[79 Phoenix]

As the work continues, I replaced front and rear Transmission seals and side cover gasket. Also cleaned and painted the transmission a cast iron color since that's what it is.

I also replaced the rubber bushings in the shifter after cleaning it up and loosening it up with Blaster. Cleaned and painted the shift rods and arms replacing the clips..

Then the tedious task of cleaning and painting the engine which I'm still in the middle of. I decided to use the lighter non-metallic blue engine paint (Dupli-Color SP-122) because my memory (such as it is) tells me it is closest to what the 350 in my 71 GT-37 was 45 years ago...

I'm also getting the alternator and brackets ready for re-assembly.

Hopefully the engine and trans will be bolted back in sometime in March.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

A lot of big improvements going on with that car.
You're a man on a mission .

Which engine did you decide to go with ?

[79 Phoenix]

I went with the 400. It's a 76 2bbl engine originally out of an A or B body car... Not sure of any mods but I know the cam has been replaced about 5 yrs ago when engine was rebuilt and it has an Edelbrock intake with Quadrajet. I does have 6X heads which are probably stock. I'm thinking it's pretty much a stock late 70's 400--nothing high performance. As long as it runs good I'll be happy.

I was able to sell the other 350 I had purchased so I just have the original numbers matching 350 sitting in my driveway under a tarp.

[79 Phoenix]

I put a second coat of paint on the engine. I used a different can but same color and it is different but closer to the blue I remember... (a little more greenish). Anyway I'm even more happy with the color after the second coat.

[79 Phoenix]

Engine painted, flywheel, pilot bushing, clutch and bell housing on. I was able to center the bell almost perfect with a dial indicator.

The bell had been damaged at some time in the past as there is a patch riveted over a hole. Maybe he bottomed out on a rock or something like that. So, I worked on a high spot to get it down a few thousandths... Parallel alignment is not perfect, but I think it will be okay.

Next step is to fill the tranny with oil and install. Engine and tranny should be bolted in sometime next week.

After that, install engine, wire harness and starter,. Then finish the radiator support.

[79 Phoenix]

Got the transmission in. Next week engine and trans will be bolted in!

[79 Phoenix]

Engine and trans in! Next clutch linkage and engine wiring harness.

[79 Phoenix]

I've been working on the clutch linkage to get it freed up, de-rusted and painted. I replaced the bushings and retainer + fresh grease on the bell crank. Mostly installed now.

Also found the LH exhaust manifold (from 73 Firebird) on my new engine seemed too close to the lower A-arm so I got the one off my old 350. The passages on the old one are a little smaller. Pictured are the original LH next to the RH (65 GTO). I painted with 2000 degree VHT Primer.

I'm thinking the size difference isn't going to matter much since it's not really a high-performance engine.

[79 Phoenix]

Been working on a lot of tedious stuff and had to wait for a bushing to come in, but the clutch is adjusted, back-lock installed correctly (I think).

I found the 73 Firebird LH exhaust manifold is almost identical (clearance-wise) to the 71 GT-37 off the 350. So I decided to use the 73 manifold because it's a little more open and closer to the RH manifold in that respect. I removed them both and painted, the reinstalled with new gaskets.

Today I also installed the repaired radiator support. Seems okay so far but need to get the header panel and fenders on before I make adjustments and see how well everything lines up..

Also working on getting the seatbelt bolts beside the front seat out...making progress slowly. I work it back and forth and loosen about 1/16 at a time so I don't snap them. Using lots of P Blaster! Soon I will begin repairing the holes in the floor.

I ordered a new front lighting harness and am waiting for that. Once I get it I will install that and engine harness and gauge hookups.

[Shiny]

Thanks for posting the pics.

That looks like a LOT of progress! Nice!

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Shiny

Thanks for posting the pics.

That looks like a LOT of progress! Nice!

Thanks, you're welcome. I always appreciate pictures on other people's projects too. It's come a long way but still so far to go. But it's fun--mostly!

[79 Phoenix]

I decided that since I will be waiting for the wiring harness for a few weeks I will attack the floor. The seat belts and front seat are out. No surprises in the floor.
Overall, the floor is pretty good considering its age. There are a number of smaller holes in different areas. The worst area is just inside the driver's door (not pictured). It looks to me that the driver's window was left open for a time and the carpet held moisture on the floor . Also it appears the heater core was leaking for quite a while. Here are a few pictures of the floor--more later.