Blog

Connecting Rods And Rod Bearings

Jun 5, 2015

Time: 3 hours

Tools: standard socket set, rubber mallet, crankshaft socket, breaker bar, feeler gauge

Cost: approximately $50 for bearings and supplies

Tinware: quality set of rod bearings, Plastigage, 3/8”rubber hose

Tip: To avoid scratching or damaging the cylinder walls when removing or installing piston and rod assemblies, cut two short lengths of 3/8” hose and slide it over the rod bolts.

Performance gains: smooth, reliable operation from the lower rotating assembly

1953 F600

Jun 3, 2015

After many months of looking, driving, searching and disappointment, turning into the long driveway in Caro, Michigan, my wife Barbi loudly exclaimed "That's It!" Sitting at the end of the driveway was this beautifully restored 1953 F600 that had been listed on Craigslist. We greeted the owner, and without hesitation, I told him that we would buy it. I asked him the story behind the vehicle, but he didn't know too much about it. We agreed on the price, and I was now driving this classic for the next six hours to Petoskey, MI.

Master Cylinder/Power Booster Conversion

May 29, 2015

Time: 2 hours (approximately)

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, brake bleeder (optional)

Cost: $250 and up

Tinware: master cylinder/power booster

Tip: Always bleed the brakes repeatedly anytime changes are made in the brake system.

Performance gains: A new, dual circuit master cylinder and power booster will enhance the ease and safe operation of your brake system.

Distributor: HEI Conversion

May 29, 2015

Time: 2 hours

Tools: standard wrench set, flat-blade and/or Phillips screwdriver, wire strippers/crimpers

Cost: varies by manufacturer- approximately $175-$400

Tinware: HEI distributor (new, rebuilt, or used), HEI ignition lead connector, HEI style plug wires

Tip: Label or mark the location of your spark plug wires on the distributor cap for fast, easy reference.

Tip: When you have installed your HEI distributor, its best to widen the plug gap as well.

Tip: You should run a new power wire that is getting a full 12 volts. Simply splicing into the existing lead is not getting maximum power to the ignition, as that is a resistance wire. If you measure the juice at idle on that wire, you will find it to be only around 9 volts. The car will run and operate using this wire under normal driving conditions, but the power loss will be noticeable at full throttle.

Performance gains: increased coil saturation, higher spark output, more reliable performance

'55 Bel Air: A Well Traveled Story

May 22, 2015

Our '55 Chevy Bel Air began its life in Baltimore, MD, and somehow found its way out to California. It is believed that in 1972 the original owner of our car was stopped by the California Highway Patrol and arrested for drunk driving. The car was impounded and sent to the Mojave Desert Auto Wrecking Yard. There, it would be abandoned and parts taken from it for the next five years.

Installing Sub-Frame Connectors

May 22, 2015

Time: 2 hours

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, power drill and drill bits (if applicable)

Cost: $175-$300

Tinware: sub-frame connector kit and hardware

Tip: Buy quality products. There are lots of companies making sub-frame connectors, but not all of them implement heavy-duty materials and quality construction. Visit RicksCamaros.com, EcklersFirebird.com or EcklersNova.com and search for “Sub-frame connectors”.

Performance gains: Sub-frame connectors are a must for any high-performance small car without a full frame. They offer strength and improved handling under heavy loads.

1966 Country Squire

May 22, 2015

I purchased the car as a retirement project for $3500. It was missing all the woodgrain, and the moldings were broken and faded with half of the chrome buttons missing. Interior was not bad, but the seats were split and the vinyl was brittle. The car was originally sold from Parkside Ford in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 21, 1966.

Understanding Rear Gear Ratios

May 22, 2015

Understanding rear gear ratios

Applicable years: all

Cost: $250-$300

Tinware: ring and pinion set, differential fluid

Tip: It’s best to seek out the help of an experienced professional when changing the rearend gears.

Performance gains: quicker off-the-line acceleration

Installing New Seat Upholstery

May 15, 2015

Time: varies depending on number of seats and style, plan on at least 2 hours

Tools: standard wrenches, hog-ring pliers, flat-blade screwdriver, needle-nose pliers (optional)

Cost: anywhere from $500 and up, approximately

Tinware: upholstery, hog-rings and pliers, seat foam padding (optional)

Tip: Before installing new vinyl seat covers, lay them out in the sun to loosen the material and to relieve any folds or creases in the vinyl from due to packaging.

Performance gains: none that are track-proven, but the added comfort and style far make up for it!

Not Exactly Original: 1962 Bel Air

May 14, 2015

The first car I owned was a 1962 Bel Air 2-door sedan 6-cylinder, 3-speed. I don’t remember exactly when I saw a ’62 Bel Air Sport Coupe for the first time, but I do remember thinking that it was one of the best looking cars Chevrolet ever built.

Many years later, while serving in the military, I began looking all over the United States for a ’62 that I could afford. I eventually found the car I wanted, a 1962 Bel Air Sport Coupe, in Burley, Idaho in 1994. One of the local kids had just inherited the car from his grandmother, who was the original owner. It took two years of contact with him before I was able to buy the car and drive it home.