[kingbuzzo]

For me it was going to cost too much to restore my old bondo basket case so I spent my $ on a better car. Re-body is also an option to skip bodywork hell.

I seen lots of guys going the Tremec route for a 5 speed with good results.

Detroit Speed may be another option for your ride.

Lots of bluetooth radio options available that look stock. If there is already a hole cut in the dash you could get a single din unit or double din floater type - that's what I did.

[AMSOILGUY]

With this being a rescue from my Dad. Yes he has had this project car for 30 years. I have some logistics with titling that I am squaring away. Once that is resolved parts will start to get ordered. I am not going to worry about body work and make the suspension and drivetrain so sweet it will only make sense to finish it. Funds are not unlimited but allocated to get this phase done!

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by AMSOILGUY

With this being a rescue from my Dad. Yes he has had this project car for 30 years. I have some logistics with titling that I am squaring away. Once that is resolved parts will start to get ordered. I am not going to worry about body work and make the suspension and drivetrain so sweet it will only make sense to finish it. Funds are not unlimited but allocated to get this phase done!

That is a common mistake by the uninitiated. Am often presented w the ramifications of such early "build" choices. Have seen a TON of project part outs. Early performance A-body projects often present a myriad of surprises in the condition of the body & chassis. It is a must to have a thorough examination of all the trouble spots in the body & have a good idea of what will be needed metal wise.

Frames... first place I carefully check on any '64-72 A-body is the condition of the frame. Not just for rust scaling or rot in the rear section or rust out around front body bushing mounts. The FIRST spot I always examine is the sweep of the frame coming down behind the front passenger side lower control arm rear mounting tab. Having pulled hundreds of GM A-body frames, that area of the curved sweep of the frame is susceptible to stress cracking... and always from the weight of heavier factory engine & accessories torqueing over, very common. In frames from early 6 cyl Tempests & Chevelle 300's have never ran across that issue.

[AMSOILGUY]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

That is a common mistake by the uninitiated. Am often presented w the ramifications of such early "build" choices. Have seen a TON of project part outs. Early performance A-body projects often present a myriad of surprises in the condition of the body & chassis. It is a must to have a thorough examination of all the trouble spots in the body & have a good idea of what will be needed metal wise.

Frames... first place I carefully check on any '64-72 A-body is the condition of the frame. Not just for rust scaling or rot in the rear section or rust out around front body bushing mounts. The FIRST spot I always examine is the sweep of the frame coming down behind the front passenger side lower control arm rear mounting tab. Having pulled hundreds of GM A-body frames, that area of the curved sweep of the frame is susceptible to stress cracking... and always from the weight of heavier factory engine & accessories torqueing over, very common. In frames from early 6 cyl Tempests & Chevelle 300's have never ran across that issue.

Thanks for the info. So I think this affirms that separating the body from frame is a must. If things go well this weekend I hope to accomplish this.

[AMSOILGUY]

How's it look?

[AMSOILGUY]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

That is a common mistake by the uninitiated. Am often presented w the ramifications of such early "build" choices. Have seen a TON of project part outs. Early performance A-body projects often present a myriad of surprises in the condition of the body & chassis. It is a must to have a thorough examination of all the trouble spots in the body & have a good idea of what will be needed metal wise.

Frames... first place I carefully check on any '64-72 A-body is the condition of the frame. Not just for rust scaling or rot in the rear section or rust out around front body bushing mounts. The FIRST spot I always examine is the sweep of the frame coming down behind the front passenger side lower control arm rear mounting tab. Having pulled hundreds of GM A-body frames, that area of the curved sweep of the frame is susceptible to stress cracking... and always from the weight of heavier factory engine & accessories torqueing over, very common. In frames from early 6 cyl Tempests & Chevelle 300's have never ran across that

Lets gain 2 inches!