Grandfather's 68 SS Camaro.

[JRC99]

Christmas was kind.

Got a set of Accel plug wires (so I can learn how to make them in the Spring) and a pair of speakers to replace the no longer functioning ones (it has kick panel speakers that were cut into it 30 years ago- so I'm not hacking anything up!)

After New Year's, I'm going to have Pappaw call his friend so we can set a CONCRETE date for April or May.

For the last 4 years I've been saying "this spring" and it never happens. (2020 has been a mess from front to back not just due to COVID, but for other reasons)

So I'm not making any more promises, but I can say we're going to try to plan things better. I need to drive this car in 2021.


I actually came across the son of the guy who painted it for Pap, on Facebook. He installed the vinyl top himself (though it did originally come with one). Said it was the second top he ever did. And he must be a natural because it came out perfect and still looks good almost 20 years later.

[JRC99]

Who says the youth don't do anything these days? Got a set of Accel plug wires for Christmas, so today my friend Darren and I put em together and put em on. Tomorrow I'm ordering valve covers for it (M/Ts, baby!) and I'll at least see if any valves are loose even though I'm not qualified to fix them.

Why am I doing all this if it just has to be disassembled again? Simple. Morale.

[JRC99]

Just a small update. I fired it for a minute. Sounds like it's got a header leak, but that loose rocker was indeed the issue for the knock. When it gets warmer, I'll change the oil. try to perfect the timing, and motorwise she's good.

[RogerD]

Joe,

Michelin radials were around (aftermarket) back then so, “Day 2” acceptable in my opinion

That August day I bought my new 69 Chevelle, I drove away with a set of Michelin radials (just a couple of weeks old, off my 66 Chevelle) swapped by Bill Allen’s shop as part of the deal

Originally Posted by JRC99

This seems like a good place to introduce myself. I'm Joe. I'm 15 and have grown up a total gearhead. I'm completely in love with Day 2 cars and 70's Street Machines/Street Freaks.
. . . Clearly, It's pretty Day 2 apart from the MSD ignition and Flowmasters (and the radial tires).

[JRC99]

Originally Posted by RogerD

Joe,

Michelin radials were around (aftermarket) back then so, “Day 2” acceptable in my opinion

That August day I bought my new 69 Chevelle, I drove away with a set of Michelin radials (just a couple of weeks old, off my 66 Chevelle) swapped by Bill Allen’s shop as part of the deal

Yeah, but to my eyes, nothing looks better than a fat pair of bias plies sticking out a touch past the rear quarters!

[JRC99]

Annnnd my knock is back!

Using a stethoscope, it seems to be coming from near the timing cover.

And, it wouldn't be this car if something else didn't also go wrong- the fuel pump is leaking. Great.

That header leak sound, though? Gone. Was either from the wrong firing order, or, something cam related if that rocker arm nut came loose. I'll probably yank the cover again and double check.

EDIT: Cranking it by hand while watching the rotor proves the chain is trashed. I'll start there.

[WILMASBOYL78]

The factory nylon gear and crappy chain were an accident waiting to happen. If you can see the wear from watching the rotor, don't wait too long take care of it. Be sure you get a quality double roller steel chain and a new set of gears.

Other items to check are the valve train parts...the big block motors of that vintage were known for 'dropping valves'. The BB springs and hardware were part of the problem...you might want to look at changing out the top end pieces, if time and budget allow. I did it on our 70 TH400 car many years ago...the timing chain fell off into my hand when I took the cover off

I changed all the valve springs, keepers, retainers...installed new valve seals. Reused pushrods and rocker arms, balls and nuts....they looked pretty good. Those 291 heads are the hi-perf units...big valves, rectangular ports...typically meant for high compression like 11 to 1.

Good luck with the car...

-wilma

[JRC99]

Originally Posted by WILMASBOYL78

The factory nylon gear and crappy chain were an accident waiting to happen. If you can see the wear from watching the rotor, don't wait too long take care of it. Be sure you get a quality double roller steel chain and a new set of gears.

Other items to check are the valve train parts...the big block motors of that vintage were known for 'dropping valves'. The BB springs and hardware were part of the problem...you might want to look at changing out the top end pieces, if time and budget allow. I did it on our 70 TH400 car many years ago...the timing chain fell off into my hand when I took the cover off

I changed all the valve springs, keepers, retainers...installed new valve seals. Reused pushrods and rocker arms, balls and nuts....they looked pretty good. Those 291 heads are the hi-perf units...big valves, rectangular ports...typically meant for high compression like 11 to 1.

Good luck with the car...

-wilma

Most, if not all of the valve train, is probably Comp Cams at this point. It had a 305H installed at some point in the 80s and I'd imagine the pushrods and springs were done too.

As for the chain, it's definitely getting done sooner rather than later.

[JRC99]

I've been toying with it here and there when it's a touch warmer, now that we've got a couple heaters for the garage.

Been fighting the shifter. With the new detent plate it won't go into park or 1st, and the cable from inside the car looks good, so I'm just waiting for it to warm up enough for me to work on the car with the garage door open so I can jack it up.

But looking at the old one, it's no wonder why it sucked!

[JRC99]

I've managed to get some useless stuff done, but nothing of importance.

I'm pretty much certain it's got the wrong shifter cable. To distract myself from that disappointment, I decided to put the speakers I got for Christmas into it. Well, the old wires were just too brittle to trust, and I had a hard time getting the radio out, so.... RETROSOUND!

Of course, even that can't go smoothly. I had to order the plastic retainer for the dash bezel, which I'm waiting on. And I only ordered one speaker grille (the ones I got didn't come with 'em) so that too.

Trying to finish one project at a time, but I need some help.

I have to do the fuel pump, so that's the next project. I'm sure it's not, but I am hoping and praying that's where my engine noise is from, rather than a timing chain or god forbid dead cam lobe. It's always run just inconsistent enough to where none of them can be ruled out. I really don't know. I'm sure replacing the chain would be a good idea, but between the brakes (which still aren't done- and I need to find someone else who can do them, as the guy we wanted is retiring, and I sure as hell don't have the skill and brakes are one area I don't want to play around with) and whatnot, the money just isn't there right now.

It's a 454, 10.25:1, 291 heads, and a Comp 305H flat tappet. What's the right flow? 80 GPH? 110? I've never replaced one (and I've been warned of making sure I get the lever in the right spot)


Oh, and I was jamming to Beggars' Day when I took the picture, in case you wondered!