eseibel67

Whooooooa! Don't ram that retaining bolt into the soft aluminum case of the trans any further! Remove it along with the gear and the old, hardened "o" ring. Take the old "o" ring to an auto parts store and match it up to a new one that's the same size, but much more supple in texture. Before re-installation, wipe out the bore real good, and apply a little Dexron to the new "o" ring so that it slides together effortlessly.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Thanks brother! That makes sense.

Motown

This is surprising to me, as I thought the yellow one would get the most attention for simply being yellow. I get a ton of attention in my white 85, but I just thought its because its an old Camaro in decent shape.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, I know, weird. The yellow one gets attention too. But people literally pull me over in traffic to say how much they like the white one. Very curious to me. Maybe people are really into white 3rd gens nowadays.

Honestly, I'd stack my black '89 up as being in the top 1% of remaining mint, original, samples of 3rd gens in the world today, and people barely even notice that one.

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

I think it's actually pretty easy to figure out why Charlie. Your 89 is all black and doesn't stand out much, it even lacks the stock IROC-Z look because of the decal delete. Kinda makes it a little RS-like. The 85 is yellow and looks like a normal factory IROC and has all the usual black trim (headlight recesses, grill, hood louvers, stripes, etc.) and decals so it grabs a little more attention. The 83 style in general is rare because of age and being a 3 year only design. They're almost never seen today. On top of that, the early Third Gens in general are less modern looking than the 85-92 cars which makes them stand out some more in that regard. Also, the white/grey/blue was just a very nice combination on those Z28s. My Uncle bought your exact 83 brand new but with the LG4 instead. It got stolen and broken into on a regular basis lol. It was also the car that got me into Third Gens. Then I discovered red 87 350 IROC-Zs!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, maybe.

I guess the '83 has broad appeal from 10+ feet.

You're right about the black one though, with it's decal delete, most folks figure it's an RS or B4C. And you really need to be up close to it appreciate it, something which doesn't usually happen as you're driving it. Or you hope not, anyway.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I noticed the exact same thing about the '83. When it was here last summer, I would park the thing in the yard and just look at it and try to figure out why it is so attractive. With the smaller tighter fitting ground effects, nose and tail it looks smaller and lighter than later thirdgens. The other HUGE contributor I think is the 15" wheels and white letter tires. Sounds silly but the wheels and tires along with the body treatments really give the car a more classic style than the later IROCs which look lower, heavier and a bit sleeker. The 82-84 Z28s really have a more 'muscle car' look to them, and I think that is why people are drawn to it. Even people that don't know cars.

EDIT: Charlie have you gotten the speedo cable leak fixed yet? How bad is it leaking? I kinda feel bad about it leaking, I thought I had it sealed up but apparently not. I still think the "bullet" for the speedo gear that bolts into the trans could be the wrong one to mate with your speedo cable, but I'm not sure.

EDIT 2: which car are you bringing to Thirdgenfest this year? Looks like the weather is supposed to be good. I'll cast my vote for the '83. We need to see how many people we can convince that it's a real LU5 T5 car LOL.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Hey Jeremy. I'm thinking I'll bring the '83.

So what do you think the cure for the speedo gear would be?

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

As I recall I wasnt happy with the way the speedo cable end mates with the speedo gear "bullet" that goes into the trans. All the research I did seemed to point that the 2 should work, but obviously they aren't because it's leaking. I spent a lot of time at NAPA with a buddy of mine (store manager) looking at seals, o-rings, and everything else you can imagine trying to find "the missing piece" that we thought would make everything fit up and seal but we kept running into the same parts combo that I put on the car. Maybe we can run the car up on ramps saturday and I can take a look at it again, or maybe have Denny or Steve look at it and see if I am missing something. Another possible solution could be using some Hylomar to seal it up. The stuff I used to try to seal it up didnt work because the trans was full of fluid. The stuff I used would probably have worked if I would have drained the trans, cleaned everything, sealed it up, and refilled the trans after the sealant was cured. Hylomar may seal it up even though the trans is still in the process of leaking. Would probably be a good idea to check the fluid level on the trans to make sure it's up enough as well, although I highly doubt it's leaking so badly the level is effected.

Jeffs82TA

iTrader: (1)

I think auto cars use a different flange than a t5. Also didn't 83 use twin speedo cable due to the cruise control module. Try a cable from a 83 5 speed car.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

That sounds good. We'll certainly have a high concentration of 3rd gen skill there!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Right, it's a two piece cable.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I think the part number for the cable was the same for T5 and Auto cars, I'm pretty sure Mike and I looked that up at NAPA, but we may have missed something. I can check again. I emphasize part number because it's entirely possible that T5 cars came with a different cable but the aftermarket has not covered the application correctly.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

JamesC has an interesting diagram regarding T5 speedo cable leaks.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...ve-driven.html

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Another leaky speedo cable here:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...eedo-gear.html

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Spent some more time today trying, (still), to get more grass clippings out of the car's nooks and crannies from the Thirdgen Fest hayfield I drove through. It's amazing where all it ended up. The inner fenders under the liners were still loaded. Got a bunch more out of the radiator. Air compressor got a work out! And I understand why the car was running rough on the way home. The K&Ns were full of grass.

Any grass left in Crete or did I bring it ALL up to the north side with me?

Fireblood83

May I say that the T5 swap done to your 83 Z28 LU5 is absolutely priceless It's probaby one of the few rare, if not, the only manual transmission Cross-Fire Injection early third gen ever. I think GM could have done it if they really wanted. This and also many other CFI updates proved that the CFI setup is not as bad as it is called, and can perform like it was supposed to with that 60's muscle car feel and sound.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Thanks. It's a fun little package now.


GM's intent was to offer a 4 speed with the LU5 in the Z/28 and Trans Am by midyear 1982, but they couldn't get it to pass emissions

Fireblood83

Oh I didn't knew that. Would have been nice. The early 80's third gens looked and still look sharp, handle very good and are quite comfortable. The only turn-down are their engines when it comes to performance. But it doesn't take too much effort to make them run how they should have in the first place.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

If I remember correctly it was due to emissions produced between shifts on a manual trans. Strange really, because the '84 Corvette had it's L83 Crossfire available with a manual trans.

I just think that GM simply stopped developing the CFI on the F-cars literally immediately after release, TPI was already in the works and the stopgap L69 used the tried and true Quadrajet.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Charlie - they probably did not want to spend the money to get it emissions certified. It always comes down to money. Bean counters rule these companies.

Fireblood83

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Oh yes, certainly it was about saving money.

The Crossfire system itself was based on the '69 Z/28 Crossram intake, (because GM had the tooling paid for) and two Iron Duke throttle bodies, in order to save a few bucks.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

First drive this season, today!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

..

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Just put it on ebay. We'll see what happens.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111723910141...84.m1555.l2649

Jason E

Good luck Charlie...looks like a fairly solid bid with a full day left. I wouldn't be surprised to see the bid shoot up dramatically with 5 minutes left, knowing eBay

I know it sucks to sell it, but you gave that car a new lease on life it never would've had without your ownership for 7 years.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Jason. Yup, the car has come a long way.

As of a couple of minutes ago, 37 people have it on their watch list. Unless I get a last minute flurry of bids, I'll have to reconsider how I will list it next time.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Didn't quite hit reserve. Still for sale.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Back on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111730023074?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2661&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Goodbye white '83. On it's way to Miami and then Germany. We had some fun.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I was only it's foster dad for a few weeks, but it's sad to see it go.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, sad to see it go. But you can't hold on to them all - unless you are Jay Leno.

In a strange and ironic turn of events, this car will be taking the white car's garage spot Sunday, if it even fits. Long story....

FirebirdUSX

Why you sold it if you like it so much?I keep seeing this everywhere....people sell their toys then regret doing it.Oh well hope I will get to see in it in Germany.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Well, because I need to make room for something I hope to like even more!

FirebirdUSX

I'd upgrade the room not sell the car It looked so stock and well kept.I looked over the pics on the ebay page and it looks like its in museum shape.I really hope the new owner will take care of it and keep it original.

I don't think I could look at my car being towed away.Yea its a mental problem I understand but I see my stuffs as a part of my identity....or maybe its my way of finding a excuse.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I assume that luxo-barge has voluptuous 460 power. Post gratuitous burnout pictures or I'll get JT to ban you.

I'm sure the new Thirdgen garage dweller will be awesome.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Yes, the largest production car made on the planet with the largest displacement automobile engine on the planet in 1977, is good for mid-18s.

72 hours ago, I had no idea I would own it. It's my father in law's and he's the original owner. He shipped it to Florida about 10 or so years ago. They are downsizing and had no more room for it. He offered it to the kids and none of us wanted it, so he sold it to a family friend who shipped it to Illinois this week. I talked to my FIL about it, and he was so upset about the Lincoln not staying in the family, that I was overwhelmingly compelled to step up and get it.

I called the family friend, explained the situation, offered to reimburse his expenses and --------for better or worse------I guess I own a land yacht now.

It needs some proper white walls, some carb tuning and a good detail. Lots of sheetmetal on that sucker. Many clay bars will die.

KMK454

Seeing your 83 in the above pictures makes me want to scoop up a more 80s-look thirdgen. I really like the two-tone paint; car also looks lowered and has a nice stance. They always look great when you sell them!

Glad you could scoop up the family Lincoln. It definitely could use some whitewalls!

Malaise-era motoring is the best motoring. My 78 C10 approves. I can almost guarantee you that Lincoln will be 1 of 1 at any cruise or show you go to.

The whitewalls in this picture are Firestone FR380 radials, but it now has Maxxis whitewall radials from Coker (one was scuffed in shipping - UPS's fault, but Coker replaced it no charge!). Since I drive it less, I'll probably seek a bias-ply whitewall next.

vinny R

I drive mine everyday for this and other reasons. Hell, I bought mine for the sole purpose of being my daily driver and I could not be happier! I to had to work through some issues from previous owners and she is about 90%....Thanks to a ton of help from here. I am fortunate to live in FL so pretty much every afternoon the top goes down, radio up and pedal down. It is not at all a chore to drive as other older cars could be. The sound of the flowmaster as step on it brings a smile on my face everytime.
Chaz, if you move to FL you could use all your 3rd gens for commuting!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

A little sad, but I was ready to move on. The car has come a long way since I found it on a Wisconsin farm 8 years ago. Going overseas bugs me a little bit, because I know I'll never see it again, but I've been so picky about prospective buyers I finally said screw it, he wants it, he can have it.

As far as the Lincoln, I agree it will be a 1 of 1 at any cruise night. I've driven it quite a bit in Florida over the years. You don't so much drive it as you pilot it. It's a boat for sure. I remember going to the deli with my father in law and then pulling out into traffic, and I said: " Dad, if we ever rob a bank, maybe we should bring the Mercury as the getaway car".

Anyway, you would be shocked at the amount of attention that damned Lincoln gets. People pull up in their Porsches and Bentleys just to give you a thumbs up or ask what year it is. I wasn't expecting to take it under my wing, but here it is. BTW the white walls I'm considering are the Hankook Optimos, there just aren't a lot of choices out there.

Don't worry guys, I'm also in the process of getting another 3rd gen. As soon as my PHM, 'vert is sold, I'll be ready to pull the trigger on that one.

eseibel67

chazman: You have a big garage, but that Lincoln's gonna displace the same square footage as two 3rd gens.


I know you weren't looking for it, but a land yacht is a nice piece for a small collection. My pick would be a 1984 Coupe Deville - white paint/white Landau/white leather. With a 5.3l Silverado pullout.


You will have fun "guiding" that Lincoln in between the white lines painted on the pavement.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

I was actually thinking about a '77-'79 Coupe Deville with a Caddy 425 cubic inch motor for down the road. White/white/white would be nice. Too late for that though, time to put my Ford hat on.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Charlie, 385 series big blocks are known for their cavernous crank cases. You can go up to something like 575 inches or more.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Goodbye Camaro, Hello Lincoln! Glad you were able to keep it in the family.

http://www.americanclassictires.com/

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Dave. I clicked the link you provided and it says that the 225/60/VR16 Gatorbacks are made by Goodyear. Huh. Have we been wasting our time pestering Kelsey for Gatorbacks in our size?

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Whoa...where do you see that at? I just thought they might have some nice whitewalls for you.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

http://www.lucasclassictires.com/225...Gyr2256015.htm

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Oh, under the Lucas link...I see it. Yes, that's the old Fox body Mustang tire. We knew those were made. But they won't make our size. Got my attention though!

I see what you are saying though. Interesting that this Kelsey page says they are an exclusive distributor. So distributor, not manufacturer? And how exclusive? Lucas is selling the same tire.

This is all very confusing. I think I need a beer.

F-body-fan

A little surprised the VR's are made for the mustang. Popular car but I didn't think there where that many years that used them to justify a reproduction? Are there other model cars using that size too?