I totally agree Ray. Every minute of thought and work that we put into our cars is so worth it. Especially when you get behind the wheel and it drives just the way you want it to, at least for 5 minutes. (Sorry couldn't resist) lol

Pulled the intake manifold off. I know the gaskets are leaking and it was sucking oil. Ken's post about Baker's starting up in a few weeks got me thinking, it happens sometimes, better get it running right now. Don't want to tear into in the middle of the summer.

Received a mint driver's side tail light housing for the 69' yesterday. Mine is slightly tweaked. Much to do today, more on that later...

Swapped in a 3.31 posi 12 bolt rearend under the wagon today.
Heading to the driveshaft shop tomorrow morning to get a new one the correct length made up.
Some exhaust work, wire up the HEI, change the oil, and this thing should be ready to run.

Bill sounds like you are getting close

Very close Ray...should be running soon.

Strange thing...removed the valve covers which are chrome to replace them with paint ones which is correct for a non-SS Chevelle big block.
Heads are FRESH, aftermarket springs, studs, guide plates AND have full roller rockers. Head bolts are Manley.
Makes me wonder what cam is in there...

Bill ,Im looking forward to seeing your upgrades at Peachstate saturday evening sometime ,got to work first half of the day.

Dropped the driveshaft off @ 9:45am...got a phone call @ 12:15pm...DONE!!!
New tube, u-joints, new TH400 yoke, balanced. Reused the original joint end caps.
Pretty black paint job...now resides under the wagon.
Hopefully can get into the Muffler shop sometime tomorrow to install the new downpipes.
Waiting on FedEx to deliver a new alternator 6 groove pulley that's been in-route from Summit GA for three days.
Got delayed in that awful shooting...:(
Prime the engine, stab the distributor, and fire it up tomorrow AM hopefully.

That FedEx shooting delayed my radiator too ,I hear it came in today though ,sad situation there .

Makes you wonder what these people are thinking.