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Well...I've had the car almost seven years now and have driven it only for about six months of that time. I've got it registered and in driving condition right now but the transmission makes alot of noise in gears one thru three and the carb is not quite right and the seats are worn and I've got some valve covers to paint and I've got...Well everyone's got the picture. I've decided to not drive it for the summer, put it up on the stands and get to work.

I've started a list of things to get done, from installing the headers I bought two years ago all the way to paint. Hopefully I'll get it done in time for next years' Monzaque! Maybe easier said than done, but here goes!

Pictures to follow.

Rick

Ok, keep us updated on the progress. Is your trans a manual one? If the noise is indeed from the trans and not the throwout bearing or clutch you may want to look into a trans rebuild kit like I used. You may have a bad bearing or that wavy washer inside that destroys itself over time.

Ok, I've assumed it's the transmission after i replaced the front case on it. I'll look into the bearing/washer solution. Thanks Clyde.

Rick

Started on the valve covers, a PO riveted a wooden spark plug harness onto the top of both covers. I'm looking for opinions...repair and repaint them? Or buy some new ones to dress up the engine bay? If repair/repaint what color were they when stock?

Rick

monzacoupe wrote: If repair/repaint what color were they when stock?

Rick

"GM Corporate Blue"

Doug in P.R.

PO riveted a wooden spark plug harness onto the top of both covers

That could be the funniest thing I have seen on a valve cover. Imagine the thought process that went into the design not to mention the work. They look hand carved. Hilarious.

Plenty of reasonably priced after market dress up chrome for the Buick V-6.

Rick you could also repair those (replace if you think that would be better) and chrome the stock ones, GM used to do that to some performance (as it were) cars back then. I had contemplated that on another long gone project, I think it would look spot on in a more Resto less mod car. Just something to kick around! Harry

Valve covers done. I'm now removing the stock exhaust manifolds in preparation for the Hooker's, while I'm in there I'm guessing that I should remove the steering shaft to get it out of the way of the header install. Is this right? One of the pipes loops over and around the shaft, my gut is telling me that trying to install them with the shaft in place would be next to impossible. Am I right?

Got some prep and tearing down done tonight. I fooled around with the headers today and think the passenger side set will go in with just a little lift, haven't messed around with the driver's side yet. Here are pics of the finished valve covers. Removed the front air dam and header panel (I think that's the proper term for it) for repair. I'm going to follow Zeke's example and repair the broken mounting areas on both and measure the grill so a friend of a friend can use a design program to cut a new grill like on the Monza GT post. Removed the fan shroud for repainting aslo.

Rick

Those valve covers look NOS, nice job.

Sorry, no experience, but "preparing for hookers" sounds like an expensive proposition.

Got the passenger side headers in place, just waiting for a new bolt (one bolt 1/4" longer than the rest) before tightening everything up. Only about a dozen wacks with the hammer to get them fitted around the frame down below. No raising of the engine so far! One question... should I trim off the excess gasket material that is showing?

Passenger side done. Now on to the driver's side.

Removing the exposed gasket is not necessary but it would look a little cleaner without the excess. Depends on your level of detailing......

Got the driver's side headers in! I barely had to lift the engine(used a floor jack and a couple of wood blocks to lift the Driver's side above the oil pan) for some extra wiggle room. Love how these thread the needle so to speak!
Next return the valve covers,forgot to get some gasket stuff! Oh well tomorrow I guess.

Rick

I've been wondering about this for awhile now...is my trunk missing a large piece of molding to cover the back side of the lights? The donor car I bought and stripped a few years ago had no panel there either. I may have a source 30 minutes away but I'm guessing if I need one, it might be as rare as hens teeth to get.

Rick