the summer project

[billcreller]

My manuals tell me all the '73 thru '77 body parts are the same, except for the grille itself and headlight frames.   Sheet metal is the same.  I'll have to look into this more. :)

[billcreller]

  I decided not to fool with the VIN thing.  Today I scrapped the old car, making room for the next one, the '75 model.   At least all the parts I've re-done will fit, including the interior.

[billcreller]

 The '75 El Camino arrived today, and I'm ready to tear into it ;D  One of my buddies has a small structural steel company, and he is building me a rotisserie to hold and turn the body over for sand blasting the bottom side etc.  I found the plans for it on an autobody forum.  It's a sort of trade deal, since I've maintained his airplane since the mid- 90s for nothing in labor. So what goes around, comes around, in a good way. :)

[billcreller]

For an update, I have the body completely gutted, no doors, no interior, or dash etc, and have all the body sealant dug out for sand blasting. Body sealant is the stuff that keeps water out and rust in!!  I'm gonna sand blast the interior before raising it off the frame, easier at that level.

[billcreller]

 My buddy has the rotisserie done, except the casters I brought over to him Monday.  I'm having an auto glass place come over and remove the windshield, which is cracked.  I can then sand blast the frame it sets in.   Didin't get much done lately. My youngest son is home from U of Hawaii for the summer, and we are finishing up a boat that he and I started a few years ago.  It's a mahogany outboard runabout, 12 1/2 feet long. We have a Merc MK20 to put on it, one of the old green motors.
  It should move along fairly good with that outboard.

[billcreller]

This is is another summer project, a wood boat that my son and I are finishing. He has been home from U of Hawaii for the summer, and we have his boat almost finished. It's a '50s design, which is one like I built myself in the 50s.
  Here's a few pics of the project:

[tubenit]

Absolutely beautiful boat!  Wow!  Very cool project.

With respect, Tubenit

[jhadhar65]

That is one cool looking boat.  I love that old Mercury.  My dad's still got my grandpa's old 5.5 Mercury and 2.5 Johnson he bought new in '63.  They both run like tops.

[billcreller]

  I built the frame from mahogany a few years back, and stored it in a hangar until we could get back to finishing it.  I bought some Hydrotek marine plywood to finish it the summer. The ply is Meranti, which I'm told is a species of mahogany.   I will have some items on it to finish yet. The kid has to return to college on Friday, but at least we have it mostly done.   I have to do some work on the old Merc MK20, which doesn't run good.
  I had an outboard motor collection up to about five years ago, when I gave it to one of the other kids because there isn't room for all that stuff.  I did keep a 10 hp Johnson, and a little Nissan for my own use.

  Now it's time to get back to the El Camino project

[billcreller]

 An up-date of sorts:  I have the El Camino body mounted on the rotisserie my buddy built for me.  It rolls over with very little effort.  Have a guy coming to sand blast the bottom of the body, and maybe the frame too.  I'll post some pics when my kid comes over to remind me how to do it

[billcreller]

  Big day today. The sand blast guy came and did the job on the body.  It's all bare metal now. The rotisserie worked great for doing the bottom of the body.

  I did the frame myself, and have it painted, and have the Currie 9" Ford rear end bolted in with new rear springs. Still have to put the front suspension and brakes, steering etc on.  I may even get this thing done before I turn 80!

[jhadhar65]

You kill me, Bill.  I hope I can accomplish half what you do when I'm your age.  Unfortunately I drive too fast for that possibility.

[supro66]

I found on of them on a beach in Kennendy Vill MD 1962

The owner said I could have it

It had cable steering

I had to put fiber glass on the bottom

Put a 40 HP Johnson on it

Yep I fliped it I was 15 then

[billcreller]

 This runabout has cable steering, just like in the 50s.    Hopefully next summer we will have some fun with it.

[billcreller]

  A little up-date here;  I have the El Camino body welded up where the floor was rusted, the whole body was sand blasted by a guy with a big rig. I re-sealed all the areas where I dug all the old seam sealant out before sand blasting, and  I have the whole bottom primed and painted, and the interior primed and painted.  The frame is also painted.  The big Ford 9" rear end is bolted in, and I'm about to install all the front suspension and steering parts.  Trying to get as much done as I can before cold weather. The old hangar I'm working in doesn't have the furnace hooked up yet, and I can't afford to heat it anyway.
  When my kid comes over, I'll have him remind me how to post some pix again.

[billcreller]

I finally have all the running gear bolted on, a 9" Ford rear, adjustable upper rear control arms ( for setting pinion angle) new springs and rear stab bar, re-bushed front suspension with new springs etc All the steering parts are next.
   The body has new paint on the bottom and inside surfaces where I had it sand blasted. Just started bolting stuff back on the firewall, like heater, wiper motor etc
  Have to restore the top of the dash yet.
Gotta keep goin', I was 78 last Sunday, and I don't want to waste time
 I will get some pics posted soon.

[billcreller]

 My next major part of this is to rebuild a TH400 transmission.  I haven't done one of these yet, just a bunch of the TH350s.  When the transmission is together I'll bolt the engine (Caddy 500) and transmission into the frame.
  I just finished all the brake and fuel lines/hoses etc., and working on the parking brake cables.  I did something different on this project, I used my engine cleaning gun (a Binks) and sprayed Rustoleum Rusty Metalprimer inside the body panels, like quarter panels etc, inside all the body stiffeners and support channels, and inside the frame rails. Then I sprayed two coats of Rustoleum  paint inside those areas to seal the primer. Kind of messy, but worth the effort.   Have to prevent Michigan winters from eating it up.

[tubenit]

You are a remarkable individual doing a remarkable project. PLEASE share pics as you go when you can. Would love to see it.  The sandblasting rotisserie thing sounded interesting.  I've done some sandblasting and water blasting w/sand also. Hard work.

With respect, Tubenit

[billcreller]

Thanks for the kind words tubenit.  My son is gonna post some pics here for me.  I keep forgetting how to do it!!  I do have quite a few pics to share.

[sluckey]

You are a remarkable individual doing a remarkable project.

How true. I hope my retirement years will be as interesting and varied as Bill's.

[billcreller]

The trick is to keep moving, so that I don't fall over I have an amp idea to build when the winter really comes on hard here.
  Oh yeah, I'm also re-upholstering a Cessna 120 for a customer.  It needed a lot of TLC, and I finished an annual inspection on it last week, and flew it yesterday. It flies nice, just like it should

[billcreller]

 I have determined that "the summer project" has moved into colder weather, and I'll have to lay off for a few months, since I have no heat in that building.  I may get the instrument panel (dash) back in yet, but that's about it.  The inside of the bed/box is primed and painted, and the insulation is glued on the floorboards etc.  The frame is ready to for the body etc.  I'm currently rebuilding a TH400 transmission for it, in our shop hangar, where there is heat.  I'm gonna bolt the engine and transmission together, to mount them into the frame before the body goes back on.

[billcreller]

  I thought I was gonna have to quit for the winter, but a couple kerosene heaters are keeping the chill off for now.
Here's a few pics of my project.  There is more done since these pics, but they are the major items so far.





http://s561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/steelybill/el%20camino%20%20resto/

[DummyLoad]

nice work and nice garage!!   :)

[billcreller]

It's actually an airplane hangar, about 54' X 48'  There's an airplane in there too that's visible not in the pics.  I'm sorting out the wiring under the dash currently. Luckily I have all the schematics, service manuals etc.  My kids bought me a rebuild kit for the transmission, for a Xmas present.  No excuses now Gotta get it done.

[CraigB]

Bill, the detail in your work is really fantastic.  She's a beauty.  Craig

[billcreller]

Thanks for the kind words. I do the best I can

[billcreller]

I did finally get the transmission rebuilt, except for a shift kit I need to get for it yet.  My first time at doing a TH400 GM transmission. I believe it's simpler than the TH350s I've done.  It is a heavy sucker to work on though, and I'm told it's 60 lbs heavier that the 350.

[billcreller]

  Finally have the transmission finished.  Hope the dam thing works after it's bolted in!!   Before too much longer, I wont have to change the title of this thread, 'cause it will be summer :

[bnwitt]

Bill,
I've said it before and I'll say it again, "you are amazing"  flying airplanes at 78 when most 60 year olds can't pass the medical.  Genetics have treated you well and your attitude is very powerful too.  You are my hero.

[billcreller]

Thanks for the good words Barry.  I just have to have projects it seems, and sometimes I have too many   Actually I'm afraid to slow down !!

[billcreller]

  Here's my project pics on Photobucket:

http://s561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/steelybill/el%20camino%20%20resto/

[bnwitt]

what did you do, buy a 55 gallon drum of red paint?

[billcreller]

Aaaahhhhhhh, nope!!
 It's a   GM color, Firethorn red    The bed is painted with Rustoleum that's mixed to match the GM color that's going on the rest of it.
  The red on the engine is actually Ford engine red, and I also used it to paint the rotisserie.  Maybe a drum of red would have been cheaper

[billcreller]

  OK update time..........I have the tail gate stripped and primed, and I'm working on the front fenders.  Just so you know I'm
 not poking the proverbial pooch

[billcreller]

 OK, more wasted space on Doug's site!!  
  I have the front fenders done and primed.  I stripped them to bare metal like all the other parts, and fixed a few divits etc.  I also repaired the radiator core support with new fabricated metal sections welded in. That piece is not available in the after-market.
  Since it's been almost 80 degrees here for a couple of days, the title of this thread will be more honest for the coming summer
 I didn't specify which summer, so it's still good

[bnwitt]

Keep going Bill!  Get er' done.  I can't wait to see the finished product.  We'll need a video with audio of the start up.

[billcreller]

  Hi Barry
  I'm just getting the transmission bolted to the engine, which is a big Caddy 500 torque monster.  Then it gets bolted in the frame.  After the engine & trans are in, the body gets mounted back on the frame.
  I'm also welding in some beef-up gussets on the rear control arm attach points on the rear of the frame.  It needs some extra beef there.

Spent a lot of time working on the right door, getting all the little "parking lot" dings fixed. Those are a real pain in the butt.  The left door appears to be just as bad.

 I've been working on airplanes a lot this spring, so the project wasn't getting as much done.

  Amp-wise, I'm gonna remove the Fender reverb circuit in the last amp I built (sounds too much like a Fender), and use the extra tube socket hole for a single triode, and then use two single triodes for the PI instead of the twin type , like the 6SL7 that's in there.  
  At least the hole will be filled !!

Oh yeah, the start up will be noisy, 'cause camshaft break-in requires around 2200 RPM for about 30+ minutes
 Regards...........

[Rev D]

 Nice Job Bill, you're gonna need stock in a tire company with that 500 in that Camino' :)

Regards,

D.

[billcreller]

Being summer, my youngest son is home from university, and we have been tinkering with that boat that we built last summer.  The old Mercury outboard, 1953 Mark 20, has been giving us problems. Mostly fuel related, and adjustments to linkage etc that the previous owners had messed with.  Today we finally got it working great, and the boat goes like hell with that motor now.
  The kid bought the Mercury Service manual that covers engines 1965 and earlier.   It helped a bit, but it wasn't all that informative, specially for what it cost, like 72 bucks plus shipping.
  Work on the El Camino project is going along OK, but slower, with high temps and humidity around here.

[billcreller]

Well, still plugging away on the project.  Sorting out the wiring harness and vacuum lines, getting the dash gauges in etc. Little stuff eats time, and I'm adding misc stuff like better grounds and bonding straps, and a remote starting wire to bump the starter when doing valve adjustments etc.   Still have a few wires that don't seem to be on the wiring diagram for this.  Mostly optional stuff, like the air conditioner, cruise control etc, that isn't on the main wiring schematic.   After thinking about exhaust headers etc, I decided to go with the original stock manifolds, to avoid the usual hassle with headers, and the rusty pipes problem on a daily-driver in winter.  I ground and smoothed the manifolds, and have some special hi-temp coating to use on them.  Don't know how good the stuff is, but we'll see......
Half the time is spent looking for parts when I forgot where the hell I put them.
  Soon I'm gonna do a smoke test to see what works, (and doesn't),  like dash lights, blower, gauge sensors, etc........

[billcreller]

OK, it's still a summer project, just a different summer.......   Today I have a friend to help install the new windshield and rear window. He's done a bunch of windshield jobs, so it should go alright.  I've never done one.  And I may get the R/H door hung soon too.  Another friend has a dolly to handle car doors, which will be great, since these doors weigh 115 lbs each, without any upholstery.  I re-bushed all the hinges and the detent rollers on the bottom hinges.
  And I even worked on an amp!  The power switch fell apart internally on my favorite clone amp. Never heard of that before.......

[billcreller]

I seem to have a problem with my engine being too far forward. (just another glitch) The fan shroud doesn't fit like it should.  I didn't pay close attention to my original layout plan it seems, so I have to move the  engine back (rearward) about 1 1/2 inches.  Not a big deal, but some work involved.  Good thing I didn't get a new drive shaft yet!!
  That really dumb part is that I modded the oil pan when I wouldn't have needed to.  Wife sez I have CRS, and that's the problem

[billcreller]

  I had to move the engine aft just one inch.  But one inch was still a lot of work.  Now I'm doing a mod/alteration on the AC/heater box, to clear the r/h rocker/valve cover, just like PRR said last year, that I might have to do.  How come that guy is right all the time?   Anyway, it's almost back together to where it was. Now things are even tighter in the engine compartment than ever.  I'll be able to call it a "compact car", since that's what it is up front.

[PRR]

> I'm doing a mod/alteration on the AC/heater

Seriously. Slide the engine in, gas-up, FLOOR it. The heater box is self-modifying.

My gal has a Miata. My neighbor is working on a Jaguar V-12. There's a picture on the Web of a Jag V-12 "in" the Miata engine bay. That's 3 times the pistons, 2.4 times the horses (stock; the Jag can do more).

[billcreller]

I suspect it will be some time yet before I can "floor it" :smiley:for the air box mod.  Good thing is, the box is fiberglass type material, and I now have an inverted "bump" in it, and It fits good.  Had to fool with the shift rod which goes down from an arm on the lower column. I reversed the bend on the top by cutting it off and welding it back on 180 degrees from where it was. It should clear the left cylinder head, by coming in from the back side of the arm, but haven't tried it yet.

[drew]

My gal has a Miata. My neighbor is working on a Jaguar V-12. There's a picture on the Web of a Jag V-12 "in" the Miata engine bay. That's 3 times the pistons, 2.4 times the horses (stock; the Jag can do more).

I'd rather have an LS1 conversion (video best viewed with computer speakers turned up to "11").  Build thread:  http://www.v8roadsters.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59

[billcreller]

Lots of after market hop-up parts for the LS1 now.

[billcreller]

I have the steering all done now. Had to switch the steering box to a later type, with the correct spline for my column, and the pump I bought was the wrong one in the correct box, but it's switched also, so it's finally together.

[billcreller]

  Still plugging away, I have the new gas tank painted and installed, with a new GM sending unit, which is hard to find now, and I bolted on new air shocks on the rear.  El Caminos came with rear air shocks, and they do the job nicely when loading it. Next major item is an aluminum radiator, which claims to cool 700 HP.  Don't think I'll have to worry about getting close to that figure.   The cooling HP figure likely doesn't take into account that some engines don't cool as good as others, regardless of power.