78 Grand Prix project

[G-Body_Vet]

Blasted the drive shaft today after torching out u-joint retainers and swapped out my old blazer spindles for the Belltech drop spindles. I found out 15's won't fit this set-up if you're using 1 inch taller lower ball joints because the lower a-arm interferes with the wheel. Looks like I have to put tires on my 18's now

Quick test fit for clearance

Crusty 442 driveshaft before and after blasting.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I guess its been awhile since I've posted anything but I have gotten a few things done. I ran my hydroboost lines, finished routing all my fuel lines and swapped my sending unit for one with a fuel return, installed aftermarket aluminum alt/power steering bracket and finally bought tires. I went with BFG Sport Comp A/S in 235/40/18 all around. Sure I could have gone wider out back but I wanted to be able to rotate my tires and not worry about rubbing. Im also addressing the universal rear muffler hangers that I dont like. I ordered a different set from Pypes that are for a Mustang but they're going to work exactly how I want them to.

I'm about to install a universal TV cable that I bought from TCI, along with the B&M lock up controller. My engine bay is a rat's nest at the moment because I'm getting ready to clean up the wiring.

This kit wasn't exactly a bolt-in deal but it went together without any cussing involved. Luckily I have a stash of stainless hardware since a few of the bolts weren't the right length. There isn't a lot of alternator fan-to-bracket clearance either.

My Pypes exhaust kit came with these for rear hangers. I think they're pretty much worthless and didn't feel like bending, cutting and making them work at a goofy angle.

I saw these and rolled the dice buying them. I mocked them up and they look like they're going to work. It looks like I'll only have to trim the excessive threaded end of the hanger rod. These could be fabbed pretty easily but the hanger mount is what I was primarily interested in.

 

[L.A.X-RATED]

liking the "paw prints" on them bfg's 8) staying tuned to see the hangars and how they come out on the mufflers! GREAT progress!

 

[85GPLef41]

coming along very nice I must admit! nice work everything is coming together nicely making me miss my 79 :wink:

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I'm glad you guys are still tuned in! I'm trying to peck away at it in the very little free time that I do have.

 

[Judge Mills]

I like the wheel choice. I saw those ones on Ebay last week, and thought they looked good.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I like the wheel choice. I saw those ones on Ebay last week, and thought they looked good.

Thanks! I went with them because they closely resemble Pontiac rallye II's.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I finally got around to finishing my rear exhaust hangers, cleaned up some wiring and put the car back on the ground. The Mustang hangers worked pretty well. The stance is also looking the way I planned. Im kinda pissed though at Discount Tires. One of my tires has a slow leak so I'm going to go back and haggle with these mf's again.

 

[Blake442]

Looking sweet! Love the rims!
How tall of a tire is that?
Our roads are such sh*t up here I don't know how comfortable I'd be with a sidewall that short.
Big and littles for everyone! Besides, the tires rotate everytime you drive! lol

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Looking sweet! Love the rims!
How tall of a tire is that?
Our roads are such sh*t up here I don't know how comfortable I'd be with a sidewall that short.
Big and littles for everyone! Besides, the tires rotate everytime you drive! lol

Thx! Tire is 25.4" tall. I don't think I'd want anything shorter than a 40 series either to be honest. I tried to strike a balance of a tire with good grip, not crazy expensive, slightly wider, yet all the same so I can rotate them. That may change after I see how this 455 acts