16 Weeks of Progress

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Oldscarnut

Master Mechanic
May 10, 2017
251
245
43
NW Washington State
I started in May working weekends, holidays and a lot of 3 Day weekends to get the car safer, better handling, up the mileage and improve the appearance. I am now working on the interior, which appeared like it was hit with a grenade. The list of changes is long, but many of them may not be visible to the eye. It has all new brake system from M/C to W/C, and stainless lines. I replaced the rad overflow tank, & cap, added a rear stabilizer bar, Monroe Load Levelers, all front bushings, trans mount and both engine mounts, plugged the vacuum leaks, it now idles and gets 22+ mpg and shifts automatically. Changed the fluid and screen in the trans, the rear end lube, did some dent removal and very minor rust repair. Replaced the door panels, weatherstrip and door gaskets, replaced the door locks so that one key does it and painted both the white and orange after exhaustive sanding and priming. In the coming month the headliner, visors, carpet and seats will be done professionally. I changed the vinyl color with plastic dye from saddle to graphite. I will have those pics after I get the quarter window and trim re-installed this weekend. All totalled I have just a tad over $2500 in it doing 136+ hours of labor. It should be on the road again in late September, with no water or rust issues at all. There are some pesky oil leaks, but that is another fix, maybe next year! I have body mounts to replace, a new ignition lock and steering wheel to install, plus hours and hours of little tweaks. I think I'll keep it!
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Reactions: 12 users

1evilregal

Comic Book Super Hero
Apr 23, 2009
3,056
4,357
113
Greensboro, NC
all that labor was not in vain! looks great so far, can't wait to see more!
 
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Oldscarnut

Master Mechanic
May 10, 2017
251
245
43
NW Washington State
Thanks! It was not worthy of a true restoration with 155K miles, but I will drive it for a few years and continue improving it until my 11 year old is 17, then he can have it for his 1st car. My labor is not worth much to my bosses, but sweat equity is pretty handy eventually!
 

Oldscarnut

Master Mechanic
May 10, 2017
251
245
43
NW Washington State
Great work!
Thank you! It will be the last one I do so maybe I am taking my time more. Since I was not trying for a 100 point car, I was able to shop around and find OEM style parts at half the cost of the G Body specialists. Functional is always the best choice, and I find that some parts have improved the GM design to make it better and even longer lasting.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,992
113
Socialist NY
Looks great!!!!!!!!!!
 
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Reactions: 1 user

ed1948

Royal Smart Person
Aug 6, 2016
1,286
1,613
113
Quinte West, Ontario
Great job keeping a G Body alive for your Son...That's gotta be worth a million dollars, at least.
 
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Reactions: 1 user

Texas82GP

Just-a-worm
Apr 3, 2015
7,989
18,697
113
Spring, Texas
I started in May working weekends, holidays and a lot of 3 Day weekends to get the car safer, better handling, up the mileage and improve the appearance. I am now working on the interior, which appeared like it was hit with a grenade. The list of changes is long, but many of them may not be visible to the eye. It has all new brake system from M/C to W/C, and stainless lines. I replaced the rad overflow tank, & cap, added a rear stabilizer bar, Monroe Load Levelers, all front bushings, trans mount and both engine mounts, plugged the vacuum leaks, it now idles and gets 22+ mpg and shifts automatically. Changed the fluid and screen in the trans, the rear end lube, did some dent removal and very minor rust repair. Replaced the door panels, weatherstrip and door gaskets, replaced the door locks so that one key does it and painted both the white and orange after exhaustive sanding and priming. In the coming month the headliner, visors, carpet and seats will be done professionally. I changed the vinyl color with plastic dye from saddle to graphite. I will have those pics after I get the quarter window and trim re-installed this weekend. All totalled I have just a tad over $2500 in it doing 136+ hours of labor. It should be on the road again in late September, with no water or rust issues at all. There are some pesky oil leaks, but that is another fix, maybe next year! I have body mounts to replace, a new ignition lock and steering wheel to install, plus hours and hours of little tweaks. I think I'll keep it! View attachment 72924 View attachment 72924 View attachment 72926 View attachment 72928 View attachment 72929 View attachment 72933
Nice work! Great looking car!
 
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307 Regal

Royal Smart Person
Oct 21, 2009
1,667
915
113
Northern Indiana
I'm quite fond of the look. It seems very warm and inviting from the outside, not to mention "clean." The white & red/orange is a winner, and the wheels are very unique yet don't yell "I'm exotic and expensive" at the top of their lungs.
 

Jeff L

G-Body Guru
Nov 20, 2016
508
684
93
Southern AZ
Really like how your El is coming along. Your son will love it. Plenty of room in the back for kegs, 15-20 friends to take to the parties......wait....on second thought you better keep it! lol Seriously that is turning out to be a great car and your son will be lucky to have it.

I know what you mean by letting little things go. I could use some paint work, fix a few pesky oil leaks. My car will be 33 years old next month and it runs and rides great. For right now that is all that counts. Someday I will take care of a few annoyances, but for now it is ok as is.
 
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