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My '85 GT now 3800sc
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Author:  netcam [ Thu Oct 10, 2013 6:54 pm ]
Post subject:  My '85 GT now 3800sc
Well I didn't get any pictures of the 3800 build because I didn't do it myself and don't want to take credit for somebody else's work. Now down to the stuff I can do myself. First up is the replacement of my struts and springs with the Monroes I got from Rob, and Eibach lowering springs front and rear. Will only drop the car .8", but I don't want a low rider, just want to close up the space above the tires a bit. So tonight I got half way(?) there, got them off! Picked up the spring compressor from Princess Auto yesterday, and the springs are due to arrive tomorrow, so Saturday I'll be tackling getting them back on. Figure I may as well get this work done while I wait for my new select cable :(

Might see why I'm considering replacing my rotors too
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Picture doesn't show how ugly the struts and springs are, I'm gonna be doing some cleaning of the pieces I have to re-use before I put things back together
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Author:  OHNIKO [ Thu Oct 10, 2013 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Now that u have the 3.8 in there, I would recommend getting bigger brakes/brake upgrade...you'll need the stopping power :D
Author:  netcam [ Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Bigger brakes are on my list, but not this year. One of the worries is I haven't seen a 'big brake' upgrade that doesn't involve losing your parking brake.
Author:  x-thumpr-x [ Fri Oct 11, 2013 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
netcam wrote:
Bigger brakes are on my list, but not this year. One of the worries is I haven't seen a 'big brake' upgrade that doesn't involve losing your parking brake.


I have the "Lebaron" big brake upgrade and I still have my parking brake cable. Only cable that is still stock is the front cable, my back cables are from a 6000 LE with minor mod to them & the cable bracket on the caliper had to be modified & reinforced.
Author:  netcam [ Fri Oct 11, 2013 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
I'll have to look at your setup next time I see you. Almost sacrilegious putting Chrysler brakes on a Pontiac though isn't it?? :lol:
Author:  netcam [ Fri Oct 11, 2013 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
The new springs are here... the new springs are here!!!

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They're gonna look sweeeeet!
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I think they'll be considerably cleaner looking that what I took off :)
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First strut came apart OK, the second one is being a be-atch. Put a ton of PB Blaster on it, going to let it soak a few hours and see if that does the trick
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Author:  netcam [ Fri Oct 11, 2013 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
PB Blaster did the trick, but it was still a tough go. Two combination wrenches linked together to get enough leverage to get it started. Now the fun part, cleaning all the rust off these parts before I start putting things back together. I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I'm waiting for a shift cable, so I'm not tempted to rush it back together just so I can drive it.

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Thank you old struts, your services will no longer be required :D
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Author:  netcam [ Sun Oct 20, 2013 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
After a few days of soaking in Metal Rescue and about an hour or so with an angle grinder and wire brush, they're starting to look respectable. Now to wait until they're good and dry, then hit 'em with Rust Converter and Tremclad.

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Author:  Ry86GT [ Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Damn is that rust what happens to these? I think I was spoiled when I took mine apart.
Author:  netcam [ Tue Oct 22, 2013 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Yup, and this is coming from a car that isn't in bad shape. I'd hate to see what they'd look like off one that's a rustbucket!
Author:  sargeants [ Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Mine looked better than yours.... :P :lol:

Though the ones that were holding the springs I used were about the same, or worse.
I tapped them and they sounded like a tuna can. Tapping mine you can actually tell they're solid metal.

It's nice to have the time to clean things up nice before putting it all back together. Looking good so far.
Author:  netcam [ Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
You're right there! It's amazing how nice things turn out if you don't rush the job. Even though these are parts I very likely will never see again, it's nice to know they're coated with rust paint and shouldn't cause me any problems. Hope to get my upper strut mounts, bellows and front shocks by early next week and I'm ready to start putting it all back together.

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Author:  netcam [ Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
First strut is together and ready to go back in the car (I hope). Going to get this one completely installed before putting the second one together just in case I run into any snags.

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Author:  netcam [ Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
One down, one to go!

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Author:  netcam [ Tue Oct 29, 2013 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My '85 GT now 3800sc
Mission (half) accomplished!! Hopefully get the front done by the weekend. It's a subtle difference in height, just what I was looking for :)

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