93formulalt1's Projects Thread

[93formulalt1]

I've noticed something about my car. . . Since the last time I've driven it, the brakes feel weird. They work, but they aren't as responsive as I'd like them to be, or as they used to be, for that matter. . . To stop the car quickly, I have to use a substantial amount of force on the pedal, they used to be pretty responsive, and it didn't take much to get the car to stop on a dime and make change, now they seem to be more "dulled" than before. Any ideas? Is it something that will fix itself after putting some mileage on the car? It's been sitting for months, I haven't put more than maybe 2,500 miles on the car since January '09, but the brake pads and rotors (all four corners) were replaced shortly before that with new stock replacements. Also, my "ABS INOP" light flashes at me intermittently, I'm going to hook the scanner up to it tomorrow to see if it's throwing a code, but I think it may be related to the symptoms I described above. I'm going to inspect the pads and rotors for any warping, cracking, or abnormal wear when I put the new rims on, but until then, I am just looking for some suggestions or ideas as to what could be causing this to happen. . .

The car has also developed a minor "miss" in the engine, I think it's one of the plugs fouling out or something along those lines, or it's just more noticeable now that I'm actually paying attention to the car's performance rather than just using it as a means of "A to B" transportation. When the headers get installed, I'm also replacing the plugs and wires, and if that doesn't fix it (along with finally eliminating the leaking exhaust manifold gasket), I don't know what's wrong with it. I'll keep you posted on that one, but again, any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The car is right about at 165k on the clock, and hopefully the work I'm doing to her will have her running like a top again. I've been neglecting this car for quite some time, partially due to laziness, but mostly due to being overworked and underpaid.

I'm going to hold off on doing the body work until after I find a promising job, I kind of want to have a set of wheels that looks half-way presentable until I get my life back on track. Body work is coming though, I will have a heated garage and far too much free time this winter, so you'll finally see some Winter Projects from this guy.

[phoenix_rising]

Started working on the car a little bit today, basically just got the battery charged up and took it out for a little while. I think I'm going to go out again in a little while. I'll probably start working on pulling the manifolds once I get the brakes fixed on the truck, hopefully have some progress pics up by Tuesday. I might just take a little time tomorrow to clean it up some, I have a claybar laying around here somewhere.

Should have the tires switched over and the new rims on the car this week. Hoping to have the headers on by the end of the week, as well as a couple of other "goodies", and I should be ready to cruise Woodward by the weekend, weather permitting, of course.

Make sure you get with me before you try pulling those manifolds. I have some tools that are a must for doing this job at least I think so. Also you are going to want a sawzall if you don't have one. I am considering buying a air ratchet from the Matco guy on tuesday. This would help us from breaking any studs. The brakes on the truck we can do at my place if you want. I think I have most of the stuff you'll need already set out because I am working on the brakes on the bird.

BTW I w ill be washing my car today. I just need to buy a new hose adapter for my reel from Lowes. Call me so we can get together, I can help you out with a hookup on some tires. I can't do used tires but I can give you my price which is 10% above store cost. Just got some sweet new tires, Just came in Wednesday called Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500. They are available in the size you need and look amazing. I will probably be buying a set if you do not.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....HWI5&tab=Sizes

[93formulalt1]

Make sure you get with me before you try pulling those manifolds. I have some tools that are a must for doing this job at least I think so. Also you are going to want a sawzall if you don't have one. I am considering buying a air ratchet from the Matco guy on tuesday. This would help us from breaking any studs. The brakes on the truck we can do at my place if you want. I think I have most of the stuff you'll need already set out because I am working on the brakes on the bird.

BTW I w ill be washing my car today. I just need to buy a new hose adapter for my reel from Lowes. Call me so we can get together, I can help you out with a hookup on some tires. I can't do used tires but I can give you my price which is 10% above store cost. Just got some sweet new tires, Just came in Wednesday called Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500. They are available in the size you need and look amazing. I will probably be buying a set if you do not.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....HWI5&tab=Sizes

Heck, I might just pick up a pair of your tires then, you have the same brand, model, and size as what I need to replace the two front ones that are bad. . . lol

I'll have to check into the Indy's, I don't have the money for tires right now, but I may be forced to get new tires at some point in the near future out of sheer necessity. Give me a call, I'm looking for an excuse to stay up all day. lol Mom's car needs new front brake pads, so I'll be doing some brake work. Bringing the truck to your place is a no-go, the pedal goes to the floor, no brakes AT ALL. I'll be starting on Mom's car today, hope to get the truck done tomorrow. I need to wash my car though, so as long as the weather holds out, I might take you up on that. When are you getting started?

[Gottork]

Nick sounds like maybe a rubber line is getting ready to go, I had this happen in a truck the line was building up and made a bubble on the side of it, only took two or three hard stabs and it blew so I would just check them out and maybe try bleeding them, might help.. I know its been sitting awhile just an idea.. good luck on it and the rest of your fun..

[93formulalt1]

Nick sounds like maybe a rubber line is getting ready to go, I had this happen in a truck the line was building up and made a bubble on the side of it, only took two or three hard stabs and it blew so I would just check them out and maybe try bleeding them, might help.. I know its been sitting awhile just an idea.. good luck on it and the rest of your fun..

I'll check it out. Sounds like it could be the same problem, I did a Google search and kept coming up with ads for stainless brake lines. . . lol I'll take a look when I swap the new rims on. Might be a good opportunity to upgrade my brake hoses to stainless ones. I know rubber tends to degrade when it's not being used, much like tires will develop cracks when they sit on an unmoved car for a period of time. I wouldn't want one of those to break while I'm going down the road. I'll be bleeding the brakes this week anyways, I've got a mod already purchased that requires it

[phoenix_rising]

Nick, I've been trying to call you all morning, but you aren't picking up. We detailed Scarlett and I'm putting my stuff away. Thought you were gonna stop by today. Call me ASAP.

[Gottork]

good luck nick

[93formulalt1]

OOOH!! We pulled one of the rear rims out of the box yesterday, and OMG, they are sexy as hell. Didn't realize just how wide they were. Going to have to put some 305's or 315's on the back once these 275's are dead. Making some phone calls now, trying to find a decent price on getting the tires mounted. Everyone wants to charge like $100 or more to mount and balance 4 tires. Ridiculous prices.

[93formulalt1]

Oh, I have my camera now, so as soon as those rims are on, I'll be snapping pics like a madman. Should have that done this morning.

[phoenix_rising]

Nick, just an FYI. I know you have your heart set on Tangelo Pearl but I just wanted to show you what I envisioned. It would be much less work intensive and much cheaper since we would just touch up and blend the areas that need it and then shooting an orange pearl coat before we clear. You could probably pull off this paint job for less than $500. I think a quart of GM Bright Red and a quart of Tangelo Pearl, You already have some clear. All you'd need are the reducers / Hardeners what not. You might run it past your mom and see what she thinks. Just an idea, take it if you choose. Otherwise I know someone else will take the idea for their car sooner than later.



http://www.mifbody.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?35988-Yet-another-camaro-you-do-not-want-to-mess-with-either!-center&p=562970#post562970

[93formulalt1]

That's an awesome color! That's the HoK Tangelo Pearl? That looks really similar to the color that Dad and I wanted to paint the Camaro. I think it will take more than a quart to paint the whole car though, maybe a gallon. . . We went through a gallon of paint on your Firebird and ran out 3/4 of the way around the car, but we did have to do multiple coats on the hood, front bumper, fender, and hatch. . . I'll have to look into it, that might be a winner!

[93formulalt1]

Picked up the parts to fix the brakes on the truck and Mom's car today, should have the truck up and running by noon (hopefully), then I'll be taking the rims to have tires mounted. . .

[Gottork]

no pics of the rims by themselves??? AWWWW

[93formulalt1]

no pics of the rims by themselves??? AWWWW

Didn't even think to snap a few. . . Tires and rims should be ready to go in an hour or so, I dropped them off about 20 minutes ago. Working on another little project right now, just can't find the damn tool I need. . .

Truck has brakes now, the old pads were shot, but the rotors were fine. I stripped one of the caliper bolts somehow, so I had to run to Advance to grab a new one, after that, it was easy as pie. From start to finish, it only took me about an hour to replace the front brake pads.

[93formulalt1]

New rims are on. They look great! I'll snap a few pics in a little while, I'm taking a little break right now. I've been working out in the garage since about 0900 this morning. Got one of my other projects finished also, I'm going to be keeping that one my little secret until Woodward this weekend though. . . No worries, pics will be posted after Friday night at Auto Euro. I'm thinking of tackling another project in a little while too, I've got a pile of parts still.