My 1967 Belvedere Convertible Plans and Restoration (aka - Mad Scientist Build)

[kb67mopar]

bust out your ice skates...

This is what my driveway looks like: (excuse the blurr)

 

[conv67bdere]

I wonder about this water pump . . .

Since I've finally got some time to work on the Hemi - I've noticed that there is a lot of white residue around the water pump area - it looks like mineral deposits, and it's got me wondering, since it's already out of the car, should I hedge my bets and just replace the thing now ?

Here's what it looks like - what you think ? ?



I don't think that would be there if the water pump was not leaking . . . should I replace it ?

 

[conv67bdere]

working on the pedal assembly installation . . .

Sorry guys . . . life threw a couple wrenches in the works that I had to deal with. Now that they're done, back to work on the Belvedere ! !

Now that I've got my new pedal assembly ( with my man pedal ) - I've got to figure out how to get it all setup and working in the car. No better time to do that than right now, since there is nothing else in the car to get in my way. Plus it'll give me a little more help on remembering how all these parts are suppose to go back in the car when the time comes . . .

Here's what I've come up with so far . . .



Other side view - mounted in the car . . . you can see the new bracket provided that holds the clutch ( man pedal ) in place . . . needs to bolt to firewall.



The kit provides this firewall bracket to help mount the bracket - but where and how ? ?



In the engine compartment - I noticed (2) little indention - centered in the picture . . .



Except that the picture is causing a little optical illusion - they appear to match up with the bolts . . . drilled them with a 5/16 bit . . .



And the bracket fit in like it was meant to go there ( duh - it was ! )



Perfect fit on the inside as well - hold the bracket in place . . .



First concern - the pedal is about 10" off the floor - that seems a "bit" high . . . not sure why or what I need to do . . . yet . . .




And where does the hydraulic cylinder mount to the firewall ? ? Position 1 or position 2 ? ?



Position 1 - in the engine compartment - can't get it to fit into the hole . . . so . . .



Position 2 must be the proper place to mount it . . . that looks like the original clutch push rod hole . . .



Now, I just have to figure out how to hook up the connecting rods to the cylinder so that it'll actuate everything correctly . . . Not sure how yet . . .

It's starting to come together and make some sense . . .

 

[usaroadrunner]

looking good KHAN, (who ever came up with that, it is too good) those pedals look great from the pics. keep progressing........

 

[tallhair]

I really liked that update Khan ! I'd say you can put the reservoir wherever you want as long as the parts and application works out.

- - - Updated - - -

looking good KHAN, (who ever came up with that, it is too good) those pedals look great from the pics. keep progressing........

yeah it's cool as hell

 

[747mopar]

Look'n good, I wouldn't sweat the pedal if you don't like it you can always make it longer (just make sure you V it out for the welds). Really nice looking stuff Kahn

- - - Updated - - -

That white stuff doesn't mean it's leaking, I've noticed it on most aluminum motors that have nothing wrong with them nowdays. I would try an aluminum cleaner that's made for removing oxidation. As a matter of fact my Eddie Performer RPM intake has a little on it that I'm going to have to scrub off besides I just bought a water pump for our 5.7, not cheap.

 

[hunt2elk]

Looks great, just like it always was a 4-speed car. When you hold the brake and clutch pedals up to their stops, are they inline?

 

[conv67bdere]

Look'n good, I wouldn't sweat the pedal if you don't like it you can always make it longer (just make sure you V it out for the welds). Really nice looking stuff Kahn

- - - Updated - - -

That white stuff doesn't mean it's leaking, I've noticed it on most aluminum motors that have nothing wrong with them nowdays. I would try an aluminum cleaner that's made for removing oxidation. As a matter of fact my Eddie Performer RPM intake has a little on it that I'm going to have to scrub off besides I just bought a water pump for our 5.7, not cheap.

Thanks 747Mopar . . . gotta get my homework done and get this thing figured out for you and Speedy ! ! ! ( smile )

Found a water pump on Rock Auto for $75 . . . thinking of swapping it before I put it in the car - just to be safe . . .

- - - Updated - - -

Looks great, just like it always was a 4-speed car. When you hold the brake and clutch pedals up to their stops, are they inline?

The brake pedal is not connected so the stop is not in place - but they are close to being level.

But 10" of travel is a L-O-N-G W-A-Y to push a pedal . . . need to have it set right to get the hydraulic clutch pedal linkages right.

Might have to add some adjustable stops to both pedals ? ? ?

Thanks H2E . . . really happy with the way it turned out ( it does look like it was always that way ! ) ( smile ) At least that was the plan !

 

[hunt2elk]

But 10" of travel is a L-O-N-G W-A-Y to push a pedal . . .

Well, that's one of the reasons its called a Man pedal silly.

 

[conv67bdere]

Well, that's one of the reasons its called a Man pedal silly.

H2E . . . could you do me a favor and measure the distance from the pedal to the firewall on your car ? Just to compare . . .

I measured it on my Chevy II Shoebox - and it was only about 6" - the Belvedere just looks too far off the firewall ? ?

Just checking . . . I don't have a seat in the car to give it a test and see how it feels ( it just looks a little off ) . . .

 

[hunt2elk]

Just checked both the Charger and Road Runner, and they are the same as yours. You will get used to it - remember you aren't driving a Honda.

 

[conv67bdere]

looking good KHAN, (who ever came up with that, it is too good) those pedals look great from the pics. keep progressing........

Tallhair gave me that name back on post 560 . . . if you'd like to go check it out . . . it kinda stuck ! ! !

"Khan"-vertible

- - - Updated - - -

Just checked both the Charger and Road Runner, and they are the same as yours. You will get used to it - remember you aren't driving a Honda.

LMAO H2E . . . Thanks for checking . . . now I'll feel better about proceeding on working on the clutch hydraulic master cylinder setup ! ! ! That's planned for tomorrow.

All I had was my Chevy II to compare it to . . . and it's almost DOUBLE the distance . . . I'm SURE I'll get use to it ( SMILE )

Might be a little deceiving with my dash being out of the car too - gives a whole different perspective on the pedals.

 

[747mopar]

Thanks 747Mopar . . . gotta get my homework done and get this thing figured out for you and Speedy ! ! ! ( smile )

Found a water pump on Rock Auto for $75 . . . thinking of swapping it before I put it in the car - just to be safe . . .

- - - Updated - - -



The brake pedal is not connected so the stop is not in place - but they are close to being level.

But 10" of travel is a L-O-N-G W-A-Y to push a pedal . . . need to have it set right to get the hydraulic clutch pedal linkages right.

Might have to add some adjustable stops to both pedals ? ? ?

Thanks H2E . . . really happy with the way it turned out ( it does look like it was always that way ! ) ( smile ) At least that was the plan !

I see, 10" of travel. Well, the master cylinder may only take a small portion of the stroke to fully actuate and not all 10". you could also move the connecting location on the pedal down on the pedal to shorten the stroke as well but it would require more force to actuate.

 

[tallhair]

He sent me this pic of himself and I noticed the similarity right away

 

[conv67bdere]

He sent me this pic of himself and I noticed the similarity right away

LMAO Tallhair . . . Now that's some kinda FUNNY ! ! ! ( or wishful )

 

[usaroadrunner]

:rolling::rolling::rolling::rolling::rolling:

 

[conv67bdere]

Nor/Am quarter panels return - update

Oh yeah . . . got a response back from the seller, and now they're getting accusational and rude. When I E-mailed them and told them that the panels were returned in the same condition in which they were sent, and that they should be taking the damage to the panels up with the carrier - their response was:

"Both parts are clearly damaged by you not from shipping."

On top of other very rude and offensive comments - All I can say is - beware if you attempt to deal with this company.

I've escalated my complaint to Amazon - they have a A-to-Z Guarantee - and I've filed my complaint showing my interpretations of all their E-mail correspondence ( they have all E-mail readily available to review ).

The shipper ended his response with this: "As I said earlier you have been the most difficult buyer I have ever had to deal with."

Guess the days of the customer is always right have LONG gone out the window . . . Amazon indicated that a decision will be reached by 2/28/14.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens ( with this shipper - I'm sure not holding my breath ).

 

[tallhair]

They are just not used to dealing with an adversary such as yourself Khan .. superhuman being and all .. no wonder they're defensive LOL

Seriously good luck with Amazon and use those review tools to the max !! I hope you get satisfaction in the end

 

[HYRDGOON]

I guess we'll see how Amazon is at standing up for their customers! Fingers crossed for you! That last quote alone should be enough for the mediating company to know that you're not being treated fairly

 

[Propwash]

The shipper ended his response with this: "As I said earlier you have been the most difficult buyer I have ever had to deal with."

Ha! It's probably more like you're the first one to truly stand their ground and call him out on his dishonest crappy business ethics. I'd say good for you! Keep pushing! Folks like that are like a bad dog. Keep grinding and grinding on them, eventually they will fold.