[Jack Gifford]

It's a shame that not many people are aware of how the RobbMC starter doesn't have an offset motor like 99% of the other "mini" starters on the market (planetary, rather than spur gears).

[twooldgoats]

Finally got the engine in yesterday. We had some issues with the thickness of the crank spacer that came with the Wilcap adaptor kit, but they took care of them quickly and with no extra charge.

The RARE long branch headers fit past the steering with plenty of room.

With the engine in, I've got a long list of things I can do to stay busy for a long time.

Jim

[Stuart]

Looks good! I like that you painted the aluminum heads to match the block.

[twooldgoats]

I spent some time the last few days modifying the stock '60 trans crossmember to accept the TH400. Since I used the '60 block and a 3/4" thick adaptor kit, I had to notch the front of the X-member to clear the trans pan. Since I am hanging the trans off the back, I decided to box the X-member completely with 1/8" steel plate and then I built the "porch" off the back with some leftover 1/8"steel pieces from my race car chassis build. After taking the last picture, I drilled the holes for the polyurethane mount and installed it. Works---didn't deflect at all when I lowered the tail end of the trans down on it.

Next up, driveshaft shortening. I'll have the driveshaft shop do it and replace the U-joints while they're at it. The driveshaft yoke fits right into the TH400 and should work fine. It looks like I'll need the front driveshaft shortened about 2", depending on how much of the yoke they recommend leaving sticking out of the TH400. The factory manual said 9/16" for the original Hydramatic.

Jim

[Steve Barcak]

The project is coming along real nice Jim. Sorry we were not able to visit and see it yesterday. Everything looks to be fitting and working well. Cannot wait to see it on the road!

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by Steve Barcak

The project is coming along real nice Jim. Sorry we were not able to visit and see it yesterday. Everything looks to be fitting and working well. Cannot wait to see it on the road!

Our plan is to substantially finish it this year and then take it to Pontiac Heaven next year for Ellen to race while my racecar is getting its supercharger.

Jim

[60man]

Don't think that X-member will flex anytime soon Jim..
I used a late model trans mount with single stud mounting at X-member.......Had to use 1" - 1&1/4" spacers to elevate trans to center driveshaft in tunnel..don't know if it was because of non 60 mount ???
I got to modify my X-member for dump tube clearance some time or other..

Your truckin' man...

Did you see the "Modern Custom" in latest Smoke Signals? I thought it looked pretty slick..

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by 60man

Don't think that X-member will flex anytime soon Jim..
I used a late model trans mount with single stud mounting at X-member.......Had to use 1" - 1&1/4" spacers to elevate trans to center driveshaft in tunnel..don't know if it was because of non 60 mount ???
I got to modify my X-member for dump tube clearance some time or other..

Your truckin' man...

Did you see the "Modern Custom" in latest Smoke Signals? I thought it looked pretty slick..

Thanks again, Troy, for the pictures you sent of your set-up. I knew exactly what to expect. I used a double stud--only because I welded two pieces together to make the porch and a single stud would have been impossible.

After I get the driveshaft to the shop and back, I'll align it all according to the shop manual. When I did a preliminary check, it didn't look too far off.

I don't get "Smokes" anymore. What did I miss?

Installed the RobbMC fuel pump today and replaced all the short factory rubber fuel line connectors with new rubber hose. Getting rid of all those wire factory fuel line clamps. I never could get those to work with my pliers. I suppose there's some tool (J-481QL14?) that makes removing those clamps easy. I just never owned it. One nice thing about a custom: no need to worry about how the factory did it. I've done restorations before--just don't have the patience anymore.

Jim

[60man]

Here ya go Jim...
There was shot of your Tempest too...

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by 60man

Here ya go Jim...
There was shot of your Tempest too...

Thanks. Now I'll have two reasons to see a copy. I didn't know my Tempest was in it.

Jim

[Gas455]

Originally Posted by 60man

Here ya go Jim...
There was shot of your Tempest too...

Something different.

Will have to check out my mates copy when he gets it.

[60man]

Originally Posted by twooldgoats

Thanks. Now I'll have two reasons to see a copy. I didn't know my Tempest was in it.

Jim

Yeah...the had article/pics of Steve,s show....wish I were closer..
Had the pleasure of meeting Steve at Norwalk...

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by 60man

Yeah...the had article/pics of Steve,s show....wish I were closer..
Had the pleasure of meeting Steve at Norwalk...

You would really enjoy the show and the weather is usually fabulous. One of my most pleasant Pontiac memories is the time Ellen and I decided on the spur of the moment to go to the Pontiac race at Maple Grove (8-10 years ago, maybe??).
Met the Butlers, Arnie Beswick, saw some great Pontiac racing and fell in love with a '63 Tempest that was running there. That planted the seed for my racecar build years later.

Jim

[60man]

Jim, What brake set up did youi go with ?
I see the MC you have is same as mine now. I hope it works with my 4 wheel disc brakes.?
I have stock 76 Firebird calipers up front & Strange 4 piston race calipers in rear .
Changing pedal ratio on 60 brake pedal wouldn't be easy with it's cast feature..
Just curious..I haven't got them bled yet !!!

[gthmcty1]

Originally Posted by 60man

Here ya go Jim...
There was shot of your Tempest too...

Is that article on the net somewhere? I would like to find out more about that car

[twooldgoats]

Originally Posted by 60man

Jim, What brake set up did youi go with ?
I see the MC you have is same as mine now. I hope it works with my 4 wheel disc brakes.?
I have stock 76 Firebird calipers up front & Strange 4 piston race calipers in rear .
Changing pedal ratio on 60 brake pedal wouldn't be easy with it's cast feature..
Just curious..I haven't got them bled yet !!!

Are you sitting down???.........I'm using 8-lug drums and stock linings, etc. I replaced everything---wheel cylinders, hard lines, linings, etc. The only change I made is to go the dual master cylinder which I got from one of the after-market companies on the understanding it would work with 4-wheel non-power drum brakes. Now, in my defense , I owned a '66 Bonneville 2-dr HT with non-power 4-wheel drum brakes, 8-lugs and the original single MC and it stopped wonderfully, street and strip. No brake fade, even in wet weather. Ellen drove it, too, and had no problem stopping, so we're assuming it will work for the '60 as well. If not, well..........

Jim

[61 vent]

Hello Jim, I am here in Tucson also. Did you have the car soda blasted or walnut shelled or sand blasted??? I need to get my 62 Bonne wagon done and can't find anyone who will touch it. Thanks Andy

[gthmcty1]

Originally Posted by 61 vent

Hello Jim, I am here in Tucson also. Did you have the car soda blasted or walnut shelled or sand blasted??? I need to get my 62 Bonne wagon done and can't find anyone who will touch it. Thanks Andy

Hey 61 I am not sure if you would be up for the drive but I have a guy in SoCal that will blast it for $1100 ( I will get the type I believe it is SODA), and he will do it for $1100 FLAT with trim on or off. I will get the info and post

[60man]

I was told several size MC's to go with??? 1&1/8 MC worked but had to push hard...just driving around driveway..I ran drum (8 Lugs)until the arrival of the 505 and increased speeds..especially in shorter 1/8 mile running mid 6's.....after a few trips almost to sand traps....bye-bye to drum brakes...I do miss my 8 lugs..!! I also destroyed a lot of 8 Lug drums...hot/hard spots..I think you will be fine with the 8 lugs..IMO..
I am hoping this 1" bore MC will work with the discs all around. Having a H of a time bleeding it by my self..

What color is it going to be....any ideas yet?

[61 vent]

Thanks, I am trying to stay local. I hope Jim has a lead.