The Camaro Club (UK)

Thanks for the ideas and experience so far!

I brought home a new water outlet neck, as my current one is chrome and i've seen how badly corroded the insides get, so will change it out as i also want to change out the stat, as it's either stuck open or a 165 one. The new water neck has a 1/2 NPT thread in there, so i could find a temp witch / sender type thing and thread it into there vs. using the probe in the radiator.

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").

I changed the oil and filter over the weekend, gave it a little back and forth driving and topped up the transmission fluid as it wouldn't go anywhere when idling in D, now it does move at idle.

Brakes are pretty bad, had to put a lot of pressure on to stop it from moving at idle. I think this is because i had a slight leak at the calipers, which was caused by some caliper paint causing an uneven surface. In trying to figure this out, i had to partially unscrew and rescrew the bleeder valves and then the hose to try and get a seal. I think this let some air in. Will have to try and bleed the brakes again. Was a pig of a job as i had to put some serious torque on the bolts to get them to seal, wasn't too happy about that and not looking forward to unbolting and redoing that all again.

Got a slow leak on the back rear tyre, may be valve or just sealing, so will need to take it off and take to local tyre shop. Not sure which valves to buy though as there are a few different ones that come up i.e. TR 413, 416 etc.

Not sure what's happening with the fan still. It comes on at the right temp, but runs for a few seconds, then turns off, then on again after a few seconds. It's nice in a way because the temp stays very consistent, but at the same time, normally fans come on for about 30 seconds and bring the temp down noticably. Will try and run a 2nd ground wire incase it's related to that. Not sure what else it could be, very odd. Also noticed that the thermostat is either non existent or stuck open, as you can feel warmth on the hose and rad when the gauge is showing 150f. Thinking about putting a 185 or 195f in there (bought both).

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").

Can't help much with the brakes/temps, but I'm getting some tools to do my own tyres for christmas, so have been reading up on it.

I found this useful chart on valve sizes. The 0.453 is the standard car/bike hole size, then it's down to length choice. I think the 'common' one is 415, but you can measure yours and get the same, or change the length if you prefer. Alternatively, the tyre people are likely to have loads and either give you one or charge pennies.

Thanks Jamie, that chart is really helpful! Ok, i will measure up the length one of there and buy a replacement with 0.453 diameter. The place i go to is a bit of a backstreet place where they only do used tyres so only have part worns in the building.

What kind of tools are you looking into getting? I considered getting a tyre fitting and removal machine and a balancer. I've had so many tyres changed over the last few years it almost makes economical sense to

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").

Do a google search for manual tyre changer and you'll see the sort of thing I'm getting. I'm going with a cheap, non-branded version, but going in with my eyes open that it will need some modifications to get the best from it. Plenty of info on the web/YouTube about them.

There's a motor cycle wheel adapter that sits on top that covers my other vehicle too, then there's the static balancers for each type of wheel to get, and a better fitting/removal bar that doesn't scratch alloy wheels to get. All in, less than £250. With 2 cars and a bike in the home fleet, it won't take too long to get that back on money saved on getting the pro's to fit/balance.

Didn't realise the manual ones were so reasonably priced. I had been looking at used hydraulic / compressed air ones for a few hundred but saw that even Machine Mart have manual ones for less than £100. Balancers aren't too expensive either. I worked out i've changed over 16 tyres over the past couple of years (different cars) and at roughly £10 - £15 per change, it would be roughly the same to have done it myself. You might become our local tyre changer if you get all the equipment

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").

Well, it finally happened - passed the MOT today

Added a pic below - before taking a looking, slight disclaimer - it doesn't look like a '79 I'm sure it won't be to everyone's liking, so please be gentle.

First drive went ok, gears changed, brakes work, albeit a bit on the spongy side. Few things to sort, like installing a thermostat (while driving drops down to 160f), adding extra insulation to electric fuel pump (really drones in the interior), washer fluid bottle has a crack near the top so leaks, will need to glue / resin it and other various other bits.

Thanks for the advice and help over the years, it's really been a great help in getting the car up and running. Looking forward to meeting you all at the various meets in 2017



















Before:

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").

No it certainly doesn't look like a 79! I am mortified and disgusted!

Just kidding, it looks pretty cool, where was that from, or was it made from scratch?

I am trying to decide what it reminds me of, there is certainly a hint of a 69 Camaro to it, maybe a bit of Dodge Challenger too, and the Australian Ford Falcon!

Hope I get to see it next year

_________________
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Thanks guys!

I made it as a 1 off custom piece, can upload the pics if there's any interest in it. Funny you mentioned about the Charger / '69 Camaro style, those were the kind of inspirations. I've always liked the 60's style open fronts on American cars, so went with the natural lines of the '79 nose cone, fenders and hood and looked at what shapes could come out from it.

Will upload some before pics but i need to find the memory card they are stored on.

_________________
How to post pics: When writing a message, scroll down and use the "attach file" option. Where possible, a photo sharing service can be used such as Flickr, Imgur etc. The image location (usually ending in .jpg) can be copy and pasted between the ][ brackets that appear when you click the 'Img' button (you can find this button at the top of the message box).

How to post youtube vids: Click on the 'youtubeHD' button at the top of the message box and in the middle of the ][ brackets that just appeared, copy and paste everything from the youtube web address that appears after the = sign i.e if this is the url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0 just copy "K2cNqaPSHv0").