Long road to some form of respectability

[Westbank of NOLA]

Today, i dropped the gas tank. I swear the last time I remember putting gas in that car was 2010. Slowly knocking the cobwebs out of her. After seeing the gas that came out the tank. I replaced all the rubber fuel hoses and the electric fuel pump, then purged the line with fresh gas.

Found a drive shaft out of a 86 Monte that measures 46 inches W2W. Should be just what I need to complete the transmission swap to the 700r4. Only thing is that its all the way up in Indiana. Will call tomorrow and see about getting it shipped.

 

[Westbank of NOLA]

Nothing like sitting in the office, and a box from Summit Racing being delivered. Receptionist called me asking why did I get a package with "Hotrod and racing" printed on the box. All I could do was laugh, then tell her it should read "Cruising and Smiling" . Well seems like this weekend, I will be working on the electric fan and the brake calipers.

 

[RustRocket]

I live outside of New Orleans. Yep, the local government has one of those Curb Appeal laws enforced by Code Enforcement. The amount of stuff you can't do on you property is ridiculous. You also can't work on your cars on your property, but most people do anyway. Just have to do it after 5 pm or on weekends.

Wow, being brutally honest, that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard...and I've heard of some pretty dumb laws. Even so, you're making a hundred time more progress than me

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Since a gbody didn't come factory with a 700r4 you won't find one unless you just happen to come across one where someone swapped in a 700r4 and had a driveshaft made for it. FWIW the driveshaft length, with stock 7.5 rear and the 700r4, would be 49.5 inches center to center of each ujoint. If you have a 8.5 it would be 1 inch less.

 

[Westbank of NOLA]

RustRocket

Thanks man. I'm trying to beat the clock to get it moving. Once its running, everything will slow down a bit.


I went and found our parish Code of Ordinance on the issue.

"The department of inspection and code enforcement, through its inspectors, shall remove or cause to be removed any accessible vehicle with apparent violations, or any inoperable, junked, derelict or abandoned vehicle from any public or private property, which is not enclosed in a building or so located upon the premises as not to be readily visible from any public place or surrounding property, neutral ground, street, or sidewalk following the expiration stated in section 36-131(1),"

The inspectors look for a few things, proper tags and plate stickers. If you have that and they still think they have reason, they can ask to see the car drive forward and backwards at least 10 feet. They are escorted at all times by a sheriff deputy

 

[Westbank of NOLA]

Since a gbody didn't come factory with a 700r4 you won't find one unless you just happen to come across one where someone swapped in a 700r4 and had a driveshaft made for it. FWIW the driveshaft length, with stock 7.5 rear and the 700r4, would be 49.5 inches center to center of each ujoint. If you have a 8.5 it would be 1 inch less.

I talked to the guy who had the driveshaft. Its coming out a base Monte Carlo that had the 700r4 dropped in. The guy asked for $50 including shipping, I'm taking a bit of a chance and hoping I don't get burned.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

I hope it's just what you need too. Way back in '93 when I swapped a 700r4 into my first 80 regal that I had, I just took my d.s. to a local machine shop and they cut it, welded on a new end, and put in a new u-joint for like $100. For whatever reason I kept it even when I swapped back to a t350 3 yrs later. Glad I did as I will use it again for when I swap a 700 into my current 80 regal.

 

[Westbank of NOLA]

What project would be complete without hitting the tedious issues.

Problem 1. The drive shaft fits........ Only after I drop the driver side exhaust from the manifold. Once reattached, it was pressed firmly against the driveshaft. So, a trip to the exhaust shop is in my future. Hopefully they can cut the pipe and change the direction, which should be okay with the new cross member.

Problem 2. The electric fan install was rolling along, then I tried to take out the intake manifold plug for the temp sensor. No deal, it won't budge. Hit it with PB blaster and tossed on a cheater bar for more leverage. That poor wrench will never be the same, even tried a crescent wrench. Damn, damn, damn. called up the old shade tree guy, hopefully he could get it off.

I hope it's just what you need too. Way back in '93 when I swapped a 700r4 into my first 80 regal that I had, I just took my d.s. to a local machine shop and they cut it, welded on a new end, and put in a new u-joint for like $100. For whatever reason I kept it even when I swapped back to a t350 3 yrs later. Glad I did as I will use it again for when I swap a 700 into my current 80 regal.

455'ed80Regal.

If you don't mind me asking, what engine are you considering for that next 700 swap. I myself don't have a clue in which direction I'm going. All I'm reading over the forum is that the LS swap is the way to go. I don't think I could tinker with that monster, and I really want to do most of the work on my swap.

 

[Westbank of NOLA]

After a couple of week, finally turned some bolts on the car. Installed the blazer brake upgrade with new Ball Joints (Upper and Lower), new end links for the sway bar, and a new brake hose to cap it off. I felt good until I looked at the Tire Rod, yep will need to change that.

Side note, taking the factory upper ball joint off was a pain in the @ss. It was riveted in. Ended up grinding the tops of the rivets, then getting a big flat head screwdriver and a hammer. Took a bit of work, but I eventually pried it out.


After I finish some odds and ends, I might have to take a break from the Monte and cover it back up. Need to build a shed big enough to store parts, tools, and maybe a motor and transmission. This LQ4 is calling my name. $500 for the motor, transmission, harness, sensors, and computer. There goes the last of my budget.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

What project would be complete without hitting the tedious issues.

Problem 1. The drive shaft fits........ Only after I drop the driver side exhaust from the manifold. Once reattached, it was pressed firmly against the driveshaft. So, a trip to the exhaust shop is in my future. Hopefully they can cut the pipe and change the direction, which should be okay with the new cross member.

Problem 2. The electric fan install was rolling along, then I tried to take out the intake manifold plug for the temp sensor. No deal, it won't budge. Hit it with PB blaster and tossed on a cheater bar for more leverage. That poor wrench will never be the same, even tried a crescent wrench. Damn, damn, damn. called up the old shade tree guy, hopefully he could get it off.

I hope it's just what you need too. Way back in '93 when I swapped a 700r4 into my first 80 regal that I had, I just took my d.s. to a local machine shop and they cut it, welded on a new end, and put in a new u-joint for like $100. For whatever reason I kept it even when I swapped back to a t350 3 yrs later. Glad I did as I will use it again for when I swap a 700 into my current 80 regal.

455'ed80Regal.

If you don't mind me asking, what engine are you considering for that next 700 swap. I myself don't have a clue in which direction I'm going. All I'm reading over the forum is that the LS swap is the way to go. I don't think I could tinker with that monster, and I really want to do most of the work on my swap.

Sorry for the late response. I pulled the tpi 383 out of my 88 Camaro along with engine and dash wiring harnesses and will transplant everything into my regal.