[Shadylane]

I finally made some progress on the Fairmont. Seems like I take two steps forward and one back on this car.

Picked up the engine from Gary McGlasson in late November, Gary did a great job I was pleased with the dyno results. Had to wait on some machine work for the bellhousing plus ordering the correct throwout bearing so I could make the clutch work.

I was trying to come up with a idea to be able to check all my bellhousing clearances and make adjustments before the transmission was installed. I removed the bearing retainer from the transmission made a strap out of 3/8 steel and bolted it across the transmission side of the bell, checked all my clearances and adjusted the fork ball which can't be changed with the trans on. Worked pretty good. The throwout bearing is a McLeod with the spacers so you can change the length, nice piece.

Nothing like zeroing out the alignment on a bellhousing to humble oneself! At one point I thought, it sure would be nice to bolt on a flexplate and convert to a C-4.
Once the bellhousing was installed I built a tool to allow adjusting the pressure plate, this worked out well also.

Lastly I installed the engine and trans but had problems with the passenger header and starter...normal fitment crap.
I'm feeling good now that the engine and trans are more or less permanently install. Now onto the rear gear installation, driveline and body assembly.

Oh yea Santa brought me some new Aerospace front brakes, he's a nice guy.

And by the way, this project has not been anywhere near a Dime Rocket but that's mostly my fault as this will probably be my last car and I wanted to try and build it to a decent standard.

Kelly