[Alvin]

Post #900 has been achieved to your thread Bob...congrats on the build.

What's the status of the original #s XX TA 6.6 engine - Rebuilt, or?

[Bentwheelbob]

The original is sitting in an engine cradle waiting to be placed in longer term storage. If Dave and I can keep from grenading the new motor, it will hopefully stay there waiting for the next Caretaker to come along. No point rebuilding it just to keep it gathering dust. I have a 1972 YB 455 HO engine doing that already.

[Bentwheelbob]

It's kind of hard to believe, but I took the T-Tops out of the Gold Car for the first time today. Frankly I have been afraid to because I was scared it would lead to more mission creep. I am really happy however that the tops came right out and the weatherstrip gaskets look great, as do all the other parts. The tops and glass are Mint.

I have put several applications of 3M Leather and Vinyl restorer on the gaskets hoping that I would get the sense that it was helping to hydrate and soften the gaskets to make sure they stay in good condition, but I don't think this stuff is really penetrating and doing anything. Is there any kind of dressing you can put on weatherstrip to help keep it from drying out? It seems like I have seen a few threads where people recommend Baby Oil to keep gaskets soft and pliable. Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations?

[dreamn69]

I have used vasoline in the past, but have also heard there is weatherstrip conditioner now. Several suggestions here:
http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...nditioner.html

I also found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fluid-.../dp/B000QIFTJ8

[Grand73Am]

I've found that "303 Aerospace Protectant" does a great job of revitalizing the appearance of and preserving my original weatherstripping. I get it locally at ACE hardware.

Here's a writeup about it: http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html

[RamAir]

Vaseline works great but it's messy for a while until it really has time to absorb into the weather-strips.

[starlightblack]

Oil and rubber don't play well together over time. Disintegration occurs.

I like the bottom layout too but I would remove the the M21 reference and just put in BW T-10 or something similar. You'll get a lot of morons at shows telling you your car wasn't available with a Muncie M21 in 1978 because they don't know that RPO code was used up until the end of the '70s for 4 speeds

[68ragtop]

Years ago, I bought a NOS pair of door seals for a car I was restoring. When I opened the factory sealed boxed, the seals had dried out & where no longer flexible. They basically dried out to the shape of the box from all the years of sitting. After doing some research I decided to soak them for about a week of so in a gallon of marvel mystery oil. It seemed to work & I was pretty exceeded about it. I cleaned them up & installed them after. within a month or so they started to tear & literally fall off the car. basically the oil got them soft, then destroyed them as they dried back up.

While so many people say armor all destroys rubber, I have found the opposite. I armor all my doors seals, tires, etc a couple times a year & they are still in the same shape as they were when I got the cars. I have a 1987 Iroc that I have owned since 1992. the seals are all in pretty good shape & no dry rot cracks in the gatorback tires. No, it doesn't really make seals better, but sure seems to protect them & keep them from getting worse?

[Alvin]

My issue w ANY product is the "milky white" silicone residue that forms on the surface mandating continued reapplication of silicone & petroleum based additives.

I was told by a local auto enthusiast Petro Engineer to NEVER use Armor All etc. "because Armor All like products also includes a destructive ACID w the silicone to their chemical mix."

I say "Your results may vary."

[68ragtop]

Yea, I have heard the same thing. I starting using it in the mid 80's & I remember a guy telling me my tires were going to rot off the wheels. Lol, has yet to happen to me after 30 years of putting it on my cars.

[Alvin]

Oh Bob...Moose Knuckle?!!!

[The Boss]

I believe the term is camel toe.

[Bentwheelbob]

Moose Knuckle, Camel Toe, whatever it is I want it...

I can't quite tell whether it is in "Mint" condition, or just "Good" condition, but I think we can all agree it is probably not NOS.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Moose Knuckle, Camel Toe, whatever it is I want it...

I can't quite tell whether it is in "Mint" condition, or just "Good" condition, but I think we can all agree it is probably not NOS.

Yeah, how about that gap






















....Between the front fender and wheel spoiler "spat" end where the welting should be tight! What did you think I was talkin' 'bout Willis?!!!!!

[dreamn69]

Congrats on the first place win at the TA NATS!!

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by dreamn69

Congrats on the first place win at the TA NATS!!

Congrats to Bob and MDL for well deserved recognition of their work and efforts.

For those who may have missed it, link w "Gold Car" pix starting here => http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=767853&page=7

[78 TA KID]

Congrats Bob!!!!!

[The Boss]

That trophy was earned, not given!

[Bentwheelbob]

Thanks guys for the kind words. I think MPD is more excited than I am which is cool. I'm so lucky to have a friend like him. Hopefully when I am 68 years old someone with cool cars, a great garage, and a little money will adopt me...

I honestly just hoped to have a good time and show off the engine detail. This is such a cool car and I am very lucky. To think I killed the deal after Bob Vidian's first inspection report said the clutch sucked, the door wouldn't stay open, and the brake light was on. Glad I changed my mind. The best part is that we did it ourselves instead of just stroking a check. Figuring out the puzzle and learning was the best part.

The car was standing tall in Dayton. Here's a few pictures including one the day it was delivered, and two before photos.

[68ragtop]

This thread has been a heck of a journey!

Thanks for taking us all along.