John McGraw... How is the Resto Rod 59 coming along???

[studiog]

John I lost track of where you are with the 59. I think you were ready to drop the body last time I saw an update. Are you close to completion?

 

[John Mcgraw]

Studiodog,

The 59 is still moving along, but at a much slower pace for the last 2 months.
I have been having to work a lot of hours at work, and have been spending a lot of time out of town. I hope that it will slow down so I can get back to work on the car. I am not complaining mind you, since 6 months ago we were told that we would be closing down the Austin operation, but now we are actively purchasing new properties.

I have got the body mounted, got the dash wrapped in Ultraleather that matches the rest of the interior, installed all the gauges and steeering column.
I got the windshield all restored and installed, and all the accessories to the dash done like the radio, defroster ducts, and speaker. I got the doors hung and adjusted, and hope to finish the doors internals in the next week or so.
I got my wiper system installed and adjusted, and what an inprovement on the original cable-operated system! I finished all the engine wiring and plumbing, and only have the A/C lines left to fabricate. I hope the material will arrive to build them by next week. I have finished all the body wiring harness and am real pleased with the results. When you open the hood, you see absolutely no wiring. I have conceled all the wiring in ducts under the fenders. and you can see none of it unless you look under the wheel wells.
The car has to go back to the upholstery shop in the next couple of weeks to have the carpet sewn up and installed. I have been remiss in not posting any update pics, but I will try to do so in the next few days.
The progress has slowed down while I work on lots of little subtle items that probably nobody but me will ever notice, but I can't help it if I am anal retentive! I will spend several hours just fabricating a small mounting bracket to get it to look just right. Multiply that by dozens of these small issues, and lots of hours are gone! I guess as long as it is done by spring, then I am happy.
I have also divided my free time working on a new project. I have started on a 65 convertible that will also have a SRIII chassis, C5 front suspension, Dana 44 rear suspension, and a LS engine with a 4L60E trans. I have gotten the body pulled and modified my rotissere to accept the midyear body. I have sold off all the original chassis and running gear, and am awaiting delivery of my new chassis. A freight truck just delivered my front and rear suspension today, so I will start pulling it apart in the the comming weeks to polish and clearcoat all the components. I am glad that Rich Lagasse is a couple of months ahead of me on his SRIII midyear, so I can learn all the problem issues from him without having to make the same mistakes!

Regards, John McGraw

 

[67HEAVEN]

:duh So, now we're running two projects at a time around here. :W

Now, I've gotta tell the Mrs. I need a bigger shop.

You guys!

 

[studiog]

:duh So, now we're running two projects at a time around here. :W

Now, I've gotta tell the Mrs. I need a bigger shop.

You guys!

Yes Bob there are several members running multiple Corvette projects. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it :s :crazy

 

[studiog]

John, Thanks for the update and I look forward to the photos!!! You know how much heaven loves photos.

 

[cbernhardt]

Wiper questions

I got my wiper system installed and adjusted, and what an inprovement on the original cable-operated system!

John:

A few questions on the wiper system:

What system are you using and where did you purchase it?
Does it have two speeds, intermittant speed, variable speed?
Do you have winshield washers and how are they controlled?
Does it come with a wiper switch and does it look like the original?

Charles

 

[Islander]

I have gotten the body pulled and modified my rotissere to accept the midyear body.

John,

Got any pictures of your rotisserie modifications? I'm not done with mine and would sure like to see what you've done to yours, specifically how tall the #1, #3 and #4 body mount towers are and where you located them at on your base.

Cheers,

Islander

 

[richscorvettes]

"I am glad that Rich Lagasse is a couple of months ahead of me on his SRIII midyear, so I can learn all the problem issues from him without having to make the same mistakes!"

John, now what mistakes would those be?? :L No room for those......:eyerole

Rich

 

[John Mcgraw]

Rich,

I learned a long time ago that the difference between a bubba and a craftsman, was in how well they covered up their mistakes!

 

[John Mcgraw]

Charles,

I used Specialty Power Windows setup. It is the same setup that Corvette Central sells. I had my choice of time delay wipers or standard 2 speed, but chose 2 speed for the smaller switch size. I really don't see myself driving the car in the rain that much anyway! You can fit the stock knob to the switch, but I am using a more modern knob design throughout the car. The setup useses a motor that mounts inside the car, and drives through a push-pull cable encased in a conduit. The original motor location under the hood is vacated. The switch is equiped with a press-to-wash function, but I passed on the washers as well. I am trying to keep the engine bay as neat and clean as possible, and did not want to clutter it up with a washer bottle.

 

[John Mcgraw]

Islander,

I don't have any pics, but will try to take some this weekend if the weather permits. I had to extend the Cantilevered "L" on each end to accomodate the additional length of the C2 body, and got rid of the butt weld at the junction of the "L" and the main frame. I extended the L under the main frame, and went 2 feet further in on each end and mounted another cross peice between the main frame tubes. This takes the strain off of that butt weld,and allows me to break it down a little more for storage since I bolted the L on now instedad of welding it as before. I am real glad that I reworked this part, since the C2 body weighs a lot more than the C1, and the weight is more centrally located on the rotissere.
The main frame bows noticeably when the body is mounted, and I don't think the the original welded L would have stood the strain. It still moves around well, bit it is obvious that the unit is much heavier than when the C1 body was mounted on it! I would not try to fit new body panels on the car without first putting supports under the main frame to level it up first, but otherwise I think that it will work very well. I also extended the top leg of the L, 6" as well to give more adjustment for center of gravity. This was necessary since by mounting the L under the main frame, I actually moved it down by 3", which lost 3 " of C of G adjustment. I welded nipples in the main frame tubing that yeilded flush mounting surfaces on each side of the tubing. I them cut 8" standoffs for the mounts that are only held in place only by the all-thread rod going through them.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[IH2LOSE]

Charles,

I used Specialty Power Windows setup. It is the same setup that Corvette Central sells. I had my choice of time delay wipers or standard 2 speed, but chose 2 speed for the smaller switch size. I really don't see myself driving the car in the rain that much anyway! You can fit the stock knob to the switch, but I am using a more modern knob design throughout the car. The setup useses a motor that mounts inside the car, and drives through a push-pull cable encased in a conduit. The original motor location under the hood is vacated. The switch is equiped with a press-to-wash function, but I passed on the washers as well. I am trying to keep the engine bay as neat and clean as possible, and did not want to clutter it up with a washer bottle.

See Charles

I told you this would be a good place to visit,As you can tell John is also in the final stages of a SR111 tube frame convertion on a 59 car
This is a link to an online photo album of Johns 59
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=339303
John has also just recently aquired a 65 that he plans on using another SR111 frame under it.

I followed Johns recomendation on the wiper system and also chose the 2 speed set up.I also purchased a set of power window regulators from the same manufactorer to switch to power instead of the manual.

John incase you did not get to meet charles,he is also building a custom 59

http://www.carols62.com/ Check out his web site on his 62 build and then you will also see a link to his 59.

Consider your selfs formally indroduced.

Have Great day

 

[John Mcgraw]

Charles,

Billy Dawson is about the best source for your wipers and power window setups.
I know you have his contact info, since you bought his frame! Billy lives just a few miles down the road from me and I am over at his place at least a couple of times a month. Billy is one hell of a nice guy, and builds a real nice chassis.
Keep in mind the seats that he has available for the C1. They are superior in comfort to the originals, and will give you more room as well.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[John Mcgraw]

Rich,

I am fighting with myself about the wheelwells on the 65 right now!
If I move the wells in like you did, I won't have room for the top, and I am not sure that I am willing to give up the soft top. Getting stuck in the rain out on a road trip without a top would suck! That basically leaves me with 2 other options, either put the wide fenders on like Bob did, or stay with stock fender lines and live with the relative small rubber that will fit within it. With 100 hp more than the 59, but not anymore tire, will probably really limit the car, but I am not sure that I want to change the stock lines. Having a coupe sure made the decision an easy one didn't it?


Regards, John McGraw

 

[IH2LOSE]

John

I have a question for you.I purchased the wise guy seats.and I still have not placed them in the car.To you have a photo or a suggestion on where to get started on locating them?

As you know I have problems with my knees so I have to relocate how the brake pedal is in relationship to gas pedal so I can do a heel toe from gas pedal to brake pedal (I do this on all the cars I own so I dont have to pull my leg off the floor to use the brakes) So I am still trying to locate my seats first and the fix the brake pedal.

Thanks

 

[richscorvettes]

Rich,

I am fighting with myself about the wheelwells on the 65 right now!
If I move the wells in like you did, I won't have room for the top, and I am not sure that I am willing to give up the soft top. Getting stuck in the rain out on a road trip without a top would suck! That basically leaves me with 2 other options, either put the wide fenders on like Bob did, or stay with stock fender lines and live with the relative small rubber that will fit within it. With 100 hp more than the 59, but not anymore tire, will probably really limit the car, but I am not sure that I want to change the stock lines. Having a coupe sure made the decision an easy one didn't it?


Regards, John McGraw

John,

Yes, the coupe doesn't present the interference with the soft top but I also wanted to keep the original fender lines so that worked out fine in our case. The inner fender wells were moved in 1-1/2 to 2" inches on each side so it likely would be enough to cause the problem with the convertible top.

At the moment I can't think of another soft top approach which would work and still allow the use of the wider wheels or avoid needing wider fenders. I did though consider building a true roadster for another project and on that one I would have used a tonneau cover to protect the interior. It also would have had a zipper down the middle to allow the driver to still drive the car while the other side was in place. Of course, if there is a passenger along better bring a few towels! Not the ideal situation in a real downpour but, if you drive fast enough and avoid stop lights, it could help some. :L

I too wouldn't like the prospect of going without a top not only for driving but also for protecting the interior. The option of the narrower wheels and tires might work well based on what you are looking for. You could likely still get a decent footprint and use some good gripping tires. I'm sure Mike would know how wide a wheel you could use with the stock wheel-wells. I also wonder just how much you might be able to gain by a little widening and still get the top to fold. A good portion of the top on our 67 sits on top of the wheel-wells so you might have a little more space to play with than you would think. It might take some reshaping of the wheel-well but that might be something worth checking. I could take some measurements if you 65 doesn't have a top in place. Just let me know.

Rich

 

[John Mcgraw]

Larry,

I will take some pics tomorrow. I mounted the rear bolt at the same fore and aft location as the original rear mount. I sandwiched the floor pan on both the front and rear locations with steel plates. I put a plate on top of the pan and underneath, and then flush riveted them on the inside. This is overkill compared to the original mounting, but if you look around the original mounts, you will notice that they are probably carcked around the mounts. Almost every C1 that I have seen has had cracking in the fiberglass of the floor pan around the mounts, so I decided to beef it up a little. I also had to install some 3/8" aluminum plates between the mount plates and the floor reinforcements to raise the seat up just a little. I found the the seat adjuster handle was hitting on the little raised hump that the original front mount sat on top of. putting this shim under the tracks, raised it just enough.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[John Mcgraw]

Thanks Rich,

I have done some mocking up, and there is absolutely no room between the top frame and the existing wheelwells, so really nothing can be gained on this side of the well without losing the top. After mocking up some tires, it appears that 245 wide tires are about as wide as will fit under the stock quater line. This is eaxctly the same tire that I am using on the 59. While thais tire is not ideal for a 400 + hp motor, it is a big improvement over the skinny tires these cars came with originally! LOL
I will have to see some of the wide fenders in person before I even consider doing that. My inclination at this point is to just live with the 245 tires, and keep the original body lines. Are you narrowing your rear end to accomodate the new wheelwells, or are you just using a pre-88 rearend?

Regards, John McGraw

 

[John Mcgraw]

Larry,

Check out these 2 pics from my album. They show the mounting plates that I fabricated.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0001057.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/339303/P0000881.JPG

 

[cbernhardt]

John:

I looked at the Wise Guy's seats in Billy's car up at Carlisle last year. They are pretty nice, except I would like a little more lateral support. Have you had your's covered yet? Did you add anything to the stock foam?

I believe the seat backs also had a slight interference problem with the soft top mounting brackets. Was this corrected?

The pictures you posted have prompted a few more questions:
1. Where did you get the center mounted emergency brake handle?
2. With the spare tire well cutout (to clear the rear suspension) that you have will you be able to remove the bolts holding the rear tie rods to the differential?

Charles