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

[napa68]

If you haven't already stabbed the trans in, I'd give some thought to installing an adjustable fork ball. Allows you to optimize the clutch geometry and minimize the pedal effort. Makes a big difference with all of the different parts (aftermarket) to get it right.

[napa68]

Also, wht did you think of the Eastwood rust remover? Did it raise hell with the surrounding paint?

[NorCam]

Tim,

Already have a brand new GM Ball and GM Fork in place. I've looked at the adjustable ones before, but I am happy with the stock setup.

DID NOT like the Eastwood rust treatment. Tried it in a couple of spots and all it seemed to do was encapsulate the area in what would look like a hardened clear gel. In my opinion...it kinda sucks!

[NorCam]

With a new flywheel, clutch and pressure plate installed on the DZ-302, we finally got some decent weather here this week and I rolled the motor outside to hit it with a coat of orange paint so the engine and bell would match up color-wise. I painted the bell last week and this week I painted the block while dusting the edges of the intake (especially around the corners) as the factory often over sprayed these parts back in the day. In mounting the bell housing and the block, I searched around here and also found a nice set of bell housing bolts with dog bone head markings to button it up.

Also, while finding out last fall that the driver's side cover was in fact a service dated part number that must have been changed, I had not removed the passenger side cover until I painted the motor this week. Turns out it has the correct 3932417 valve cover and would in all likeliness be an original from late 69. I did find a single cover last week to correct the other side and I'm now looking for a set of original O rockers as they were changed when the motor was rebuilt back in 2015. That being said, I should be ready to drop the driveline back in during the next week or two and get it running again. Hopefully, I will be driving it in the next few weeks as long as other interruptions are kept at bay. Life's been dealing me with a few delays lately. (lol)


Installed a 26-lb billet flywheel, performance clutch, and pressure plate. ARP hardware was used.


Finally pulled the passenger side cover to find it was actually the right #3932417 part number.


Here's the 403 bell housing after it was painted and matched up to the block using correct original hardware.


While painting the original block, I dusted the edges of the intake both front and rear. Valve cover edges will be dusted later.


Dry fitting the restored exhaust manifolds and smog rails after coating them with high temp VHT clear.

[NorCam]

Here are a couple more shots of the motor before I detail some small parts, replace the vacuum fitting with an original and paint the water pump bolts. Just little details while getting it ready to drop back in. Later today I am hoping to get back onto the front brakes. I'll paint the calipers and they'll soon be reinstalled with new flex lines and the original front rotors that were lightly surfaced. Still have one frame horn to clean up and the driver's side suspension to clean but that should take too long to get done now that the weather is better. More soon.


Intake and valve cover's to be left showing a little grime, a little age, and some patina. Trusting the exhaust manifolds will blend in over time.


Here's the front pad left bare from any new paint. Late original block cast J-13-9 and stamped V1021DZ


Restored J-10-9 water pump being mocked up. I need to paint the bolts now.


The last of the front end to be cleaned up and detailed before the brakes go back on. Slowly progressing along.

[ZAPPER68]

Hi Graeme,
I'm sure I have a set of '0' rockers in my stash...from what I remember they are in decent shape.
Cheers
Cal

[NorCam]

Originally Posted by ZAPPER68

Hi Graeme,
I'm sure I have a set of '0' rockers in my stash...from what I remember they are in decent shape.
Cheers
Cal

Sent you a PM Cal.

[NorCam]

While on the topic of parts needed...

I'm also looking for a factory clutch inspection cover and the elusive "Stamp Rite" carb to fuel line bracket if I can ever find those.

Shameless Plug

[luv2sixty9]

Graeme,
The Inspection cover pictured is for a 621 Bellhousing and not the 403. Dave

[NorCam]

I pasted the wrong link. Now corrected in the previous post. Thanks