Rocket Power Malibu

[ttamrettus]

Body - 1968 Chevelle
Engine - 455 Oldsmobile (compliments Fred Cossick)
Transmission - BOP TH350 (Cossick born also)
Interior - black w/ front buckets
Wheels - Chevy Rally
Tires - TBD
Ignition - TBD
Rearend - TBD
Suspension - TBD
Brakes - TBD

[Basement Paul]

-rear window TBD...

[ttamrettus]

I have one Bee-itch.

[MostMint]

What have you been doing on this project?

What's your license plate going to be: "RKT SHP, RKT SHIP, RKT PWR or other?

[Guest]

The plate will be RKT PWR if available.

I have done nothing as I have kitchen cabinets and a hot tub hiding it in the garage. Shortly though I will be to the point of removing the shell from the frame so I can do the disc's and everything else.

[ttamrettus]

Well. Since the Chevelle had been sitting in the garage it had accumulated alot of stuff in it and on top of it. Today it got CLEANED.

I will be ordering a few patch panels this coming week and perhaps picking some up at the Food Lion Auto Fair in Charlotte on September 17th.

Then when the patch panels are installed, I will be removing the body from the frame so I can paint the frame andunderside of the body, then install the new body bushings.

I am still trying to determine which way to go with the front suspension and disc brakes.

[TireSmoker]

I am still trying to determine which way to go with the front suspension and disc brakes.

What setups are you considering?

[ttamrettus]

I'm considering the 12" tall spindle conversion mostly.
Then there's the hydroboost brakes.
The springs.
The shocks.
The electric water pump and fan.
The engine rebuild.
The body bushings.
The sheetmetal.
The interior.
The rear-end.
the McLeod modular bellhousing.
The T56 6speed.

AAhhhhh MONEY MONEY MONEY.

I think I will do the stuff in this order.
The sheetmetal, the front brakes and upper A-arms, the engine.
Get it running and driveable then look at the rest.

The good point is everything will bolt onto my 70SS big block when I get one.

[MostMint]

Has this project moved at all since the last post? Inquiring minds want to know...

[ttamrettus]

it has not moved.
I have been busy with house projects.
2 retaining walls, a concrete pad, having the house painted, hanging a ceilining the basement.
1 more wall to go, backfill and sod, alot of drywall mud in the basement, and some small projects here and there to go.

BUT I will be purchasing a couple sheetmetal parts with a small part of my tax return.
I MAY also drive to Ohio prior to Carlisle and haul back the engine and trans after Carlisle.
We'll see how that develops.

[ttamrettus]

Here are the most up to date pictures (taken today).
I cleaned the car and evaluated what floor panels need replacing (holes in red).
I will be replacing pretty much the entire floor and trunk. (it's cheap enough)

[Fred32v]

Looks like you've done some since you got it. Now you need to get started again and keep it rolling. Looking forward to your next pictures. Maybe something every month or ....

[MostMint]

Now that is a project!

[ttamrettus]

UPDATE. tools are on the way from The Eastwood Company.
My brother being a bodyman by profession has talked me into trying no weld panel installation. I'll let you know how it goes. (I do have the MIG as backup though)

QTY DESCRIPTION
**********************************************
1 7 Piece Body & Fender Set
1 EW No Weld Panel Repair Kit
1 No Weld Panel Adhesive Replacement

[ttamrettus]

UPDATE.
Next weekend is the Lowe's AutoFair.
I will be driving to Charlotte to go to the show for 1 day and then returning with Chevelle body panels.
National Parts Depot is in Charlotte and seem to have the best prices.
Here is the grocery list.

Polyurethane bushing kit
body mounting hardware kit
fender lower corner patch LH
fender lower corner patch RH
full length floor pan LH
full length floor pan RH
front end hardware kit
lower corner quarter panel patch LH
lower corner quarter panel patch RH
rear deck panel trunk filler
one piece full trunk floor
door hinge repair kit
factory assy manual
spot weld cutter