Wagon picture thread.

[ronrriley]

Re: My `83 Malibu

Kansas Bu Wagon, Longroof79,

It's an LT-1/T56 combo out of a `95 Z28. The fuel system started with a new wagon tank I had modified for an in-tank pump. Fuel lines are braided connected with AN fittings throughout. I must confess I farmed out a lot of the work. I got as far as getting the engine and trans in the car, then stalled out. The car sat for years. I was just about to sell it or give it away when I got a small inheritance and found a local shop to complete the swap and do some other upgrades. One cool thing the shop did was use a stock 95 Z28 radiator.

I've upgraded the suspension with stiffer springs and sway bars. I replaced the stock rear end with a Ford 9-inch with 3.50 gears (I tried to figure out what ratio would give me the best driving experience. I think 3.70 would be better. 6th gear is not of much use now.) The dash pod is something the shop found. I picked the gauges. There's probably a lot of stuff on the car I've forgotten.

I'm currently working on the tilt steering column. I've almost got it apart so I can tighten the tilt. I hope I can get it back together. One part fell out while I was taking it apart and I'm not sure how to put it back together.

 

[Longroof79]

Ron,
Thanks for telling us about your ride. I'm glad you decided to finish the work on the car. I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it. I guess money can make or break a project...ain't that a fact.
I'd kill to have a nice LT1/ T56 combo in my car. *drool*

5th and 6th gears are no doubt overdrive gears, even with the 3.50 or 3.70 gears.

Welcome to the forum. Keep us updated on your progress. Good luck on your tilt column. They're not too hard, but it is easy to lose little parts.

 

[Longroof79]

Ron,
This might help you with the tilt repair. http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html
I think I've used this site and another one that's no longer on the web. There's lot of info out there on GM tilt columns.

 

[Kansas Bu Wagon]

Man i'm jealous!!! Lol I can't wait for my swap to get done(or started lol).

 

[ronrriley]

Longroof,

Yeah, I've been looking at several sites, including the Fiero site. Non of them seem to have a good picture or explanation about how the plastic piece that actuates the dimmer is supposed to be installed. I guess I'll figure it out eventually. I'm still taking the rest of the column apart. Haven't got the pivot pins out. I should be getting a tool delivered today. With luck I'll have it back together with the new wheel some time tomorrow.

 

[Longroof79]

Ron,
There was another good site that helped me when I had my tilt column apart. Unfortunately, the site is no longer on the web...too bad.
If I had a scanner, I'd send you a copy of what I had printed out years ago. I found the Fiero site years later.
I've found that you have to use care when taking those things apart. Little parts like to go flying.
My column was in good shape when I got it, but I took it apart and lock-tited the 4-torx bolts just to be on the safe side.
also re-greased the ball bearings, but that's a given.

 

[ssbrewskyaz]

What's the column out of? I can probably get you the GM component view of the assembly (what F**d calls the exploded view). Need to know year and model. ...

:arrow: :arrow: :arrow: :wink:

 

[81msw79]

finally got some pics of my 81 wagon. was mostly stock when I bought it.all that was done when I got it was the rally wheels the h.o. 305 and a ridiculously 3.5" exhaust.

 

[Kansas Bu Wagon]

Nice wagon! What are your plans for it?

 

[81msw79]

interior I pretty much done will be adding a small system in it. suspension will stay stock height but get new bilstien shocks. drive train will be getting sold off. have a 8.5 rear for it working on getting a rebuilt 350 interceptor motor . transmission I have not decided which o.d. trans I want.debating between 700r4 or 2004r. already ordered a gn 3" single shot exhaust for it. it is a work in progress.