Categories
News Project Trans Am

Project Trans Am – 24 Months Later

I’m now 2 years into my 1981 Pontiac Trans Am project and things are just now starting to come together! This post is a good outline of everything that has been happening since February, 2012. Front Suspension Together Again The front suspension is back together!  I have to thank my my friend Joel for helping […]

Categories
Electrical

Bench Testing Fuel/Gas Gauge

You just got some gauges at a swap-meet but you don’t know if they work? What do you do next? Test them! The fuel gauge in most pre-digital cars work by pointing a needle within a sweep range on a gauge based on variable resistance through  variable resister in the fuel tank.  This resistance measured […]

Categories
Chassis (Suspension, Wheels and Brakes)

Body Bushings and Sub Frame Connectors for Firebirds & Camaros

If you own an f-body 1st or 2nd generation car from 1967-1981 (F Body chassis by GM found in Pontiac Firebird, Trans Am and Chevrolet Camaro first and second gen vehicles from 67-81) and are getting ready to replace your body to sub-frame bushings, you have three options: stock rubber, polyurethane and solid. If you […]

Categories
Chassis (Suspension, Wheels and Brakes) Interior

Snap Retaining Ring (Lock Ring) for GM/Chrysler Steering Column

During the disassembly of the steering column from the Trans Am the retaining snap ring that holds the lock plate got damaged. One option is to bend it back into shape. The other option is to replace it. Unfortunately, you’re not going to find an auto parts store that knows what a continuous retaining snap-ring […]

Categories
News Project Trans Am

Project Trans Am – 22 Months Later

I’m now 22 months into my 1981 Pontiac Trans Am and it feels like I’ve got nothing done! But this blog post is a good outline of everything that has been happening since November, 2011. Short Block Assembled The hiccup with the wrong piston valve relief was sorted with the machine shop relatively quickly. After […]

Categories
Interior

Automotive Sound Deadeners, Insulation and Anti-Rattle Products

There are a lot of sound deadening, insulating and anti-rattle products for automotive applications. The list below (as of February, 2012) is the most comprehensive list of products organized by type. Spray on Sound Deadened/Insulation Spray on sound Deadeners and insulation are paint-on products that can be applied in a number of ways. LizardSkin is […]

Categories
Reviews Tools

Flare Wrenches for working on Hot Rods and Resto-mods

A flare wrench is like an open end wrench with 5-6 contact sides and/or 4-5 contact corners. As it’s name implies, the wrench is intended for use on flared fittings. A normal open end wrench makes contact on only two sides, making the flare wrench ideal for better contact in certain situations.  In many cases […]

Categories
News Project Trans Am

Project Trans Am – 18 Months Later

So I’m now 18 months into my 1981 Pontiac Trans Am project and things are just now starting to come together. From April – July I really didn’t get to spend much time on the car, our new baby was coming (born June 27th) and preparing for/having him took precedence! I even had to neglect […]

Categories
Engine and Components Reviews Tools

Piston Ring Filer

My Pontiac 400 engine rebuild requires me to file to fit the top 2 compression rings. In order to make sure the rings keep their true edge, a mechanical Piston Ring Filer is recommended. Because I do not plan on using this tool very often, I decided to purchase an inexpensive clone from Jegs. A […]

Categories
Tools

Torque Wrenches Reviewed

I’m currently in the process of rebuilding a Pontiac 400 v8. The process has led me to buy a lot of new tools. Most of these new tools aren’t too expensive, such as a dead blow hammer and piston ring compressor. The one tool for this project that is quite an investment is a good […]