All registered and legal as of last monday.
Now to sort all the bugs out and get some slightly lower springs at the back so it actually sits where is was intended to.
'74 LH Torana Project
Started by
_BlownOutlaw_
, Jun 13 2008 02:17 PM
160 replies to this topic
#102
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 18 November 2008 - 07:31 PM
Gday
As was mentioned in another post -
Looking like the front drivers side plug is pretty much totally dead for some reason, have ordered a complete new set now that its all run in. Hopefully just something happened to that plug, or else could be a lead or anything else.
I drove the Torana from Wagga to Shepparton, down the Hume Highway, it was great fun, particularly stopping in to get fuel etc, seeing all the normal cars around us. There is lots of cool cars around Shepparton. I think a lot of people were surprised to hear this thing going, especially when looks dont really give it away. From the moment I left Wagga I new there was something wrong with the engine though as the exhaust temps were strange and the car was not as responsive as it should be and felt down on power.
Its all part of sorting the thing out though, and there are a few other things goin on, like now with lowered springs, the diff is hitting the exhaust on bumps, so might get rid of the over the diff set up and run the tail pipes under the diff, will be much more satisfactory.
Everything else is quite good, diff is leaking and box is eventually leaking after sitting a week or so. Thinking that may be the oil draining back to pan and seeping out dipstick hole or something, may need some sealant.
Oh also got some seat covers to cover up the seat cracks lol, there black. look alright. Got bit more of a proper battery replacing the little 260CCA I had with a 380 CCA. That should be all it needs. It was working fine with the 260 even.
Must replace front springs n shocks as they are both original at present. All bushes will probably be replaced when time allows.
The whole car needs stripping and painting and putting back together. Im planning on doing it the original Grey and white roof still with no flares or spoilers only the scoop. Will paint the scoop grey to match the car and blend in a little more.
As was mentioned in another post -
Looking like the front drivers side plug is pretty much totally dead for some reason, have ordered a complete new set now that its all run in. Hopefully just something happened to that plug, or else could be a lead or anything else.
I drove the Torana from Wagga to Shepparton, down the Hume Highway, it was great fun, particularly stopping in to get fuel etc, seeing all the normal cars around us. There is lots of cool cars around Shepparton. I think a lot of people were surprised to hear this thing going, especially when looks dont really give it away. From the moment I left Wagga I new there was something wrong with the engine though as the exhaust temps were strange and the car was not as responsive as it should be and felt down on power.
Its all part of sorting the thing out though, and there are a few other things goin on, like now with lowered springs, the diff is hitting the exhaust on bumps, so might get rid of the over the diff set up and run the tail pipes under the diff, will be much more satisfactory.
Everything else is quite good, diff is leaking and box is eventually leaking after sitting a week or so. Thinking that may be the oil draining back to pan and seeping out dipstick hole or something, may need some sealant.
Oh also got some seat covers to cover up the seat cracks lol, there black. look alright. Got bit more of a proper battery replacing the little 260CCA I had with a 380 CCA. That should be all it needs. It was working fine with the 260 even.
Must replace front springs n shocks as they are both original at present. All bushes will probably be replaced when time allows.
The whole car needs stripping and painting and putting back together. Im planning on doing it the original Grey and white roof still with no flares or spoilers only the scoop. Will paint the scoop grey to match the car and blend in a little more.
Edited by BlownOutlaw, 18 November 2008 - 07:38 PM.
#103
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 19 November 2008 - 08:10 PM
Glad to hear your Torrie is on the road & legal now. I had a leak from where the dipstick pipe goes into the TH350 case in my Torrie too, it was one of those chrome Redline ones with a rubber o-ring & no matter how much sealer I put around it I could never stop the leak. I ended up replacing it with a VR-VS Commodore type that has a rubber sleeve that slides over the pipe instead of an o-ring & has a plastic lock lever on the dipstick itself. Haven't had any oil leaks since.
#104
lcgtr1970
-
- Members
-
- 1,702 posts
Forum Fixture
- Name:Jordan
- Location:having a beer, looking at the torana
- Joined: 13-March 06
Posted 20 November 2008 - 05:36 PM
good job on the torrie.i reckon you should leave the flares and spoilers off it. it gives it the sleeper look, but has that hint of something mad once the bonnet is seen.
in the end it is your choice tho.
#105
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 20 November 2008 - 06:55 PM
Thanks. I'll try and get a proper photo when I get a chance. Looks a lot better now with the rear lowered a bit.
#106
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 15 February 2009 - 08:42 PM
OK hi everyone, I got a few snaps of the Torana today that I thought were OK so posting them up.
Should be ok. What do ya think ??
Maybe a quick reminder about whats under the bonnet
Should be ok. What do ya think ??
Maybe a quick reminder about whats under the bonnet
Edited by BlownOutlaw, 15 February 2009 - 08:51 PM.
#107
fatslr
View Garage
-
- Members
-
- 1,247 posts
Forum Fixture
- Name:Garth
- Location:Dunsborough W.A.
- Joined: 17-July 07
View Garage
Posted 16 February 2009 - 12:56 PM
Love the Torrie mate definately got a good sleeper look from the rear nice work 
#108
fatslr
View Garage
-
- Members
-
- 1,247 posts
Forum Fixture
- Name:Garth
- Location:Dunsborough W.A.
- Joined: 17-July 07
View Garage
Posted 16 February 2009 - 12:56 PM
Love the Torrie mate definately got a good sleeper look from the rear nice work
#109
Statler
-
- Administrators
-
- 6,309 posts
Heckler Extraordinaire
- Name:Col
- Location:Mackay Qld. Whitsundays for all you back packers!
- Joined: 20-May 06
Posted 16 February 2009 - 12:59 PM
I was looking at the car pics & thinking , all it needs is a bowls hat on the rear shelf.
Then i saw the engine pic! LOL
Then i saw the engine pic! LOL
#110
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 16 February 2009 - 06:26 PM
Hi guys, yeah thanks. And really, I dont want to attract any attention with this driveline combination. Its a great car. I reckon it would run in the 11s from the feel of it, if not sub 11.5s. It goes alright. So looks can be very deceiving, but u only have to really hear it to know what the story is.
My old Torana ran 10.7s, by comparison.
This thing is a great street combination.
My old Torana ran 10.7s, by comparison.
This thing is a great street combination.
#111
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 January 2010 - 11:38 AM
Hi everyone.
Went on a bit of trip in the Torana over the weekend. A few hours prior to this I removed the two exhaust pipes from over the diff and installed 2 dump pipes at the back of the mufflers, sounded nice before, sounds better now, heaps tuffer.
Went from Wagga to Albury, stayed there friday night then got up at 6.30am on Sat morning and went on a run to Beachworth up in the hills and then back, its great fun going up there.
Then back at Albury, i'd not planned this but as it worked out I needed to pass some time before a birthday party that night so I decided to go for a drive then to Shepparton to have lunch with some friends there. Which I did.
And PS.. this car makes some major power & the combo is quite awesome, im starting to think it would run high 10's on the quarter as it will run up to 210K in about 10 sec. Anyway as proof of if you wanna make power u gotta burn fuel, by the time I had filled up in Shepparton to come back I had already put $200 of fuel in the car, and that was not the high octane expensive stuff. Ended up putting another $50 in at Albury again before I went home. So $250 of fuel for the whole trip.
Anyway, its great fun, on the way back from Shepp I decided to turn off the highway again and go back to Beachworth yet again and stopped up there for a cool drink before heading back to Albury. The overtaking power is amazing as you can imagine and going up around the mountains is not a problem. It was funny, I pulled up in the main street at Beachworth and switched the car off and suddenly its just so quiet lol, everyone else in the quiet little 4 x4 s etc had to have a chuckle. Got quite a lot of people having a look and a few asking questions or telling me you dont those cars around much any more.
I only saw 2 other Toranas the whole way. Both LJs. One at Albury which was a clapped out original and another green one when I was goin into the coming back from Shepparton, I gave them a wave on the way back and they saw me and waved also, not sure if they are on the forum or not?
Turned out to be a fairly expensive weekend with fuel, but geez its worth it when you get to drive a healthy 383 Chev Torana. Great fun.
Pic_0215_186.jpg 45.38K
27 downloads
Went on a bit of trip in the Torana over the weekend. A few hours prior to this I removed the two exhaust pipes from over the diff and installed 2 dump pipes at the back of the mufflers, sounded nice before, sounds better now, heaps tuffer.
Went from Wagga to Albury, stayed there friday night then got up at 6.30am on Sat morning and went on a run to Beachworth up in the hills and then back, its great fun going up there.
Then back at Albury, i'd not planned this but as it worked out I needed to pass some time before a birthday party that night so I decided to go for a drive then to Shepparton to have lunch with some friends there. Which I did.
And PS.. this car makes some major power & the combo is quite awesome, im starting to think it would run high 10's on the quarter as it will run up to 210K in about 10 sec. Anyway as proof of if you wanna make power u gotta burn fuel, by the time I had filled up in Shepparton to come back I had already put $200 of fuel in the car, and that was not the high octane expensive stuff. Ended up putting another $50 in at Albury again before I went home. So $250 of fuel for the whole trip.
Anyway, its great fun, on the way back from Shepp I decided to turn off the highway again and go back to Beachworth yet again and stopped up there for a cool drink before heading back to Albury. The overtaking power is amazing as you can imagine and going up around the mountains is not a problem. It was funny, I pulled up in the main street at Beachworth and switched the car off and suddenly its just so quiet lol, everyone else in the quiet little 4 x4 s etc had to have a chuckle. Got quite a lot of people having a look and a few asking questions or telling me you dont those cars around much any more.
I only saw 2 other Toranas the whole way. Both LJs. One at Albury which was a clapped out original and another green one when I was goin into the coming back from Shepparton, I gave them a wave on the way back and they saw me and waved also, not sure if they are on the forum or not?
Turned out to be a fairly expensive weekend with fuel, but geez its worth it when you get to drive a healthy 383 Chev Torana. Great fun.
Pic_0215_186.jpg 45.38K
27 downloads
#112
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 January 2010 - 12:09 PM
Hi Leigh.
Glad to hear you're out clocking up miles on your Torana, i bet it's alot of fun to drive. I've been driving my Orchid LH a fair bit & loving it. After driving around in late model Commodores it's great to be behind the wheel of an old school car again. Totally different feeling, you have to DRIVE these cars. Not sure of the economy of mine, the fuel guage doesn't work at the moment so i'm just filling it up every time i go for a drive. Any plans for the body & paint on your car or are you happy to leave it as is? I've noticed a few people giving mine looks as i drive mine, not sure if it's the colour, the fact it's a Torana or both. I removed my tail pipes & fitted dumpers at the diff like you & yeah it sounds heaps better, tough as & i love the noise it makes when i give it some revs
I'm thinking of running it down the 1/4 to see what it'll do but i don't think it'll be any where near as quick as your car, the TH700 isn't the best & i reckon it'll hurt the car's potential. Anyhow look forward to seeing more of your car on the forum.
Cheers Matt
Glad to hear you're out clocking up miles on your Torana, i bet it's alot of fun to drive. I've been driving my Orchid LH a fair bit & loving it. After driving around in late model Commodores it's great to be behind the wheel of an old school car again. Totally different feeling, you have to DRIVE these cars. Not sure of the economy of mine, the fuel guage doesn't work at the moment so i'm just filling it up every time i go for a drive. Any plans for the body & paint on your car or are you happy to leave it as is? I've noticed a few people giving mine looks as i drive mine, not sure if it's the colour, the fact it's a Torana or both. I removed my tail pipes & fitted dumpers at the diff like you & yeah it sounds heaps better, tough as & i love the noise it makes when i give it some revs
I'm thinking of running it down the 1/4 to see what it'll do but i don't think it'll be any where near as quick as your car, the TH700 isn't the best & i reckon it'll hurt the car's potential. Anyhow look forward to seeing more of your car on the forum.Cheers Matt
#113
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 January 2010 - 06:32 PM
Hi Matt
Thanks for the reply, nice to hear from you. I must get over and have a look at your updates for your cars. Im finding it hard to get on the forums much.
My exhaust had always been hitting on the diff if I find a big enough bump, being totally sick of it and wanting an easier option I made the litte dump pipes on flanges. So now no more hitting on diff and suspension works properly. Plus it sounds a little beefier. Ive not made it to dump straight down but its angled to shoot just under the diff and out back, dont want to be blowing dust up everywhere.
I would like to pull the car totally appart and make it like new again. I was thinking of a fluro green with black bonnet. But after all the driving I did over the weekend, it does help to have the sleeper or grandma's car look. I kinda love that, and people look twice when they hear it. So I think I will just paint it the original colours.
Ive been directed to some photos of the car that I didn't know were about they are from the Riverina Torana Club site. Have a look at these the car looks reasonably nice.
p5040145.jpg 140.18K
55 downloads
p5040146.jpg 167.28K
80 downloads
p7190006.jpg 172.2K
70 downloads
p7190010.jpg 219.37K
47 downloads
Thanks for the comments Matt. I keep saying im going to get into fixing this thing up properly, I will do soon.
Leigh
Thanks for the reply, nice to hear from you. I must get over and have a look at your updates for your cars. Im finding it hard to get on the forums much.
My exhaust had always been hitting on the diff if I find a big enough bump, being totally sick of it and wanting an easier option I made the litte dump pipes on flanges. So now no more hitting on diff and suspension works properly. Plus it sounds a little beefier. Ive not made it to dump straight down but its angled to shoot just under the diff and out back, dont want to be blowing dust up everywhere.
I would like to pull the car totally appart and make it like new again. I was thinking of a fluro green with black bonnet. But after all the driving I did over the weekend, it does help to have the sleeper or grandma's car look. I kinda love that, and people look twice when they hear it. So I think I will just paint it the original colours.
Ive been directed to some photos of the car that I didn't know were about they are from the Riverina Torana Club site. Have a look at these the car looks reasonably nice.
p5040145.jpg 140.18K
55 downloads
p5040146.jpg 167.28K
80 downloads
p7190006.jpg 172.2K
70 downloads
p7190010.jpg 219.37K
47 downloadsThanks for the comments Matt. I keep saying im going to get into fixing this thing up properly, I will do soon.
Leigh
#114
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 January 2010 - 09:15 PM
Here is a few more photos that seems to be being sent to me.
Torana4.jpg 40.29K
50 downloads
Torana3.jpg 31.01K
60 downloads
Torana2.jpg 46.89K
46 downloads
leigh
Torana4.jpg 40.29K
50 downloads
Torana3.jpg 31.01K
60 downloads
Torana2.jpg 46.89K
46 downloadsleigh
#115
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 25 January 2010 - 03:08 PM
Yeah it can be a tough choice, stock sleeper look or all out with flares, spoilers & SLR blackouts. Sometimes i wonder how my Orchid Torana would've looked in red or yellow & black war paint with flares & big rims but then i don't see many stock looking Toranas with tough running gear so i'm happy i went the stock look with mine. It almost got painted Chamois beige but the mrs talked me out of that colour. I like the interior in your car, it also suits the car with the SLR steering wheel & Pro Rachet shifter. I also like your choice of wheels, if i had've put HQ brakes on mine it would have the same rims on it. I think your car would look awesome with a fresh coat of the original colour & all the original trim etc & very unique, i've never seen another LH in the same colour/trim as yours. Then, after you mentioned the idea of painting it green, Barbados Green would look awesome on it too, a nice bright original Torana colour as well. Anyhow, I look forward to seeing how you progress with this car, it's one of my favourites on this forum. Cheers Matt
#116
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 25 January 2010 - 06:41 PM
Hi Matt
Those photos are 6 months or so old. I now have painted the cover of the shifter in matt black, looks even better.
I will probably paint it the same colours and freshen everything up, it should be pretty cool.
I did go and check out progress with your cars also and looks very good and I see you have done some work to the grey one also, will keep an eye on things there too.
Will post more if I actually start some proper work on mine.
Talk later
Those photos are 6 months or so old. I now have painted the cover of the shifter in matt black, looks even better.
I will probably paint it the same colours and freshen everything up, it should be pretty cool.
I did go and check out progress with your cars also and looks very good and I see you have done some work to the grey one also, will keep an eye on things there too.
Will post more if I actually start some proper work on mine.
Talk later
#117
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 20 February 2010 - 11:18 AM
Couple a photos
DSCF0028.JPG 463.5K
51 downloads
DSCF0030.JPG 457.38K
55 downloads
from this morning
DSCF0028.JPG 463.5K
51 downloads
DSCF0030.JPG 457.38K
55 downloadsfrom this morning
#118
Heath
View Garage
-
- Administrators
-
- 18,380 posts
I like cars.
- Name:Heath
- Location:Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne
- Car:Heavily Modified UC Sunbird Hatchback
- Joined: 07-November 05
View Garage
Posted 20 February 2010 - 03:07 PM
lol
I think I saw your old full chassis HZ thing today at Motorvate Melbourne?
I think I saw your old full chassis HZ thing today at Motorvate Melbourne?
#119
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 February 2010 - 08:15 AM
LOL. I thought you had sold the car Leigh. Or have you decided to keep it?
#120
_Yella SLuR_
_Yella SLuR_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 February 2010 - 08:50 AM
Nice Leigh. You going to Bathurst in April?
#121
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 February 2010 - 02:40 PM
DSCF0032.JPG 450.33K
22 downloadsCheck the smoke out down the back lol
Heath: Did u get any photos of the kingswood? The chassis is top doorslammer spec.
Matt: I just said I sold it to confuse people and wanted it off the for sale section, I was a bit confused myself, but decided to keep it for the moment and I have decided to strip the thing down totally. I bought a disc sander yesty with the with the velcro discs. Ive sanded back the crack at the back of the wheel arch and its not actually rust at all, it was a small bit of bog that cracked, underneath its all good just a small dent. Ive not found any rust in it yet, but have not taken it back too far, ive been stripping all the parts off it, bumpers front nose cone everything will be appart soon. Then will work on body and paint it and put everything back together.
Yella: Bathurst in April ? not that I am aware off. I wouldn't mind going to Heathcote though.
#122
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 February 2010 - 06:55 PM
Glad to hear you're keeping it Leigh, i can see the work you've put into it & you clearly enjoy owning & driving it. Have you decided on a colour yet? I'll be keeping a watch on this thread & feel free to PM me if you need any tips etc on the body/paint work.
#123
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 February 2010 - 08:20 PM
Im open to suggestions for a colour/s.
Pic_0221_366.jpg 92.44K
15 downloads
Thats a photo of it being pulled appart.
I was kinda thinking I like the ford colours like the XR8 Lime green, yellow or Orange. Possibly done with the black bonnet and around the windows.
Matt I will most probably need your help with advice on what to do and how to do things. Ive not done a lot with paint n panel before. I do have a spray gun though. Fixing the body properly is my main fear (dents etc).
Pic_0221_366.jpg 92.44K
15 downloadsThats a photo of it being pulled appart.
I was kinda thinking I like the ford colours like the XR8 Lime green, yellow or Orange. Possibly done with the black bonnet and around the windows.
Matt I will most probably need your help with advice on what to do and how to do things. Ive not done a lot with paint n panel before. I do have a spray gun though. Fixing the body properly is my main fear (dents etc).
#124
_LH SLR 3300_
_LH SLR 3300_
-
- Guests
Posted 22 February 2010 - 05:28 PM
The new model VE HSVs come in this green called Poison Ivy. It's a darker green with a gold flip to it in the sun, would look hot on a Torana. I can get a pic & post it up so you can see if you like it or not. Looks like you're already making good progress with the car, i might if i may give you a suggestion regarding paint removal. The strip discs you mentioned are excellent for removing old bog & surface rust etc but i personally wouldn't strip the whole car with them. The body/paint on your car looks to be mostly original so i'd be chemically paint stripping it. I did most of my Torana with a $60 four litre tin. It's a messy job but if you do one panel at a time it's not so bad. Chemical stripping won't remove the factory zinc anneal coating on the metal like sanders etc do so the panels will be less likely to oxidise as quickly. If you decide to use this method here are some pointers that i used when doing my Torana. When stripping mask around all the edges of the panel with at least three layers of 3/4 inch tape & some old newspaper to prevent the stripper running into the apertures. Don't forget to mask any holes etc such as the door lock/handle etc & the glass channels in the doors. In these pics you can see how i masked around the door apertures/boot apertures of my Torana to stop the stripper running in. Acrylic paint will melt & become very runny to with paint stripper, make sure you have some cardboard boxes for the waste. I placed a large bit of cardboard on the driveway as well to make the clean up easier to.
Another tip is if there are any small traces of paint/undercoat left, thinners & coarse steel wool like you do the dishes with is great for removing it & doesn't remove the zinc anneal coating if you don't scrub too hard. In one of the pics you can see an old repair on the quarter panel. Once i stripped all the paint off, surface rust that wasn't visible under the paint became evident. I removed the old bog with a strip disc & was able to treat the rust with deoxidine. If i'd just sanded & painted over this old repair eventually the rust would've come through my new paint as fine blisters. In the pics you can also see the paint edges around the bootlid, petrol filler neck etc. I feathered these back with dry P240. Once any repairs were finished, i lightly sanded the rest of the panel with P240 & it was ready for etch priming & undercoating.
Cheers Matt
Another tip is if there are any small traces of paint/undercoat left, thinners & coarse steel wool like you do the dishes with is great for removing it & doesn't remove the zinc anneal coating if you don't scrub too hard. In one of the pics you can see an old repair on the quarter panel. Once i stripped all the paint off, surface rust that wasn't visible under the paint became evident. I removed the old bog with a strip disc & was able to treat the rust with deoxidine. If i'd just sanded & painted over this old repair eventually the rust would've come through my new paint as fine blisters. In the pics you can also see the paint edges around the bootlid, petrol filler neck etc. I feathered these back with dry P240. Once any repairs were finished, i lightly sanded the rest of the panel with P240 & it was ready for etch priming & undercoating.
Cheers Matt
#125
_BlownOutlaw_
_BlownOutlaw_
-
- Guests
Posted 06 March 2010 - 09:24 AM
As of today I have 3 weeks leave from work, so you should see some work happening with my Torana coming up.
Matt, get ready for that advice of yours, im gunna need it most probably.
Pic_0304_376.jpg 84.31K
0 downloads
This photo is the Ford green colour that I think I would like to paint the car, except I would like the Torana black bonnet and window surrounds. The photo is poor quality and the green is much nicer than this.
Matt, get ready for that advice of yours, im gunna need it most probably.
Pic_0304_376.jpg 84.31K
0 downloadsThis photo is the Ford green colour that I think I would like to paint the car, except I would like the Torana black bonnet and window surrounds. The photo is poor quality and the green is much nicer than this.
2 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 2 guests, 0 anonymous users
