62 Belvedere 318 poly granny cruiser (one day i hope)

[icetech]

K.. so.. some good news.. did research today and learned a bit.. in 1985 some truck 318's came with a roller block but a flat tappet cam.. i had no idea. So.. i got home and popped the intake and 2 things.. motor has never been opened from what i can see, it's also very clean inside and doesn't smell burned. and it's a roller block Which if i'm correct means i can run any LA roller cam, using factory spider/lifters (Anyone have a spare spider laying around?)
I also ran a bore scope down a few cylinders and they still have crosshatch, the pistons have some carbon but nothing too horrrible.. so really happy with the motor for now. Won't be pulling off the oilpain or heads for a couple of months probably.. still need to get the interior fixed and in (dropped off the seats tonight to get redone) and then take apart the front end and rebuild it.. plus manual disc brakes... rebuild the trans then worry bout the engine.. a lot to do
Plan right now is lunati cam, performer rpm intake and headers... Possibly TFS heads if they are ever in stock. Then work on a stroker for next year, so not throwing money away since i can re-use those parts (other than the cam since it will be a small one for torque/driving easy with my 2.76 pegleg

 

[icetech]

It's cold out so i'm moving slow Got the seats out and stripped down.. removed rust on the frames and have the rear painted and waiting to get covered... Also got some parts in today..

 

[icetech]

Just a quick question, I am wanting to find a 3.23 or 3.55 pig for my rear end.. if i am switching from a open carrier i will need shorter axles or no? (only asking cause i saw mopar joes new video where he didn't have to change axles, but his isn't a tapered axle car..)

Thanks guys.

 

[icetech]

Ordered the Trick flow heads.. 4 month wait no rush anyway though..

I'm going to have way more money into a small block to make way less power.. but at least it will be interesting.. I honestly should have gone the way i was going to go which was find a 400 block and do the 500 stroker from 440source, they have one that has a super light bob weight..

But.. never having run a small block i figure this will be more fun to play with.. Still considering making the 390 for this summer instead of waiting.. but laziness has gotten a hold of me..

 

[Darter6]

There are 2 types of side gears early/late. Sometimes if you have the 2 piece the axle may be too short and not engage completely.
Later side gears/spider gears are one piece. Before removing your pig measure down the housing into the spider gear splines completely.
Measure your axle from end of splines to bearing.Check the pig you want to install.
This may only have to do with sure grips.Memory is kinda fuzzy.Open rears from what I remember do not have the 2 piece spider gear.
Any way 20+ years ago I did a pig swap,axles too short,car didn't move when put in gear.
When in doubt call/e mail Cass AKA Dr.Diff He has all the answers.If I remember I got the one piece spider gear set from him to fix the problem.
That's the best I can tell you. If I am wrong someone will correct my thoughts here.

 

[icetech]

There are 2 types of side gears early/late. Sometimes if you have the 2 piece the axle may be too short and not engage completely.
Later side gears/spider gears are one piece. Before removing your pig measure down the housing into the spider gear splines completely.
Measure your axle from end of splines to bearing.Check the pig you want to install.
This may only have to do with sure grips.Memory is kinda fuzzy.Open rears from what I remember do not have the 2 piece spider gear.
Any way 20+ years ago I did a pig swap,axles too short,car didn't move when put in gear.
When in doubt call/e mail Cass AKA Dr.Diff He has all the answers.If I remember I got the one piece spider gear set from him to fix the problem.
That's the best I can tell you. If I am wrong someone will correct my thoughts here.

Things i should have checked when i had the rear out and redid all the seals and that.. Will have to measure it all when it comes time to worry bout the rear again, a lot of things to get done before then. thanks for the nfo!

 

[icetech]

Back on the ground after 8 months.. ordered subframe connectors from USCT today, going to do those next.. This is the first time it's been down with the ESPO springs.. pretty happy with the stance, a little high but i don't mind that, maybe take the front down 1/2".. bad pics though, that's rust dust on everything.. need to clean up once it warms up enough.

P.S. i really need some bigger tires..

 

[ckessel]

I'm sure you are aware but if not, you need to remove the front seats/carpet/insulation and move any wiring from the weld area. Good time for replacements/upgrades since stuff is out.

 

[icetech]

I'm sure you are aware but if not, you need to remove the front seats/carpet/insulation and move any wiring from the weld area. Good time for replacements/upgrades since stuff is out.

yup.. i'm glad i saw something about it today, i hadn't even considered it, and the interior is out. perfect time

Car really looks like *** right now soo much dust on everything

 

[icetech]

Got a little more work done this weekend (a whole 2 hours or so) Passenger rear window regulator is back in, i took it apart, cleaned and lubed it all.. rollers all in good shape but it still seems hard to roll down, i am hoping when the glass it back in the weight of it will help a bit.. patched another spot in the floor only a couple more to do then the carpet can go back in (after the sub frame connectors show up)

BTW... does anyone make the upper window rubber that runs from the windshield around the side windows? Mine is pretty bad..

 

[icetech]

Got one subframe connector in... started fitting the drivers side yesterday but fell like **** so i didn't get far..

 

[icetech]

Haven't posted in awhile (like 3 people ever see this anyway) but got a tiny bit done.. both frame connectors are in, and the floor is ready for sound deadener..
Parts for the 318 have been showing up.. so that's something. Still need to get the old poly out and rebuild the suspension and do the brake conversion..
Trickflow heads, Howards cam and a RPM intake... will make a happy 318 i hope Til i find a good 360 block to make a 426

 

[Darter6]

Nice, The gearhead in me wants go fast goodies for my 318.
I keep trying to talk myself out of doing any more that just driving it.

 

[icetech]

Nice, The gearhead in me wants go fast goodies for my 318.
I keep trying to talk myself out of doing any more that just driving it.

Yeah... i start out "I'll just re-ring the poly... make it drive like a new car and enjoy"... yeah.. now i'm looking for 4.10's and a converter...

 

[Darter6]

Only if you were closer. I just pulled the 4.10's from my car. In went 2.76.
I keep saying "it's just a driver,it's just a driver,it's...."

 

[icetech]

Only if you were closer. I just pulled the 4.10's from my car. In went 2.76.
I keep saying "it's just a driver,it's just a driver,it's...."

yeah.. i need to get a sure-grip pig also, not just gears.. i will probably end up 3.55 though.. last time i had 3.91's they were fun but it got annoying

 

[icetech]

Got some deadener in last night... waiting on another box to show up, got cold again though.. so next warm day will be finish the floor and start taking apart the doors to clean the regulators and rustproof/clean

P.S. i'm a bit jealous of the other 62 clusters.. the belvedere one is not pretty

 

[icetech]

Seal sealer hiding the sins of my welder.... gotta let it set for a few days and then paint. Also my front window regulators grease was hard as a rock.. Bought some stuff called Purple Power at walmart.. $12 for 2.5 gallons, i have them soaking in it, checked on it after 30 mins and it was bubbling. hope it works. And i just realized that i probably left the little felt washers on it

 

[icetech]

So.. new carpet showed up, actually looks good.. i didn't expect it to be molded to fit so that makes me happy

 

[Darter6]

Set them out on a sunny day before installing. Removes wrinkles and creases.