[77 TRASHCAN]

Job well done!!!!
Thank you for using wheels that would be period correct!!! Not some goofy billet excuses...

[Mwieczorek]

I haven't updated this thread in a looooong time so here is what I've done since then...

The stock rear end on the car was a 2.56:1 open differential. Not exactly inspiring from a performance standpoint. I replaced it with a 3.08:1 safe-T-track rear end. That was the best ratio I could find at the time. I cleaned it and painted it (yes, with a brush and tractor enamel ), replaced all the bearings, replaced the suspension bushings, and installed it with new brakes. I didn't feel like trying to buy stainless lines so I just formed my own using cupronickel line. I also cleaned, repainted, and re-bushed the suspension links so the whole rear suspension is brand new. Even the coil springs and shocks are new or less than a year old.

The butt dyno says it was worth doing, but the old 389 is still really tired and holding it back.

While the rear end was out I did my best to clean and paint the frame rails and underside of the floor pans. It's not perfect, but all the loose undercoating is gone and the bare metal is protected.

She's been to several car shows and done lots of cruise in duty this summer. It's running pretty good, I daresay its actually a reliable car at this point.

I have a nicely built 400 sitting on the stand, and once the long branch manifolds I ordered from RARE arrive, I will transplant it. I'm also considering a tripower upgrade to go with it. I'm hoping that will be the 2023 incarnation of the Bonneville.