Some history.... I bought this car in California over 25 years ago for $300 bucks. It was a plain model with a 307 and 54K miles. I drove it a while. Blew the motor up overheating it, then dropped a 350 with 4 bolt main in it and drove it some more, then I parked it. For years. Luckily, it was always in a garage or under cover from the elements, so I have a solid base to work with. The last time it was started was over 5 years ago, and this past Sunday evening, my 24 year old son told me it was time, so yesterday, it was dragged out from under cover and the tear down began. God knows there will be a ton of questions on the way, but I am an experienced paint and body man, and competent mechanic with the patience to do it right. It will be getting torn down completely. New suspension. New crate motor. New trans. New interior. Etc.... Some things I am not sure of how I want done yet, but those decisions will be made when it's time. For example... Stock style fuel tank or aftermarket fuel cell recessed into the truck floor? A/C and heat or none?

The only real body items needed will be a radiator support and left fender. The rest is pretty good. I already have a number of items such as new bumpers, (Split bumpers for the front) radiator, and various interior items. The drive train and suspension will probably be the majority of the build cost with the interior being another big budget item. I have about $15K to play with currently, so there is some capitol set aside for it.





Uncovered and kicking the free loaders out....












End of the day... Engine out. Interior gutted. Various body parts removed... Tomorrow will see the front clip removed, and more tear down.....





Maybe you will recognize the meaning of something now......

 

Welcome to the forum Ron! Great looking '70, and very straight! Not having rot and rust to deal with will certainly make the build a lot easier! Amazing to ever have purchased it for the $300 price at any time in that shape! Looking forward to seeing the build ahead!

 

Progress up to this evening..... Tear down continuing and parts being sorted. I pulled out parts that I have bought over the years to remind myself what I actually have, which is a nice list. New bumpers front and rear. New 3 core radiator. Many new trim pieces including marker lights. Front end bolt kit, etc.... etc.....

Front sheet metal removed....



Tail lights and rear bumper removed along with rear wiring harness.....



Some rot to take car of in the body.....

 

Real nice project you have there. There is a ton of experience on this 2nd gen forum that helped me with my 70 build. Good luck, i look forward to seeing the results.

 

I decided this afternoon to rebuild the motor I have. This meant that the afternoon was spent tearing the motor down, and I ended up finding debris in the oil pan. Specifically, piston ring pieces. Turns out that the #2 piston broke some ring lands. Luckily, the cylinder wall seems ok, but the machine shop will be the determining factor in where we go from here. The intention is to order a 383 kit with a 400 crank, new pistons, rods, etc..... Dart II aluminum cylinder heads. Roller cam, roller rockers, etc.... HP goals will be in the 350 to 400 range.

The trans was good before, so I will just clean it up. New seals. New pan. 2500 rpm stall converter.

 

Looks like the rings were stuck from sitting, and then the engine was fired up. Probably will take a small cut on the bore to clean it up, but unless you see any deep scratches or gouges, it should be fine. Nice to have a 4 bolt main block to start out with!

 

That's possible, but I think it may be related to an overheating incident I had many years ago. Who knows at this point. The good thing is that the cylinder walls seem to be in good shape with very little issues. I will be taking the block to a well known shop to be tanked and checked before the crank/rod/piston kit is ordered.

I also placed an order with Classic Industries for known parts needed. Correct fender, radiator support, interior parts, dash, bushings, etc........ Once I get the motor dropped off I will continue to tear down and then start cleaning the body up so I can start working pieces. There will be quite a bit of assembly for fit checks and other crap. You know how it goes......

 

Only progress today was delivering the engine block to be machined and ordering about $4K worth of parts. New aluminum cylinder heads. Intake. Roller rockers. Mics bolts, fuel pump, oil pump, ceramic coated headers, fender, radiator support, new dash, windshield, and other body trim items. Urethane bushings, heavier sway bar, fack... The list goes on and on.... Still got about $2500 more to go into the engine too...

 

Wherever possible, try to fix or reuse original parts! The aftermarket parts are all a horrible fit! I wish I had spent the time to fix my fenders and radiator support, as even the best names sell junk.

 

I hear ya, but unfortunately, the fender was hacked to the point that it NEEDS to be replaced. The rad support is rusted by where the battery box was, so it's pretty screwed too. I know it will take some finesse to get everything mocked up. The front clip will consist of two aftermarket fenders and rad support. Everything else is stock. Oh, except the hood, but I was pretty impressed with how well that fit.