Got the heads on.  Next: lifters, pushrods, and rockers.  Since enough things have changed I need to ensure the stock size pushrods are the right size -- might be a little bit of experimentation req'd....

Motor looking really good. I see you have it all painted. You even taped around the freeze out plugs. The motor I just painted I forgot to tape them up and I painted over them. I like them better without paint. Are you dressing the motor up or using all the stock top end parts. Keep the pics coming its fun to see your progress.
Rodney

Looking good Dave. You'll be motoring around town before you know it!!

Man, that is really going to be nice once you get it together! Best of luck!

Thanks for the encouraging words, guys.  Rodney - yeah, I painted the block and heads separately prior to ass'y.  It looks pretty good, but there's a bunch of touch up I need to do, especially on things like bolt heads.  I'll probably end up re-masking everything and spraying it again once the intake is on.  As for top end parts my goal is mostly black instead of chrome.  You have to use modern center bolt valve covers with the vortec heads.  The guy that sold me the heads also sold me some stock valve covers from a late 90's truck (where the heads came from).  I've gotten them cleaned up and primed, but I haven't painted them yet.  They'll be some shade of black, maybe that crinkle finish stuff.  I may even consider having them powder coated, but not sure how much that would cost.  I think they'll look pretty good when they're done.  They have raised ridges and even a little circular flat spot where the crossed flag badge (like one on an LT-1 or L-82) will fit.  As for air cleaner, I may use my stock unit, but I'm concerned that a stock '76 single snorkel will not get enough air.  I've also thought about keeping the base unit with the snorkel, but using a lid from a '73-'75 that will open up the top.  But, my best option may just be to go with an open element black unit that I've seen on E-bay.  I found a repo '69 350/350 air cleaner sticker for it, too.  Starting to get exciting!  

The anticipation builds!  Just take your time and do it right! Resist that hurry up urge!

Dave,
Not sure what paint you used but if you are thinking about the black top end, I just sprayed my control arms and front springs with the POR15 epoxy paint and that stuff really sprayed great. It went on really smooth and very glossy. You could also go to a local parts house if you dont want to order POR15 paint and get a product called Chassis Saver (comes in silver and black). You will need to use a metal ready to prep the metal but you would be very happy with the results. I used a $15 dollar gun (harbor freight) to spray it. Keep the pics coming as you move forward. This group loves pics!
Keep up the good work, Lookin Good!
Rodney

Thanks, Rodney.  I may consider that POR 15 option.  Guess I could buy a Harbor Freight spray gun, but that part has always scared me away -- so easy to just buy what you need in a rattle can.  I've had pretty good luck with Plasticote products on this project so far.  I'm also going to check with a local powder coat shop here in town - just for kicks.  

I think stock length pushrods are just what I need -- tip of roller is dead-center on valve stem.  My machinist said I'd probably be OK re-using the stockers, but with the 1.5 ratio rockers and stiffer springs, I think I'll opt for a new set.  

Dave, if you want to stick with rattle cans, find a TSC "Tractor Supply" store and pick up some black semi-gloss implement paint. It's in a green can and made by Valspar - great stuff!! Most durable paint I ever purchased in spray cans. It's made for farm equipment so I think that explains the durability factor.

Paul

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Adams' Apple2011-08-16 05:23:10