1978 Pontiac Firebird Week 2009 03 15

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Valve_Cover_P3140062_smallWe had two meetings of the Car Nuts this week. We hadLenny Ball, George Nick, and Don Goodman.One of the things we attempted was to install the fabricated Aluminum Valve Covers. We learned that aftermarket parts do not like to go together with other after market parts. The valve covers do not clear the roller rocker arms.  We had to put the gold ones back on for now.
Valve_Cover_3140060_smallThe roller rocker arms look pretty but the covers I like do not fit over them.  The gang says they like the gold ones. What do you think?
The carburetor was installed.
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Dash_Board_P3130064_smallThe dashboard we created last week was removed and for a moment was used for a front bumper. It certainly would reduce a lot of weight but would not fend much off. That idea was passed over by the driver.
Dash_Board_P3140001_smallIt went to the basement had lots of holes drilled into it for gauges (Temp. Volts, and Oil pressure). A switch panel, a new MSD box, and a number of relays.
The new MSD box was purchased because the one in the car was a 6T (for circle track use. To put RPM limits into it two additional boxes would have to have been purchased. I will sell the 6T and save the cost of buying the other two boxes and with the 6AL-2 get two RPM adjustable limits in the one box
Dash_Board_P3140002_smallThe part of the dash that remained in the car was painted to match our new fabricated one.
The dash with all the stuff mounted on it was put back in the car (after painting).  Now all that has to be done is to wire everything together. Is there someone that would like to take that task on?
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The drive shaft was sent out, balanced, and new solid u-joints installed. The original drive shaft hoop was mounted in the center of the drive shaft. We modified the hoop to fit closer to the car and mounted it within the required 9 inches from the front of the drive shaft. It was powder coated red in the process. A u-joint girdle was installed over the rear u-joint.
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I was given a great deal of grief for the untidy condition of my tool box. I do not know what the problem is I can find what I need, but in deference to the bosses, I spent a little time and put it in order.
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The starter has been installed for good with a heat shield. To try and elevate the heat soak problem we installed an external starter solenoid. This accomplishes two things. It gives a nice termination to the cable from the rear of the car, and provides a terminal to use as a power tap for all of the electrical items in the car.
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P3140001_smallThe coil has been mounted, and the throttle cable bracket was powder coated and bolted to the intake.
Sorry, that’s all the Car Nuts got done this week.