1970 RS Project by aps63

7 minute(s) of a 120 minute read

Yes Mike, it's an 18" spare from a Cadillac. Best looking spare there is.
There is a 17" version from the 2002-2006 GTO also, but it would not fit over my brakes. Here it is on the car, I was checking the fit.

6-14-2015

This is the original picture I found of the spare. I believe the Brembo's are 14" but don't quote me on it.

6-20-2015

My new seats came in and I wasted no time getting to work on them.
I have read a lot about these seats on many forums, the reviews were always good. The main thing I kept reading was how if you were 6' tall you were going to have cut and reweld the seat brackets.
The way they come puts you way above stock. So I scheduled the whole weekend in the garage to be cutting, fitting, and rewelding. Opened the box put everything together, set the brackets on the lowest setting and put them in. Well, to my surprise and delight they are perfect. They place me at the exact same height as the stock seats. I could not have asked for a better fit.
The look of them also fits the car perfectly. They look like they were made for it. Plus now the seats match the suspension and my butt won't slide all over the place.
It's raining today so I can't drive it but I did sit in the car and make vaaaarrrrrooooommmmm noises.

6-26-2015

So, I bought a cheapy home depot fire extingusher holder for the trunk. I just could not bring myself to put it in my car.
I started to look online for a nicer one. Well I found several for $150 & $200, sorry could not justify it. I know, this is from a guy who spent $300 on a spare tire and jack kit from cadillac.
Through my searching I found this one from Drake Off Road. It's quick release and billet. Very nice piece. Looked for the best deal and found it on Amazon for $58. Could not pass it up.
All I need now are some nutcerts and a few arp s/s bolts and it will be installed. Ok, maybe I will change how the fire extingusher will look. Not a big fan of the red, at least not on this car. Maybe a black or brushed one. Will have to investigate and experiment.

8-21-2015

At first I thought I would just go to Home Depot and buy a fire extinguisher for the car. I started reading and discovered all extinguishers are not the same, at least for the automotive world.
I found out that a regular fire ext will leave quite a mess in your engine compartment if you have to use it. Plus it can damage the paint and wiring. Most people will say "The fire will create more of a mess." True, but if you catch it early before anything is really burnt or engulfed in flames. You don't want the fire ext to do even more damage.
In comes a company called H3R Performance, the clean agent they use is advertised not to damage paint or wiring. You can just hose it off with soap and water.
Plus it's the coolest looking one I've seen.
Now to mount it in the trunk. Should have it done today.

8-21-2015

Fire extinguisher in and hopefully never needed.

9-10-2015

Picked up another winter project for the Camaro.
A 700R4 out of an IROC. Pulled the pan and it looks brand new.
For $50 I think I lucked out.

10-13-2015

Started working on the 700R4 today. Pulled the pan and welded in a magnetic drain plug.
Ordered a Painless Lockup kit for it, and got the internal transmission wiring done.
Now I just have to install & wire the new brake and vacuum switches.
Kit was a little pricey but included everything I needed and very easy to install so far.

10-18-2015

Bought something to help with the transmission swap, a trans jack.
The car should be high enough to get it under.

10-25-2015

Just want to do a quick product spotlight. I like Lokar's products and have used them on the Camaro as well as in the past.
I have never used one of their locking transmission dip sticks. Just got it delivered and WOW, it's a a great piece.
Not only does it have a way to lock it in, but it also has a quick release fitting on both ends.
Plus, a quick release plug so you don't have to remove the entire dip stick with the transmission if you have to pull the trans out.
Cuts down on excess spillage.

12-9-2015

Just finished the 700R4, replaced all the outer seals and gaskets, new detent cable, and new Lokar dipstick. While I've got the trans out I'm going to replace the engine oil pan gasket. Very small leak I noticed while messing with the trans. Sold my old trans plus the extra parts that came on the 700r4 and that paid for a new trans pan, seals & gaskets. Had enough left over to get all the parts I needed for my new posi rear. I love when a plan works out.

12-15-2015

While I have the trans out I figured I would replace the oil pan gasket & rear main seal. Pulled the oil pan and found an unpleasant surprise. The oil pump pickup sitting in the bottom of the pan. It must have just happened because I never noticed a drop in oil pressure. Must have been my lucky day.
Bought a new one and pressed it in. In also found a missing tooth on the flexplate. Just waiting for the new flexplate and I can put the trans back in.