I'm finally starting to make some more progress on my 73 B Conversion. Some
of you have been following the progress, or lack of it in some cases, so I'd
thought I'd write a little update. Plus the list has been pretty slow lately.
I purchased a welder over the weekend. Due to limited funds I purchased the
cheapest mig welder I could find. I found a Campbell Hausfeld Mig welder at
Lowes for $309. No laughing, or snickering, I know it isn't as good as a
Lincoln or a Miller, but it will have to do. I was going to just purchase a
flux core machine, but after reading too many bad comments in the shop-talk
archive about flux machines, I came up with the other 100 bucks for a real
MIG. Gas bottle was free (I work for an industrial construction company so
gas cost isn't an issue). So far it seems to be working okay, my welding
skills are nil at this point, so I'm definitely going to get a welder from
work to weld on the frame rail mounts. I don't think I want to attempt
something structural at this point. If anyone wants details on the welder,
please email me directly.
I welded the radiator mounts in tonight. I have a couple of questions
regarding this. I see that the Moss catalog lists both a temp sending unit
(131-565 $6.95) and a thermo switch for the fan (542-215 $13.95). My 77
radiator only has one hole between the top outlet and the little tube. Which
one goes in the hole? Where does the other one go? I'm assuming the little
tube goes the expansion tank. Speaking of expansion tanks, I need one. Does
anyone have a used one in decent shape for a decent price with the bracket?
Next issue. I still need a water pump pulley. Water pump is from an Olds
215 not a Buick 215 if it makes a difference. If you have the water pump
pulley and the expansion tank that would be great.
Other parts I've gathered. I found that my local autoparts store (Advance
Auto Parts) could order me a rebuilt waranteed distributor for $47 dollars.
It came in over the weekend, it looks really nice. They couldn't find it
under the Buick, but it was listed under the Olds 215. I've already got the
Pectronix Electronic Ignition to go in.
For all those pondering FI for their conversions, I noticed a TR8 fuel
injection setup for sale on Ebay.
<A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=228980150";>TR8
Fuel Injection</A>
It appears to be going to be sold pretty cheap ~$100, and the auction ends
tomorrow. It however does not include an ECU, anyone know off the top of
their head how much a used ECU costs?
There's also been some talk on the list about locating a Buick 215, there is
one of those for sale on ebay in Montana. It looks pretty complete. There
is also an Edelbrock manifold up for sale.
That's about it for now. Thanks for listening and for the continued help.
Hopefully, this weekend I'll be putting the engine in for the first time,
lets hope it fits :-)
Glenn
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