1976 impala restoration

I just figured out how to post my pics! Big block springs and coil over heavy duty monroe shocks up front with new leaf springs in back (thats why shes up in front). Totally new front end suspension rebuild. I still need air shocks in back, any suggestions of the best brand/type to get (i want to tow heavy stuff). Rechromed rear bumber/replaced bumper reinforcement (rusted out original), ac converted and freshened up, tuned up strong with 4barrel 350cc engine. Still need body work (rust), tint, and dual exhausts. Also tailgate works fine but i wish it was more smooth. Can you see how tailgate is a little to one side too??? I clean the tracks and use graphite lube. Also will need some engine mods to make her go really fast, but first need the career to get going good. All suggestions/advise on restoration welcome!:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

Also check out the 74 sedan painted professionally with "rust bullet".

 

Do those tailgates swing sideways AND down? My 1975 Chrysler T&C did both. I had to get new hinges and pins and bronze bushings. The bushings take a real beating with all that weight. The GM gurus will have to chime in with ideas. Haven't been around one for ages.

 

Nope. Looks like a clamshell to me.

I know nothing of speed. Inline six all the way. Slow is the name of the game. Horsepower is all what it's cracked up to be.

 

I think that Monro makes a set of "high jackers" for trailer towing. It uses compressed air to "jack up" the rear end when your towing or have a large amount of weight in back. I remember as a kid, my friends rents used them on their '85ish Chevy Estate when they towed the boat.

I guess you can see if Monro still sells them. I know they do for my '78 LTD.

BTW, where did you get the rechrome done on the bumper and how much was it? I would like to do it for my '78 Country Squire, its starting to pit really bad.

 

I got the bumber done in Dallas when I lived there at a place called "Bumber Supply Co.". They charged me around $400 (tax included). They did not chrome the inside of the bumper like I wanted, but I think that would have been really hard to do from what I have seen of the chroming process on TV. Ill just put some por15 or rust bullet on the inside of the bumper one day to ease my rust worries. I can't wait to get the air shocks in the back but my wife would kill me. She still is slightly in the dark about the $550 I just spent on the tune up and airconditioning (needed condensor, vacuum advance diaphram,and other small stuff). I found a great guy here in Houston. His shop, Alamo Auto AC, specializes in AC work, but he also restores older cars. He pot a 400sb in a jaguar (originally a V12). He said the chevy 400sb is more reliable and easier to get parts for.Tell "Aggie" I sent you if any of you Houston folk go there. Hey Stormin', its a clamshell dude.

 

In my whole 62 years and 77 cars, I am still a Clamshell virgin!

Honest! I've never seen a single person open one.

 

airconditioning

My compressor went today Also my new mechanic wants me to find a "damper switch" for the dash ac control. If you take the whole ac/heater control panel out of the dash its a metal half dollar round thing with 9 little posts. I dont know where to find it online, and i just looked for a while. Any ideas?

 

got the "damper switch"on ebay $20. Actually its called an "AC vacuum switch".
My AC guy says my compressor blew because I need a new heavy duty fan clutch(thermo controlled) . A "severe duty" one is also available. Does any one know if the "severe duty" one would be good to get? Also, is there a differnece between Oreilly's and NAPA brand parts. The Oreillys brand is "Hayden".

 

clamshell tailgate restoration

Hello fellow clammers!
Can you guys please help me with my tailgate.
I know there are extensive schematics of the tailgate posted here somewhere, but I can't find them. Also Wixom what year/model minivan has the weatherseal that fits the tailgate area for our wagons again? I will post pics soon. I had the reaer windows taken out, and reinstalled. Crappy finish up on the interior trim around those rear windows, so I got a new body shop, and they are ging to tackle tailgate.

 

clamshell tailgate restoration

Hello fellow clammers!
Can you guys please help me with my tailgate.
I know there are extensive schematics of the tailgate posted here somewhere, but I can't find them. Also Wixom what year/model minivan has the weatherseal that fits the tailgate area for our wagons again? I will post pics soon. I had the reaer windows taken out, and reinstalled. Crappy finish up on the interior trim around those rear windows. I got a new body shop, and they are going to tackle tailgate.

 

Tysnek, here's the weatherstrip fix:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5959

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5263

This is for self-installing glass:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=58413

Don't know if this is what you're looking for about wiring:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3202

75RivGS posted another comment with a link to 30 pages of tech on them here:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2992

 

Norm, you are the best! I've been trying to find that link to Rob's downloads of the body manual.

David

 

David, I took out all the closets in the house for the renos. This site is my closet... well if I don't get cob-webbed out.

 

Stormin' Norman


:You_Rock_Emoticon:

 

1976 chevy fisher manual

https://www.cdmanuals.net/

just bought a cd with 1976 fisher manual on it from here for $30.
Hope its worth it....