LS Powered Monte Build

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

I am also thinking of reinforcing the lower control arm mounts while the frame is stripped. Has anyone made there own reinforcements for these or is there something I can buy to beef them up some how?

 

[Blake442]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

TNT has that stuff.

http://www.tntraceshop.com/1978-1988_G-body_180100-180200-180101-180201.html

 

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

finally got my frame into the workshop this week and replaced my rotted rear rails. I started off by setting the frame up on blocks and leveling it using wood shims. Then took a measurement of the distance between each rear rail and a measurement from the factory weld to the end of each rail to ensure the correct length. finally took a cross measurement to make sure things stay square. I did a side at a time making sure measurements stayed the same. Now time for sand blasting

 

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

spent the whole weekend sandblasting and painting the frame. I used 7 bags to get everything clean and ready. Next I primed the frame with epoxy primer for its great rust prevention properties on bare metal. Once the primer was dry I painted the frame with Limco single stage paint (gloss Black). After seeing how this turned out im kicking myself for not painting the frame and under side of the 82 monte this way. I used por 15 on the 82 which is great stuff dont get me wrong but I find that it loses its shine after a while (even when its noy exposed to the sun) and brushing it on doesnt look as nice. Oh well now I know for next time 😀

 

[kuruption109]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

great job... looks GOOD.... wish i had a house and garage to build my malibu....

 

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

wish i had a house and garage to build my malibu....

Im luckier than most I guess in that way. My dad just happens to own a 40 by 90 shop. Im just working in the little barn right now... Space is the most important thing to have when undergoing a project like this.

 

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

Its been a while since the last status update on the project but heres whats been done since last time. New energy suspension bushings were installed (polyurethane) as well as bump stops and end links. Solid motor mounts from trans-dapt where mounted for increased strength and for the v8 swap. I installed some softer front spring in the front to improve weight transfer for better launches. Also I used a set of 3 way adjustable drag shocks from competition engineering. Next on the list is to get the 9 inch narrowed and put together the rear suspenson then set up the brakes.

 

[youngdeezy]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

frame off thats what i love to see nice build so far man.

 

[OldBlue82]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

From what I started with, a frame off was the only way to go.

 

[jaybyrd]

Re: New Project 81 Monte Build

thats looking pretty nice man! i guess a frame off is just necessary sometimes haha