'80 Lemans Tear Down

[tdvick]

I'm trying to be very patient and not rush anything. I only want to do things once. I'm waiting until last to do the motor. I don't want it setting done in the corner taunting me. I also have a bad habit of changing my mind mid stream. I already bought a 8.5" end and sold it again. I'm trying to plan everything out and then think about it for a bit. I've been way too spontaneous in the past and it cost me a lot more money re-doing things. I guess the front control arms were kind of that way too, but I think that was ok...

 

[tdvick]

Well, got a portion of the drivetrain done. The 12 bolt housing was a '70 Chevelle part, shortened to use '67 axles. I removed the Chevelle brackets and used Moser G-Body brackets. I also ordered UMI 12 bolt swap control arms. I had big Ford housing ends installed so C-clips would not be needed, now bolt in axles. I went with 3.73 gears and an Eaton posi. I really beat myself up over brakes. After all was done, there are Strange street series discs with 4 piston calipers on it. Also went with Strange axles and 1/2" x 3" wheel studs. Hopefully it's pretty bullet proof.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Now THAT looks TOUGH!

 

[motorholmes]

I'm assuming this car is bound for Brainerd when finished? Muscle Car Shootout, perhaps?

 

[tdvick]

Yeah, it's gonna be a street/strip deal, with heavy emphasis on the strip!

I was really happy with how the rear turned out. I hope it works as good as it looks. Now I need to decide on the rest of the suspension components, springs, shocks, etc...

 

[tdvick]

Wow,

Things were moving along really well for a couple months there, and then pretty much stalled out. Anyway, I was pretty happy with myself this weekend. I finally got the rear end mounted into the car. Still got a long way to go here...

 

[Ferret]

tdvick, you got my respekt sir ^^ I did such a tear down and rebuild on my lemans too a few years back it is a lot of work, a lot of money thrown in, but its worth it i'm looking forward for more pics/info on your project.

 

[tdvick]

I appreciate it. It's definitely not a money making deal. I just really like the car... I tinkered on the front end a little more last night.

 

[deanlemans81]

Looking good, keep it up and you`ll get there

 

[tdvick]

Well, I finally got off the pot and started gathering parts again for this project. I ended up taking the plunge and got a set of Mad Dog's 2" round port headers. I had them coated in 2000 degree satin black. They're still in sealed bags from the coater so pics aren't too great. I also picked up a set of solid body mounts and a manual brake adapter plate from TNT.