[TAKerry]

I should have sent mine along with yours that way you could have done 2 at the same time! Looks Great!!

[78Macho]

Ok, so I am hopeful to get the rear axle mounted under the car within the next few days. Pictures to follow!

I have been watching on the sidelines for a dash pad. The original has had the radio hole butchered and the pad itself looks as though it might have been punched. It is not repairable. I would ultimately love to find another donor dash in blue but realize this might be a little unreasonable. For some reason I have lost out on 3 good dashes and am getting frustrated!

1. 1977 base firebird, IN, original radio, no cracks. Car has deluxe, tuxedo interior and I asked about purchasing the mint sunvisors. Seller is getting ready to pull the dash and accidently put a crack in it. I said no problem, we can adjust the price and I can have the crack repaired. Ghosted!

2. 1978 Esprit, MN, original radio, slight crack in normal spot, and a beautiful 4 speed console with manual crank windows. We agree on a price, I send him a deposit and he sells the complete car!

3. 1979 TA, MI, original radio, no cracks, seller states asking price, I agree. Tells me to call him back next week to confirm. I call, he replies dash is being pulled as we speak. Call back on Friday to confirm. Ghosted!

4. 1979 Esprit, WA, with the light blue interior with the original radio and a slight typical crack. Owner only wants to sell car complete because it was his father's car for 20 years and he can't stand to see it parted out even though it has sat outside for the last 6 years unlicensed.

Maybe I need to give up my search for the time being? Anyone have a nice dash for sale?

[78Macho]

Feels like it is about 100 degrees outside with 50% humidity today. A good day to be working in the garage under the car!

Axle is finally under the car. I am stoked and actually did it solo too! I need to purchase some new shocks, install the e-brake cables, finish tightening some bolts for the rear spring shackle, install the rear end cover and then fill it with some new gear lube.

Stay cool, well and safe!

[Poncho Dave]

I’ve got a couple extra dash pads, will send a pm.

[78Macho]

I swore after restoring the '78 Macho that I would NEVER buy another project car that was in pieces that someone else had taken apart. Well, you know what they say about never saying NEVER! This project has been 100% better than the Macho, however, the engine situation has not been too far off.

Said prior owner who ran the car into the ground before a 35 year slumber really ran it hard. I purchased the car with the original engine included, but I had no idea if it was actually in a state of being rebuildable. Visibly from the outside there weren't any holes in the oil pan or through the side of the block...

Turns out, it had been rebuilt once before. Cylinders were .030 over, including one questionable cylinder wall, rods that were "lightened" beyond reusing, a crank that had been "balanced" very sloppy and not original. Joe took the block to a local machine shop he likes. They reported the block can be used again and I was ecstatic! Basically the entire lower end needs to be replaced and Joe had several suggestions for different directions we could go. In the end, we decided with a 467 stroker kit from Jim Butler Performance! I am extremely stoked to say the least! Externally the engine will look factory stock, but internally will be a torque monster!

The headache currently is hunting down all of the small details like pulleys, brackets, OEM valve covers, intake vacuum system etc... I have collected the correct carb, small amp alternator, starter, date coded water pump and five blade flex fan. Some pretty odd parts very unique to a low option, no A/C car!

Here is a quick picture of some parts Joe has cleaned up and waiting for assembly!

[78Macho]

I have no clue how to post of video. Tried several times unsuccessfully yesterday.

Help?