1965 Sport Fury Restoration

I have a 66 I am building now that will be very close to what you are doing. Mine will be a 440 with a tko 5 speed big 4 wheel disc brakes and the suspension set up like yours with bigger bars and front and rear stabilizer bars and adjustable shocks. I can learn a lot from your build I'm just finished stripping it down and have the engine at the machine shop.
 
Hi Guys,
I know it's been a while, but some big things are happening!! The Tremec was delivered in the middle of December to the dealership where the car is located. It's over 100 miles from where I live so I only get to work on it a weekend or two a month. I do almost all the work to the car during the summer when schools out. I've started the install and here's some pictures as well as a link to a video on my YouTube channel. I'll be keeping you guys in the loop as well as the people on YouTube. I don't have a lot of subscribers yet, but there's always someone looking for ideas or guidance on a project.

https://youtu.be/bFe7PkFqw6U


440 in frame.png
727 on 440.png
Flywheel.jpg
Checking for center.png
Tremic 2.png
 
Last edited:
I have a 66 I am building now that will be very close to what you are doing. Mine will be a 440 with a tko 5 speed big 4 wheel disc brakes and the suspension set up like yours with bigger bars and front and rear stabilizer bars and adjustable shocks. I can learn a lot from your build I'm just finished stripping it down and have the engine at the machine shop.


That's awesome!! Post some pictures and keep us up to date with the progress.
 
Here's the cross member mods. I ended up making the mount area adjustable and it worked out great. If I ever decide to install a different transmission, I just unbolt it and make a new one. Simple!!!

Here's the video


Cross member before cut.png


Cross member after cut.png


And now the fabrication and welding.......


Cross member rear after welding.png

Cross member front after welding.jpg

The next post should be by the end of the week or beginning of next week.....
 
I am enjoying your post here. I have a 65 also. I was wondering.... I would like to put in EFI on my engine such as a Holly Super Sniper. Any leads on how this could be done? I have found a new gas tank but need to convert it over.
 
I am enjoying your post here. I have a 65 also. I was wondering.... I would like to put in EFI on my engine such as a Holly Super Sniper. Any leads on how this could be done? I have found a new gas tank but need to convert it over.
It's funny you mention EFI. I just sent Fitech an email yesterday to get some information. I have a friend that put a Fitech system on his car when they just started the company. It worked great and then he had some problems, he said they were great to work with to resolve the problem. Since then he has a much newer system and loves it.
At this time I think I'm going with the "Power Adder 600HP" system. I want the timing control as well as the 2-step feature. The 2-step is just for fun, just like the line-lock that I already have. I think the line-lock will be great for sitting in traffic or at a light, and of course a little track time. I purchased a new tank when they came out at the Chrysler Carlisle show. They don't have one for EFI and I don't think they will ever be available. It's a one year tank (that's why they cost twice as much as other tanks). With the Fitech system I'm looking at it comes with a "Force Fuel" fuel system that mounts under the hood. I'm going to try to get it out into the fender through the opening in front of the wheel well. Without an EFI tank it's easier to pull air from the tank. Do a search on that. You can put a "gas mat" in the tank, but for the one we'd need for that large tank, plus the price of the in-tank pump and the possible welding needed, I'm not going that way. What ever way I go, maybe - Holley, Edelbrock, MSD, or Fitech, I'll be posting it all on here. Researching that now!
I have more photos and video of the Tremec install I need to post. Maybe I'll have time this weekend.
Let us know what you decide!! Do a YouTube search on EFI. There's a lot of EFI tuning stuff on there. Here's a video of an awesome '69 Charger, 440, 4-speed, and a Fitech system.



Sorry about this being soooo long, I get carried away!
 
I'm glad you are a bit ahead of me on your build. I just ordered my transmission and you saved me a lot of headache trying to figure out how to mount it.

You mentioned you are researching what fuel pump. I have been doing this now too. I am going to run a carb for a year or 2 then convert to efi. I really want an in tank pump. I added a picture of a pump Holley makes that uses the factory style sending unit with a pump. It's for a b body tank but should be similar so I an going to get one and hope I dont waste my money. I figured I could take the pump off and move the hard and sending unit arm and make it work. It also comes with Holley hydramat. That plus a return line dumping back on to the mat should take care of sucking air. I really dont want to cut the tank or the car to make room for a top mount pump and I really dont want to run a pump outside the tank.

Screenshot_20200418-223005_Chrome.jpg
 
I'm glad you are a bit ahead of me on your build. I just ordered my transmission and you saved me a lot of headache trying to figure out how to mount it.

You mentioned you are researching what fuel pump. I have been doing this now too. I am going to run a carb for a year or 2 then convert to efi. I really want an in tank pump. I added a picture of a pump Holley makes that uses the factory style sending unit with a pump. It's for a b body tank but should be similar so I an going to get one and hope I dont waste my money. I figured I could take the pump off and move the hard and sending unit arm and make it work. It also comes with Holley hydramat. That plus a return line dumping back on to the mat should take care of sucking air. I really dont want to cut the tank or the car to make room for a top mount pump and I really dont want to run a pump outside the tank.

View attachment 369918

I like the pump you found and I think it could work like you mentioned.
I'm expecting a delay in the response from Fitech because of everything going on at this time, and that's OK, I'm really busy!!! Just getting more serious about finishing my car when schools out.
Here's a link to the 2020 Fitech catalog. On page 30 you'll see an in-tank option that looks promising. It comes with the filter sock (hydro-mat) and has a larger one available for bigger tanks. I'm looking at the system on page 29 at this time.

https://fitechefi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Fitech-2020-Catalog.pdf

I like the kit #35202 on page 11, but if I stay with Fitech, I'll probably end up with the kit #35204 on page 12. It has 2 fan and lap-top tuning options. I already have a BeeCool radiator with the electric fan and I'm going to have a pusher fan in front of the a/c condenser. I'd like one system to control both fans. It also has some other benefits I like.

Fitech has a rebate program going on at this time and saving money is good!!

https://fitechefi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Spring-Break-Rebate-2020-4.9.2020.pdf

I'm glad my transmission install is helping.
Silver Sport Transmissions called a couple days ago and they've finished scanning my complete pedal set into the computer. I ask if they were close to anything they have available now. He replied, no, the pedal length looks to be longer than a typical car and shorter than a truck. They'll be doing comparisons when they get to the project. They have to finish other projects first just like all of us.
 
Last edited:
I'm glad you are a bit ahead of me on your build. I just ordered my transmission and you saved me a lot of headache trying to figure out how to mount it.

You mentioned you are researching what fuel pump. I have been doing this now too. I am going to run a carb for a year or 2 then convert to efi. I really want an in tank pump. I added a picture of a pump Holley makes that uses the factory style sending unit with a pump. It's for a b body tank but should be similar so I an going to get one and hope I dont waste my money. I figured I could take the pump off and move the hard and sending unit arm and make it work. It also comes with Holley hydramat. That plus a return line dumping back on to the mat should take care of sucking air. I really dont want to cut the tank or the car to make room for a top mount pump and I really dont want to run a pump outside the tank.

View attachment 369918
Let me know if this works.... I want to convert my 65 over.
 
Here's an update on the Tremec. I haven't been to the dealership since the Wuhan flue hit (that's what it's called here). I teach auto mechanics to High School Juniors at a Career and Technology Center and my days have been crazy since they closed school. Imagine trying to teach auto mechanics online to students and you can't tell them to do anything "hands-on" because if they got hurt - that would be a problem!! I'm busier now because of putting daily lessons together, making quizzes, having Zoom meetings with them, and the list goes on. I am not complaining!! I'm really glad I can still stay in contact with my students and work with them in this way. It's just not most ideal! This is probably the most time consuming period of time ever in my teaching career.

OK, moving on......Here's some pictures of the progress.

Here's the bottom of the cross member. You can see the bottom of the new top plate, the heavy mount area, and the nuts on the back side used to bolt the metal mount on.
Bottom of cross member.png

After I cut the front off to fit, I bent the bottom lip down some and rolled the sides in. Once I weld it, it'll plenty strong
Trans mount metal part.png


I also put a bend on the top for strength and welded it. I'm using grade 5 bolts and I'll put heavy duty washer on them for final assembly.
Trans mount metal.png


The first hole in the floor. The frame is bolted in and the trans is against the floor. I have 1/4 inch spacers raising the trans that I'll be removing. I want to make room for the trans with them in (plus extra of course). I have it marked with tape to show some areas of concern. At this time I think I might cut a large section of the tunnel and raise it to what I need, or maybe make a new tunnel, not sure yet.
First hole in floor.png


Here you can see where the shifter is. I purchased the piece from SST for the early B-body that allows a shifter to come up through the correct hole on the left. Not sue if it'll work on a C, but it looks like it will. The trans is only 1/4 inch too high for sizing, but it looks like the console needs to be raised a little with the tunnel. If I raise the tunnel, the console mounts go with it of course. Could work.
Console.png


This is a picture from SST website. It's an early B-body (same console as a C) with their kit that includes everything to go from an auto to the manual Tremec. The shifter comes through the floor in the same place as it does in my car. This is why I purchased the adapter for the shifter.
Early B-body SST.png


Here's a YouTube video to show the cross member and mount.



If you watch my videos and like them, please give them a thumbs up or maybe subscribe. Thank you!!! There's a video of a V8 Aerostar I built many years ago (my son also posted videos of the van) and a video I made of my sister's Rat Rod. I'll be posting some videos of my '29 Mercedes Gazelle and Mustang GT when time permits.
 
Last edited:
I know it's been a while again, but there's a LOT happening. I'll be posting more now that school has started. I had the car on the rotisserie all summer and spent hours (and hours) making it as nice as the top of the car. There's going to be photos and videos coming.
Here's a video I made back in May before the rotisserie as I was finishing the tunnel for the Tremec. I used the weight of the car to pick the front off the frame by balancing it on the torque boxes. Some of you may want to do this to pull the frame out. It's easy and I really liked working under the car without jack stands in my way and there's no danger of the car falling on me. I'm sure I'm not the first to do this, I just haven't seen it before.

 
Hi guys, There's been a lot happening! I still need to do more editing with the videos I made through the summer and up to now, but here's some still-shots from those videos. I made A LOT of purchases through the summer and I'll get into those in the next post.

On my way from the dealership (Mark owns it) to another friend's shop (Mike owns that shop - There's a video on my YouTube channel of his shop and the pair of '66 Chevelle's he has)
Going to Mike's.jpg
Going to Mike's 2.png


Getting it ready for the rotisserie.......
GetAttachmentThumbnail.jpg

GetAttachmentThumbnail (2).jpg

And here it is......
GetAttachmentThumbnail (3).jpg

GetAttachmentThumbnail (4).jpg

This was a little intimidating, mounting a painted car up and turning it from side to side. It went so well and how could I turn down the offer to use Mike's rotisserie and shop to complete this. While I was helping him work on his Chevelle, he asked if I'd like to put my car on it when there's time and room to do so - that was an easy decision!!!! My car could have never been done to this level without the awesome friends I have. I'll show you guys some of the cars I've either done or helped out on through the years. It goes both ways, we all work together really well!!
 
I sold some cars through the summer as well as a bunch of other stuff. 2020 has been a messed up year, but I sold everything except for all the big block stuff. I have a running 383HP on a run stand as well as a 383HP long block and bare block. There's a '69 440 and all the parts to build it. 727s (cable and linkage), heads, intakes, and the list goes on.

Here's an awesome box of goodies......
GetAttachmentThumbnail (5).jpg


I ended up going with the Holley Sniper EFI with the complete ignition system instead of the Fitech kit I've mentioned before. I don't know about you guys, but I've had a list (wish-list) for years (owned the car for over 41 years) and change things as I research which items will be best for my needs. As I researched gauges, I found that Dakota Digital had the options I wanted (cruise control, automatic lights with dome fade out - I think 18 options can be added) and an option to connect with the Sniper unit, not the Fitech. I also liked the fact I could get a complete ignition system with the Sniper instead of mixing parts.

Patches66fury, you mentioned the Holley OEM style pump setup and I'm looking into it, but at this time it looks like this one from Aeromotive is in the running. One of the Rod Shops I've been purchasing things from recommended this unit because it's dependable and quiet compared to some others.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (8).png

I also purchased the exhaust system. Ceramic coated headers and exhaust from TTI. American Autowire Highway 22+ wiring harness. I'm working on installing the Vintage A/C Gen IV Magnum unit now (wait til you see that project!!!), that's been interesting. I finished off the suspension with a set of rear springs (1 1/2" lower than stock), spring hangers with provision for a 1" drop (if needed for the right stance), and tubular upper control arms (for positive caster) all from Firm Feel. I already had the matching torsion bars for those springs and steering rebuild kit from them. The rear and larger front sway bars are from PST. I've been rounding up parts from "my list" for many years. I have the complete rubber set for the car from Steele as well as a BeeCool radiator with electric fan and the wiring kit. There's a lot more and it'll be outlined here.

Here's the springs and spring mounts bolted in...
GetAttachmentThumbnail (9).png


Here's a video of the tools I used to complete the bottom of the car.


More to come!
 
Last edited:
I've been finishing some things up and starting other parts of the build. Here's some pictures from the undercarriage job....




GetAttachmentThumbnail (2).png
GetAttachmentThumbnail (3).png


GetAttachmentThumbnail (4).png

Here's the bottom after wiping it down with metal conditioner.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (7).png



GetAttachmentThumbnail (10).png


GetAttachmentThumbnail (11).png


GetAttachmentThumbnail (9).png


GetAttachmentThumbnail (8).png


If you're interested in watching a video of this, here's the link.




I'm looking around at this time for new glass, hoping to be ready for it by summer. I want a new windshield and rear window, but would replace all of it if I can find it. Do any of you know where to find new glass?
 
I'm glad you are a bit ahead of me on your build. I just ordered my transmission and you saved me a lot of headache trying to figure out how to mount it.

You mentioned you are researching what fuel pump. I have been doing this now too. I am going to run a carb for a year or 2 then convert to efi. I really want an in tank pump. I added a picture of a pump Holley makes that uses the factory style sending unit with a pump. It's for a b body tank but should be similar so I an going to get one and hope I dont waste my money. I figured I could take the pump off and move the hard and sending unit arm and make it work. It also comes with Holley hydramat. That plus a return line dumping back on to the mat should take care of sucking air. I really dont want to cut the tank or the car to make room for a top mount pump and I really dont want to run a pump outside the tank.

View attachment 369918
I almost purchased the fuel pump I mentioned the last time I replied to this post, but I just didn't want to cut the new tank. As I researched the options I kept coming back to an in-tank pump from Holley. Started out with one for a Chevelle because it has similar dimensions. After that I looked up a pump for a friend's '70 Road Runner (B-body) because he's thinking about EFI. I've had his tank and sending unit out and I remember it looking a lot like mine. Before I ordered it I jumped on this thread to checkout the pump you mentioned - it turns out you were right!!
Now the great news, it fits without adjustments. Checkout the pictures of the inside of my tank with it installed. Just awesome!! I hope the hydromat relaxes because the float will contact it, not hard, but it does. I'm going to take it back out and try to make the pump hold the hydromat flat on the bottom, that might help the float clear it.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (26).png
GetAttachmentThumbnail.jpg
GetAttachmentThumbnail (27).png

At this time the only thing I see that's different is the fuel line coming out of the tank, it turns up. Won't know if that's an issue until I install the tank. I have 3/8" stainless fuel lines and still need to purchase the high pressure hose/clamps as well as a filter. I'll post more about it when I get that far.
 
Here's some info and pictures of the last day on the rotisserie. I installed the new leaf-springs and tubular upper control arms. I have a new steering box and will install it after I pull the engine/trans out of the frame - for the last time I hope; it needs to be altered a little and it'll be easier with the engine out. I also need to paint some parts and install new mounts.

Applied the sound deadener to the roof first......
GetAttachmentThumbnail (19).png



Here I'm taking it apart.....
GetAttachmentThumbnail (25).png

GetAttachmentThumbnail (2).jpg

I didn't get pictures or video of installing the frame and the rear springs/differential, but it's all coming back apart. I have the frame back out now so I can installing the a/c and paint the firewall. The springs need to come back out because I didn't have the special grease for the urethane bushings with me. I'll have pictures and video during final assembly.

I hope the rear sway-bar doesn't interfere with the TTI exhaust.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (20).png

GetAttachmentThumbnail (3).jpg


The springs are an inch and a half drop from stock and firmer to match the torsion bars. The spring mount will allow it to sit another inch lower if needed for the right stance.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (4).jpg



Here it is loaded, ready to go back to the dealership where all the parts are for it.
GetAttachmentThumbnail (15).png


GetAttachmentThumbnail (17).png


Here's a teaser for the a/c install. Some of you will understand what was needed for this to be possible, others will get it when I'm finished and post the progress.....
GetAttachmentThumbnail (16).png


If interested, here's a video...
 
Amazing work!!
For a new windshield, PGW has locations in major cities.
I bought mine through an Ebay seller, but, I think if you have any kind of company name, you could get them to sell to you direct.
About 5 years ago, a tinted windshield for my 65 was $165.
The new glass was slightly thinner than original, but not so much it created problems.
 
Back
Top