Hello, I'm Bill...

[WordMan]

Hello, I'm Bill...

And I'm addicted to cars, motorcycles, firearms, etc. Pretty much, if it comes apart, I probably want to build one.

Currently, I have:

-'72 "442" convertible (BBC, Richmond 5-speed, GTO IRS, etc)-as with most good projects, it's not yet finished

-'89 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (LY5/4L60E swap)-this one runs, drives, gets nearly 20mpg on the highway, and gets driven regularly.

-'76 Yamaha XS650 (Café Racer)-build in progress.

-'69 Triumph Bonneville (owned since I was 19)-in boxes.

-'93 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 (Wife's daily driver).


Currently, I am exploring some ideas for a daily driver build. I'm thinking '81-'8whatever Grand Prix or Cutlass. I'm thinking of going with AWD, with the front suspension based on either a Blazer or Toronado front end (measurements say S-series Blazer). Power will be an LS engine, probably an LS3/L99 with a 4L60E or 6L80E.

When I'm not dreaming up silly build ideas, I write novels... well, OK, I'm working on my first, but I am on what I hope will be my final (5th) rewrite.

So, that's me and my delusions in a nutshell.

Bill

 

[drogg1]

Welcome Bill! Sounds like a cool collection of vehicles. I definitely agree that if it comes apart, I want to build one. Its tough to decide what to do next though!

You may have seen before but a member here, awd442, has used the trailblazer(I think?) chassis for his 442.

Looking forward to seeing your progress!

 

[Judge Mills]

AWD would be awesome! Good luck.

 

[Canon_Mutant]

Now, how about an AWD G-body clean turbo diesel that has about 350HP/550lb.ft. with 8 gears and gets 30mpg? I would actually like to do one but cannot seem to get my '87 442 electric antenna changed much less get all the suspension and brake mods on it I want. But, though it will stay RWD, I do have PLANS!

Just PLEASE don't raise it 2', paint it camouflage, and put tractor tires on it! I guess that would make a pretty lousy daily driver though . . .

Seriously, the sky is the limit. Welcome and good luck . . .

 

[WordMan]

Now, how about an AWD G-body clean turbo diesel that has about 350HP/550lb.ft. with 8 gears and gets 30mpg? I would actually like to do one but cannot seem to get my '87 442 electric antenna changed much less get all the suspension and brake mods on it I want. But, though it will stay RWD, I do have PLANS!

Just PLEASE don't raise it 2', paint it camouflage, and put tractor tires on it! I guess that would make a pretty lousy daily driver though . . .

Seriously, the sky is the limit. Welcome and good luck . . .

No worries, I'm thinking more along the lines of an American Audi.

Welcome Bill! Sounds like a cool collection of vehicles. I definitely agree that if it comes apart, I want to build one. Its tough to decide what to do next though!

You may have seen before but a member here, awd442, has used the trailblazer(I think?) chassis for his 442.

Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Yes, research brought that one to my attention. I wonder at the use of Trailblazer parts. The trailblazer has a much wider track than the G-bodies. Same problem with using the front of a Toronado frame.

And yes, if it comes apart, it seems I have to take it apart.

AWD would be awesome! Good luck.

Thanks!

We're in the process of selling our home, so it will be a bit before I get to work on the idea. But I definitely want something to replace my Jeep in its daily driver role, and I think this idea would be exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[vanrah]

Welcome Bill; I call it the "Affliction", can't leave it stock. Always trying to make it better (plug in your definition), faster, stop better, corner better, shoot straighter what ever. And worse yet theirs no cure here & most everyone here is infected! Keep wrench'in, Bob Jr.

 

[Longroof79]

Welcome aboard Bill.
Nice projects. Sounds like the classic case of too many projects and no time to get to them all.
The '72 Cutlass Convertible sounds like one cool ride. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

[xitabl442]

Hello, and welcome. I wish I had the room, time and money to do stuff like that. Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[ssn696]

'72 "442" convertible (BBC, Richmond 5-speed, GTO IRS, etc)-as with most good projects, it's not yet finished

I want to see how you did/are doing that. I had this in mind for years, using a Cetera, GTO or G8 rear cradle, but when I measure my G8, the track width is significantly wider.

 

[WordMan]

I want to see how you did/are doing that. I had this in mind for years, using a Cetera, GTO or G8 rear cradle, but when I measure my G8, the track width is significantly wider.

I haven't yet accomplished it (though I know of at least one car that has it done). In the first place, the '68 to '72 A and G bodies had a serious case of elephants on a roller skate. The wheels se way inside the wheel houses, and so the 1-1/2" per side in increased track likely won't hurt much. I may play around with wheel offsets if necessary, or narrow the GTO rear by an inch per side. We'll see. Right now, the car is covered and the GTO rear is in a storage unit waiting for our house to sell.