My neighbors 'new' 70 SS convertible. - Page 2

Ms Grumpy · #11 09-20-2012, 05:47 PM

Hank, I still feel like there would be a way for you to ease into talking to this guy. Maybe ask him why he chose to have the control arms painted that color ? I know that I am asked all the time why my engine block is black, did someone mess up ? I tell them NO, I chose to do that. I still feel that instead of telling him it is wrong, that maybe asking him questions about some of the "errors" might help him realize that he has some work to do, that is if he wants to.

You are in a tough spot, but with your knowledge of cars I think that he would respect your input.

Hank70SS · #12 09-20-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowgray396

Someone will say something sooner or later. Let them be the bearer of bad news.

Ray, that's what I was thinking. Then if it bothers him and he wants to fix it, I'll help him out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms Grumpy

Hank, I still feel like there would be a way for you to ease into talking to this guy. Maybe ask him why he chose to have the control arms painted that color ? I know that I am asked all the time why my engine block is black, did someone mess up ? I tell them NO, I chose to do that. I still feel that instead of telling him it is wrong, that maybe asking him questions about some of the "errors" might help him realize that he has some work to do, that is if he wants to.

You are in a tough spot, but with your knowledge of cars I think that he would respect your input.

Nancy, he has enough going on right now, I'm not going to say a thing. He found an oil leak, we checked it out and it's either the rear main or the pan gasket below the rear main. Hard to tell laying on the ground under the car. While under there I noticed one of the front lower control arm bolts was close to a 1/4" from being tight. I recall the him saying the car was sitting high. I bet they loosened the control arm bolts to get the front end to settle. He tightened it up and thought he was done. I suggested he check the other 3, sure enough, all were loose.

Also noticed no grease in any of the front suspension, idler arms, ball joints, etc. That will turn a brand new suspension into a 40 year old suspension real quick. While looking around up top I thought I would check the bolts on the end of the cross shaft on the upper control arms, yup, none of them were tight.

I don't know what to do. I want it to be safe for him but I didn't build it and I don't want to start telling him these guys are crap. He chose them, me telling him they're crap is a insult. I'll let him figure that out on his own, think he's almost there, then we can go forward.

Blah! Blah! Blah!, sorry to ramble on, it just pisses me off. I would have told these guys to stuff it, I don't want that car unless you can make it right. I bet he has at least $80k into this and it should be perfect.

RBeckman · #13 09-21-2012, 10:14 AM

Hank, if you guys want to take a ride up to my place we can put it on the lift and check the oil leak and see if anything else is loose.

Hank70SS · #14 09-21-2012, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the offer Ric, I'll let him know. Right now he's trying to figure out how to deal with engine leak. It's a GM crate engine, ZZ454, so it's under warranty, but he didn't buy an engine from GM, he bought a car from XXX. He needs to find a GM dealer that can fix the leak, if it's the rear main that's under warranty. Removing the trans or engine to do it is not covered so will XXX pay for that. Either way it's going to be a pain to deal with.

FlintTony · #15 09-21-2012, 05:45 PM

Hank, shoot me a PM with the restorers name.

Ms Grumpy · #16 09-21-2012, 06:28 PM

Oh man, this poor guy. Hank, you and Tony are so cool helping this guy. It sounds like he needs your expertise.

flash · #17 09-21-2012, 09:02 PM

If Im ever in need I want Hank and Tony in my corner .Im glad ya'll are helping him out .

shadowgray396 · #18 09-21-2012, 11:35 PM

I agree if he has 80k in it should be perfect. Good to here you guys are helping this guy out.

Hank70SS · #19 09-22-2012, 06:50 AM

I think adjusting the convertible top frame and windows might be an even bigger job than the oil leak. The little research I've done shows 3 adjustments on each side for the top frame and it ain't easy. Then you have door and quarter windows to adjust as well.

Tony, I'll shoot you a PM, you'll get a laugh when you see the name of this place.

FlintTony · #20 09-22-2012, 06:07 PM

Got the PM Hank. Now that's a hoot! If you want me to come down and give you guys a hand, pick a day and let me know.