1967 Big block restoration questions

[Jerry A.]

I have a 67' 435 horse convertible and am restoring(ist restoration)to NCRS stds. Have several questions;
1. Car has J-56 option. What is the correct finish on the proportioning valves and cast support brackets mounted to the front spindles?
2. The steering gear is out. How may I bench test to see if OK?
3. The cluster is out. How can I bench test ALL guages to ensure OK?
4. How can I bench test fuel sending unit?
5. how can I bench test backup/neutral safety switch? What is correct plastic color?
6. I have a real nice steering wheel with good grain. It has a hairline crack at the bottom. How may I repair?
7. How may I duplicate correct riveting on underbody reinforcements and spare tire carrier lid reinforcement? Is a tool available for purchase or can I make one to duplicate the round squeezed rivet. Where can I obtain soft rivets as some sold by restorers are too hard? Much thanks for your help, Jerry

[steve wallach]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

I think I can answer your rivet questions.

First, there are many sources for rivets and riveting tools.

The best solution I have found is an air hammer with an impact rivet bit.
The bit has a cupped end and this will give the correct compressed effect to the rivet end.

The soft aluminum rivets can be purchased from Paragon, or Dr. Rebuild.

Use a "bucking bar" on the back side and slowly use the impact gun and bit, this goes pretty quickly, it will take two people.

The best bucking bar I have found is a GIANT allen wrench to hold the rivet in place while another person uses the impact gun.

I hope that helps.

Steve

[John H.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Jerry -

The adjustments and measurements for the operation of the steering gear are covered in Section 9 of the Chassis Service Manual.

To bench-test the fuel sending unit, connect a VOM across the two pin terminals ("S" and "I") and work the float arm up and down; fully down should show zero ohms, fully up should show 90 ohms. Repeat this with the VOM across the "S" pin terminal and the spade ground terminal, and the results should be just the opposite - zero ohms fully up, 90 ohms fully down.

The backup light switch on the trans side cover is a simple on-off switch; the pink wire is switched 12V, and the green wire goes to the backup lamp. The switch is closed in reverse, and open in any forward gear.

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Thanks for your help Steve!!!

P.S. Where can I get rivet tool with cup???

Jerry

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Thanks John!

Jerry

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Almost any rivet supply source. You can get an Air Hammer at lowes or Home Depo, Sears, etc..

Where are you located? There is a surplus store here in San Diego that sells these by the pound!

Regards,

Steve

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Thanks Steve but I have the gun. I need a source for the tool to smash the rivet end. Live in Ann Arbor,Michigan.

Jerry

[Bryan L.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Do a search on riveting tools. I got all of my stuff from an aircraft supply place but that's been 2-3 years ago. You'll need some sets to put in the gun and an assortment of different shaped bucking bars to swell the rivet. I got everything I needed for less than $100.

BL

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Kaye Surplus in National City, Ca. is where I got mine, you might check ebay.

Cheers,

Steve

[John H.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Jerry -

I get my rivet set tools from Aircraft Tool Supply up in Oscoda, www.aircraft-tool.com.

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Thanks again Steve. Will try internet. Would you have toll free # for them. What tool specifically do I ask for????

Jerry

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Great! Thanks again Bryan for your help.

Jerry

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Thanks John,

Did you get my message regarding bench testing cluster guages? A member advised that you put out a posting regarding that subject but I can't find. If you have would you please fwd. to me.

Thanks again, Jerry

[John H.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Jerry -

Yup, sent you a return e-mail the other day. I've never posted or written any articles on bench-testing cluster gauges.

[Jerry A.]

Re: 1967 Big block restoration questions

Ok, Thanks John!!

By the way, do you know anything of seat belt restorer Sunwest Auto Specialties of Albuqureque, New Mexico, Karl Roepke? He had a booth at Orlando and later I sent him all my belts and a check for their restoration. I have been trying to contact him via phone during the past three weeks with no return call and most of the time a busy signal. My check has been cashed. I'm getting a little worried! Going to put out a posting to see if anyone else knows if there is problem.

Jerry