Frosty

Another sad day in GM history. The last Australian built Holden's have rolled off the assembly line. These might also be the last Australian built automobiles period since Toyota and Ford have already ceased production. http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/10/20/car-production-ends-in-australia-with-last-general-motors-model-built.html http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2017/10/19/australia-general-motors-plant/782900001/

Those are two fine looking SD-455s.

I totally agree 360. The thing is Ringo still could make up three "mix n match" calendars if he so choose to. Ohhhh.....zinger!

Good advice from all the folks above Mike. stratman - I forgot about Mike Noun. That's a good reminder for all of us.

Touche.

Thanks for correcting me on the convertible vs. coupe issue Mike. Sorry about that. Just think how much it would cost to make your Firebird handle and perform as well or better than the WS6? Enjoy the 2001 LS-powered WS6 TA for what it is and enjoy the 1968 OHC6 Firebird for what it is. Let's face it, we are spoiled by the performance and creature comforts of our modern day cars. 30-40-50 year old and older cars didn't have all those things. The old cars did two things well: 1. They looked good and you could tell them apart. 2. They went fast in a straight line. Other than that - the radio, brakes, handling, seating all sucks compared to today's modern cars. However. there are some relatively inexpensive things you can do to improve the handling of the Firebird without breaking the bank. Some might be on the must do list too. Mind you it will never handle as well as the WS6, but you can do a lot to reduce the body roll and improve handling just the same. Replacing the bushing and ball joints, upgrading the front sway bar to a larger bar, installing a rear sway bar (since I am betting it doesn't even have one - a lot of them didn't), upgrading the steering gear with a higher ratio unit, and upgrading to modern radial tires will do a lot to improve handling. Front disc brakes will do a lot for stopping it too.

Absolutely nothing in my book and I suspect in SPRINT6's book too (our resident OHC6 guru). The OHC6 engine has quite a following the Pontiac world. In fact, an entire Pontiac-Oakland Club International specialty chapter is dedicated to the OHC6 and I would recommend using them as a resource too: http://www.ohc6.com/

That's up to you and your wallet. There is value in an all original, numbers matching car. This would mean retaining the 6 cylinder and the three speed on the tree. Not really a manly car to be sure, but it would be all original. Upgrading the car to a V8 will probably mean switching the transmission to either an automatic or rebuilding the three speed. I suspect you'd want to cut a hole in the floor to put the three speed (or convert to a 4-speed) on the floor with or without a console. Switching to a 4-speed means buying a whole new transmission. You may need to cut or order a new driveshaft too. If you put in an automatic, then you need to remove the clutch pedal, install the proper shift linkage, kick down cables, etc. These costs can add up quickly and easily run upwards of $10k or more depending on how manly you want to be with this car. I recommend starting slowly and fix what needs fixing - rust, brakes, fuel lines, interior, convertible top, etc. Get the car running safely and reliably. Enjoy the car as much as you can especially since it is a convertible - in the process. Perhaps converting to front disc brakes are also to your liking too. New shiny wheels and tires are also in the future - these all cost money too. So start making a two lists - one is the must dos (what has to be fixed and replaced) and the second is what you want to do - some day. Be realistic with the costs based on catalog and internet prices on both lists. Start with the must dos. Gradually work your way to the some day list. This gives you time to save your nickels and dimes while still enjoying the car. Buy parts for the some day list as you can afford it or the opportunity strikes. I've owned my Lemans for 22 years and I still have not finished my someday list since life does get in the way. That doesn't mean I've not driven my Lemans convertible in all that time either. I put 2200 or more miles a year on Lucy every year. So consider this a multi-year commitment and a multi-year enjoyment project.

I think you are in for a very enjoyable ride once you get it running and checked out Mike. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Heck I think we could have almost three calendars. One for just A-bodies (Tempest, Custom S, Lemans, T-37, GT37, and GTOs). One for F-bodies (Firebirds, Formulas and Trans Ams), and one for all the rest, G, B, W, and Kappa platforms.

Last Indian, I am with you. The UAW is just the tip of spear. I have expressed in numerous other threads that just because EVs are being built, where is the supporting infrastructure we need to support our driving life styles in EVs? Where are the charging stations that need to be as common as gas stations? What about certified service stations that know how to work on high voltage electric and perhaps fuel cell technology safely? What about the necessary upgrades to the power grid needed to support this massive shift from fossil fuels to electric vehicles? How are the power companies going to generate that huge increase in demand? So when I hear countries like France, China, and the UK want to have totally emissions free vehicles by 2025-2040 and stop selling fossil fuels completely, I think they are out of the freakin' minds. The billions that have to be invested in such a relatively short period of time is amazing and no one seems to comprehend that it will be private enterprise AND taxpayers combined who will have to pay for it. This will also mean a fundamental paradigm shift in job and skills for our kids and grand kids. More computer, electrical, and integrated circuit knowledge combined with mechanical knowledge - just to repair these vehicles.

The UAW has a huge legitimate reason to be worried about the electrification of the automobile for a couple of reasons. First is no internal combustion engine/transmission/differential means fewer moving parts and no need for skilled workers to produce them. Second the further outsourcing of larger electrical components and electrical sub-assemblies will further erode UAW member ranks to non-union or overseas suppliers. With the UAW failing to win organizing votes to transplant automotive manufacturers and parts suppliers in the South, the prospects of continued erosion of UAW membership remains high for the foreseeable future.

Oh sure....now you tell me because I simply ignore the hubris up above (hey at least I admit it). Let's go with the Route 66 picture.

Lucy at the restored Standard Oil Station (circa 1935) on Historic Route 66 in Odell Illinois.

I've driven thru Wickliffe a couple of times on I-90 on my to and from Warren, PA. Of course, I don't remember a thing about it since it was well over 15 years ago.

But hey, it was delivered.....somewhere in North America. Your job. Find it.

Hmmm....I guess NAFTA is working better for Canada that I had originally thought.

Wickliffe Ohio - between Euclid and Wiiloughby Hills off of I-90 - about 17 miles NE of Cleveland.

I am told the ride with the freshman "Princess" went very well. The car was back before just before I got home from work. I have not seen any photographs yet from the homecoming parade. Lucy is now put back into storage. I may have Lucy out on last time to look everything over, otherwise she is put away for her long winter's nap.

I always thought you needed snow tires year round in Canuckistan. Otherwise why do they call it "The Great WHITE North", eh? Hosers.

Last Indian, thanks for the data and the tech. I would plan to completely replace all the brake fluid in the system once I install all new hard lines. Pro - so you gonna' get up bright and early tomorrow and bleed them suckers before the big church meeting? Wife's birthday is sacred. You screw that up, you are sleeping on the sofa for at least a month. Tonight is the big prom ride for Lucy. I hope I get some pictures of it even though I won't be there to see it. I have to pick up the kid from college after work plus the parade starts at the same time I get out of work. Ironically, the homecoming parade is at my old high school and only a mile or two from where I purchased Lucy 22 years ago.

If the feds privatize or de-regulate the USPS I see several things happen almost all at once: 1. Letter postage would go up dramatically - thus hurting themselves in the long run 2. Pacel post rates / services would have to become competitive with FedEx, UPS, etc. rather quickly or face loosing substantial business. 3. Massive layoffs and a large consolidation of sorting centers and perhaps consolidation//closure of post office branches. 4. Pensions for existing postal workers would either have to be guaranteed by the federal government or they would face getting slashed / eliminated completely / converted to 401(k)/annuities. 5. Postal hours would have to eventually match customer expectations - including weekend hours (Saturday and Sunday).

I've suffered for my music. It was your turn.

Aw hell...what's the fun in that? Have you repaired / bleed the brakes on your GMC yet? Actually my question had more to do with any actual or perceived superiority of the SynPower/Bousch products vs. the rest. Your point is really well taken though.