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Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: wildcat65 on September 26, 2010, 10:58:36 AM

Title: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on September 26, 2010, 10:58:36 AM
The devils in the details, but it seems like I may get this thing together pretty soon. the interior will be done this week.  Then its
Brakes
engine,clutch/trans/driveshaft
fuel tank/lines
dash/wiring/engine compartment wiring
radiator/fluids/
front grill/headlights/wiring
lube/alignment
License/registration?
Drive  :rocker:
What could go wrong>?

Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Brian on September 26, 2010, 06:05:47 PM
Uh, how do you plan to put the fuel line on the frame with the body installed?  Not possible to do with the line in one piece. 
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on November 12, 2010, 06:59:45 AM
Ted,

How's the car coming along? Have you been up to MN yet???

Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on November 29, 2010, 02:53:27 PM
Hi Mark--Jim is going to ship my parts so I don't have to go up to MN...
I worked on organizing my garage yesterday 11/28/10 and decided I could not work on
it till I have brakes on my 65 WIldcat 5-speed conversion project...
I'm getting organized to make some progress....right!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on June 17, 2011, 07:30:27 AM
OK, been faffing about long enough!  time to push this one through the bc.  I purchased new spring kits from Inline Tube for the brake assemblies.  The paint job on their parts was abysmal so I blasted and painted.   I did a little work on the blast cabinet, all new beads and a new left glove; new light and glass shield- now i can see the parts, amazing.   Onward through the fog! 
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on June 17, 2011, 08:24:18 AM
Ted,

What's your ETC? Maybe a wager on who finishes first?

Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on June 17, 2011, 09:12:19 AM
ETC
Return line
Gas tank
engine fuel line
brakes- all but lines
cooling system/heater lines
trans/clutch/linkage/driveshaft
dash/wiring interior/speedo/parking brake
engine comp wiring
wipers- all
front grill/headlights/parking lights
some interior details-side trim on seats, lights in sail panels, 4-sp boot, pedal pads

Lots.  dangit!


Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on June 17, 2011, 09:19:01 AM
Ted,

My checklist is similar. But getting there.....
I need to step up the pace.

Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Brian on June 17, 2011, 09:19:12 AM
That sounds like about 2-3 weeks worth of work to me...
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on June 17, 2011, 09:20:24 AM
Brian, get up here and we can get 75% of my tasks done in a weekend.

Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on January 12, 2012, 02:08:48 PM
Uh, how do you plan to put the fuel line on the frame with the body installed?  Not possible to do with the line in one piece.

Done in 1 piece :)  now I have to do the return line.
Had about a year time out, time to get back in!
Ted
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on May 07, 2012, 02:01:37 PM
Checking in here...
Clearing out junk has been full time job here at my garage, but I am getting closer to my goal of having room to work on the car.  its on a 4- post lift and there is no longer a car underneath, there is room to move but there are still 2 junk cars to move out.   Then? :cheers2:  Margaritaville. 
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Starc Traxler on May 07, 2012, 08:39:38 PM
I guess you were not kidding its a full time job clearing out your garage. I looked back a few posts and you were organizing your garage back 11/28/10, if your need help maybe we all could come and help!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on May 19, 2012, 08:25:11 PM
Yep, got married, got moved, got 4 or 5 new projects!
Made some progress today!

Return line  tick
Gas tank  tick
engine fuel line  tick
brakes- all but lines 
cooling system/heater lines
trans/clutch/linkage/driveshaft  clutch/bellhousing/trans tick
dash/wiring interior/speedo/parking brake
engine comp wiring
wipers- all
front grill/headlights/parking lights 
some interior details-side trim on seats, lights in sail panels, 4-sp boot, pedal pads

Rear brakes tick

Sunday- front brakes
I have a repop rear view mirror hanger, too frigging tight so I spent time trying to file it down so the mirror fit.  no good.
inner fenders were installed but I had to remove, that is when I found out the bodyman siliconed some, used the wrong bolts, just shoddy work where one would not see.  Plus I found he had sawzalled the battery tray support...lucky Carmen had already fixed me up with a full set.
How does one install the antenna base anyway?  That inner fender is loose, can I get to the opening with that out of the way?
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: nut465gs on May 20, 2012, 11:32:44 AM
Ted,

There is an illustration of the antenna in the Chassis Service Manual, section 11-4 part c. Figure 11-5 illustration. If memory serves me correctly, you should be able to install the antenna with the fenders in place.

John
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on July 02, 2012, 02:52:10 PM
4th of july I will be working on inner fender attachment, wiring harness and battery tray.  I want to just hook up the fuel and radiator and start it up just to hear the 401.
Patience!   
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on February 04, 2013, 01:20:48 PM
Just a little closer- resto'd the front parking lights and worked on dash lights yesterday.    Trying to check integrity of wire harness before installing.  May as well spray and pray.  I'm hoping for a BPG debut.
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: bobbybuick on February 04, 2013, 08:27:42 PM
Yea I saw you eyeballing my parts .Nice Meeting you!!!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on February 04, 2013, 09:22:07 PM
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/65GSengine.jpg)


The shape I'm in...I swear the inner fender bolts will drive me crazy.  Some were missing when the body man put it together .  Now need to drill some holes where the metal was replaced under battery area too.
Always good to see some good parts and meet good people!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on February 08, 2013, 02:15:34 PM
Some special stuff under here- Carmen oil pan extension, boot from The Buick Farm, Gardener exhaust, Gessler ported cast iron manifold,  T-10 rebuilt by DME with better gears...

V(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/Pictures20122013fromiphone168_zps311f4ef6.jpg)
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 08, 2013, 03:50:02 PM
 :headbang:

Looking real sweet Ted. Thanks for the updates.

  Loren
 
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on February 08, 2013, 03:54:26 PM
I never knew about the Carmen deep pan. Hmmm, might have to talk with him about that.
What was changed in the trans?

BTW Ted, I'll be in Cincinnati for a couple of days in May. Let me know if I can swing by.

Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on February 08, 2013, 04:47:43 PM
Dennis used the 2.56 first gear ( wider ratio) 
2.2 first gear does not give the best starting ratio!
I should be around, let me know Mark
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: kcombs on February 08, 2013, 07:42:24 PM
Ted, please tell us more about your modifications to the T-10. I would love to change out the close ratio gears in my T-10, but I have been told that they are stronger than the regular T-10 gears. So, is there a source for good gears that will stand up to a 401? (Not that it probably matters considering I won't be drag racing.)
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on September 28, 2013, 10:53:23 AM
Well I started the engine in the car and it sounds wicked cool. 
Many gremlins to chase down but feels great to have made the starter spin!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on August 24, 2014, 08:09:56 AM
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/499f5460aa10e2bf909d5991291725d1_zps374fe09b.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/d87396da55cce0793832848167469d20_zpsa4ce106e.jpg)

Still chasing electrical gremlins, but have a points distributor working now.  checking off the list for Bowling Green.
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: bobbybuick on August 24, 2014, 09:15:08 AM
Lookin good if you need anything or just want someone to help you work through the bugs give me a call.
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: nut465gs on August 24, 2014, 01:10:13 PM
Ted,

Looking good! Glad to see that you are on the home stretch. It will knock the socks off folks at Bowling Green. Are you going to take it down the track? I like the paint, what color do you call it? The redline tires add to the musclecar look. Congratulations.

John
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: jmos4 on August 24, 2014, 04:41:40 PM
Ted,

Nice car glad to see your in the completion stages

Suprised you don't have that x casting manifold on this one

I can agree the wide ratio gears work nice on the street as I did a Autogear M22W in mine as I never had the original T-10

Regards,
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: 65GS on August 24, 2014, 11:24:41 PM
Ted
is that the 67 buick charcoal grey? Beautiful looking. :hello2: :headbang:

Al
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on August 25, 2014, 09:38:21 AM
Ted
is that the 67 buick charcoal grey? Beautiful looking. :hello2: :headbang:

Al

 it is!  I saw a 67 Riv @ BCA nats in 2006 and fell in love with that color.   The car is an "R-R",  I've seen a bunch of 65's that color and decided to go this route.
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: 65GS on August 25, 2014, 05:14:13 PM
I worked for our Buick dealer in 67, after getting back from Nam, had a Cathol. Priest ordered a Electra 225 Ht. in that color with a black vin. top, Big but very dignified. 
           
Al
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on August 25, 2014, 05:27:53 PM
Lookin good if you need anything or just want someone to help you work through the bugs give me a call.

Bobby, that would be awesome. 
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on October 15, 2016, 10:04:07 AM
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/Gran%20Sport_zpshfdlnvey.jpg)

up and running.  I had it to the 2016 GS Nationals, drove it around abit.  last Sunday had it to a local cruise...Had to do a full power take off and it is feeling strong.
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on October 15, 2016, 01:33:11 PM
Ted,

GREAT to see your GS on the road. Are you thinking about Brookfield WI next July?
5 hours 50 min. from the Nati.

Mark
Title: Looking good Ted! (Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/ )
Post by: elagache on October 15, 2016, 01:46:10 PM
Glad to see that you are getting your GS on the road Ted!  :icon_thumright:

Sorry about fender porthole insert though . . .  :crybaby2:

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: GS66 on October 15, 2016, 04:19:09 PM
Great car Ted!
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: gssizzler on October 15, 2016, 08:21:12 PM
Wow looks spiffy! Are you bringing her to the national's? :rocker:
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: cwmcobra on October 15, 2016, 09:29:40 PM
Nice color.  She's a beauty!
Title: Details delete
Post by: wildcat65 on February 24, 2017, 02:12:28 PM
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/IMG_0949_zpsdyepnai3.jpg)

My latest transaction prompted this gift to my 65...perfect radio delete plate!  Too bad the antenna is already mounted.
Happy Friday!
Title: What about cool tunes? (Re: Details delete)
Post by: elagache on February 24, 2017, 10:02:20 PM
Dear Ted and mid-60s Buick caregivers,

My latest transaction prompted this gift to my 65...perfect radio delete plate!  Too bad the antenna is already mounted.
Happy Friday!

Well okay now the spot looks clean, but what are you going to do for cool tunes in your 1965?

Personally I can't drive for very long without music!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: What about cool tunes? (Re: Details delete)
Post by: wildcat65 on March 02, 2017, 03:44:19 PM
The coolest tune is the hot rodded Nailhead engine and 4-speed!
If needed I can throw my Bluetooth speaker in and rock to the I-Phone.
I should velcro the speaker to that spot in front of the delete plate :)
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: wildcat65 on August 11, 2017, 02:09:05 PM
I put the 65 on the lift yesterday to inspect the bottom and finish a couple details. 
Oil change
shocks
lube
rear diff oil
fuel gauge wire

So what shocks are out there that are worthy?

Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: dsags on August 11, 2017, 02:38:33 PM
UMI sells a set of mono tube shocks for the 64 - 67 A body cars. Not inexpensive though.

http://umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_26_359&products_id=789 (http://umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_26_359&products_id=789)

Dan
Title: Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/
Post by: Mark Ascher on August 11, 2017, 05:16:19 PM
Since the a-bodies are all the same, there has to be a lot to choose from out there. Any decent gas shock should be sufficient. I would read some reviews on Jeg's, Summit or Amazon.

Mark
Title: I dunno' . . . . . (Re: My 65 restoration/ Getting Closer/ )
Post by: elagache on August 12, 2017, 10:43:42 AM
Dear Ted and mid-60s Buick lovers, .  .  :love4:

I put the 65 on the lift yesterday to inspect the bottom and finish a couple details. 


Your dash looks great!  :icon_thumright:

(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink_smile_triangle.gif) . . . .  Still, I dunno' . . . .  I know you want to go fast and perhaps you can live without being able to play cool tunes, but I'll bet it will only be a matter of time before you regret not have put A/C in this car! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin_triangle.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14: