NorCam (Graeme Browne's) Lemans Blue 1969 Z/28

[NorCam]

Since I got the car and saw the 621 bell housing, I have been wondering if this was a late-year parts scramble or if someone had changed it over to a large clutch. Seeing the cast nose starter gave me further clarification and today my suspicions were confirmed when I pulled the bell housing to see what was in there. A jobber quality 11" clutch with a resurfaced 733 flywheel dated January of 70. I can only surmise the previous owner switched out the clutch when the motor was in and out of the car as it all looks like brand new with almost zero use.

In either case, it's coming off as I now look for another flywheel and a decent 10.5" clutch. At the same time, I'll install a correct 403 bell housing since I have another one sitting here that's ready to go. If only cars could tell the tale. Judging from the wear marks on the inside of the flywheel (block side against the crank flange) it looks to have been there for quite a while? Thoughts anyone?

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

[QUOTE=NorCam;1484525]Since I got the car and saw the 621 bell housing, I have been wondering if this was a late-year parts scramble or if someone had changed it over to a large clutch. Seeing the cast nose starter gave me further clarification and today my suspicions were confirmed when I pulled the bell housing to see what was in there. A jobber quality 11" clutch with a resurfaced 733 flywheel dated January of 70. I can only surmise the previous owner switched out the clutch when the motor was in and out of the car as it all looks like brand new with almost zero use.

In either case, it's coming off as I now look for another flywheel and a decent 10.5" clutch. At the same time, I'll install a correct 403 bell housing since I have another one sitting here that's ready to go. If only cars could tell the tale. Judging from the wear marks on the inside of the flywheel (block side against the crank flange) it looks to have been there for quite a while? Thoughts anyone?


Is it a LuK ??

10 Spline?

For sale?

So far in my experience they are good for 18 trips down the drag strip :-)

Ryan W31

[NorCam]

Ryan,

I'll PM you the details on what's there.

[NorCam]

Continued on with some more cleanup today. Digging out the front right suspension and trying to get rid of a few layers of grease and grime along with more of that black paint the previous owner sprayed on the control arms. Original ball joints were packed inside all that old grease. Dust shields are cleaning up nicely here. I'll finish cleaning up this side before moving onto the driver's side later in the week.

[m22mike]

LQQKING great under all the built up stuff...

Mike

[NorCam]

Hello there Mike!

I have to admit it's kinda hard not to tear into things further and rebuild the front suspension, but keeping it together like this keeps me from going too far. I'll clean up and rebuild the front calipers before they go back on, and plan to properly dress the control arms after they are thoroughly cleaned. Hoses all look like they are still good but will require a more in-depth look as they are now 50 years old.

It's coming along nicely.

[m22mike]

You might want to consider replacing the 3 rubber brake hoses ?

JMO Mike

[NorCam]

Originally Posted by m22mike

You might want to consider replacing the 3 rubber brake hoses ?

JMO Mike

Yup...we must be thinking alike buddy. Jimmy at Heartbeat has all three on the way to me. I also ordered a 153 Billet Flywheel and 10.5" performance clutch from Summit this morning.

[ZLP955]

When you get to the driver's side, would be interested to see if there's any ink stamp or paint marking on the outside of the frame horn, near where the bumper support bracket bolts up. Have seen several with faint yellow markings in that area.

[NorCam]

There is a wide band under the black paint along the front frame horn and looks like it should reveal itself nicely. I will keep you posted and hope it comes out to be a clear one with the original paint mark intact. I plan on being really careful in that spot and being rather gentle with that area being cleaned. Here's a picture of that frame horn where you can see the original paint line under the black.