1986 GLHS Engine Bay Restoration: Finished (pix)

[Marcus86GLHS]

Five months, about $3,200, and about 300 hours of my time, I am done w/ the restoration of the engine bay on GLHS #126. My goal was to honor the stock appearance, but, punch it up a bit and introduce a few mods (like a/c delete) that make these cars run stronger, without compromising the overall stock look and reliability. These are the initial pix, the flash is harsh and it looks better in person w/ natural light, but i hope you all enjoy seeing another TD restored, to be honest it was all the great TD's i have seen in past few years that inspired me to do this project.....it was a lot of fun, wish i had more cars to work on.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_372_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_373_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_374_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_375_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_376_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_377_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_378_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_379_full.jpg

[sdac guy]

That is sweet! Nice job! :thumb: :thumb:

Barry

[supercrackerbox]

Wow. Just wow. I still can't believe you didn't just pull the engine out though, lol.

So now between you and Kevin, two of the nicest cars on here are L-bodies. I think the rest of us have some catching up to do.

[boostboy]

That engine bay looks amazing, your attention to detail really shows! After seeing these pics I must say your car has got to be THE nicest 86 S car out there!!

[cordes]

Incredible job. You should be very proud to have done such a nice job, especially being that you did it yourself. Congratulations.

[Turbodave]

Looks great Marcus!

If you want more cars to work on just let me know, I'd be glad to put you up in my spare room, I'll give meals and two toothbrushes (one for cleaning car parts with..lol..)

I enjoy the restoration part and making things look like new, but I've learned that it takes a lot of patience to get there. I'd be much better off if I had the patience to let paint dry on parts before I get antsy and try to install them.

What finish did you use on the valve cover. I've been trying for a long time to find a paint that matches the factory finish. I've come close, but haven't found an exact duplicate yet.

Also, it's hard to tell in the pictures what you did with the strut mount nuts, they look almost yellow, is that a cadmium plating on them or something? Just curious, the restoration of my 86 GLHS#107 is a ways off still, but I'm trying to get all the right information and parts stored away so I'm prepared when that time comes.

[raccoon]

thats way too nice and clean, I would be afraid to drive it.

[SL#189]

Brings a tear to my eye...
That's just beautiful!!

[mcsvt]

Mark I can't wait to see it again. My camera is ready :) Your car was very photogenic last time, it's going to be even better this time.

[GLHS592]

It looks GREAT! I need to do the same to my GLHS.


So now between you and Kevin, two of the nicest cars on here are L-bodies.

I doubt that. Mine isn't in the top 5. :)

[Marcus86GLHS]

thanks folks for the kudos. like i said it was all the other TD cars that were the inspiration to go this far, including Kevin's of course.

....and also Alan Q's cars those are the best.

......and Ohio Rob's, and Greg's, and Dave's.............ok too many to type out.

next goal: run a mid 12 second ET just as it sits.

[Marcus86GLHS]

TURBODAVE the valve cover was supplied by FWD Perf, it is powder coated in silver to duplicate the original silver v.c these cars came with.


the (3) stut nuts per side are yellow cadmuim. the original nuts for struts and shocks were coated w/ yellow cad from dodge, yellow cad turns to a brown/rust over time......if you look at your l-body rear shock upper nut, which is less likely to see heat or water, it will still be yellow.

also note all the screws used for electrical grounds are also yellow cad, which is what dodge did (going way back to the 50's in fact).

[Turbodave]

Good info Marcus, I always thought that the strut bolts on my cars were treated with that same black phosphate? finish that is on most of the engine compartment bolts. Even on low mileage cars it's hard to tell how some finishes were done from the factory due to the way they age.

[rare_ram]

Gives me something to strive for.

[Marcus86GLHS]

DAVE zinc phosphate was used thru out these cars for most of the bolts, clear zinc phosphate was used on many of the relays, solenoids, and other components.

natural steel was found in a few areas like the hood latch, and clutch cable bracket. but there is not a lot a uncoated steel in these cars under the hood.

radiator/intercooler were of course sprayed w/ special high-c.t.c. satin black paint.

whats fun is doing all the forensics to find out what finishes were used. i was lucky i even scored an NOS Mopar belt for the alternator.

[Clay]

Looks (tony the tiger voice) GREEEEEEAAAAAT!

Now, put some red paint on the strut bolts already!!!!!!!!!

[Clay]

Oh yeah, and anyway you can post some high res pics to use for reference?? :)

[GLHS592]

whats fun is doing all the forensics to find out what finishes were used.

How much you want for that information? :D

[CoolV300C]

Looks awesome!

[Turbo_Rampage]

Looks good, :thumb:

Makes me want to own a GLHS even more...

[Marcus86GLHS]

"...Now, put some red paint on the strut bolts already!!!!!!!!!......."


correct sir. there are suppose to be red inspection dots on each of the strut nuts, i havent yet duplicated those because i am taking my original rear konis to the hobby store to match the red (rear shock uper nut also received a red inspection dot).

[Turbodave]

Speaking of getting things perfect does anyone know of a good source for the little foam covers on the vacuum solenoids. I've seen some that work (from a GM?) but were bigger than the originals. I would like to find some that are an exact replacement, I noticed Marcus needs some too.

[overlordsshadow]

That is some great work, and determination.

[rare_ram]

Speaking of getting things perfect does anyone know of a good source for the little foam covers on the vacuum solenoids. I've seen some that work (from a GM?) but were bigger than the originals. I would like to find some that are an exact replacement, I noticed Marcus needs some too.

I saw a guy selling them on e-bay awhile back, but haven't seen them since.

[jeff1234]

Absolutely incredible, I hope you can get some picts made with out the benefit of flash. As someone else noted, that would be valuable for restoration purposes.
Thanks for the picts. jeff1234

[BLUE BY YOU]

Marcus, beautiful work! I have to ask, though, where do you get the stickers for the emissions and the radiator fan shroud? I aim to restore a shelby charger in the near future and want to make it look as original as possible.

Paul

[Marcus86GLHS]

emmisions decal from steve :
steve.eiker@usfamily.net


rad shroud decal from our friend at Positive Impressions.

thanks for the compliment and good luck with your charger.


JEFF1234: what is really valuable is to find untouched low mileage reference cars, thats what i had done for past 4 years, i collected hundreds of pix of several very low mileage original 86 glhs cars, for example Dominic Papa has car #015 with 5,000 miles and the car is like brand new under the hood i have over 100 pix of that car's engine bay....plus i used magazine photos from 1986 of engine bays on the glht and glhs, and lastly the sales brochure pix. all useful info for reference.

[supercrackerbox]

Quick question: Did you buy NOS coolant and washer fluid tanks, or did you find a way to clean them really well?

[GLHSKEN]

Quick question: Did you buy NOS coolant and washer fluid tanks, or did you find a way to clean them really well?


+1 on that...

[87glhs232]

Thats just incredible! Very nice work. +2 on the tanks...I've been holding on to mine until I figure out what to do.

[Marcus86GLHS]

the washer reservior, overflow tank, and overflow tank cap are all NOS parts. i tried to clean my originals forget about it the heat from the engine all those years yellows the plastic permanently.

thanks for compliments, now if i can only get the stupid car's bugs out i can actually drive it this year.

[GLHS592]

How much would you charge to do the same thing to a 1987 GLHS? :lol:

[OMNI-Potent]

Hey Marcus,

Awesome job as always.....

Hey, where did you get that shorty Mopar oil filter from???? Inquiring minds would like to know:thumb:

[Marcus86GLHS]

the oil filter was purchased over the counter at my local dodge dealership its the original filter used only on the 86 and 87 glhs cars. i bought a stack of them at 7 bucks a pop. theres still national inventory but grab em while you can.

KEVIN sure drop off your car and i'll get started on it in November. No charge for you of course.
:-)

[GLHS592]

KEVIN sure drop off your car and i'll get started on it in November. No charge for you of course.
:-)

QUOTED!! :D

[zin]

Absolutely incredible, I hope you can get some picts made with out the benefit of flash. As someone else noted, that would be valuable for restoration purposes.
Thanks for the picts. jeff1234

Having taken a few pictures before, and being extremely in interested in these pictures for my own selfish reasons, I'd like to offer the following bits of advice. 1st, get a nice tripod, to get good pictures w/out flash (and not outside), you'll need a very stable camera (or a very ex$pensive one!). Next set the flash to "off", then set it to timer mode, frame the shot, and press the button, wait your few seconds and you've got your shot! I use the timer to prevent a blurry shot due to your finger moving the camera while it's trying to get the shot. If the pictures come out too red/orange, try to get some more light on the subject. Be careful, too harsh and you'll end up with shadows almost as bad as a flash! Best to use a couple of incandescent lights on either side of the camera if you can, this limits the shadows and is more natural than florescent lights. I've hesitated in the past to offer this advise as most folks don't have the patience to go through the trouble, but after seeing the attention to detail here, I'm sure it's within you!

Mike

PS If you really want to get technical, you can put a color card (available form most camera shops) in the frame (not obscuring anything important of course), so when you color correct the pictures you know the color is "true to the world", regardless of so-so light or a camera that is a little off. Am I getting a little anal retentive here? :) wait for it... wait for it...

[SL#189]

:amen:
Great info for the pics!!

Still in awe of that engine bay...

[Directconnection]

Marcus...I'm confused (been like this alot lately) Is this the same GLHS you've owned for some time? I ask, because I thought that car was allready in mint shape, or did you pick up a 2nd one?

If you want a 3rd... I'd be happy to get you into a nice R/T project that needs a good home...and maybe even a parts car:eyebrows:

[Marcus86GLHS]

ZIN thanx for the tips but i only have a cheezo $50 sony camera to work with.

STEVE yes this is same car (#126) i've had since 2001, the engine bay was always a mess, mainly due to all the rust-proofing goop on everything plus 20 years of general wear and tear....still looking for one final item: an NOS hood insulation pad.....and if i ever do get a second shelby car it will be an '87 csx.

here's some pix i took in the sunlite a few weeks ago:


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_394_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_395_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_396_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_397_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_398_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_400_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_399_full.jpg

[GLHS592]

I still can't get over how nice your engine bay turned out, Marcus.

[BadAssPerformance]

Amazing :)

[Marcus86GLHS]

thanx guys, just a lot of time, patience, and elbow grease.

grit blasting the engine bay was the only miserable part of the entire project.

i bet we see a lot more restos of turbo dodges in the coming years (i hope).

[cordes]

Incredible. What a great job.

[rare_ram]

Having taken a few pictures before, and being extremely in interested in these pictures for my own selfish reasons, I'd like to offer the following bits of advice. 1st, get a nice tripod, to get good pictures w/out flash (and not outside), you'll need a very stable camera (or a very ex$pensive one!). Next set the flash to "off", then set it to timer mode, frame the shot, and press the button, wait your few seconds and you've got your shot! I use the timer to prevent a blurry shot due to your finger moving the camera while it's trying to get the shot. If the pictures come out too red/orange, try to get some more light on the subject. Be careful, too harsh and you'll end up with shadows almost as bad as a flash! Best to use a couple of incandescent lights on either side of the camera if you can, this limits the shadows and is more natural than florescent lights. I've hesitated in the past to offer this advise as most folks don't have the patience to go through the trouble, but after seeing the attention to detail here, I'm sure it's within you!

Mike

PS If you really want to get technical, you can put a color card (available form most camera shops) in the frame (not obscuring anything important of course), so when you color correct the pictures you know the color is "true to the world", regardless of so-so light or a camera that is a little off. Am I getting a little anal retentive here? :) wait for it... wait for it...

Another thing that gets me is people who have a nice ride and just walk out to the driveway and shoot a pic and call it done. Background is important. Need something nice but that won't detract from the main subject. Back in the 35mm days I would drive around town looking for different backgrounds and shoot an entire roll just to get the right shot. A friend of mine was a professional for a few years and taught me well. Your wifes car beside it, the kids toys on the lawn can ruin a nice pic. Take a few minutes to drive someplace and find a desolate spot. Or as you're driving keep an eye for a different looking spot. Another thing is get low and shoot at car level, take shots from different angles. I have in mind a real cool spot for when my Rampage is done that I found when I was driving around. It's in the hood, but I think it'll look real wild.

[lowrango]

looks great. :thumb: wish my csx was a 1/4 as clean as your car..... :(

[Marcus86GLHS]

thanx LOWRANGO.

i always said the best part of owning any hobby car is just owning it, i still say that. but it is a nice treat to have your peers pat you on the back for a job well done. i say "treat" because it is something i never expect or even try for.

for the very 1st time in my life i got a 1st Place award at a car show ("Best Shelby Numbered", Larz Auto Museum, Boston, July 21, 2007), not that it matters, but it was a nice treat......but now the real to-go-for goal is a 12.799 or better ET besting my 12.92:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/632000-632999/632619_402_full.jpg

[rich tideswell]

bumping

[glhturbo1985]

Looks Great! Are you gonna bring that thing to Cincy next year? I'm hoping that my dad and I finally get his project, 86S #269, done by then. We'd make for a great pair of 86 S cars.

[Marcus86GLHS]

RICH you dug up this old thread???

DAN no i wont be taking the car to any long distance shows until this economy turns around since i dont have a car hauler.

you should share some in-progress pix of #269, we'd enjoy that.

[rich tideswell]

RICH you dug up this old thread???

Yup, I was looking at potentially buying a GLH-T that had the wireing chewed through by rodents and needed refference as to where everything should be.

Got anymore pictures?

Bump for stickie????!!!!!!

[Marcus86GLHS]

i dont have any detailed wiring pix, sorry......theres lots of folks here that can help with your wiring questions.

most of my pix are over here:
http://cardomain.com/ride/632619

[johnl]

Dang! Just beautiful. I really like your them - almost original, originality compromised ONLY to go fastest with stockest.

[supercrackerbox]

Speaking of getting things perfect does anyone know of a good source for the little foam covers on the vacuum solenoids. I've seen some that work (from a GM?) but were bigger than the originals.

Bumping this, anyone know of a source?

[Marcus86GLHS]

talk about raising an old thread.

SUPERCRACKERBOX you need to call your local GM dealer and ask for GM part number 801528, AC part # 219-13. The filters are no longer made, you have to locate NOS, i bought a box of ten in 2009 and I recall there was only one box showing in the GM database, but try partsvoice.com you may find more that have turned up, good luck.

[glhs0075]

I bought a box of ten last summer. They had to order them in, and didn't mention anything about NOS. This was in Canada, though, so that may make a difference.

[GLHS444]

May be just easier to find some similar foam and cut your own like I did many years ago..I used a heated small nail to bore the hole..worked like a champ..

[4 l-bodies]

When I restored GLHS276 I went to a foam store (A-1 foam) and found some foam that was the correct color and close to the correct texture. Bought the correct thickness and then had the foam store cut lengths of this. Then simply cut to correct length. As GLHS444 said use heated nail to bore hole. Then secured with a dab of weatherstrip adhesive. Probably had $5 total into whole thing with enough spares to last a lifetime.
Todd

[black86glhs]

I had some grey foam that was almost a perfect match and cutout pieces from it. I have many extras.

[Marcus86GLHS]

good tips on making these filters. the box of (10) GM filters was only $7.00. The Dodge Parts Catalog doesn't even show the filters on the solenoid block and there is no listing for a filter part number in the entire catalog that I could find.

Here's what the GM filters look like, very close to the correct Dodge filters:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2531/2382/6326190574_large.jpg

[supercrackerbox]

Well the link you posted showed plenty in stock at several dealers, so I'll get in contact with them and see how much the prices have gone up. I was about to ask if you had another pic of that area, but you just posted it. :)