My Project...1968 Bel Air Wagon

Discussion in 'Station Wagon Projects' started by Wicked, Mar 19, 2010.

  1. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    The car's been sitting for a little while. We've had two kids in and out of the hospital. One(Kevin, 6) had his tonsil and adnoids taken out and tube in his ears and the other(Colby 7) was in for two weeks for a tune up(he has Cystic Fybrosis).

    Anyway, I sold the Buell and spent some of the money and bought Coy C5's and Nitto Invos. The current tires were 10 years old. Made sense to upgrade.

    20x10 5.5bspc in the rear with a 295/35/20 Nitto Invo.
    18x8 4.5bspc in the front with a 245/40/18 Nitto Invo.

    The rears fit but I do need to gain some clearance and control of the rear end. I ordered an adjustable panhard bar and will be centering the body on the frame to make sure the rear end is centered in the wheel well and frame.

    Front end was already high but with a slightly smaller tire overall diameter in the front the gap in the fender is quite unsightly.
    I will soon be ordering a drop spindle which may also advance my plans for disc brakes....I was gonna live with the drums since they seem to work just fine now.

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  2. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    And once I fix the ride height it should look like this...minus the drums I think.

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  3. Stormin' Norman

    Stormin' Norman Well-Known Member

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    Ain't nuthin' plane about that Bel! Lookin' good.
     
  4. VTWAGONLOVER

    VTWAGONLOVER Well-Known Member

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    Wheels and tires make all the difference!!! Looks great!!!

    I was laughing, reading you post, and was reminded that everything effects everything else... Once you start, it doesn't end until the $$ does..lol:rofl2:
     
  5. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    Hey guys,
    A little update...
    I upgraded my front bar.
    Stock is 0.8 inches solid. I upgraded to an Addco 1-1/8 inch solid bar. The bar barely fit through the hole in the frame.
    When I do a frame off, I'll have to open up the hole and repowdercoated the bar to prevent damaging it.

    On the rear, I am using the UMI bar. My car did not come with a rear bar, so I had to make some modifications. I had to drill my arms, make tapered spacers and collar inserts for the arms. Both are made out of 6061 T6 aluminum. Otherwise, the bar bolted on nicely.

    Over the last week(I was on vacation), I also got the windows tinted. I used normal legal 35% tint.

    I can tell a huge difference from the bars. The car just doesn't feel so heavy.
    I still need to lower the front end. I tried last week and couldn't get the BJ's separated. Plan to try again this weekend.

    I think once I get the front end lowered where it should be the ride and handling should be improved.
     
  6. the Rev

    the Rev senior junior Charter Member

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    shes gonna look great with a altitude adjusment:bowdown:
    lookin forward to the pics
     
  7. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    What's up guys.
    Not a lot going on with Emmy(Project M). Just waiting for available fundage.
    Good news is, I'm putting quite a few miles on her and she's gets plenty of attention.
    But I am anxious to get to the good stuff, new engine, trans, some power, etc.

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  8. Roadking41A

    Roadking41A Well-Known Member

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    Looking Great!!!!!!
     
  9. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    Hey guys,
    Been a while since I posted. I know you guys will appreciate the latest progress.

    In February, I pulled the 327/TH400. The same day I sold that motor, I took delivery of a dirty L92/6L80E and other misc parts from a 2007 Escalade. The L92 is 403hp/415tq. I added the LS3 intake and manifolds( I will use the manifolds later for my turbo setup). I finished up the swap in August.

    Here are the results. Enjoy.

    http://s951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/stang5479/1968 Bel Air Wagon/

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  10. Jairus

    Jairus Well-Known Member

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    That car is shaping up nicely!
    :You_Rock_Emoticon:
     
  11. 1tireman

    1tireman Well-Known Member

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    I was liking it before, now even more! :thumbs2:
     
  12. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    Thanks guys...
    Driving her semi-daily and any family outings.
    Love the attention she gets. Gonna try to keep the progres going.
     
  13. silverfox

    silverfox New Member

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    Holy Horsepower, Batman!! :thumbs2:
     
  14. Wicked

    Wicked Member

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    Went to the strip last night...
    Best pass was a 13.554@99mph. Ran two more 13.6's at 99mph. I was surprised with the mid 13's.
    With some tuning should be able to get close to 12's.
     
  15. wallawallabob

    wallawallabob Active Member

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    That is a sweet engine swap. Do you have the turbo set up yet?
     

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