[transam1972]

is that the original exhaust system & muffler??

[transam1972]

I wonder how much overspray is under the trunk..I pulled it in 1990 to replace hoses..no build sheet...

[transam1972]

so it is anyones guess as to what kind of shape the rear brake hardware is considered to be in after 43 years...I see the parts have the original paint (58k miles)..also I tried to remove some silver overspray that took off the Lucerne blue...most likely after the car is painted I would touch up the sound deadner in a few spots and most likely painting over the original wheel well sound deadner to preserve the original texture in the wells...and just hit theframe with a bit of deadner overspray to dress it up...these are the problems you run into when restoring a car and trying to preserve originality..thats why low mileage true original survivior cars are better than a restored car...only original once

[165th]

Hi Glenn, the rear end ID is on the passenger side facing towards the front of the car.
CMG is 4spd. GYG is automatic.
The next 3 numbers are the Julian date code
The next number is the shift
I think the last letter indicated the manufacturing plant which I think G Chevy Gear.

Good luck finding it. Show a picture of it when you find it.

[transam1972]

THANKS!! 165TH!!...for better or worse this is what I found..so I dying to know what this means..this is cool stuff to find out after 29 years!!..I was always in the wrong locations...so I need you to tell me good or bad whats up?!..looks like PX G60191

[transam1972]

one photo shows a stamp found on the drivers rear brake drum, another is the factory installed twisted rear seat belt,,the rest are just of the under carriage with the gas tank removed...I call this the poor mans garage as its quite obvious (and dangerous when I am here)..no lift..etc...I was not expecting a full tank of gas (I don't smoke either)..and luckily I did not break my rear window.no damage to the tank either...note to self..get rear window installed ASAP...some of these hoses are original as they have silver overspray..so I know a few of these clamps are original..the passenger outer wheelhouse was replaced..I plan on prepping the inner wheelhouses. seam seal. then undercoat...and leave everything else untouched

[transam1972]

random underneath..

[transam1972]

the classic MQ line I used..hey get some foam on this thing(his 1973 Brewster green T/A)...IM up to my butt in gas!!!....

[transam1972]

RANDOM..the first photo shows how the passanger side inner tail bracket deteriorated (thankfully, that was all there is..although the original drop offs were shot..this is the area that gets hit hard with rust, as we all know).. on that side..the rest is intact..both frame rails are solid..as I have said some sort of rear bumper damaged occurred and I opted to just massage it.... instead of cutting out metal. even if I had the new parts I would not have pulled the rear apart for it is a major task as I am certain some know from experience!!!.the drop off and 1/4 panel replacement restored the integrity...I plan to focus on this project this weekend correct primer colour on the drop offs & some undercoating ..so look for results!!

[transam1972]

I am certain you can see the metal distortion from underneath on the trunk pan..I used filler & sound deadner on top...since no rusted trunk pan, in 1990 I opted for this type of repair as a lot of funkiness on these F bodies when they all come together in this rear and trunk area...I suppose a major rear end hit and it all over...

[Pepi]

Yes, get that rear glass some place safe like installed

[transam1972]

I did need to get the over 10 year old gas out of the tank...also 2 different type of nuts on the gas tank straps?....

[transam1972]

Originally Posted by Pepi

Yes, get that rear glass some place safe like installed

I know!!..like where it belongs!!..I am meaning to stop into an autoglass place and bring it in to see if they can repair the wire to the glass..then come out and install...I have the screw in stud mounting clips coming in..so its a top priority!!!

[Held for Ransom]

PX - 3.23:1, Posi-Traction. Probably from a '76 Firebird Trans Am.
Is there a conversion U-joint? Different driveshaft?

[transam1972]

now its getting weird...I will take photos of the drive shaft connection..could this have been a new replacement assembly??..what about gear ratios??..when I get the muffler out of my way..I will be able to pull the cover if need be..pix coming..thanks!..a 72 455 H.O. with auto/a/c was that 3:08??

[transam1972]

the suspense is killing me...

[Held for Ransom]

I can't tell by the pictures. You have to measure the length and size of each shaft/cap. Someone may have just used a junkyard housing and transferred everything else. They also could have used the '76 driveshaft and have the conversion U-joint on the transmission yoke side.

[transam1972]

unfortunately I am not familiar enough of what we are discussing...work would have to be done before 1985...why might a rear axle need to be replaced?..also when I get the muffler out of the way..should I pop the cover to see whats inside?...I would like to..is there a drain?..any info regarding this is appreciated...thank you

[Held for Ransom]

No drain. Loosen the bolts and pry cover away from housing with a catch pan underneath. Axle bearings may have been making noise, chipping a gear tooth or more or breaking the pinion flange are some reasons to pick up lower mileage rear from newer vehicle in a salvage/junkyard. Or, maybe it was purchased from a dealership (but would have easier to rebuild). Maybe a side accident bent the assembly.

[transam1972]

the cars owners worked at the dealership...I will pop the cover to see whats up..was not expecting this surprise but I have handled it well!!!..I will post some driveshaft connection pics..and thanks again!!