Messages

46

General Discussion / Re: Van Nyes 69 Camaro Z28

« on: December 05, 2019, 08:18:37 PM »

My (limited) understanding was this tended to be a GMAD-Van Nuys (pad) vs Fisher Body-Norwood ( casting near oil filter) "rule".  Once the Norwood plant went GMAD in 72, it went to the pad by the alternator.  Is this true or total hogwash?

47

Restoration / Re: Rebuilding factory shock absorbers

« on: November 23, 2019, 03:06:39 PM »

Dan's Shocks
https://dansshocks.com/
Note: never used his services so I can't vouch for the quality or service.  But there are not many others that i know of.

48

Maintenance / Re: 186 heads - rocker arm studs

« on: November 20, 2019, 01:19:07 PM »

Just like everything there were tolerances on the parts.  A few tenths small (still in spec) on the shank of the stud mated with a hole that is a few tenths on the high side and you have a marginal fit that may live forever on a low lift, low RPM engine but on a 302 or similar it would pull out eventually.  That's why as posted earlier they went to screw in studs on SHP applications.  There must have been enough warranty claims to make it worthwhile.  The General didn't do things like this without good reason.
My advice would be if you didn't care about appearance, machine them for screw in studs and guideplates.  If you cared a little about appearance pin them and if you are really hard core then pull all of them and select fit studs to bores for the maximum press fit along with a dab of red locktite.

49

Maintenance / Re: 186 heads - rocker arm studs

« on: November 15, 2019, 08:37:03 PM »

I believe the 186 heads were equipped with 'screw in rocker stud' beginning with the 1970 model year.  Before 1970, 186 heads had press in studs.

For dates, keep in mind the heads that used the screw-in studs in 70 were only on the LT-1 Corvette and the 1970 Z28.  Both of the those had late intros in January of 70, so in reality there would be very few true '69 dated '186 heads out there with screw-in studs.  Most heads and blocks only pre-date the build of the engine by 2 or 3 weeks generally.

50

Maintenance / Re: 186 heads - rocker arm studs

« on: November 15, 2019, 06:09:43 PM »

Just like many things the answer is "it depends" on the type of screw in stud.  Rocker studs have 3/8-24 fine threads for the nut.  With replacement screw in studs that do not require the head to be milled, the part that threads into the head is usually 7/16-14.  The minor diameter (root of the thread) for 7/16-14 is 0.3499 in diameter.  This is less than the 3/8 diameter of the stud between the 3/8-24 and where it meets the head casting boss.  So the weakest spot in now the minor diameter of the 7/16-14 thread.  With a screw in stud that has a flange and the head is milled there is a generous fillet that transitions to the hex to tighten down against the machined head.  This is MUCH stronger than the aforementioned replacement thread in studs.  This also results in a more stable valvetrain.  It's hard to tell, but when the valve opens the stud actually flexes back and forth a small amount. You lose a bit of lift due to this.  Hence the need for shaft mounted rockers and stud girdles when high lifts and heavy springs are used.
Maybe a better way for you is to have the standard press-in studs machined for pins to prevent the studs from backing out.  The pins are generally 3/32 to 1/8 in diameter and the head is cross drilled about mid-way down the head casting boss and the pins are then pressed in.  This can't be seen and prevents the stud from backing out.  Not many do this as the real, machined screw-in studs are better than this so most racers don't bother with pinning the stock studs.

51

Originality / Re: Power Steering Return Hose Script and Clamps

« on: November 12, 2019, 11:20:25 AM »

Here you go

52

Originality / Re: Power Steering Return Hose Script and Clamps

« on: November 12, 2019, 12:46:08 AM »

Dug out my hoses and the high pressure hose markings are basically illegible.  There's an "A G04279" which is the date code and that's about it.
The low pressure return hose is marked "P.S. Return  96-0 3931898 CC"

53

Originality / Re: Power Steering Return Hose Script and Clamps

« on: November 11, 2019, 06:38:31 PM »

I’ll try and get you some pics of H.P. Hose too

I'll have to dig it out if I can remember where it is. 

Maybe its in the bathroom or kitchen under the sink.  So many parts around the house.

54

Originality / Re: Power Steering Return Hose Script and Clamps

« on: November 08, 2019, 05:23:30 PM »

Not an expert on these but most of the original high pressure hoses I have seen have one long crimp, not the two closely spaced crimps that was on yours.

55

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Alternator stamp and date check

« on: October 31, 2019, 04:26:25 PM »

Buddy Hill (almost) strikes again.

56

General Discussion / Re: Why Camaro production was extended in 1969.

« on: October 21, 2019, 08:36:47 PM »

Longest strike in GM history.

Basically over changing Norwood from a Fisher Body plant to GMAD plant.

57

Originality / Re: COILS

« on: October 14, 2019, 03:14:38 PM »

The 270 coil bracket laid the coil down at a greater angle (23 degrees comes to mind) to clear the larger diameter cowl hood air cleaner housing.  The 293 coil-bracket assembly was I think 17 or 18 degrees?  Too many numbers to remember.  Anyway, generally speaking I've always heard that the coils, due to them having oil inside fro cooling the windings, should avoid be inclined in order to keep the oil inside.  Maybe that's an old hot rodders tale.

58

Garage Talk / Re: Camaro stolen/ camaro found

« on: September 22, 2019, 03:16:01 PM »

What makes that car worth $60,000?

A statement by the owners.  Maybe that's what they have in the resto.

59

Garage Talk / Re: A great place to lose a car. ( the hot Rod power tour)

« on: September 16, 2019, 01:27:00 PM »

One thing I would never do is post on social media (including here) that I was going on the Power Tour or any other event ahead of time.  If thieves are looking for a particular kind of car for a "client" then you've just told them where you will be.  Just like posting on FB when you are going on vacation to give thieves a heads up that you will be gone.

60

Garage Talk / Re: Nice garages

« on: September 16, 2019, 01:04:45 PM »

A "Hacienda for Hot Rods!"  Love it.