Today we started rebuilding the engine. Lubed up and installed the custom cam shaft and then attached the new dual row timing chain to the cam shaft and crank shaft. We used the original woodruff key from the old crank shaft to secure the gears
We then put the restored and painted cylinder heads onto the engine block and torqued the new bolts down onto the block. Next to go in were the hydraulic lifters. As we were lubing each one and installing them, an acorn falls from the trees high above us and goes directly into one of the hydraulic holes, Straight in, didn't even bounce. We were freaking out as we didn't want to take the entire engine apart again. So we rotated the entire engine 180 degrees upside down to try and shake it out. No luck, so we rotated it back to normal, and during that rotation, the acorn falls out. Scariest 2 minutes of our lives. Once we got the acorn out, we finished installing the lifters and then inserted all the push rods and rockers.
Next I'll be ordering an Edlebrock intake so we can install that
and then install the Holley Carb. Also planning to drop off our newly aquired wheel wells at the body shop next week, so they can be sandblasted and powder coated.
Our Holley 4160C 600CFM 4BBL carburetor arrived in the mail today, along with some other hardware such as bolts to secure the cylinder heads to the block and some load spreaders to keep the valve covers in place.
We spent most of today pressure washing the driveway where the impala normally lives.
Today we applied Rust-Oleum Rust remover onto the wheel wells and then later took a wire brush and cleaned them up.
While the rust remover was settling on the metal and doing it's thing, we covered up the newly machined cylinder heads and added two coats of primer and 3 coats of metallic orange. The end result is stunning. Cannot wait to start putting the engine back together!
Today I traveled to NE PA to pick up a set of wheel wells/inner fenders from a fellow impala restorer. These were in very good condition, with only surface rust. The metal is solid. These parts are hard to find as most of them rot away from road salt and bad batteries over the years. To find a pair in this good of a condition is suprising.
Also got the timing chain set and rocker arms for the engine
Started the morning installing the electrical system for the trailer on Mavis Durango. Then went to uhaul to pick up the rented flatbed auto trailer. Had a minor electrical issue while hitching the trailer, turned out being a loose ground.
Got back to the house and started the safety briefing on how we're going to get the Impala onto the trailer. Outlined in the steps below, we were able to load the car onto the trailer with no issues.
At this point we're ready to tow it to JD's Auto Restoration on Welsh road. It was a smooth tow job all the way to the shop. We unloaded the car and handled all the paperwork involved.
Lastly we returned the trailer to uHaul; Mission accomplished
Today I went to Philly Racing Engines to pick up the finished cylinder heads and custom cam shaft with lifters.
They were able to clean up the original heads and perform a vavle job. Then they installed new vavles with brass sleeves and the new springs. I had them make a custom cam shaft for me based off of a Facebook discussion I had with a seasoned veteran of chevy engines.
When it's less humid out, i will paint the outsides of these heads and get them installed onto the engine block, along with the cam shaft. We're getting close!
Hoping to tow the impala to JD's Auto Restoration this Friday the 21st.
We installed the gearbox back into the steering column and connected it to the pitman arm that does the actual steering. Now we're ready to back the impala down from the driveway and push it onto a uHaul trailer for the body shop.
We have decided to go with JD's Auto Restoration in Huntingdon Valley, PA. We'll be towing the impala to them hopefully by the end of August.
