The Stickman's Custom Cruiser Build thread

GREAT article Stickman! First time I've taken the time to really look it over. Much of the look I'll be going after with my 87 Caprice wagon.
I'm looking on ebay at Caddy lenses to build into the rear pillars. Just have to figure out what to do with all the empty space where the originals are now.
One question.
I have the 307 Olds engine with the computer controlled Qjet. Just sent away for a rebuild kit but was wondering how you did away with the computer hookups? I know about going to the different distributer but what did you do to block off/bypass the computer for the distributer and the air fuel plug ins on the carb? I was looking at the Edelbrock performer but "Not for computerized carburator" jumped right out at me. The Edelbrock is also square bore so I would need an adaptor. Probably to high for the hood too.
BTW, the Olds 307 is equipted with factory roller lifters. Just mentioned that because of your "find" with your engine.

 

Ok Bob let's start from the beginning. In order to get rid of the computer you need a none CCC(computer controled) Carb and distributor. This will not be emissions legal in most any place. The Edelbrock Performer either the regular or RPM are not squarebores. They are made for the Q-jet although you can use a square bore carbs on them. The Performer RPM does fit under the hood. BTW the Caprices have a higher hood as on the Olds the center dips down where all others raise up in the center. As to my "find" it was roller tipped rockers not roller tipped lifters. Note the pics of the heads.

 

Cars in this State don't need to pass the emmission test if they are over 15 yrs old. Just a safty inspection.
With the non ccc carb and distributor was there anything that has to be done to bypass/shut off on the computer? Seems that with unplugging and hooking up the different carb and distributor that the ccc would still be trying to "talk" with the rest of the computer.
Now I understand you on the lifters!

 

Once you take off the CCC carb and distributor the computer has nothing to talk to. I simply cat the wires I didn't need which was most all of them. I just had to hook a power wire to the distributor. I took off the air pump and EGR as well. Just watch what wires you cut. It wasn't a huge deal for me as I run aftermarket gauges so I ran new wires for them. I also by mistake cut the wires for the trans. I think it's the lock up converter switch. But it still works fine. BTW there is a map sensor in the kick panel by the computer. Apprently it's there to adjust for altitiude. Just a map sensor with and open vac hose. I thought it was weird.

 

Thanks Stickman! Now I gotta rethink the Edelbrock carb. They sure are a lot simpler then the Qjet.

 

ya know, pictures just do the battle cruiser no justice.
after seeing it ...i gotta say, its much more impressive in person.

 

Damn that is a hell of a compliment there, thanx

 

Nothing is simpler than a non-CCC Quadra-jet! Great carbs and easy to work on too!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

 

Not sure I agree with that. I still have yet to figure out my Q-jet. My wife's Edelbrock seems fool proof. But the Q-jet should get better gas mileage.

 

I just got the rebuild kit for my Q-jet. Carb is out. Now I just have to get going. The Q-jet is actually more thrifty then a standard two barrell...........IF you can keep your foot out of it. What's the point though.
The Edelbrock Performer carb sure is a lot simpler to tune then the Q-jet. My son has one on his 55 Chevy.
Stick man, have you found out anything about a wagon rear sway bar? Is the front bar the same as the sedans?
After the carb rebuild the suspension will be top priority on my list.

 

As far as I know all front bars are the same design but there may be larger stock ones out there. As to the rear from everything I have found and been told there was never a stock B-body wagon rear bar. So that leaves 2 options. The Metco Billet lower contorl arms like I have(see post 74). It allows you to mount a sedan bar. I used one off a Deville. Or you can order the huge aftermarket bars. I have the Metco's and love them. But I really want the bigger bars to make this wagon handle even better, which is saying alot.

 

the bucket seats?

great thread. It took awhile to read all the through

one question. what did those bucket seats come out of? i've never seen the like before.

they're pretty neat.

 

They are aftermarket MRC seats. I bought them off of Ebay. The seller was pretty local so I went to pick them up.

 

Stickman,
Found these today. Not sure if the one number says both sedan and wagon but here it is.
http://www.jegs.com/i/ADDCO/020/943/10002/-1

 

I believe that is a one size fits all kinda deal. I am sure it works. But not like a stock bar. It is probably like most other bars that bolt to the axle and then has endlinks that bolt to the frame at some point. Again probably works fine. But not the way I would go.