TAZMNDVL - Build - 350 QB - 6sp - chop ... and more (Page 8/44)
DrCPU SEP 13, 12:18 PM
OK, here is my last post for the review of the V8 Archie conversion. I've broken the scoring into a few areas and have scored them like a report card. I drove the TAZ to Rockford from Toronto. No problems - ran real good.

Initial Contact and Order - Order details and timely responses - desire to help sell old motor (A+)

I contacted Archie in August of 2005 with the idea of the suspension, big brake and tranny conversion to a Getrag 5spd. Archie provided me with an estimate. I sent him the deposit and deliverd my car to him in October of 2005. The estimated delivery data was April 2006. The engine was ordered and at Archie's when I deleiverd the car in October. Archie had helped me sell the engine and tranny which was real cool.

Ability to change Order over time (A+)

I had contacted Archie several times over the winter to inquire on progress. Archie would send pictures a week or so after taking them. Archie told me about the new G6 and asked if I wanted to wait a little until he could get #1 working. I agree eagerly and decide to wait a little to let him get the setup finished with the new tranny. His contact at GM says he'll be able to order new crate F40 trannies by the end February.

In mid February 2006, Archie had the first G^ done - so I change the order. I also asked about the chop, and since the wait was on for the tranny decided to add this to my order. Delivery was moved to the very end of March with a more probable delivery in May.

Meeting Delivery Date (A)

I downgraded this mark a little, but most of the trouble was because of my order changes. The changes I'd request pushed the production dates into Archie's already busy schedule. We tried for Mid May and ended up waiting until May 25th.

Delivery Day (B+)

I slight downgrade here as Archie was really pushing the envelope with my order. He and the boys (mostly the boys) were working hard on finishing up everything and at delivery has one outstanding issues. The speedo fluttered at idle (sometimes). They really tried to sort it out - and ended up with a fix a couple of months later. I guess if I'd ordered the standard 5 speed everything would have been fine. Since I was still a relative guinea pig for the 6 speed I do need to remember this when grading. Everyone else ordering the 6 speed will have no problem as the issure has been resolved.

Break-in (B+)

I had quite a few problems with the alternator belt getting flipped off. It took me a few weeks to sort out the problem. Turns out the alternator Archie got from CarQuest was out of aligment. Shaft was not square and It took me three weeks to burn out the alternator. I picked up a complete rebuild from NAPA - problem solved. When you order through Archie - make sure you ask for all componenet to come from NAPA or other high quality parts supplier. I know CarQuest is known for questionable parts. Archie's cost to you will be higher - but you'll save yourself aggravation.

Response to problems from Archie (A)

Archie stands behind his work and will not fluff you off. I originally thought the starter solenoid was bad and he shipped a replacement to me pronto. He also made a tension pulley for the 350SBC and sent that too me quickly. After my trouble over the first three weeks he even offered to come to Toronto to fix the problems if I wanted. Being too proud of an individual I was bound and determined to figure out the problem and do the fixes myself. I don't have a coverd area - but and now much more familliar with the alternator and starter than I'd ever expect to be. THis isn't all bad as I am now a lot more confident around the engine. Time well spent on my part.

I had a rear panel seperate a little, and knowing I was going to the Choptop reunion, decided to wait to fix this until Septemmber.

Final Bug Fixes (A+)

I drove to Archies three days before the Choptop reunion. Although he and the boys were very busy on Madcurl and Troyboy's car Kris, Rob and Mark took care of the panel seperation issue, fixed the jumpy speedo, and got my original battery back. Considering how much work was done I consider these items minor.

Quality of Work (A+)

Every mechanic I've shown the car to thinks the work - both engine and body - is 1st class. There is no doubt that being Chop #23 means the work is down pat. No leaks in sunroof or windows. Interior colours don't match exactly, but the beechwood colour scheme already has two shades - so a third minor difference on the pillars (fiberglass parts) isn't noticeable. The new headliner is also great. Engine and tranny runs smooth and are reliable. I've driven more than 6000 miles since the end of May and the car is strong and reliable.

Overall ease to deal with Archie (A+)

Archie has always been forthcomming with time lines and issue I may have had with the project. His work crew are phenomenal and are a joy to work with - more on this in later posts....

Overall Happiness with the project (A+)

I would not hesitate to recommend Archie for engine or chop top work. I'm not a mechanic, don't have very many tools, and no place to work on the car. Even if I had the space and tools I do not have the mechanical expertise to do this kind of work. Archie uses fram jigs during the cop conversions - thereby keeping the body solid and sqaure.

This is just my opinion, but if you want the job done right - V8 Archie is surely one guy who can do the job right the first time!

Dave
lou_dias SEP 13, 12:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by DrCPU:

Delivery Day (B+)

I slight downgrade here as Archie was really pushing the envelope with my order. He and the boys (mostly the boys) were working hard on finishing up everything and at delivery has one outstanding issues. The speedo fluttered at idle (sometimes). They really tried to sort it out - and ended up with a fix a couple of months later. I guess if I'd ordered the standard 5 speed everything would have been fine. Since I was still a relative guinea pig for the 6 speed I do need to remember this when grading. Everyone else ordering the 6 speed will have no problem as the issure has been resolved.



What was the speedometer solution? Not that I've been able to drive my 6-speed since May 10th, I'd still like to know how to fix it...
DrCPU SEP 13, 12:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by lou_dias:


What was the speedometer solution? Not that I've been able to drive my 6-speed since May 10th, I'd still like to know how to fix it...




The fix I needed was to add more power to the signal comin out of the Dakota DIgital controller. I'm bad with names, but I think John is the fellow who provide Archie with the electronic solution going from the F40 tranny to the FIero computer and speedo. It's adjustable - but the signal seems to be alittle low (in power) at idle. As soon as I move the car forwards the speedo would settle down and read correctly. Now it's rock solid all the time. John fashioned a resitor and capacitor together to add power to the signal. The electronics were then soldered into place.

Bob (California - Ferrari rebody) had the same problem. His was also affected due to the abnormal diameter of the tires he is using. DOn't have the size of his tires - but they are way larger than stock. He speedo is working - but is reading a little low - which is better than reading a little high.
xgamefan SEP 13, 01:34 PM
With the sweet 6 speed are you still using the fiero drive shafts or are they from the Solstice also??

Awesome looking car!!
rgeeinc SEP 13, 03:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by DrCPU:

Bob (California - Ferrari rebody) had the same problem. His was also affected due to the abnormal diameter of the tires he is using. DOn't have the size of his tires - but they are way larger than stock. He speedo is working - but is reading a little low - which is better than reading a little high.



Dave, My speedo was reading low before we started the job changing the Dakota Digital controller. Jack did a great job fining the problem with the speedometers. He is a wiz with electronics, but my speedo reading was too far off (because of my tire size) to bring it into the ball park but it is closer then it was when it started, and I am happy with that. I am glad he fixed the problem with your car, it helped with mine. Glad you made it home safe and sound.
Bob
DrCPU SEP 13, 03:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by xgamefan:

With the sweet 6 speed are you still using the fiero drive shafts or are they from the Solstice also??

Awesome looking car!!



Archie goes with new driveshafts (I think he makes them himself - or uses something else from another car). You'd have to ask him - but it's part of his conversion kit - or it was part of my overall conversion kit. Archie has his own (tm) way of mounting the shafts etc...

Thanks for the kudos...

I'm posting pics of my last modifications later this week.

Dave
DrCPU SEP 13, 03:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by rgeeinc:


Dave, My speedo was reading low before we started the job changing the Dakota Digital controller. Jack did a great job fining the problem with the speedometers. He is a wiz with electronics, but my speedo reading was too far off (because of my tire size) to bring it into the ball park but it is closer then it was when it started, and I am happy with that. I am glad he fixed the problem with your car, it helped with mine. Glad you made it home safe and sound.
Bob



No problems Bob. I'm just happy that I was able to drive Jack to the latest Radio shack to buy the parts to make the fix happen. Jack came prepared to fix my car - he had premade the circuitry - but forgot the part at his home. $20 of parts and he was able to fashion up two parts - one for me and you. He has enough resistors to make up about 4 more and only needs to buy the capacitor. The actual cost of parts for one cicuit is about $5.

I'm glad you asked me about it as I'd have hated to think you'd drive all the way to Kalifornia without it!

Dave
exoticse SEP 13, 04:29 PM


CPU ,

You mentioned a seperating panels issue, what was that all about ?

Also you mentioned covering the airiel hole ??
DrCPU SEP 14, 11:20 AM

quote
Originally posted by exoticse:
CPU ,

You mentioned a seperating panels issue, what was that all about ?

Also you mentioned covering the airiel hole ??




Nothing serious... The inner panel of the rear clip (above the air vents) is held on at two mounting points. A month after I picked up my car - with everything settling, the panel needed a slight adjustment (one spacer needed to lift it slightly higher). Kris - at Archie's did the fix in about a minute.

All is well in Taz Land!
DrCPU SEP 14, 11:52 AM
Well,

Now that the build is finished, it's time to add modifications to the TAZ. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I drove to Rockford, IL for the ChopTop reunion and Fierorama 2006. As I had a few outstanding issues to clear up with Archie so I showed up on his doorstep three days early (Wed Sept 6th,2006). I told him what I was hoping to accomplish and suggested that while they were fixing the minor issues (took them less than five minutes) that I might do the work myself.

Archie had no problem with this. He let me use a bay, use their tools and bother Rob and Kris to make sure I was doing things correctly. I had three things I wanted to do.

First was fix a bad chip/crack in in left side intake scoop.


Scoop FIx

I've done some body work in the past - but it was a long time ago - and ended up looking pretty bad. I used sandpaper to clean up the mar and then proceeded to bondo. Kris showed me the proper way to mix the bondo - I usually use too must setting agent. This is what it looked like with the bondo.



Next, tape it off and prime. Then wet sand....



Then goes on the paint - woila! first repair done.



Next, project - Hide Aerial

First I take off the front right panel and rocker panel. I already knew I just did not want to "plug" the aerial hole - as the fiberglass will shrink and crack. I'd never done any fiberglass work - so Kris gave me the instructions - grind down for good surface, fiberglass the inside first - turn over and grind down the outside, fiberglass until fix is higher than the panel, sand with 150 down to final surface, sand with 320 then sand with 600, prime, wet sand with 600, and then final paint.

Here's the right side - no fender.



Next the fiberglass on the inside... look Ma! I'm no longer a fiberglass virgin!



Figure out the best location for the mount point. Grind down to bare metal, weld on a braket - holes - predilled, bolt the antenna on then paint the assembly. I did this work while the underside of the fiberglass was setting up. Kris did the welding - I'm still a virgin in this area!



Next, I fiberglass the top side...



Then put the panel back on (with rocker). In retrospect I could have done everything while the panel was off - but did it this way cuz I don't know any better...



Next, bondo...



Then tape off - sand and prime....



Then take the taped out area off, wet sand and paint... Woila! Job #2 done...



I have lost some reception, and suspect I'll need to replace the antenna with something of higher quality - or change the location so it wraps up and along the front of the windscreen underneath the wiper motors.... It works, but lost about 40% of range.... I've got an MP3 player installed and mostly listen to CD's I've burned. Three CD's 20 or so hours of music... not bad.

I'll make the final project part of the next post....

Dave

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