[79 Phoenix]

I installed the permanent front tires and wheels (245X 60-15). As expected it raised the front even more. I will be taking the front springs back out to shorten them--1 1/2"?? But I have decided to finish putting the car together with all the weight on it to determine how much to shorten.

Front bumper, inner fenders, hood , hinges, seats,, carpet, exhaust system, rear bumper, spare tire...and gas all need to go on. So I'll see what it looks like then and go from there.

I did put the sway bar on and will install front shocks.

Driver's fender almost ready for primer. Then to finish passenger fender and hood and get it all lined up.

[79 Phoenix]

Hood and fenders are bolted on and close but not adjusted close enough yet---more hours needed. Also need to finish the bondo on both fenders...but close.

Regarding the ride height, I've read that if you tighten the A-arms with no load on them, that can bind them and hold the car up when you set it down. I did torque the lowers but just tightened the uppers before setting the car down.
I'm going to loosen them all up so they are free enough and then set the car down...then torque them. Probably still need to cut the MOOG 5372 front springs in any event. We'll see.

I'm on my third gas sending unit and it finally works! Not sure how accurately yet but it does register on the fuel gauge and moves depending on how I tilt the tank. This third one I installed was recommended by someone on this site it is a Spectra Premium from Auto Zone. The other 2 worked outside the tank but not after installation. I believe the design permitted the flexible pickup filter to interfere with the float movement. This new one has a filter that is shorter and less flexible and cannot obstruct float movement. We'll see after I get the tank back in.

[79 Phoenix]

Gas tank back in, everything hooked up and gas gauge works! It shows a little over 1/8 tank which isn't perfect because tank has about 5 gallons and should show closer to 1/4 tank. But close enough for me!

The unit I installed that worked is Spectra Premium Part# FG91C. Got it at Auto Zone for about $60.

[79 Phoenix]

I loosened up all the front upper and lower control arm bushing bolts and then set the car down on the tires, bounced it up and down a few times and it is definitely about an inch lower. Apparently since I initially tightened them up pretty far while car was in the air, it ended up binding and holding the car up. Now, much closer to how it should look. I may still end up cutting the springs to lower a little but will wait and see once car is put together.

Next, back to aligning front body panels...

[79 Phoenix]

Actually, I decided to get this thing mobile before I continue with body work. So I've been working with the brakes...installed the rear lines and have been bleeding. Still messing with the bleeding but making progress.

But, it starts, drives and stops now! Had it out of the garage and pulled into side yard to wash 1 1/2 yrs of dust and dirt. Brakes aren't right yet but engine runs good,. Clutch and at least 1st and reverse work good. Not really able to take it around the block yet.

2 issues: sitting and idling in 90+ degree heat it overheated to 240! I shut it down and pulled the thermostat thinking it may be stuck closed...It was wide open.
Then I noticed the fan blade was catching on the shroud. I am using a 5 blade clutch fan that was on the Firebird this engine came out of. So... I trimmed off about a half inch across the bottom of shroud so the fan would clear. Put more coolant in and re-started...Sure enough, the fan (& water pump) had been stuck and wasn't operative at all because now it idles at 180 degrees with just under 40# oil pressure .
After I get the brakes sorted out I will work with the trunk lid, seal...paint inaccessible areas with rattle can Starlight Black, install rear bumper, tail lights and valence. Then to the exhaust shop for exhaust system. THEN back to aligning body panels, etc.

[kingbuzzo]

good progress

[1972 Lemans GT Jim]

Definitely agree..

[skipp65]

I think it sits good,maybe a touch too high in front but some stuff to go on yet and in might settle just a little. Keep movin

[79 Phoenix]

Yes, thanks... Soon I will have rear bumper, tailings and front bumper on and then I can at least drive a little and see how things go

[79 Phoenix]

Haven't had as much time to work on the GT-37 lately but did get the taillight lenses cleaned up and receptacles cleaned and painted (used hi temp silver).

One lens is original I think and the other is a used one I bought last year at Spring Carlisle to replace a broken one. I also replaced all the bulbs with new ones and made sure all the rear lights work.

I removed the trunk lid and cleaned and repainted the inside with rattle can Starlight Black along with a new jack instruction sticker. I also painted the jamb and behind rear bumper. Replaced the trunk seal and also installed a lock cylinder which was missing. Now I can use a key instead of a screwdriver!

I have had the bumper on a few times but haven't been able to get it straight across the edge of the trunk. The car appears to have been backed into something on the driver's side (which had messed up the taillight lens and qtr panel). Ironically, it's the driver's side that lines up correctly. On the passenger side, the bumper sticks out about 1/4" too far. Think I found the problem a few days ago in that there were a few thick washers behind the bumper bracket that bolts to the body on passenger side. I removed them and re-installed the bracket. That should enable the bumper to line up properly when I install bumper again.

Unfortunately, I just had hernia surgery and can't lift more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks... So not much more progress till November.

PS: Bumper is new from AMES, as old one was pitted beyond repair.

[79 Phoenix]

I have been able to do some light duty stuff... Working on the front inner fenders which are rough. I'm using fiberglass mesh and resin... I think it will hold up well... But when I can get back to working up front, inner fenders should be ready to install.

Also, while I am semi-laid up, I have acquired a bumper jack which will work, a spare tire, lug wrench. These all need to be cleaned up and painted but should function well and look right when finished.

Also found that 3 screws for my taillight lenses were missing and found some from a 70's Econoline van that are identical.

[79 Phoenix]

Have inner fenders about finished...

When I bought the car there was no spare tire or jack. There was a rusty 14" Olds rally wheel on the front seat so I'm using that for the spare. I got a free used tire and had it mounted on the rim after sanding and painting the rim.

I also got an inexpensive jack on ebay for $2.50 am sanding down and will paint.

In a couple weeks when I can lift things again, I will install both bumpers, inner fenders, and front shocks. Next it will go for an exhaust system.

I want the deep rumble but not too obnoxious. It is a fairly stock low compression 400 and will have 2.5" pipes. I'm thinking Flowmaster 40's. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

[79 Phoenix]

I have completed most of the light-duty stuff. This included cleaning up the jack and painting, figuring out the cables for the hood pins, new hood pins and rubber bumper at the front corners of the hood. Also fixed hood latch so it works as it should.

I bought a hood pin set from Ames that I guess is generic or for Chevelles. Anyway, the cables are too short. So, I lengthened them by using some old speaker wire, soldering and wrapping with clear shrink wrap.
The splice will be just as the cable goes through the grill so it will be hard to notice.

I was going to re-use original hood pins as they are in decent shape but these new ones look better so I will use them. I'm not sure yet if I will re-use the chrome plates on top of the hood but I might.

Hopefully next weekend, I will install rear bumper, hookup lights, and attach license plate. After that, finish adjusting the front fenders, installing inner fenders and off to the exhaust shop!

[79 Phoenix]

Progress has been slow but I have accomplished a few things. Rear bumper is on and lights all work. One taillight socket was shot so I replaced with one of the original parking light sockets that was still good. (Front lighting harness will be all new) I'm waiting to install the new rear valence until I drive the car some just to make sure all the rear sockets stay in securely. First picture shows original bumper which was totally shot.

I got the spare tire & jack finished and secured in the trunk. I will clean it all up and do splatter paint in trunk after LH quarter panel skin is replaced.

Currently working on adjusting front fenders trying to get gaps as good as I can.
Once I do, I will install inner fenders and then get the front wiring harness situated. Then install front shocks and go for a test drive!

[79 Phoenix]

Installing the rear bumper was not as straightforward as I expected it to be. I had to make some of the mounting holes bigger to allow for more adjustment and remove some big washers from one of the brackets so everything would line up right. Looks good now. I think the reason it was tricky to get things lined up is because rear end has been bumped at least once (maybe more) as both quarters have had some damage and bondo towards the rear.

I cleaned up the front bumper brackets and painted them. I also put considerable time into cleaning up the chrome. I looks good for its age. Ready to install.

[kingbuzzo]

4 decades of hijinks its not surprising...good progress 👍

[79 Phoenix]

Fenders fit pretty well... One more thing I will try is to adjust the driver's door slightly (the one I replaced) to get things a little bit better. But the fenders themselves are as good as they are going to get.

Inner fenders are in and light harness is routed and mostly installed. One shock is in and one more to go. Maybe Friday or Saturday I will take it for a ride!

[79 Phoenix]

Here are fenders as of now...

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Steady as she goes . You are reeling it in now . Congrats man