Well it's been awhile since the last update. While there hasn't been many exciting photos to update you with i have been busy ordering and organising the build phase when the body returns from the panel shop.
Transmission
The AOD has now been rebuilt to handle up to 650 BHP as well as upgraded valve bodies to improve shifting.
Torque Converter recommended by the engine builder is a 2800 Stall
Engine
The other 289 block i had was no good according to the engine builder. The engine builder found a 302 from an AU falcon. Once this was stripped down and checked, we got the all clear. The engine build will include 347 stroker kit, roller rockers and a mild cam. Once I know more details i will let you know as I'm relying on builder and mechanic to make decisions here.
Diff has been stripped but the build has been delayed by the brake kit not being here yet. Once the brake kit fitment is checked then the casing will be sent off for powder coating. There also seems to be a shortage of good quality bearing around. It still may be a few weeks until these turn up.
Body
Progress has been a little slow over the last few weeks. Rear and rear quarters have been filled and blocked ready for next primer coat. Work has now started underneath as well as engine bay.
In September i ordered from the US all the suspension and steering parts that I wanted for the car. Included in the order was subframe connectors which are required now by the body shop. After the order was placed I received a few shipping confirmation and forwarded these onto the shipping company that i was using.
My expectations was that it would take 3 months to get here and it turned out that way. With the number and size of the parts ordered i was expecting to hirer a ute/van to pick it all up. When i call to arrange a date for collection the guy said it would all fit in my car. I thought this sounded weird but went with it.
After collecting only 3 boxes and taking stock of what was in them i was missing 3/4 of the order. So after several emails/phone calls i found out that 1/2 the order was never sent by the seller and 1/4 of the order got lost at the shipping company.
The missing boxes have been found and will be shipped next week so should get here early January. The remainder of the order is going to a new shipping company and should also get here in January.
The other issue with this order is that the correctly ordered subframe connectors for a convertible turned up as the ones for a coupe/fastback. We have decided to modify the car to fit rather than delay the body work waiting for the replacements.
The good news is that they don't hang down as far as the convertible part improving ground clearance.
Fingers crossed i get the body back in 2 weeks. This will have undercarriage and engine bay fully painted.
So the moral of this story is ensure that you clearly understand what is in each tracking confirmation and get confirmation from the shipping company of the number of boxes that have been backed in the container. Never assume it will always go smoothly.......