Hey all, I am new here and hope you will at least be nice for a few days. Here is the problem, I am in the startup process of building a 69 'maro for my step son, okay you are right it won't be just for him. I have my eye on the car rebuilt 305 and body in okay shape. Since I have never actually worked on a project like this I was hoping to get some pointers or at least pointed to the right place for stuff like:
How to drop the front end of the 69
I think we could save a lot of punishment by installing air shocks in the back but that really won't drop the front end.
Engine replacements:
I think that a "stock" 305 will not really generate enough hp. I was thinking along the 427 lines. Can this be done relatively inexpensively? Not counting the cost of the 427 : )

That should be enough for now.

Thanks to those that respond in advance
and thanks to those that chose to keep the flames to themselves!

Rastar

RASTAR.....I just finished a complete rebuild of a 69 RS convertible and picked on a 357cu/400hp monster. The thing just flat flies.

The 427 would be a big and expensive job in that the whole drive train would have to be changed front to rear, plus some suspension upgrades to adjust for the weighty big block. At the least you would want heavier big block springs and 1 inch sway in the front. Did the car you have in mind have power steering? I think most came with. The drivetrain would definitely need new tranny, new mounts, new drive shaft, new rear end, and usually you find these cars need new leaf springs as well by this time if not changed before. Put on top of that a new cooling system (aluminum radiator) and the appropriate accroutrements thereof.

I am thinking and calculating that my convertible will run 12s when ready.

I don't know how far you are planning to go with the car, but if you decide to take fenders and front ends off let me know. I have plenty of mistakes to share with you.

Steve Jack


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SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP

Good choice for a first hot rod. The after market parts are readily available. Yearone and several others, as well as swap meets can produce whatever you need to replace. I would stick with a small block for motor if you have a budget in mind. Steve is right on, a 427 will cost money alone, but then you have to calculate all the other accomidations that have to be made. You can build a 350, stock or oversize bore, change cams, put all the goodies (allum. intake, 4brl. carb, headers) on it, and have respectable horsepower.

Remember, this is a car for your step son, so you can always upgrade later on. Start with the basics the first time. I find that sometimes people take on more than they expected with first time projects. The more horsepower, the more the bill.

One other thing, if you do put something pretty healthy in it, you'll likely find that you need more traction in the rear. The stock suspention might not meet your needs. Ladder bars, four link, whatever might need to be considered, if you get really serious.

Good Luck, send us pics

Bob
(MrWillys)

Thanks guys. Eventually I am thinking of a fiber front end, and yes this thing will be disassembled and hopefully reassembled. In the long run I am hoping that it will cut time by having everything available from the top i.e. suspension rear end etc. I am also researching the plus's and minus's of getting the frame flamesprayed (at least that is what I remember it called from the USN). I am well aware of the pain it is going to be 1 just getting the body off and 2 remembering where all the bolts go when putting it back together : ).

The 350 or even a 327 if done right should be more than enough speed for him but I may settle on the 350 for the speed for me. YAHOO!

If you would like we can continue the thread if not thats fine and dandy by me.

BTW, I am not young in years perhaps heart but not years. pushing the big 40 and already grey. But that is a much better alternative than the rest of my dad's side (they are already bald).

Take care
D

The first thing that I saw when I read your post was "Since I have never actually worked on a project like this..." This really raises a flag when you start talking about taking the body off the frame and putting in a 427... Let my ask you a few questions.
1) Is the project car a runner? Does it drive okay?
2) What are your REAL intentions for this project? Have you sat down and talked with your step son? Is he going to help?
3) I realize you have good intentions here but what exactly are your capabilities? Do you have ALL of the tools to tackle a major frame off? The time? The space to store ALL of the pieces parts and do the work? The MONEY?
I do not want to discourage you here or, as you say, "flame your idea's", but I have finished a number of cars like this that someone "started" and ran out of money, skill, time, etc. and sold to me for cheap...
Just stop and think this through. That's all I am saying. If the car is a driver... Buy it, drive it... Start out small, maybe rebuild the brakes or suspension. Work on a fender, put on a new hood, get the interior looking good, small steps.
Jumping into a major project like this is hard enough when you have the knowledge, tools and money to do the work. But it becomes an impossible dream when you get discouraged and lose interest. I am 45 and have COMPLETE fabrication shop. I do ALL of my own body, paint, chassis and engine work and I still find it tuff to get stuff finished. Mark

Thanks for your honest post Mark. To answer your questions first yes the car is a driver.
Yes the Step son is going to help
Yes I have tools available as well as storage, etc it may not be a huge work area but it is comfortable even with fenders and bolts screws wiring kits laying around : ).

I suppose I missed making the point this is going to be a slow to evolve project car, I intend to teach the kid as much about cars as I know (oh thats a good idea!) and also the value of things like $$'s and that his car will only progress as long as he is getting good grades, pulling some dollars from a part-time job and of course other stuff. I have thought that perhaps start to finish in uhhh for lack of better words "Looking good enough to drive) in a few months we are not talking a couple of weeks. I thought that the body off idea would be while in itself a pain ultimately easier for him to see the underside of the car and learn how to maintain it as well as fix what is wrong on it. Storing the body whether in pieces or whole should be fun.

I do thank all for your comments, the "Flame" reference was basically an attempt at humorously entering a new message board.

Dennis

Well........when you're ready to take the fenders off the front.......let me know and I will save you a ton of work and frustration. Also.....plan to rewire...mine was shot even though stored inside and relatively well kept. Plastics back then were not as good as they are today.

One more point. Don't screw up your dash carrier....no one makes it aftermarket (yet) and they are becoming rare and expensive to find!

Steve Jack
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SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP