so my brakes went out the other day, the drivers front wheel cylinder blew out and in the process of replacing it i found this little gem...no clue anything was wrong in there

 

That was a blessing in disguise wasn't it. Yeah, I would replace the bearings!
Were the missing rollers totally gone, or just fell out when you took it apart?

 

As big as the bearing is inside bearing, and one would probably find silver powder in the grease on the inside of the hub.

Tip:
Remove the carpet - worst floor covering for retainment when a bearing drops.
Yes, I know, it softens the knees when you kneel down.
A 9X12 baking pan works great for dropped bearings and the like.

 

It begins, 3000.00 in sheet metal on the way from Auto Metal Direct to include, an entire new front end "RS" new radiator core support, new door skins, new full rear quarters, new wheel wells, DSE mini tub kit and a new trunk pan. over $4000 in suspension soon to be ordered, going with Ride Tech Coil over Full front end and Ride Tech 4 link on the rear with Coil over. Pictures and progress to be posted soon!!

 

Oh, I know the feeling you are having. Keep at it! keep us posted with your progress.

 

Good luck with your new journey.
Start a logbook, album, and remember - You can never have enough pictures.

 

So the stock subframe on the car is pretty thrashed, i wasn't wanting to use it. At the same time i didn't feel like buying a 2k aftermarket subframe, shipping costs and the fact your stuck using that companies suspension...didnt want to do it. So after some phone calls around locally i found a factory sub frame off of a 68 "Z28" so they said...either way it was in perfect condition, except for a large dent in the side rail from a fly wheel exploding. So i picked up the frame for 200 bucks and bought some 10gauge cold roll steel, after some cutting, drilling and a little persuasion with a dead blow hammer, i got the rail fixed up and stronger than ever. added in some welds on the frame where it looked kinda sketchy (the factory welds are horrible!) Me and a friend blasted the frame, i sprayed on some rustoleoum primer and coated that with a Red paint to match my block. next step is install of the frame then bolt on the Ride Tech suspension and a big brake conversion from Classic Performance Parts. Heres a few pics from start to finish.

 

Very nice, did you paint the trans crossmember?
Nice welds and paint application.
I would wager you might have a welding certificate for doing US Gov't jobs?
If not, you should apply for one, good penetration on the welds and no bubbles/holes, continuous beads. Good choice on the repair material selection.

 

Nah, I bought a new cross member from chassis works, the original one was rallied pretty good. The new one came powder coated black. As for the welding my friend is an industrial mechanic, who welds for fun in his off time haha

 

My RideTech packages showed up today, its full LVL2 Coilover kit with the true turn steering upgrade and a front swaybar from them. A quick plug for RideTech, absolutely amazing to work with, I live in Alaska so shipping can be a tad expensive. They worked with me and were able to cut a bit off of the parts prices to compensate for the $670.00 shipping charge to basically make my shipping 300.00 The packages were packed to brim with foam and every single part was individually wrapped. Not a single scratch on anything. It got here fast, only took 10 days from order till it was on my doorstep. So far I'm extremely happy with my decision to go with RideTech. Ill keep you up to date on the install, and finally the ride! I can't wait. Off to start turning some wrenches!