Bought my first regal to build
- Thread starter Muswagon
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Looks like about where I was when I bought my Regal, looked OK in pictures but I ended up replacing both inner and outer rockers (driver's was gone and pass was soft) and I also had to make patches for the rear seat area and rebuild the frame mounts in that area.
I bought the Goodmark quarter patches and have only done mock ups but they appear to be a good fit.
It's good that yours is also a hardtop and a bonus having a bucket / console car.
If you already have a 305 SBC and even though I am a big block fan I would consider getting healthy small block since everything will be a direct swap.
The BBC will bolt to your frame mounts but that is about the only thing that will transfer over from your existing set up, in the long run with required upgrades it might not be very budget friendly.
I bought the Goodmark quarter patches and have only done mock ups but they appear to be a good fit.
It's good that yours is also a hardtop and a bonus having a bucket / console car.
If you already have a 305 SBC and even though I am a big block fan I would consider getting healthy small block since everything will be a direct swap.
The BBC will bolt to your frame mounts but that is about the only thing that will transfer over from your existing set up, in the long run with required upgrades it might not be very budget friendly.
I thought about a small block .... I built a 408 Windsor a few years ago, its alot of fun and has great torque.....but.....I realllllly want to experience Big block torque.
I guess what I will do is decide after the body is done. If it turns out nice I will go all out. If not, just a budget 383 which would still be fun.
I guess what I will do is decide after the body is done. If it turns out nice I will go all out. If not, just a budget 383 which would still be fun.
Yeah but it's addicting, you start out with an iron headed 454 and next thing you know your building an CNC aluminum headed, solid roller 565 BBC with a 300 horse nitrous kit.
I am kinda hoping that will happen! Starting with good aluminum heads that will grow with my pedal foot, decent rebuild, virgin block. Going to see how much fun that is. When I get bored of it, could do it really right with a 572 stroker. I am Ford guy, but really liking the General lately. Almost bought a project 70 Chevelle before I bought the Regal. Just as much work for 10 times the money, figured I would spend short term money on the engine side of things.
Work has been quiet, so been laying out my plan lol....so much for a budget build (I knew that was BS anyway, I want it to be nice)
Please feel free to bump me over if I am on the wrong path anywhere
Body...
- Outer rockers for sure, most likely inners as well. On the fence about just buying them or letting my buddy make them. much cheaper on the make 'em
- Pass side need all three patch panels that goodmark makes, the drivers side not sure, have not buzzed it yet with the grinder to see what I am dealing with
- Going to buy both half floor pans, will cut whatever I actually need
Frame...
- Very solid except of course will need to patch one side of the rear which is no biggie. Its just showing signs but might as well do it now
- Going to buy the notch kit for larger tires while the car is apart
Powertrain....
- 454. Solid rebuild, budget ally heads (not procomp), should be at least 600 hp and tq which should be smiles all day. Another member helped me out with header selection and such
- Trans I am mixed on. I HATE autos....but its also the easiest. I have a Ford TKO 600 that will be released from duty when I sell my fox notch, its not too hard adapt to BBC, just pricy
Rearend...
- I might F around with used parts to build the 7.5 for fun, another member helped me with parts selection. Car will not be raced, so F body posi and Gnat axles should last a few Sundays depending on Auto vs Manual vs Tires
- I have a spare 8.8 foxbody rear end in my backyard, and I like a challenge so that is an option as well
Appearence...
- Gnat rear spoiler
- thinking the smooth glass bumpers instead of messing around with mine (my rear is a mess)
- Not sure of hood. I like smooth, I am mixed on the gnat hood (I can get one cheap), the 2" cowl hood is cool but very camaro-ish so not sure
- Wheels, dunno, not a fan of most 4.75 wheels, I will keep looking
Steering...
- Crown auto Jeep steering shaft, Monte box. I did read about using an F body box and changing the valve in the power steering pump, this is a thing?
- Basic rebuild of the front end, new stuff
- Control arms is where I am mixed. You can get new lower allstar for pretty cheap, then add poly bushings because why not, but pretty soon a tubular kit isnt looking so bad price wise. Thoughts???
I am sure I am missing a ton...but I don't want to turn a wrench without a solid plan (guideline I mean, we knows plans change)
Please feel free to bump me over if I am on the wrong path anywhere
Body...
- Outer rockers for sure, most likely inners as well. On the fence about just buying them or letting my buddy make them. much cheaper on the make 'em
- Pass side need all three patch panels that goodmark makes, the drivers side not sure, have not buzzed it yet with the grinder to see what I am dealing with
- Going to buy both half floor pans, will cut whatever I actually need
Frame...
- Very solid except of course will need to patch one side of the rear which is no biggie. Its just showing signs but might as well do it now
- Going to buy the notch kit for larger tires while the car is apart
Powertrain....
- 454. Solid rebuild, budget ally heads (not procomp), should be at least 600 hp and tq which should be smiles all day. Another member helped me out with header selection and such
- Trans I am mixed on. I HATE autos....but its also the easiest. I have a Ford TKO 600 that will be released from duty when I sell my fox notch, its not too hard adapt to BBC, just pricy
Rearend...
- I might F around with used parts to build the 7.5 for fun, another member helped me with parts selection. Car will not be raced, so F body posi and Gnat axles should last a few Sundays depending on Auto vs Manual vs Tires
- I have a spare 8.8 foxbody rear end in my backyard, and I like a challenge so that is an option as well
Appearence...
- Gnat rear spoiler
- thinking the smooth glass bumpers instead of messing around with mine (my rear is a mess)
- Not sure of hood. I like smooth, I am mixed on the gnat hood (I can get one cheap), the 2" cowl hood is cool but very camaro-ish so not sure
- Wheels, dunno, not a fan of most 4.75 wheels, I will keep looking
Steering...
- Crown auto Jeep steering shaft, Monte box. I did read about using an F body box and changing the valve in the power steering pump, this is a thing?
- Basic rebuild of the front end, new stuff
- Control arms is where I am mixed. You can get new lower allstar for pretty cheap, then add poly bushings because why not, but pretty soon a tubular kit isnt looking so bad price wise. Thoughts???
I am sure I am missing a ton...but I don't want to turn a wrench without a solid plan (guideline I mean, we knows plans change)
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