[Verdoro 68]

We're getting down to the end of our list on the Ventura. Tonight we got the steering roughed in, valve cover gaskets and valve covers reinstalled, changed the oil, sway bar reinstalled, and brake booster/master cylinder installed. Hoping to have it home by Thanksgiving break.

[Verdoro 68]

Stoked to have snagged some 15" Honeycombs for the Ventura from a local guy. Looks like 3 of them were off a 50th anniversary car. We'll run the Rally IIs off my GTO in the mean time while we get these fixed up. Took a couple pics of his pristine '72 T/A with my '68.

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Stoked to have snagged some 15" Honeycombs for the Ventura from a local guy. Looks like 3 of them were off a 50th anniversary car. We'll run the Rally IIs off my GTO in the mean time while we get these fixed up. Took a couple pics of his pristine '72 T/A with my '68.

Mikes '72?

[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by 71GP76TA

Mikes '72?

Yep. Turns out he lives 5 minutes from me.

[b-man]

Took the ‘02 WS6 convert off of non-op, filled the tank, did an oil change and put it back on the road.

[PAUL K]

After purchasing the correct lug nuts for my 70 TA several years ago I finally found time to install them.

[Verdoro 68]

Weekly shop night. I ran new hard brake lines front to back which mostly fit easily. Cole prepped the new wiper motor and pump and bolted in the rear sway bar. We also tried on some different shoes. The honeycombs aren't all shiny and restored and are lacking tires, but I have to admit that I like the RIIs and redlines better than I thought. He wants to run whitewalls on the honeys. The kids in the shop thought they were cool and were asking all kinds of questions about them.

[Shiny]

Wow, a lot of progress! Hope your son is enjoying the sense of accomplishment. Very civilized to see the brake combo valve mounted at the master and not down on the frame.

[Verdoro 68]

Pretty much all the conversion kits put the combo valve up by the booster. That's actually where it was from the factory on these cars, only it was mounted parallel to the booster instead of perpendicular. All the new lines fit really well with the exception of the front half of the rear lines from the combo valve which I had to do some adjusting on. I'm not super happy with how that one line ended up looking, but it'll work.

The new to do list is:
- Hook up brake pedal
- Bleed the brakes/check for leaks
- Finish installing the rear sway bar (need to install the frame brackets)
- Finish installing the steering. I transferred the measurements over the the new tie rods, but something seems off.
- Install front sway bar end links.

[SD455DJ]

Great work Ken & Cole! I love following the progress on the Ventura! I have a soft spot in my heart for them!

Dennis

[Shiny]

Moved twice in a year, put a lot on hold. I finally emptied all the moving boxes out of the garage - a major milestone. This is the most space I've ever had to work on anything, which is exciting. I'm building another table/storage bench before continuing to straighten the front valance I last touched in July!

[Verdoro 68]

Last shop night before Thanksgiving. We almost made our goal of getting it off the jack stands and running! Tonight we reinstalled the cowl, reinstalled the a/c compressor (minus one missing bolt), finished the front sway bar, installed the new wiper motor/pump and bled the brakes. I also installed a new rotor and distributor cap and cleaned up some of the plug wires. In the process I found a bunch of rotted vacuum lines we'll need to take care of soon.

A milestone moment came when we put the Rally IIs on - they look sharp! They totally change the personality of the car. The kids in the shop were impressed.

All that remains to get it mobile is to hook up the tie rods, run a vacuum line for the brakes, and install the rear sway bar brackets on the frame. I thought the tie rods were wrong, but turns out the steering wheel was 1/2 a turn out from centered, d'oh! Cole's tasks tomorrow are to paint the air cleaner and button up the steering. It might be on the ground and mobile by the end of the day!

[BB70]

Got the shell,trunk lid,doors,fenders buffed over the last couple of weeks. I might repaint the trunk lid as it has a couple of issues. Just have the fenders loose until I get my driveshaft made and get it on the ground. I disassembled the front nose and blasted the parts Monday and finished getting them in epoxy yesterday. Got to let the nose cure another day then start fixing the wounds on it. Getting a little closer.

John

[Gastiresandoil]

Yes, rallys > honeycombs.

Now to decide trim rings or not.

[Scarebird]

no. Venturas are budget cars; ie. coupe only.

Trim rings would take away from the vibe.

[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by Gastiresandoil

Yes, rallys > honeycombs.

Now to decide trim rings or not.

Originally Posted by Scarebird

no. Venturas are budget cars; ie. coupe only.

Trim rings would take away from the vibe.

I think I prefer no trim rings on this one. It’s not a Ventura Custom so it’s doesn’t have any chrome trim. The stripped down Rallys give it a tough T-37 type look. I do like the earlier lug nuts and center caps over the correct ‘74 style though. Always have.

We’ll still fix up the honeycombs and see how they look, but I didn’t expect to like the RIIs and redlines to look so good.

[kingbuzzo]

Looks sharp...good progress

[Verdoro 68]

Cole took it off the jack stands and drove it around the school parking lot this morning during shop class. As expected, there are a few kinks to workout. He said the brakes aren't all the way there (vacuum isn't hooked up and pads/shoes need to be bedded) and the steering makes some noise (possible tire rub) but milestone achieved!

[jhein]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Cole took it off the jack stands and drove it around the school parking lot this morning during shop class. As expected, there are a few kinks to workout. He said the brakes aren't all the way there (vacuum isn't hooked up and pads/shoes need to be bedded) and the steering makes some noise (possible tire rub) but milestone achieved!

I'm enjoying watching the progress you guys are making. Looks good. I agree with the Rally IIs vs the honeys. And also agree with no trim rings.

[carcrazy]

Great progress!!!! Thanks for sharing.