Why don’t they make it for my car? Story and photography supplied by Colin Date One of the most common questions in classic Chevy car circles is: “Why don’t they make this part for my car?” As a supplier and manufacturer to the aftermarket for many years, we will attempt to answer this question and […]
Tire Cleaning: 101
This may seem like a super simple little project, but believe me, when your tires have been coated in primer overspray, it’s not. Our project Chevelle was in the shop undergoing bodywork, primer, more bodywork, more primer, some finessing bodywork, a little more primer…well, you get the idea. The car was moved around in the […]
Manufacturing Reproduction Auto Parts
Although this feature specifically references Tri-5 Chevy parts, it will be of interest to owners and fans of all classic Chevrolets, including the earlier Camaros. All of our older Chevys utilized pot metal and the chroming process in the manufacture of emblems, bezels and other trim items. This is how it’s done. Story and Photography […]
Oil Pump and Pan Installation
Oil Pump and Pan Installation Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, long screwdriver or pry bar, gasket scraper Cost: approximately $50 for pump, $50-$250 for pan Tinware: pan and pump, oil pan gasket, gasket sealer Tip: When working with an engine on a stand, make sure it’s on a flat level surface and the rotation […]
Transmission Removal and Replacement
Transmission removal and replacement Time: 4-5 hours Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, floor jack and jackstands, torque converter holding tool (optional), transmission jack (optional) Cost: varies depending on tools required or transmission selected Tinware: transmission fluid, transmission tailshaft plug, new transmission mount (recommended) Tip: After removing the driveshaft from the rear of the transmission […]
Steering Wheel Restoration
How to Restore Your Steering Wheel Text and Photography by Jeff Ford Time: 3-4 hours (approximately) Cost: Approximately $45 for Eastwood’s Steering Wheel Restoration Kit (available at Eckler’s) Tinware: Dremel tool kit, or similar brand. Steering wheel puller, selection of putty knives, various sandpaper grits ranging from 80 through 600-800 grit Tip: Thoroughly degrease the […]
Carburetor: Dual-Feed Conversion
Time: 1 hour (approximately) Tools: socket set, flat-blade screwdriver, small putty knife or scraper, adjustable wrenches (optional). Cost: (varied) approximately $100-$300 Tinware: center-hung float fuel bowls (if needed), metering block and hardware (sold as kit), metering jets, replacement gaskets, dual-inlet fuel line. Tip: transfer the carburetor from the engine to a clean, open workbench. If […]
A/C: Converting To 134A
GM Upgrades: Keep it Cool! Converting to 134a Courtesy of Classic Auto Air Classicautoair.com Until 1995, most cars with air conditioning used R-12 Freon refrigerant that is said to have a negative side effect of damaging the ozone layer and is no longer produced in most countries. Now, the industry standard is R-134a, which is […]
Drum Brake Rebuild
Drum Brake Rebuild Time: 3 hours approximately (per pair) Tools: lug-wrench, flat-blade screwdriver, rubber mallet, needle-nose pliers, various specialty brake tools (recommended) Cost: rebuild kits approximately $250 for 4 wheel drum brakes Tinware: brake shoes, drum brake hardware kit, other items may be necessary depending on the condition of your existing parts Tip: When rebuilding […]
Installing New Weatherstripping
Time: approximately 30 minutes (for one part: eg. door, trunk, etc.) Tools: putty knife, utility knife Cost: price varies depending on seals or number of seals Tinware: new weatherstripping, weatherstripping adhesive, weatherstrip remover (aerosol can). Tip: If you happen to break or lose a plastic retainer during installation, try using 3M weatherstrip adhesive in its […]