The race is on...Rochester here I come

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> But sometimes it's the "squirrel cage" itself that makes the noise. On one car I had, it turned out the noise was from a large mouse nest inside the fan--apparently they kicked the squirrels out. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Good one Guy...good one!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest ewing]

If the fan motor is anything like the location on my 72 Riv, I got a replacement motor at parts source, ( readily available.), and to get at the location to replace it, I unbolted the hood on one side, lifted a few inches ( carefull not to over twist the other hinge), and got all the clearance I needed to get the fan out/ in. That is probably frowned upon, but when you do most of the work yourself, one sometimes has to get creative.( as in not remove large panels unless you absolutely have to.)

Getting in there and replacing it also gives you a chance to blow our all the dirt.

John

[Philippe Racicot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hope the blower motor isn't the infamous "behind-the-wheel-well" design like my '65 Electra. They built the car around that one--the r&r procedure called for cutting a hole in the wheel well and patching it after re-install! </div></div>

The blower is located behind the wheelwell only on non-a/c cars. They are much easier to remove on the cars equipped with a/c. Mine also makes noise on the highest setting and it comes from the squirrel cage, not from the motor itself. I hope I'll soon find a 1965 Wildcat or Electra parts car with factory A/C to convert mine. At the same time, I'll replace the passenger side fender with a NOS one that I bought two years ago...

[55PackardGuy]

Mr. Earl,

Glad you liked the wisecrack. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Now, an important matter. Do they often call you Speedo? And, please help me out--who did the original song with the famous line: "They often call me Speedo but my real name is Mr. Earl." <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I asked a fellow the other week who was wearing a "Speedo" athletic shirt if his real name was Mr. Earl, and he just gave me a funny look. Everyone else around, even the old f*rts (like me), swore they'd never heard of the song! I couldn't believe it. Yet, I only have a "cover" version of it, and couldn't say myself who originally cut it.

You MUST know, right?

Even Paul Simon referenced the line in a song--it goes like this: "They often called him Speedo but his Christian name was Mr. Earl." I think it's on the Rhymin' Simon LP.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Thanks for the thoughts Guy and others. I'll have to do some poking around. If need be, the fan on the second highest setting is acceptable and it blows cold...there's other rattles around / under the dash, so some day it may be worthwhile to try to eliminate some of them. Now to do some driving again to see if the power loss / stalling problem has been eliminated.

Another thing I'll need to remember to do is make sure I have a spare set of keys so that Suzanne and I each carry one...that way we won't be locking ourselves out or not be able to start a car due to lost keys.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Guy, so as not to highjack Dereks thread here I've answered it HERE

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[55PackardGuy]

Very courteous of you, MrEarl. I kinda though a mention would be OK, because maybe a few others would be interested in your answer--great post over on your new thread BTW! A little chatter while Derek is out driving around may be allowable. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Derek, as I recall that middle setting on the 3-speed fan is the most useful one anyway. I didn't have AC, but #2 was the favored heater fan speed. Also, in real hot weather, sometimes AC seems to blow a bit colder when you don't force too much air through it. And congrats on the R-134a switch. I found that re-doing my '89 Camaro was very straight-forward. The AC wasn't working when I got it, so I had no comparison to make, but IMO it was plenty cold. And I replaced "0" components, put over 10K on the car (mostly in summer) and no probs. It even held most of the charge over last winter.

Now, that's back on topic somewhat, eh? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Philippe Racicot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Derek, as I recall that middle setting on the 3-speed fan is the most useful one anyway. I didn't have AC, but #2 was the favored heater fan speed. Also, in real hot weather, sometimes AC seems to blow a bit colder when you don't force too much air through it. And congrats on the R-134a switch. I found that re-doing my '89 Camaro was very straight-forward. The AC wasn't working when I got it, so I had no comparison to make, but IMO it was plenty cold. And I replaced "0" components, put over 10K on the car (mostly in summer) and no probs. It even held most of the charge over last winter.

</div></div>

Cars with manual a/c have 4 speed fans

About R-134,

1960's cars don't seem to like it as much as newer ones. I converted my 67 Riviera and my 1991 Park Avenue. I didnt notice a diffence on my 91 when I switched to R-134 but the 1967 system lost some of it's cooling power. It's still adequate for the northeastern summers but I doubt it would be enough for the southern states. I had no experience with the old STV valves and R-134 but the POA valves that were used from mid-1965 to 1972 on most Buicks (later on some models) weren't calibrated to work with R-134. Some people convert these systems and the 1973-76 VIR units to cycling switches like those that were used on most 1977 to mid-nineties GM cars, but again, I had bad experiences with these conversions. The A6 compressors need a lot of engine power to operate and when they go on and off at steady car speeds, it's very noticeable. This is probably one of the reasons why GM stopped using them soon after they began using cycling switches in their cars (I guess that the other reasons are the less powerful engines like the V6 and small V8 engines that were quickly replacing the large V8 engines and the greater fuel effiency of the newer -but less durable- R4 compressors).

[55PackardGuy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cars with manual a/c have 4 speed fans</div></div> Ach, these kids and their fancy cars! We had rust holes back in those days that gave plenty good cooling! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Don't know if I'm "hijacking" the thread here, but since Derek has converted to 134a maybe this discussion is of interest to him... it's been very hot in Minnesnowta lately.

Philippe, can you explain a little more about the different valves and frequent cycling? I noticed when converting the '89 Camaro that it seemed sensitive to system pressure to keep the compressor engaged. In fact, I've noticed the same thing on my '96 Dakota. Do 134a systems and the valves they use cause this frequent cycling sensitivity? The only "cure" I've found is noodling with system pressure by adding refrigerant.

As for cooling capacity, I'm wondering if there wasn't some anticipation of the change to R-134a refrigerant by the late '80s, and a subsequent boost in the size of the system to compensate for 134's relatively lower cooling efficiency. Typically, these things are "in the workes" several years before legislation is passed--just speculating, though.

[Philippe Racicot]

The POA valves and later VIR units are very similar in operation but the VIR combines the POA, expansion valve and the desiccant that remove moisture all in one assembly. They regulate the system pressure while the compressor is constantly engaged. The systems that use cycling switches (found on many 1977 and newer GM cars) use a fixed orifice tube and control the refrigerant pressure by cutting the current to the compressor clutch (like if you manually turn on and off the a/c with the switch in the dashboard).

[55PackardGuy]

OK, so to replace the dessicant and expansion valve on VIR units (I assume a '96 would be VIR) you go get the "assembly." Can you DIY install this assembly? I think mine needs it... And that's all I'll say on the forum. If you want to PM me on this, please do!

Thanks.

Hey Derek, what kinda system did they put in your Wildcat?? (Back on topic here <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> )

[Philippe Racicot]

Guy, the last year for the VIR was 1976, and it was possible to open it to replace the dessicant.... Sorry for being out of topic!

Derek, did they use the original a/c hoses or did they replace them with barrier hoses?

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cars with manual a/c have 4 speed fans</div></div> Ach, these kids and their fancy cars! We had rust holes back in those days that gave plenty good cooling! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

</div></div>

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The only problem with that is that here in Manitoba, you can't pass the "safety" inspection without cabin integrity and without the safety, you can't get regular plates...our vintage plates have extremely limited coverage.

As for what was done to the Wildcat, I don't know for certain...my mechanical shop farms out A/C work...the compressor was OK, that much I remember.

It is interesting how many views there are about the conversion...one fellow with an Impala told me that you only need to replace the canister-like piece (I forget the name - on the Wildcat it is on the side of the rad), put on adapters on the high and low side and use 70% of the R-12 charge...he stated the rest was myths.

Around town, it has been warm, especially with a black top and black interior...I prefer not to use it myself if not at highway speeds and just open up the windows, but sometimes there are mitigating factors.

On another note, replacing the vacuum line with the one end chewed up so far seems to have eliminated my power loss / stalling issue...since it was intermittent, I'll want to drive some more before confirming that. I've got about 200 miles on so far. I drove past one of those odometer check areas on the highway and the odometer reads fairly accurately. Today I had my GPS receiver with us in the car and the speedometer is quite accurate too...there goes one excuse for speeding.

[55PackardGuy]

Derek,

Good for you on using the "old fashion air conditioning" once in a while. It puts a lot less stress on your cooling system. In my younger days, air conditioning was a rarity even on big Buicks.

As for the speedometer, drive careful on the way to Minnesnowta--keep a watch out for "bears."

And the AC conversion? As I mentioned previously, the system on my '89 Camaro was pretty much empty when I got the car. All I did was buy a "conversion" kit with "universal oil" (a poly oil instead of mineral), change out the fittings with the adapters in the kit, fill it with the R-134a supplied and... put a sticker on it that said "R-134a" (also supplied in the kit). I think it was the sticker that did the trick! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

But I wouldn't try that conversion on anything older than say about mid-'80s.

Hope you have a cool trip! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hope you have a cool trip! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Probably not...the boss and kids are expected to ride in the Wildcat while I drive the '62 Special (just an added seat belt for the front passenger position)...so unless I put the top down (dangerous with the limited length of hair I keep), I'll be just using the 2-60 approach to A/C. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[55PackardGuy]

... but you'll sure LOOK cool!

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... but you'll sure LOOK cool! </div></div>

Trust me Guy, if you see me you'll understand...I don't ever have a hope of looking cool <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Even if my 6 year old says that the cars are cool, that doesn't make Dad cool <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[55PackardGuy]

People will be looking at the CAR, Derek... I should have said, "At least your CAR will look cool." knowatmsayin? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

WELL DID YOU MAKE IT DUDE?

[Smartin]

I saw the cars...haven't met Derek yet, though. The Wildcat looks great!! I have pictures, but I'm toolazy to post them. Time for bed - big day tomorrow!!

[55PackardGuy]

Adam,

Hope you get this... I plan to be in Rochester Sunday aft. Hope everyone hasn't left already! The PDF I made of the daily schedule only lists through Saturday, so I don't know what I'm in for.

It would be great to be there and see all youse AACA fellas get trophies!

Take care. Sure is hot out, ain't it? Welcome to Minnesota, land of 150 degrees of temperature variation in any given year! (this is not an exaggeration, folks) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

[Smartin]

Guy, you missed...everything. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Here is Derek's 'Cat....I got a shot of the little red one next to it, as well, but I am tired of resizing pictures.......

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Lamar,

Not only did I make it, but I made it back...I thought about bringing the laptop with me, but didn't in the end. The Wildcat did fairly well, although it did stall on Suzanne once...gets a bit harder starting in the warm too.

Thanks for the shot Adam...sorry I missed you. I saw you got an award though. I'm really annoyed...when I went to look at the cars out front, I got caught up with the fellow with the modified '61 Invicta...then it was time for the Pre-War Division meeting...I never got up that side street where I expect your car was...dang.

It was a good trip...only about 140 photos though...disappointed in that, but I made up for it in helping out with parking (I am a member of the Gopher State Chapter after all).

Anyway, I'm sure there are other threads for me to respond to about all the sundry items. Myself and the family enjoyed ourselves, met a lot of good people, made some contacts, even made work for myself (will be putting together web site for Pre-War Division).

So, after taking in the judging school, I got to wondering whether or not I want to have a car judged under the 400 point system...I guess we'll see. Even if I don't, the Wildcat still needs a few things. I need to get that hesitation / flat spot figured out. The wheels need to be painted. Some of the trim needs replacing / sprucing up. The front seat needs help and the carpet should be replaced, as well as a few other odds and ends.

At the very least, I won the race with the calendar to get the car down there in the driven class <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It is very satisfying.

Lamar, I was hoping to tell you about a '54 Roadmaster we saw, but after looking at photos, I don't think it is a '54. I saw chrome at the rear lights, which started in '55, but the portholes weren't right. I'm so confused. Since I own a '56 I'd like to think I can ID one, but I'm scratching my head. So, if anyone heads north of Plummer, MN on 59, keep an eye out on the right side of the road just north of town for a light green Roadie.

[Guest Tom]

Derek,

It was great to get to see you again. I know I've already thanked you in person for helping out, but just wanted everyone on this board to know what a standup guy you are for stepping in to lend us a hand. With your wife and 3 kids along, plus 2 cars on display, it would have been easy for you to say you were too busy. I know it was a sacrifice on your part to take some time away from your family. Just wanted to let you know how much it was appreciated.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Thanks for the kind words Tom. I keep telling everyone though that as a member of the Gopher State Chapter hosting the event, I felt an obligation to help out as best as I could...parking was probably one of the best things for me to be involved with as a map and a few basic instructions were all that were needed. Heck, it helped me to see a number of the cars up close and also to get to know a few of the GSC members a bit better through our chats during the lulls.

It was a busy time, but that is part of what made it a great event...there may have been a few slow times, but based on the fact that I didn't get into the swap meet area until some were already packed up and didn't see the entire show area, I can't claim I was bored <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

It was good seeing you again too and I hope I didn't raise too many hackles by reminding your lovely wife of the sacrifice made to obtain the '63 <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[1special66]

Hello,

I was so nice to meet you guys, last weekend. We had a good time, and enjoyed chatting with you a the banquet table. Hope your trip home was safe. Keep in touch, and take care.

Bruce and Charlene

Cedar Falls, Ia. 1966 Buick Special

[55PackardGuy]

Glad you fellas all made it to Rochester (and back) safe and sound. Derek, did you have any trouble with the Wildcat at all? How was cooling in the high-90 temps?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guy, you missed...everything. </div></div> Adam,

Nope, no, I did not. I must disagree. I saw right where all you guys had been parked.

It looked like the "rapture" had happened, and NO ONE was "Left Behind."

Of course, what do you do in Rochester MN on a Sunday afternoon when it's 100 degrees out? (Or, really, any Sunday afternoon.)

Tell you what I did--cussed you all out for leaving at the drop of a hat, went and got a barbecue at that great rib joint, and pondered... how could that many vehicles get out of town all at once and me not spot a single one on Highway 52, or anywhere on any street in Rochester?

I saw not a SINGLE straggler. No classic Buicks or any old cars of any kind--except a couple Spifires in a nice fella's yard where he was working on em. I saw what looked like it might have been a car trailer at the Civic Center park, but it was probably just the equipment van for 38 Special.

The free concert got me to thinking--uv course! They kicked you all out as soon as possible to start setting up for the big rock-and-roll extravaganza.

But, it was still a remarkable achievement to get all those Buicks out of town that fast, and leave not a trace.

Well, maybe next year, when I suppose I'll have to drive a thousand miles. (cue violins)

It's not the first event I've ever shot for and missed and won't be the last, I'm sure. I just absolutely could not make it Saturday... I was finishing buying a car. But THAT is a different story, and I don't want to talk about it now (maybe never).

CONGRATS on the trophy, Adam. You know how to make those old cars pretty. And what I like is you don't just go buy repro or NOS stuff and slap it on--you really restore stuff. And, basically, you know what's most important of all: clean and paint. Not only does this work for looks, but I find it's the key to troubleshooting and figuring out how things work mechanically. Whenever I'm stuck on a job, I always try to ask myself: "what could I clean?" Then, things usually fall into place. Just my opinon, man.

Glad you all seem to have had a pretty good experience here in Minnesnowta. Come back in 5 months, you'll have few complaints about the heat--and everything'll look really different. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Glad you fellas all made it to Rochester (and back) safe and sound. Derek, did you have any trouble with the Wildcat at all? How was cooling in the high-90 temps?</div></div>

Thanks. We only have idiot lights on the Wildcat, but it apparently had no heat issues. The hesitation occurred a few times and tended to come in spurts, I have been told (since the boss was driving the Wildcat). Other than that, the Wildcat gave us no real issues. It was harder to start when hot, but that isn't necessarily all that unusual.

If I had known you were around Sunday, we could have hooked up...we went to church in the morning after I moved the cars to the parkade (we were told to have them off the grounds by 8). On the way back, we encountered a few Gopher State members having brunch at Mac's Cafe (I think that was the name - Greek place in the Peace Plaza across from the Barnes & Noble). The kids went for a dip in the pool at the Kahler, and we prepared / packed up to depart on Monday morning.

The show field was actually pretty empty after the banquet - keep in mind a number of folks wouldn't have attended that and basically moved the cars out by late afternoon. There weren't much more than a handful of cars left by 7:00. I suspect a lot of folks would have loaded them up to leave as early as they could on Sunday to beat some of the heat.

As for visiting, I don't need to wait for winter to visit balmy Minnesota <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I may be down in September for the Fireball Chapter's Stillwater show.

[55PackardGuy]

Very nice town, Stillwater. Hope you can come and maybe I'll get better at coordinating my weekends by then. It sure was strange I couldn't spot a car on Sunday. I was out there before 2:00. Very odd deal. and probably mostly due to my brain condition--JGU, or Just Generally Unaware. Anyway, keep in touch, you never know what might happen!

BTW, now that "The Race" is over for Rochester, that's still no excuse to stop updating us on your Wildcat and other projects. Might as well use this thread, it's a good one! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, now that "The Race" is over for Rochester, that's still no excuse to stop updating us on your Wildcat and other projects. Might as well use this thread, it's a good one! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

That was the intent, for the Wildcat at least...there is still work to be done and it has to go back to the body shop for some touching up as well.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Well, I fired up the Wildcat this morning and headed over to the body shop. I had made an appointment to do a couple of touch ups. There was that spot on the fender which had been previously noted and there was a run on each side of the hood - where the low points on a w would be if you were looking at the front edge of the hood from above...of course that would be an M if looking from the other direction <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Anyway, those and another spot I previously hadn't seen got buffed and fixed up. Now I really need to give it a proper washing to make the exterior pop a bit.

Next on the list is to take it to Rust Check to get the underside looked at to try to keep the cancer in remission. There is also time to start looking at a couple upholsterers to get the front seat, carpet, and rear shelf looked after. I am hoping the headliner will be fine with a bit of cleaning.

Anyway, that's the latest update. I guess I'll also want to start looking around for better trim and ways and means to sharpen her up.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Well, not to beat a dead horse, but this car is now registered for 400 point judging for Seattle, so some additional work is required...even then, it may be laughed off the show field, but at least I'll know how close it will be to a Bronze and whether or not I'll worry about detailed restorations in the future.

So, there is going to be some upholstery work done over the winter. That involves getting seats out of the car...after a bit of trying yesterday, we got it done today, with one broken bolt.

Here's a couple tags under the rear seat - the first is a partial list of options, and the second is more akin to a part number / description.

The package shelf.

We didn't get this out...there seems to be some glue involved and it almost looks like we need to remove the interior panels on either side of the car to be able to get this out...I couldn't move the screen on the blower defroster either, so I wonder if we perhaps need to do some work from the trunk.

Here's the rear bench:

And the arm rests:

So, I still need to figure out how to get the package shelf out, but the other stuff should go to the upholsterer tomorrow.

[Guest imported_56BuickSuper]

Thanks for the update. Glad you were able to get the seats out. Cant wait to se it back from the upholsterer!

Dan

[Guest imported_Thriller]

I'm looking forward to it too. I dropped off the seats and the arm rests this morning. After a chat with the upholsterer, I had some tips for removal of the package shelf...I managed to get it out this afternoon, but the cardboard was in pretty tough shape and tore apart in a couple of spots. I am taking Friday off work, so I'll be able to drop it off then.

Beyond that, it is going to be pretty much wait until spring, unless I get a warmer day again that I can vacuum things out. If not, I'll do that in the spring. I do have a few parts in the house now that can be tidied up. A couple of decals will need to be applied and the wheels will get some new paint. I'm not sure how far I'm going to go with this...I think I'll spend some time in the judging manual to get an idea of which areas might be better bang for the buck...I know I'll have some definite deductions and right now, I'm not sure if it is worth $250 to get a repro battery and other touches like that or whether I just eat the deductions. I guess it will be time to pour a drink, do some reading, and get pondering <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Hmm...I'm sure I replied earlier, but somehow it didn't seem to take.

I got the seats and the top of the arm rest bases back today. I'd gotten the bases for the arm rests back a while back. Things aren't perfect, but they are pretty nice. The seats are in plastic and I figure I'll leave them that way until I need to put the front one back in.

The upholsterer still has the package shelf. There's also the carpet to deal with in the spring.

Here's a couple shots of the arm rests. One of them was a bit off...I re-attached after taking these photos and it fits much better.

Should be back on the road in only about 3 more months...once I can move it again, I have a few little touches to deal with...I guess I have a few bigger things that I'd like to change to so that we can avoid a few deductions in the judging.

[Bill Stoneberg]

You know Derek, sometimes its the little things in judging that dont cost much but can cost you enough points to keep you from getting a gold/ silver /bronze. You can understand the 3 points for a non-delco battery if you dont want to spend the 260 bucks, but how about 4 points off for the incorrect valve stem caps ? 1 point per tire and the correct caps may cost you a buck per tire.

Hose clamps is another big one, Maximum 5 points off for something that is not that expensive in the whole scheme of things. While I am there the flexible radiator hose will cost you 5 points too.

Read the manual, make sure you dont have any madatory deductions and sweat the small stuff you can fix cheaply. Clean is a good thing,dirt will knock you down too. Do all of this correctly an you will do well with your car. And you wont have to buy a delco repro battery. Though if I was going to get one, they make it with the Optima inside (shhhh).

Look forward to seeing you in Seattle.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Thanks Bill...well I'm starting off going through the Judging Handbook, although that stalled. I know I'll have automatic deductions for the radial tires. The reality is that I could get them fairly easily and they are the appropriate size. Down the road, I may change things out, but until I burn some of the Tiger Paws off, I don't see it happening. I know there are a lot of little things, like the battery and the battery cables and the like. I'll see if I can get some of that stuff changed out, but it's pretty tough right now with the winter storage thing going on.

Another thing with a battery is the only repros I've seen have been in the US...shipping something like that across the border could be a bit of an issue, not to mention expensive. If I can locate a Canadian source / distributor, then that ought to get done.

One of the things I want to do when I get through the judging manual is to take a critical look at the car through a judge's eyes and try to see how much it will lose. The body won't lose much, although some of the trim has some damage, of course the tires...the hub caps are decent, but not perfect. Interior should be pretty decent, but the steering wheel is in tough shape and there are some other flaws. Then we get under the hood and there are a number of little things, as well as the battery, that will add up.

Again, I don't expect much...it would be nice for the car to Bronze, but I'm not sure if the body can carry it that far. I guess we'll see.

[bhclark]

It's getting warmer Derek, any update on the Wildcat?

Would love to see some photos of the finished interior!

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Yes, it is getting warmer...the snow and ice finally all melted from in front of the garage this past week. I've made a list of things I want to do this weekend that won't get done...yesterday I spent an hour or two longer looking at a '64 Riviera project with Ewing, then I had to spend this morning at work. After lunch I intend to spend some time on the Wildcat and the boat.

The seats are still wrapped in plastic, the battery is charged, and on a thread in the tech forum is a photo of the air cleaner lid...I may as well put them up here.

Before

After

The rest of the current status is that I have a broken easy out in the car where one of the seat bolts broke. I need to get that out, then get that hole cleaned up. The big question right now is for the upholsterer - if I get the car to him soon, will I be able to get the package shelf and new carpet installed before a car show in St. Paul, MN May 6. If not, then I'll reassemble what I have here and put it together temporarily for that show.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

Since it was requested, here's a couple of shots of the interior. We put it in place Sunday night, even though I don't have the package shelf back yet.

Note that the rear of the passenger seat isn't as tight as could be...sigh. Overall a nice job though.

The seat belts are missing from the front seat...I called them today and will stop in on Friday to try to get them. I'll also try to set up a date for replacing the carpet.

Last night, I dropped the battery in and fired her up. After a few seconds of cranking to get fuel to the carb, she started right away. I moved her a little bit to help the smoke clear from the oil in the cylinders. Tomorrow night I'll likely check the tire pressure, put the inside door handles on, and take her for a spin <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />