Thread: 23 T-Rod Progress report

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Here is a quick update.

I have pulled the 23 T apart with the help of my family. We debated about it a bit over the holidays. We were trying to decide if we put it back exactly as it was 20 years ago, or do we go freak mode...or maybe, just a bit of both.

We decided to do a bit of both. Upgrade things that make sense, and keep things that remind us of the way it was.

All has to be done on a serious shoe string budget!!!!!!!!

So, the list of mods.

1. Electric fan (much safer than the open metal blades)
2. Clean up all the fuel lines, wire harness, etc.
3. upgrade to new fuse panel and new wires
4. re-do the dash, keep the old one and make a wall plaque out of it.
5. Add shocks to the front
6. Install a lock out shifter with a neutral saftey switch
7. Add blinkers and have two full tail lamps
8. re-do the brakes (rebuild or drum to disc swap)
9. Ceramic coat the headers
10. rechrome what is really bad, just clean up the rest
11. De-tune the engine to minimal torque and hp.
12. Convert to one wire internal volt regulator.

* I started out with the engine. It is a 327 with a bump stick and NON-hardened valve seats. I have cleaned it all up and installed a set of small valve 350 truck heads and the same 350 truck cam. This should lower the compression, and allow for an easier idle. I have the engine all cleaned up and I am currently painting it. It should be assembled and finished in a few days.

I would like no more than 150 hp, as my Mom will be driving this thing. I think my mods with the 600 cfm Holley and dual Weiand will be a good start. Plus...I already had the parts.

Total mods to date have only cost gaskets, cleaners, and paint.



More updates to come. After the engine and trans is painted and finished, I will prep the frame and body for new paint.

Sounds good keep posting. Hopefully with pictures of your progress. I like to see them old car pictures, besides that I might want to build one and I'll need all the info that I can get. And since I don't raed very well the pictures help.


Vegas

Hey Vegas, don't be braggin' about your spelling either!

Here is the engine looking SCHWEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!

#2

It has been a long while since I gave you an update.

The T is up and on the road!!!!!!!!!!



We started this rebuild in mid December or so. I really kicked it off when I had my family come over and help pull the motor, etc.

The front brakes are still questionable. I really need to tackle those. I have used the information forum members have provided to do research on the conversion. It seems that the straight GM disc conversion is not the best either, because those are heavy and can end up with unbalanced situations on the light front end as well.

So, we will nurse these drums along until we can get some high dollar aftermarket light weight front brakes.

Here is a awful picture (bad lighting and angle, but you get the idea) of the first test ride with my mom last Sunday. The carb was giving me a fit and the alt. quit charging..but at least we went around the block.

My brother chipped in and bought the new sprint chrome headers. They look GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

I plan on getting some good quality pics this weekend at the local show.

Hey 69, the bucket looks great!! Congrats on a job well done. Bet Dad is smiling!!!

Got to love a T

You've got it looking good

Car looks real good, nice work.

Kool, another bucket on the road, remember to DRIVE it not just show it.

Nice ride 69.You got it looking sweet.

Cheers KIWI