and hurt you or your car.

[JasonBachus68]

Thanks for the heads up. I will address the block issue in the morning as I am also going to use a strap system from the trusses for extra safety.


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[shadowgray396]

Looks all to familiar. Brings back so many memories. Just remember your trusses most likely won't hold the weight either with out an extra brace to the floor.

[JasonBachus68]

3536a little extra safety.


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[JasonBachus68]

Quick question, I would like to have a modern drive train as i want this to be my everyday driver eventually. So I would like decent gas mileage and I don't plan on racing anybody. A friend of mine suggested getting a wrecked late model camaro for a donor car. Any one attempted anything like that before. Could I use braking systems, radiator, engine, trans, ect...

[carpoor]

A cheap, powerful candidate would be a 4.8 or 5.3 and transmission from a 99'+ GM truck. An engine and transmission from a "sports car" tends to command a higher price and requires premium fuel.

Just my $0.10

[shadowgray396]

You will need to learn more about tall and short spindles. Here a link that Derek wrote up on here about disc brakes.

http://chevelleforum.org/showthread.php?t=18

Tall and short spindles

http://chevelleforum.org/showthread.php?t=519

[JasonBachus68]

Picked up some car dollys this afternoon. Hope to get the frame out from under it in the morning.


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[JasonBachus68]

Frame is out, but sadly I figured out my pressure washer pump is cracked. Time to hit up a buddy. 3544


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[shadowgray396]

First thing I did also.

[carpoor]

I pressure washed the frame for the 72' LeMans, absolutely saved me a ton of time. I remember the days of using a scraper and wire brush... Ugh.

Great progress Jason.

[JasonBachus68]

Someone close to me has some 71 chevelle discs, calipers, pads, rotors and brake lines for $60. Will these work for my front disc conversion? Is it a good deal?http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_l3tS5WOT93Z_600x450.jpg



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[shadowgray396]

Need the spindles if you have drum brakes or you have to modify the old spindles. $60 is a very good deal

[JasonBachus68]

I got the brakes. 3548


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[shadowgray396]

Great buy if you got that for $60. Around here that's between $200 to $250 for that set up.

[flash]

That was a great deal ,you did good .

[JasonBachus68]

Anybody ever turned their car on its side to do underbody work? I've seen some mattress and old tire methods on the web.


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[shadowgray396]

I borrowed a Car Rotisserie to do mine.

[chevymaher]

I used a lift. I don't think I would be laying weight on the side of the car. I think buy some real big jack stands and use a creeper.

[JasonBachus68]

How does one tackle this issue?http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/19/e63dfa1afadeeee2ae41bdc14989efd1.jpg


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[JasonBachus68]

Also in backhttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/19/b448e7041dec1d203486b8d35003a901.jpg


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[chevymaher]

I cut up a extra hood for metal, and got very cozy with a mig welder a long time. Weld and grind. I actually used that hood for most of my rust repairs.

When you get that far I got a part number for some awsome pop rivets. They are the chrome studs.

[Quadracer392]

Jason, I just had to fix the rust around the back glass like you have couple of months ago on my car. On my build page in the link you can see how I cut it out and welded it back in to give you a sort of idea. I'm no expert but it worked for me.

http://chevelleforum.org/showthread.php?t=4087&page=22

[shadowgray396]

Depending how bad it is a new roof skin might be the way to go or you have to make the pieces you need. Need to blast all that area to remove the rust. If you blast the roof top don't stay in one place to long because you can warp it if you create to much heat.

[mestorod70]

I would want to know how bad the rust is under that roof on the inner structure.
Replacing the roof sounds like a big job but it may be benificial in the long run
At least you can do your drip rails at the same time and have a look at structure.

[JasonBachus68]

The roof, top and bottom, is virtually rust free except for around the windsheilds. The drip rails are also in good shape.

[JasonBachus68]

What is the difference in a roof panel and a roof skin? Here is a panel from GU
http://www.ss396.com/chevelle/RP-1418.html

[shadowgray396]

There the same. Just different way to say it. If the roof is in good shape and only a few small areas to repair then just repair the bad spots.

[carpoor]

If the roof is in good shape and only a few small areas to repair then just repair the bad spots.

Totally agree with this statement. A shrinker/stretcher tool will help with making patches for the area above the windshield. But isn't 100% necessary. I've done it without one, but the tool was cheap enough. (Plus I still have two cars to do... if I don't drag home anything else.)

[shadowgray396]

Before you do any rust repair be sure to draw a picture and measure where the studs are around the windshield and back window so you know where to replace them after the rust repair is done. Most people forget to do that. They make a replacement stud that screws in once you have that area fixed.

[JasonBachus68]

Thanks guys.


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[JasonBachus68]

So, I had a little time so I started cleaning up a rear fender well. After a good run with a wire wheel and some greased lightening I realized that the underbody has been coated with a undercoat of some sort. Seems pretty heavy duty as wire wheel won't remove it. My question is, since I plan on making this an everyday driver car and planned on some type of good undercoat, should I remove all this just to go back with another?http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/22/5349c9264f8f7830054888d78a3b9690.jpg


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[chevymaher]

I did. And it was a nightmare. You may find rust under it. Nothing bad but there non the less. It peels loose and it is under the edges in places. It did its job well but it is 50 years old almost.

I used a torch and a scraper.

[JasonBachus68]

Hey guys, I have found a craigslist post for a 68 chevelle front clip(pictured below) I dont have a front bumper, grill, headlights, bezels, my core support is also in rough shape. I cant tell by pic if that is a SS hood, (which I want to swap to) My header panel also needs replacing. Does this look like it would be worth $200 and a 2 hour trip.http://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_iwmPT890Dld_600x450.jpg

[shadowgray396]

Looks like a flat stock hood and not an SS one.

[flash]

That front license plate mount is a very hard to find part ,probably worth 1/2 or more of what he is asking for all of it .If the fenders are solid they are worth more than the asking price alone ,again very hard to find 68 stuff.

[JasonBachus68]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/07/9ac9faf78017853f341c2a2fec80c583.jpg I picked up this front clip off craigslist.


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[flash]

The headlight trim is also hard to find in good condition.

[shadowgray396]

Good purchase

[JasonBachus68]

I have found a 95 chevy truck 5.7 with a 700r trans for $500. Trans was rebuilt, motor runs (can hear) but according to this guy it needs a rod bearing. How would this work out for a drivetrain swap. What all is involved in keeping fuel injection.

[carpoor]

95' would be a low performance TBI engine. I would pass. Ideally, you need to find a 4.8 or 5.3 out of a 2000 or newer GM truck, SUV, or van. I've seen complete vehicles fairly cheap with accident damage - making a great donor vehicle.

[JasonBachus68]

Hey guys, I just bought a wrecked 93 trans am LT1 with 130k miles. Besides drivetrain, what all can I use on my 68. Brakes, rearend, wheels, ect...

[carpoor]

The rear axle is the equivalent of a 98lb weakling, plus not a direct bolt in. The rear brakes are about all that is useful. Wheels are the wrong offset.

Engine/transmission/rear brakes, possibly the front seats are what you can use.

[JasonBachus68]

Got the frame apart. About ready for some paint. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/5a18160d86781ee9d2baafaee7302f1e.jpg


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[JasonBachus68]

Btw. Anyone ever use a front end rebuild kit from Jegs?


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[chevymaher]

No my parts came from summit. Same basic thing tho. Are you going to epoxy Prime your frame and POR it. Looks like your doing a good job there.

[JasonBachus68]

Going with por. Had to use a brush on or take it somewhere. Wallet said to stay at home.


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[chevymaher]

They sell cans of POR. Spray can type. If it is humid where you are it is best to epoxy prime first to seal it tho. POR leaves pores in the paint if it is humid when applied, and it will have annoying little red dots in the paint there.

I got more paint on my frame than most do on the hood LOL Epoxy primer, POR, and several layers of hot rod black. Took the frame off painted it. Put it back on. Did bodywork and got primer all over everything over the years. Then took it back off and painted it again before final bodywork and paint. That time I mask the bottom and frame. Tired of painting that now.

[shadowgray396]

Don't breath it or get it on your skin. I would use Eastwood frame paint over POR. Read about the health warning about POR. Also check all your welds while you have it down to metal. I ended up rewelding some of my frame to fix small cracks. Here's one area I rewelded.

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy58/shadowgray/Final%20Build%2070%20chevelle/Frame/PwdCoatShop5.jpg (http://s777.photobucket.com/user/shadowgray/media/Final%20Build%2070%20chevelle/Frame/PwdCoatShop5.jpg.html)

[carpoor]

I second what Ray suggests on paint. It is a good time to check not only the welds, but how square it is. A coworker is restomodding an 81' Corvette, he jumped the gun and spent a wad on powder coating the frame - only to find it was tweaked in several spots once he began reassembly.

He dismissed my words when I told him, "Build it twice, once in the rough - then again as a finished product."

[JasonBachus68]

My bumpers on my 68 look good from the front but they are rusty on the back sides. What's the best way to remove and then treat to prevent rust from returning.


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[shadowgray396]

My bumpers on my 68 look good from the front but they are rusty on the back sides. What's the best way to remove and then treat to prevent rust from returning.


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Naval Jelly will remove rust, Evaporust, and Vinager are some opitions.

[JasonBachus68]

So after rust removal do I need to paint it to seal it?


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[flash]

I had mine rechromed and painted the backs of them with black enamel paint .

[shadowgray396]

I did. I used a etching primer and Eastwood Detail Gray on mine.

[mestorod70]

I would give em a sand blast then a few coats of epoxy primer then a single stage
urethane color.

[JasonBachus68]

Got the frame painted. And all my bushings have arrived. Bought ready to put it back together. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/31/135d4eab969f6c7199c238646a236efa.jpg


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[shadowgray396]

Looks good. What did you use on it?

[mestorod70]

Frame looks great jason....also wana know what the finish is.

[JasonBachus68]

por 15 gloss black


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[flash]

That does look nice .

[chevymaher]

Good job. Your car reminds me so much of mine. Same looking car starting point. Your so far doing the same things getting it together. It is a memory lane thing watching you work,

[JasonBachus68]

Thanks. I am enjoying the journey.


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[JasonBachus68]

Got all my new bushings and ball joints put in and control arms painted. Hope to get the frame put back together soon. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/06/916d640761bc867572c6d4880636a090.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/06/cacfb46b5043bfed388695fd3d11832b.jpg


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[chevymaher]

Very nice. Going to be a very nice car when your done.

[JasonBachus68]

Well, time and money put a big slowdown on my progress. Just getting back started good. New front coil springs shocks and trunk pan are on the way. I have been doing a little body work and priming. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160705/70f47cfdaaf55e44fae2ed609c8e284b.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160705/77d8db98516188978dfd4a174d726b89.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160705/5eb73fb0b6ab81097c41d679106ab01a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160705/3d40a84bb944cd613425ad25e0f32ef5.jpg



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[shadowgray396]

Keep us posted on your progress

[chevymaher]

Well, time and money put a big slowdown on my progress.
Welcome to my world LOL. It is looking good tho.