First winter project

Gunner · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:35 AM

We don't have to park our beasts all winter here, but we do have to dodge long patches of rainy weather. Me, I have to park 707 when my temp tags run out on the 19th, and I probably won't have legit tags again until sometime well into January. So it's time for some winter projects. First up: cutting in a Canton oil thermostat. I have all the parts on order.

Besides installing the thermostat right next to the remote oil filter, I am replacing all of the hose fittings on the original remote/cooler installation. Not a big step since only one existing hose could be re-used as-is, but I wanted to ditch the red/blue fittings. All the solid fittings will be clear-anodized aluminum; all the hose ends, black. More in keeping with the car's colors, and a bit closer to "era"... red and blue are pretty, red and blue are sexy, but red and blue ano wasn't seen on cars until the 80s.

As for temps, I've never gotten my oil to more than about 70*, and that was on a warm day/long drive or yesterday, after a freeway run with the cooler blocked off. Not good. An overdue oil change will follow the thermo install.

Also up this winter: thorough fastener checking (especially after the recent scary posts) and lots of minor corrosion removal.

What are YOU doing this winter?

brobehr · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:42 AM

not hiding my envy

brobehr

rustyBob · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 12:48 PM

shoveling snow......

*13* · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Winter? Where?!!!

Gunner · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:10 PM

Right next to the mudslides and brush fires, for you.

*13* · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:12 PM

"If" we get that rain they're predicting next week we "may" be able to pull the Winter card.

I need to replace a few doors on the house. That's my "winter project"

Got the Bug · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:16 PM

Like Hyde...winter project....drive on sunny days.

Gunner - Once you get your SB100, they'll issue you as many TOPs as you need until you receive your SB100 Cert in the mail (60+ days) and visit the BAR. You should be back on the road on 1/4.

mdross1 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

shoveling snow......

Same here! Looking for an 850 dbl pmp Holley with choke,thinking about getting 69 Chevelle out of long term storage for next season.

Gunner · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by got the bug

once you get your sb100, they'll issue you as many tops as you need until you receive your sb100 cert in the mail (60+ days) and visit the bar. You should be back on the road on 1/4.

I'll take it.

TButtrick · #10 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 05:33 AM

skiing
installing AFR185s
new centerforce clutch
rebuild rear diff clutch pack
347 build up
make over daughter's bedroom

Oh crap. I'd better get going.

undy · #11 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 05:59 AM

...Replacing the Aldan coilovers and springs with Carrera QA-1s
and new springs.

...Pulling the Tunnel Wedge intake off the 482 and doing a coolant leak repair.

Dave

Gunner · #12 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 11:22 AM

I got the first shipment of parts today - not, unfortunately, all of them or even the key ones that would let me get started.

But the Canton oil thermostat came. Boy, it's pretty. And whether I got a substandard one or the ones used for OEM photos are prettied up, it's a much more industrial-looking piece than the pix. Nicely functional-looking, not a billet beauty bar. It will tuck in against the remote oil filter mount and blend into my plain, era-look underhood beautifully. Especially in its muted black and silver finish, with the black hose ends and natural-finish fittings.

Pix of course, when I have them, but I may not tear into things until the TOP runs out Saturday-next. I expect to have to order some alternate parts (different hose end angles) and fab a support bracket and don't want to have rush the job.