[aronhk_md]

Mark.....I get the same comments on my car occasionally...cant believe I did that to a real 73 trans am. I'm telling 'em you did it.

lolololol

It really is your car (I think ), unless you happen to sneak into your neighbors garage and he happens to have a 63 Catalina. lol. If nothing else tell them as an ordained minister you checked with God before making any alterations.

P.S. - Have you ever checked with Steve Barcak to see if he has or knows of a 3 speed?

[marks73ta]

LOL, Aron,never thought of the--"GOD TOLD ME TO DO IT"--excuse, but I like it, LOL. Yeah, asked Steve early on and he did not.
As far as the neighbors garage goes, I keep hearing weird sounds comin' out a there so I stay away. I heard a sheep blatting once. I stay way away, LOLOL.

Preacher Mark, but you can call me "PREACH"--8^)

[aronhk_md]

wear a pair of sunglasses and a dark suit, call yourself Elwood. Say....

I'm on a mission from god......

[blueghoast]

Another idea on the front fender.
Cut the whole wheel opening and move that
whole section forword then fill in the space
between the door area to the back edge of
the whell opening area. Just another idea for ya.

GT.

[BruceWilkie]

Originally Posted by blueghoast

Another idea on the front fender.
Cut the whole wheel opening and move that
whole section forword then fill in the space
between the door area to the back edge of
the whell opening area. Just another idea for ya.

GT.

Agree IMO do the same with the rear wheel opening as well. Would seem in line with the 60's AFX cars.

[marks73ta]

Nope, not cutting on the rear wheel well. No need to. Just the front. In some way. Thanks for all the suggestions though, they are much appreciated.
Blueghoast, sounds like your talking about cutting and movng the front fender the same way you would do a rear well. Not a bad idea. But my intention is to have no front bumper. If I do that then I don't want those parts of the fender hanging there in the wind. I just don't like the look of them sticking down there. So I'm looking for a way to get rid of them and still have a decent looking fender edge right behind the headlights.
I was thinking of getting a fiberglass front bumper and trimming it right at the edge of the slot. Where the tape is showing on the original bumper.



Cutting the bottom half of the fiberglass bumper away and only using the top. Then trim the side parts of the fenders to the same depth of the new half bumper. It would follow the contours of the grill/headlight areas and add a more finished edge to the bottom of the frontend without all the bulk of the rignal front bumper. Mark L

[Engine-Ear]

Originally Posted by marks73ta

I was thinking of getting a fiberglass front bumper and trimming it right at the edge of the slot. Where the tape is showing on the original bumper.

Cutting the bottom half of the fiberglass bumper away and only using the top. Then trim the side parts of the fenders to the same depth of the new half bumper. It would follow the contours of the grill/headlight areas and add a more finished edge to the bottom of the frontend without all the bulk of the rignal front bumper. Mark L

Interesting concept...does losing the front lower fender extension at the half-bumper point provide the needed clearance?

Also, maybe you could have Jim/66bonne's son fab something up? He already has experience doing a '65!

[hellerods]

I like your front bumper concept Mark, in fact I like your entire car concept and if I remember correctly---- it is your car and you can do what you want to with it without any permission from anyone---go son go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[marks73ta]

The clearence is not even the issue. I can trim th e edge enough make tire clearence. It's the huge amount of extra fender hanging down there that, to me looks like too much stuff flapping in the wind. I don't like all the fender hanging down there. It does look like Jims son did a heck of a nice job on his. I might try it myself. If it turns OK then that might open up possibilities for other parts. Maybe a whole one piece front end. Mark L

[marks73ta]

I have several boat companies right around me here (who'd a thunk in a desert???). Maybe it's time to accumulate some supplies and try making a bumper. Yup time to to do that. Mark l

[aronhk_md]

Can you use the original bumper as a mold?

[marks73ta]

Yes the original bumper physically is in great shape. It has few scratches and scrapes as far as the condition of the chrome but it is good for a mold plug. MArk L

[marks73ta]

Got the ladder bars all done (just need paint) and I fitted them to the rearend mounts.



I have to place the assembly under the car toworrow and make up some temporary front ladder mounts so I can roll the car out. Probably going to place it in a swap meet for people to see and advertise Pontiac Heaven this Saturday. Then put it in the car show area of Pontiac Heaven next week. I've ordered the twin intercoolers and the Shotgun scoop, and the Tunnel Ram is coming. I have to see if my headers are done getting modified. Mark L

[60man]

Looks beefy Mark. Curious...how are yopu going to locate it under car. Panhard,diagonal, or other.
Is that light strips on your garage door ?? Light while door is open !!

[BruceWilkie]

Hey I like the light on the garage door! Great for those times when your'e workin with it open and the door blocks the overhead light.

Thanks for the idea Mark!...
BTW lookin good. Your progressing faster than I am but I am gettin things done. Started inventorying to make sure I have all the things I'll need later... I've lost my cam retainer plate... Safe bet I put it where I'll have no trouble finding it.

[Engine-Ear]

I too was attracted (like a moth?) to the lights...only problem I see is bumping (and breaking) them - maybe you can add a transparent snap-on shroud for protection?

Back to the progress on the car-that diff & brackets looks pretty stout...get plenty of help moving that, OK, cowboy? (I sorta know Mark and he is an "I can do/move/fix it myself" kinda guy)

[marks73ta]

Too late, I lifted the rearend, bars and axles (minus center section) onto the table myself. A good grunt goes a long ways, but thank you for looking out for me. I wished I was that smart, LOL. Unusual thing was, as I grunted and lifted the axle up onto the table, after I got it in place I looked straight out the front of the garage door and there stood a man and a severly disabled teenager sitting in a wheelchair looking for donations for his specialized school. I felt so guilty that I was even able to walk let alone lift this assembly up onto the table. I usually don't give donations but but this kid had challenges I can't even start to imagine so I gave them what I had.
Down here you spend most of anytime work working in the garage with the door open so it does come in very handy to have the lights on the door. I very seldom have the door closed if 'm out there, the few times I walk out and around with it closed, I'm very aware of the lights being there. BUT, a cover is a good idea none the less.
Troy. I've been reading everything I can find on the rfearend placments and I think, I'm going with a diagonal. I've read that many feel the diagonal feels loose. I like a watts but it's complexity and mounting adds more STUFF hanging under the car. The guy that widened my housing, and assembled the center section says he has run every different linkage type and prefers the diagonal. He feels it stabalizes as well as a watts but is lighter and less complex. I mentioned the loose feelings that I read about and he laughed. He said why would anyone run one in a race car if it allows the rearend to shift around?? He said many very high powered, high speed cars run a diagonal, there's no way they would run something that allows the rearend to move. He did mention that many people that run a Locker may be confusing the ratcheting of the locker as rearend movement where it is really the tires relaying the loose feel. Good t hought. MArk L

[Gas455]

I'm another that is kicking myself that I didn't think of putting lights on the roller door.
Great idea!

It's also amazing how may people come up for a chat when the door is open.

And always good to see the progress you are making.

Mine is moving very slowly.
But it will get there.

More fuel fittings being bought tomorrow.

[60man]

Lights on door is one way to "skin the cat"..
Not sure it was planned in my shop as I didn't build it but the lights on ceiling are directly above windows in door when open.. It only blocks one set of lights at end. He has some lights mounted near wall there...
Previous owner used to do body work in shop...

Just curious on locator deal Mark. I do see a lot of diaganals...and some wish bones..

Understand Mark's thoughts on work...If you wait for help....you'll never Get-R-Done.
I do appreciate the helpful buddys....especially when they come with beer and a good time..
I use mechanical help when needed..

[bryansMtngto]

Hey Mark dont forget the safty ends on the Ladder bars. Would hate for you to get to a track, and not be allowed to run.