Messages

406

General Discussion / Re: 68 z28 conv.

« on: December 19, 2006, 08:40:24 PM »

Back in March/April 1968, my father tried to order a Z/28 convertible.  He had a few contacts at GM (having owned several Corvairs and having to deal with the associated issues), but they just wouldn't do it for him (obviously).  I showed him this car and he said "Hey, that's my car!". 

407

Maintenance / Re: Fuel Filter Relocation

« on: December 17, 2006, 11:34:32 PM »

In case anyone is interested, I came up with an easy to replace fuel filter that is external to the carburetor.  I spliced an AC Delco GF61P filter into a new pump to carb line.  I used my tube flaring tool to put a 'hump' into each end of the hard line to ensure that it would not leak.  I'm not sure if I will end up using it, but it was a good little project to keep me busy while the car is at the paint shop.  As a Christmas present to myself, I sent my Quadra-Jet to Jerry MacNeish for a full mechanical & cosmetic restoration.  I can't wait to see it finished.
 

408

Originality / Re: How do members stand on dealer installed undercoating?

« on: November 06, 2006, 05:50:58 PM »

Steve-
I say leave the undercoating if it is in good shape.  Ensure that it is not peeling or bubbling.  If it is, moisture can get under it and cause problems that you won't see. 
My father had the dealer undercoating applied to our 68 convertible when new, and it was in perfect condition even after 160,000 miles of Connecticut driving.  I freshened it up with a light coat of 3M Undercoating as part of the ongoing restoration.

409

Restoration / Re: Original style exhaust system for 67ssrs?

« on: August 17, 2006, 08:00:55 PM »

I have a Stainless Works system that I purchased many, many years ago.  The fit was perfect and it is louder than stock, but not too much.  If you are looking to go stainless, I would suggest this system.

410

Restoration / Re: What should i expect to pay to have a pair of decent taillamp bezels rechromed?

« on: June 26, 2006, 04:44:27 PM »

The 68 tail light bezels are a real nightmare to restore.  The pot metal can still do some weird stuff after they are repaired and re-plated, even if all precautions are taken.  I had a decent original set done for $1000, but they did not come out absolutely perfect.  The shop said that they would need to charge at least $1500 to do another set, if they would even do them at all.  Like I said, you can end up with a few tiny outgasing bubbles here and there, and keeping the fine details is extremely difficult.

I am actually looking into getting the new CHQ reproductions that are supposedly made with new tooling in 2005.  I really want originals on my car, but the few tiny imperfections in my restored bezels really bother me.

411

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: May 03, 2006, 12:04:50 AM »

Adam-
Using the new plastic piece and metal connectors (tabs) will be just fine.  I only used my originals because they were in great shape.
Keep us posted.......
-Jeff

412

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: May 01, 2006, 04:38:51 PM »

... I was wondering if the new set-up actually worked. Did you test it yet?

Adam-
I have not tested it yet.  My car is currently in "paint jail" serving what seems like a life sentence.  One day I'll get to test it......
Please let us know how yours turns out.
-Jeff

413

Restoration / Re: ac delco voltage regulator part number for 68 L34?

« on: May 01, 2006, 04:32:43 PM »

Note the pencil marks on the side.

Kurt-
Interesting that you noted the pencil marks.  I just restored my original regulator.  I documented the pencil markings and re-applied them in the same location after the base was re-plated.  It's good to verify that these were original markings.
Thanks,
Jeff

414

Maintenance / Voltage Regulator Restoration/Upgrade Completed!

« on: April 20, 2006, 02:51:48 AM »

 I just finished assembling my original voltage regulator using the 'guts' from the solid state unit.  Maybe I'll post this over on the "restoration" forum as well. 

Here are all of the parts of my regulator, plus the circuit board out of the solid state regulator:


Top view of circuit board installed with brass screws:


Bottom view.


Finished!:

415

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: April 12, 2006, 05:03:02 PM »

OK, my replated base is on its way back to me.  I'll try to snap some photos when I am re-assembling the regulator with the solid state internals.  I'll have a fresh NOS correct cover, gasket & screws, replated original base, replated male connectors, and original black plastic 'thingy'.  It should look great when assembled (I just hope it works).  The only give-away will be the screws attaching the connectors instead of rivets, but you won't be able to see them once it's installed.

416

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: March 30, 2006, 09:30:12 PM »

Thanks for the quick reply, John.

417

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: March 30, 2006, 01:35:59 PM »

OK, I got the VR715, popped the cover off and drilled out 5 rivets to remove the circuit board.  As expected, 4 of the holes line up perfectly with the original base - the ones for the 4 connectors.  The 5th hole is a ground for the circuit board.  I marked and drilled this hole in the original base, and everything fits perfectly.  Very simple & easy.  For final assembly, I will either use rivets or small brass screws.  Sorry I didn't take any pictures, but I was moving too fast.

Now, does anyone know the correct plating for the base?  I was going to have it silver cadmuim plated along with some other parts.

-Jeff

418

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: March 30, 2006, 01:28:25 PM »

Don-
I love it!  You made the right choice.  Great looking car.
-Jeff

419

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: March 29, 2006, 02:21:12 AM »

Great news, Don.  I'll be picking mine up tomorrow. 
I just stripped down my original Delco voltage regulator.  I now have a bare metal base, and hopefully I will try installing the solid state 'guts' this weekend.  I'll let you all know how I make out.

420

Maintenance / Re: Voltage regulator not working properly?

« on: March 28, 2006, 09:17:44 PM »

Exactly - I'm trying to keep the bottom half of the regulator that has the part # and date code.  I actually still have the original regulator that came on my car from the factory, so I will pick up a VR715 and see if I can make it work with the original base.  If I can, I will just have my original base re-plated after the necessary modifications.  I love these fun little projects......