'78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread + roof carnage

[84cutlass383]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

sorry, was looking at the pics of the GP and everything that u need seems to be already gone. when i go again this weekend ill take more detail pics and maybe u might wanna get sumthing. Ray

 

[motorholmes]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

Nah don't worry about it. Thanks for checking it out though!

 

[motorholmes]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

I couldn't find any 1/2" channel, so I got some 1/2" square and some 1/2"x1" .0625 tubing today. I think the rectangular stuff might be the ticket. Just have to rip it down the middle.
Should be able to get at some drip rail welding this weekend. The process doesn't seem as bad as I thought.

 

[85GPLef41]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

looks like you have been doing some work... I miss my 79 GP.. are your drip rails that rusted that bad?

 

[motorholmes]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

I ran into another tricky problem. I guess the drip rail is supposed to taper off to about half it's original width by the time it reaches the rear of the quarter window. So the whole area I'm trying to replicate not only curves and is concave, but also the channel I fabricated to fit there doesn't taper like the sheet metal from the factory.
Ugh

 

[CGimbel]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

Personally, I would have took a two inch wood chisel and hammer to any g-body and cut out what was needed. When getting home, cutting off what was not needed and grafting on the rest. It's still an option. ?

 

[78PontiacGP]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

Did you take off the landu top? It looked nice..

 

[motorholmes]

Re: '78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread

No, the vinyl top was all cracked up and was going to need replacing. And I hate vinyl tops

Personally, I would have took a two inch wood chisel and hammer to any g-body and cut out what was needed. When getting home, cutting off what was not needed and grafting on the rest. It's still an option. ?

That would definitely be the correct route to take.
The nearest bone with a GP is 160 mile round trip from me!
A battery powered skil saw with an abrasive blade might work too.

 

[motorholmes]

Ok, I managed to make enough time to "finish" the passenger side.. At least the welding/fabricating portion

I think I might use that "All Metal filler" for the deep crevasse where G.M. just filled with bondo. I wonder if that rear corner will hold an edge though. I guess if G.M. did it with polyester, I should be able to get away with it

I gotta say, I'm pretty stoked with the results. I wasn't too thrilled going in this morning

 

[adam6640]

Have you thought about just shaving the drip rails or gutters completely ? and you could tuck the bumbers & eliminate the fillers too I did a malibu and it looked good I shortened em too just a thought you have a nice car there are you going manual trans ? good luck keep posting