1970 Roadster LS7 Conversion

[7TRoadster]

Back at it again today with 2 more layers of glass added. I also added a flat panel inside the rear of the scoop. I will use this panel to mount the engine trouble lights.

In between coats of glass couldn't help working on some of the interior parts that came from Al Knoch his week. The center console was looking lonesome so added some of the parts to see how they fit. The fit was good, with all parts easy to install. I did have to do some trimming on the inside edges.

[7TRoadster]

The hood is getting closer, I believe I have the fitting of body lines mostly completed. Still have some minor contour work do.

Still working on the transition from SS strip to hood. Working on a new idea, will see how it turns out. The hood is the last major body piece to do. Once that is done full tilt boogie on the paint.

[7TRoadster]

Today was another long day of sanding, fitting, sanding, fitting. Add some adjusting in there as I remove and install the hood between sanding sessions.

In the end I got a pretty good basic fit. Satisfied with that I bonded on the lower hood surround. Not before adding conduit for the under hood lights. I also filled the edges and squared up the overall fit.

Next is to attach it to the hinges and latches, then do the final fit before primer. This is the last of the large body pieces to do.

[7TRoadster]

Spent both days this weekend working on the hood, the underside is coming along well. The hood light panel and edges are pretty much done. Still doing work on the flats.

The top side still needs work, there was a large low area right in the middle of the forward part of the scoop. I added 5 layers of fiberglass this afternoon and it still looks a little low. Won't know for sure until I can lay a straight edge on it after it dries.

I think I still have 2-3 more solid days working on this hood.

[brent319]

Looking good

[riggs 74]

7T, with all the time your putting Into the hood, would it have been money well spent to just buy a hood already done, or do you feel the time spent has the better value? Just wondering for when I go to do mine, unless I do a one off custom hood like I have been thinking of doing.

Riggs

[7TRoadster]

Brent,

Thanks.................. I am pulling a little ahead.

Riggs,

Some of this work would have been required with any hood purchased. For instance; I am working on a new idea for matching the old fenders with the new hood. Also I haven't seen a press molded L88 hood so no matter who's hood it was it was going to be allot of work.

I added an angled panel for under hood lighting with internal wiring. I also extended the corners and added 1/4" to each edge for body match.

Some of this is usual work for a hood match. I read another post that was humorous but also serious, "None of these aftermarket hoods fit, quit crying about it and do the work necessary to make them fit." Soooooooo, that is what I have been doing.

I have no illusions about what it will look like when done. It will be fabulous, equal to or better than anything currently available. Besides all the dust kinda pisses the wife off a little bit, can't think of a better reason to press on.

Is it worth all the work, probably not... but... time is easier than money these days.

Keeping the faith................

[7TRoadster]

Just got the FedEx tracking numbers on my wheels and tires tonight in my email............ They will be here on Wednesday.

[riggs 74]

That is great news, cant wait to see what they look like on the car.


Riggs

[Blast]

I've been lurking for quite a while and must say, good grief the amount of work you're putting in but it'll be amazing when done!

// Stefan

[7TRoadster]

Stefan,

I've restored a '69 before so I kind of knew what I was getting myself into. On this build I've tried very hard to install the very best parts I could afford (and some I couldn't). Unfortunately late in the build when the budget is drying up, sometimes the harder choices are necessary.

I plan on this one being mine to drive until I can't drive any more. I'm sure all the work will be worth it in the end. The sense of satisfaction is directly relational to the amount of work, right?

Just ask Riggs, he had his car kicking and biting his butt all the way. But he persevered and look what an awesome ride he has to show for his efforts.

[Blast]

Yeah, that satisfaction when you've done something hard and sometimes unnerving and you see it when it's almost done and then done. You can't beat that really. Not that I've ever restored a car in any shape or form, but I've done other things that to me were worth it in the end even though others called me mad (to my face!) at times

// Stefan

[7TRoadster]

The wheels arrived today and there was cardboard flying all over the shop. I mounted them temporarily to check my calc's on the back spacing and fender edges.

They came out very close although I won't know for sure until I can get the car off the dolly, on the ground and ride height adjusted. You can't really see the wheels very well in this photo because the wife's car is in the way and I was to lazy to move it out and back in for just a photo.

Performance + Tire sent a balance run out sheet with each wheel and tire. One thing that completely amazed me was that three of these wheels balanced with zero (0) wheel weights, the forth has only 1/4oz added to the backside of the wheel. Is this typical with billet type wheels?

[brent319]

any updates/ photos?

[72SBVet]

5 layers of glass to get a low spot out is bad. My new hood has a few lows but I'm going to use featherfill filler/primer. Use some filler/primer, block it out, and if you still have a slight low use metal glaze putty for the final fill.