Seperated after 39 years

[Keith L.]

Things weren't going to get better so they seperated. She says LT just sits there and hasn't taken her anywhere since 1985. He says her body looks like crap and she needs a makeover. So they are going their seperate ways so they can improve their looks and improve themselves. Then they will get back together.

[Chris E.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Sadly, breakups like this are pretty common these days.......

Looks great, can't wait to see further pictures!!!

[Dan P.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Just like people magazine - I want to know all the details - year, history and all the dirt when they were together... all ears.

[Rob M.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Restoration is like poetry...

[Terry M.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

The last picture looks like another LT1 engine with no rocker arm cover during the paint operation. Hmm.

[Keith L.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Here's a closer pic of the paint in the head. I hadn't noticed that. Is there something debated about that. I was told by the 3rd owner he had the engine rebuilt in the mid 70s so I don't know if that is original or not.

[Keith L.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Do any of these exhaust pipes look original? I don't want to throw anything away that I can hang on the wall.

[Chris E.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

I wouldn't throw anything away at this point.

Do don't something that you can't UNdo.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Rule #1:
Never throw anything away.

[Terry M.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

The pipes from the weld at the back going forward look original to me.

I don't know about debate now days, but years ago a few of us killed a number of long-necks while trying to figure out how the engines with un-painted rocker arm covers were painted at the engine plant. The folks who worked a the engine plant told us they had "travel covers" that protected the valves and springs from paint. Those were switched with the unpainted covers after the paint operation. They did admit that from time to time the "travel covers" failed to make the whole trip through the paint booth.

I have seen a number of LT1 valve trains with orange paint on them -- some in very early pictures that left no doubt about how the paint got there. In the end, it doesn't matter too much because we don't ask owners to remove rocker arm covers for judging -- but folks still occasionally ask.

[Keith L.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Thanks Terry, I got a couple Questions about some things I will need. My fan shroud has a broken piece out of it at the bottom. Is this piece hard to come by or unique to the LT-1? Do you think I could cut a piece out of a similar shroud and repair it? It is also missing the half circle piece that bolts to the bottom to complete the circle. Is it the same on other shrouds that are more common?




My driveshaft has been changed as it has a sticker on it for a shop. Is it LT-1 specific or the same as others?

My radiator support is rusted out on the bottom. How many supports were used in 70? Just BB and SB?

[Terry M.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

That is a big missing hunk.

It is not an unusual shroud -- the same casting number was used on other 1970-1972 engine/accessory combinations. Small blocks with M40 and/or C60 (auto trans and/or air conditioning) used the same shroud. I believe the lower extension is available in reproduction -- they are often missing.

I believe all manual transmission driveshafts are the same. Joe Lucia will know for sure.

I am not sure about the number of radiator supports (Joe will know), but I believe one for your application is available in reproduction. On the other hand some have found repair of the original is more rewarding. It might depend how damaged yours is, and whether you have more time and skill than money. These kinds of decisions depend on the individual circumstances, and one size does not fit all.

[Alan S.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Hi Keith,
Just a note to say how very much I'm enjoying your pictures. Please keep them comming. Too many is not nearly enough!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS: As Patrick said "never throw anything away" !

[Keith L.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

Thanks Alan. I got to get a camera that will take close ups clearer. Or maybe learn how with the one I got.

[Jim W.]

Re: Seperated after 39 years

The pipes from the weld at the back going forward look original to me.

I don't know about debate now days, but years ago a few of us killed a number of long-necks while trying to figure out how the engines with un-painted rocker arm covers were painted at the engine plant. The folks who worked a the engine plant told us they had "travel covers" that protected the valves and springs from paint. Those were switched with the unpainted covers after the paint operation. They did admit that from time to time the "travel covers" failed to make the whole trip through the paint booth.

I have seen a number of LT1 valve trains with orange paint on them -- some in very early pictures that left no doubt about how the paint got there. In the end, it doesn't matter too much because we don't ask owners to remove rocker arm covers for judging -- but folks still occasionally ask.

When I saw this paint overspray on my E64 327/300 I thought somebody had messed with it but couldn't imagined why because it appeared original paint to me. You can see a lot more upclose .