Projects from THE COMPOUND

[Mike P]

“……That is the elusive A-833 (GM RPO code MY6). Very heavy duty 4-spd with overdrive. I'm always on the lookout for them and they seem to be getting hard to find. I'm using an aluminum case version in my '35……”


Neat choice on the transmission. As I recall they also take a unique bellhousing. I’ve had a few of the Chrysler version of the A833 OD transmissions (I’m running a cast iron version in my 57 Plymouth). The 2-3 gear split is a little wide in a heavy car but they’re a good choice with deep gears and a light vehicle.


I’ve been keeping an eye out for the Chevy version here in AZ, but in all these years have not come across any. At one point I was really hunting for one to replace the Muncie my BB Powered 68 El Camino…..I sold the truck a few years ago so it's kind of became a non-issue.

 

[DRIVEN]

They certainly aren't the ideal choice for a serious street machine or a drag car but I like them for cruisers. Strength would never be an issue but obviously the ratios are wider on a 3spd than a 4spd. I'm in it for the overdrive. Any yes, they do have a somewhat unique bellhousing. I have 2 of them and they are both drilled and tapped for both patterns (see photo). They also have the larger "truck sized" center register and accommodate an 11" clutch. The cast iron case version I'm using in the El Camino uses the hybrid style where the passenger side is typical GM/Muncie bolt placement and the driver's side has something similar to a Chrysler pattern. The aluminum case transmission I'm using on my '35 has a Muncie pattern. I'll be putting the front bearing retainer in a lathe and turning the register down to a "car" diameter and using allen head bolts to mate it to a scatter shield that I've had for years.

 

[DRIVEN]

I'm getting close to the end. Scuffed it up and tried some PlastiDip to see what all the fuss is about.

Still need to get the graphics taken care of.

Took it for a shakedown ride today. Probably around 40-50 miles. Ran up Bald Peak and over into Laurelwood and then took other back roads home.


A few observations; I love the way the mirror looks but it's essentially useless so I may have to go back to the bar-end mirrors I started with. I don't miss the gauges at all. It handles better than expected but I need to go easy when I pull out of tight switchbacks as the knobby tread feels slippery. Seems to ride as expected on gravel. Somehow I forgot to add a breather to a vent hose so it spurts a bit of oil. A scrap of sponge in the end of the hose would probably be fine. If I ever have a reason to pull the forks, I might put in slightly thicker oil.

 

[1evilregal]

I'm diggin the way it turned out, looks awesome!

 

[DRIVEN]

Rack is done.



This swaps out with the rear frame finisher that has the Cat bolts in the corners. Takes about a minute to make the switch. The 5 larger holes are laid out to accept the feet on this particular duffle bag. The smaller holes are for the hooks on the bungee cargo net. I fully expect that there will be some tweeks to the design once I've taken a trip or two. The bag is large enough to hold a sleeping bag, weekend's worth of clothing and camping gear, and an AR upper and lower -- if I had one. Obviously, I could just strap a small pack on the platform for a day trip. I'm even considering making a third, smaller attachment with vertical transport in mind. Kind of like a sissy bar.


Biker build-off planned for today. We'll hopefully get all Marc's wiring done. Might even go for a ride. Updates when they happen.

 

[DRIVEN]

Marc got it registered and insured last week. Finished getting the C-monster's lighting mounted and wired. Did one last nut and bolt check and went for a shakedown ride. They both ran great and both were leaking oil from the exact same spots in the same gaskets when we were done. We have a revised to-do list but they're both rideable now.

 

[DRIVEN]

Decided to change up the look a bit more. Came up with a set of simulated mag wheel covers that were on my grandpa's '68 El Camino when he bought it in 1970. They spent most of their time in storage and I never saw them in use. Always kind of like the look.
Still need to paint the air cleaner. Also waiting for the glass guy to come up with clips for the upper trim on the windshield. Kind of tough to see but the eyebrow trim above the headlights isn't installed yet either. Need to get current tags before I can put some street miles on it. So it's not quite done yet but the end is in sight. It got really dusty in my shop over the last few weeks so it really needs to be washed.

 

[1evilregal]

bikes and elky are lookin great! love the patina matched up with the period correct wheel covers, makes it look like it was just rescued from a barn!

wish I had your persistence and patience, I've been banging my head against the wall with the GP transmission problems, and oil leak problems from the "ugly duckling" project (w-body regal that I signed over to my niece) that seem to keep creeping back, that I don't even feel like looking at any projects right now.....

 

[DRIVEN]

I feel ya. Doesn't take too much hassle sometimes to make you want to just walk away from cars for awhile. I'm hoping to take a break for the summer and just enjoy some of them instead of working on them all the time.

 

[pontiacgp]

I hope your not going to the paint the El Camino, it looks perfect the way it is now...