Kent's 79 ever changing project

FatnLow · 11-14-2008, 04:36:48 PM

I figure why not. everyone else has a project thread.
Back in April

Following front spring change to Moog 5610 springs. Wheels would no longer fit. They would rub before this.

Bought some new tires and picked up a cleaner set of wheels.

The ripped bumper cover and no front grill just kills it for me. It got ripped when i first moved in and i was backing up and a board caught it.

One more.

Motor pic. 350 4bolt with world 2.02 heads and xe268 cam.

Next project in the works. Upgrading rear from saggy stock springs to Hotchkis 1.5 drop kit and a new rear going from 3.08 posi to 3.42 posi. Ill add some pics of the r&r tonight. I have the springs in and the rear painted so hopefully she'll be running by the end of the weekend.

Project79Z · 11-14-2008, 05:02:04 PM

Looks good!!! I like the green, I dont think I ever seen a green late 2nd gen camaro!!

FatnLow · 11-15-2008, 01:11:22 AM

Thanks it was a light green with green interior. I didn't want to change dash so i went with the forest green. Here are a couple interior pics.

Rearend out and parts.

I was all happy about having it back in and bolted up but then i saw the rear sway bar laying on the other side of the car.

Once again.

Finally back on the ground. Measures 25 3/8 front bottom fenderlip and 26 rear bottom fender lip. Moog 5610 front springs and Hotchkis 2408c rear kit.

Now i get to swap out ujoint since 74's are different from 79's. I would never have guessed i thought they were identical.

iregret · 11-15-2008, 01:15:29 AM

Good job.

I didn't know that the u-joints would differ between the years of 2nd gens. Huh...

FatnLow · 11-15-2008, 07:53:56 AM

Thanks me neither on the diferent u-joint. It will be another first for me. I've never changed one out.

Twisted_Metal · 11-15-2008, 08:51:11 AM

The lower grill piece is avalable as a repop now. They are a very good fit and look exactly like the original.

The tear on the front cover can be repaired with a urethane epoxy fit from your local auto body supply store too.

Green interior pieces are almost impossible to find.... Your interior looks pretty much complete.

Did you put those IROC wheels on in reverse position? (Front on back and vice-versa)
Due to different backspacing, they fit second gens better that way.

Good job on the suspension work!

David Hartley · 11-15-2008, 11:16:17 AM

Looking good, lower is better!

Damon23 · 11-15-2008, 12:45:18 PM

Were there anything wrong with the rear springs? You know that light green color you had on your car was a very rare color. I agree with Terry, those green pieces are very hard to find, keep them in great shape as you could flip those if you want to change the color of the intierior.

FatnLow · 11-15-2008, 06:13:04 PM

The springs were shot. I had 2 spring clamps in front of the axle and a helper spring behind the axle. I got another set from the rear i bought but am unsure of the wear etc. The set is from a 74 all i know is they had a better arch than the ones i pulled out. As for the light green color, i don't think it will ever be a serious contender for "collector status." The dash has a couple of cracks but all other plactic is good. Just got back from the game and i still hate whoever is calling the plays for Auburn. Kent

maxpsi · 11-16-2008, 12:23:38 PM

I'm loving the progress and green interior.

What's the call, coach!?!

FatnLow · 11-16-2008, 02:10:12 PM

Good one. Those Bama cheerleaders look good in Auburn helmets. 7 times a charm.

FatnLow · 11-17-2008, 09:34:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisted_Metal

The lower grill piece is avalable as a repop now. They are a very good fit and look exactly like the original.

The tear on the front cover can be repaired with a urethane epoxy fit from your local auto body supply store too.

Green interior pieces are almost impossible to find.... Your interior looks pretty much complete.

Did you put those IROC wheels on in reverse position? (Front on back and vice-versa)
Due to different backspacing, they fit second gens better that way.

Good job on the suspension work!

I saw the repop grill on ebay and have it saved. Early xmas present.

The interior had light vinyl green seats i wish i'd have not swapped them out for dark green back and some old cutlass seats. The front ones are ready to go the seams are starting to give up. The wheels both sets had the same back space just under 4 3/4 each set of 4. They were donated from a friend. I didn't think they would rub but on deep pot hole it did rub up front.

The little things are getting me putting this new rear back in.

FatnLow · 11-17-2008, 11:10:05 PM

I got the brake lines back on and e brake hooked up tonight. The u-joint i'm farming out to a freind that has more experience. Tomorrow i should be good to go. Crossing fingers. I want to try out the new 3.42 rearend. :-)

FatnLow · 11-21-2008, 11:31:21 PM

I ended up having to get a combo u-joint at a local truck driveline shop and they put it in. A spicer 5-3022x. 79 driveshaft uses inner clip and a larger diameter cup size and the opposite side uses a smaller diameter cup for the 74. I walked in and told him the dilema and he new which one i needed. I just found the searches involving this swap/conversion. The key is knowing what to search and alot of looking. I was going to take it out and my front brake caliper had been dragging the last time i drove it and a new caliper didn't fix it. Turned out the line was clogged. Took it out for a ride and it is the quietest rearend i've ever had in my car. I'll do some more riding tomorrow after i check for leaks or puddles :-) kent

KJZ28 · 11-22-2008, 03:40:32 AM

Man I dont see any pictures!! and you siggy link doesnt work.