Messages

just sent carb off to JM for a rebuild.  Couldn't live with the risk of fire. It needed a choke too.  I'm sure it will be perfect when I get it back.

Can anyone tell me how I can check the transmission fluid level on my '69 L 78.  It's an M22 and I notice small leaks of light brown fluid from several areas of the housing after driving.  Is this normal? Thanks!

Any idea what he would charge for a complete rebuild?  I know it needs a choke and replating.  If not, could you give his contact info?

THX

Sounds like you've thought this through. In that case, the most important thing to remember is to make sure the car is mechanically sound.  Since you've said you are not a gearhead, it will be extremely important to take a mechanic with you to inspect the car before buying.  If that is not feasible for you, then consider an online service that will send a local mechanic for you to do an independent inspection.  They usually run $275-350 or so. Here is one link to check out if you like.

http://www.cars-on-line.com/insp-1stpg.html

Also, remeber these cars are over 40 years old.  Even if they are sound when you buy them, they will need periodic maintenence and repair much more frequently that a modern car, especially if you are using it as a driver. 

Hope this was helpful.

Ron

My 2 cents:  I agree with researching and learning about these cars BEFORE making a decision.  It took me a year and what I thought I wanted in the beginning was not at all what I wanted after a year of research. The name of the game is to buy something that EXCITES you. Whatever it is that excites you may not be apparent right away. After you do your homework (CRG is an excellent place to start), then ask yourself what excites you about classic cars.  Then, start seriously looking. The hunt is as fun as the catch!  GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!


Ron

Thanks, Mike.  I found the leak.  It is the Holley carb.  Should I change gaskets or do a rebuild?  It's missing the choke and the car stalls during hard braking too.

Ron

Joe, this Holley definitely leaks gas! Other issues include missing choke and plating shot.  I am thinking about having JM rebuild it for $330. It runs OK but definitely leaks gas. Would you just change the gaskets or rebuild? How serious is a gas leak?  Are we talking high risk of fire or just bad smell?

thanks!

Ron

I just bought a fuel stabilizer.  I'm going to use some at next fill-up.  What is the recommendation on where to keep the fuel guage? Should I keep it almost full all the time?  How often should I change the oil if I drive it once every week or two?  Thanks!

Thanks for thr help, John.  I'll check that out.  One more question: I've heard serveral people tell me I will need to have the carb rebuilt every once in a while especially if it is not driven regularly.  Would you wait until there is a problem with it or have it rebuilt periodically to keep it running at peak performance?

Ron

I'm finding that my L78 is stalling during hard braking even with the clutch depressed.  Is this common or something that needs to be fixed?
THX

So did they stamp the trans the same way?  I'm dying to see.

Ron

So different characters were used on different days?  Was this also the practice at Tonawanda?

Ron

IMHO, it looks suspicious. The "2" is a different font than the attached pic shows.  Maybe JM could weigh in. Does the block casting date line up? ( I hope the pic uploads.)

Thanks, I decided to just leave it as is, with resonators only. It sounds like a "muscle car" this way.

yeah, it finally worked. thanks for the help.