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-   -   74 LeMans stocker "Buford" (https://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=49597)

Wayne Skelly 09-28-2013 09:13 AM

74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Started a build on a 40k mile 350 2bbl LeMans which has been parked since 99. Car was headed for scrap but it is now Billy Nees approved and endorsed! Car is the same color as the Buford T. Justice sheriff car from Smokey and the Bandit with a white top and lovely green and white interior(yup....that's right) of which the upholstery closely resembles my grandmas couch when I was growing up. I am told it will make a great Q, R or T car.

Trying to thrash it out for the Dutch classic coming up and stay close to the grand budget. Had some almost new 26x8.5s and 26" front runners laying around, Billy threw in a set of 4.56 gears and a posi to use for now. Just got a set of cheap headers and a Jegs XHD converter. Ordered a cam from Bullet which should be here Tues. The rear is out and opened, should have the gears in by the end of the weekend. Driveline is getting ready to come out as I am typing this(wife and kid are thrashing away while I slack!) Gonna check chamber volumes and upgrade springs then drop it back in figuring on an overhaul over the winter. Neighbor Bob and my son are gonna freshen up the trans the beginning of the week.

If all goes well we should be playing at Maple in a coupla weeks. I will work on the picture thing but am rather computer retarded unfortunately.

Robert Swartz 09-28-2013 01:25 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Pictures shouldn't be too hard. I just download mine and resize them in Microsoft Paint. From there just upload them from the "manage files" part at the bottom of the messages.

Cool to have another car joining the build section. We need to start a "Dime Rocket" racing association. Model it after the "Chumpcar", commonly called crapwagons, road racing series. They have a dollar value on what the car can be worth. They call it a low grade racing series but many of the cars are nicely prepared. I'm real sure if we could manage a get together, we'd draw a big crowd at the races.

Just out of curiousity, where'd you score the car at?

Wayne Skelly 09-28-2013 01:55 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
I will try that for the pics then. It actually was about 3 miles from my house. We went to check out some potential 283 stuff for Billy, found the car outside the garage and they said it had been inside the garage until about a year ago and now they were gonna fill it with scrap and junk it. My boy goes....I wonder if that would qualify as one of Billy's Aardvarks?? And here it is!

Wayne Skelly 09-29-2013 06:55 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
The rear is stripped and ready for the gear swap. Motor and trans are out and split...gonna tear down the top of the motor later today and hopefully get the rear back in.... Progress is being made!

FrankChastain 09-29-2013 07:12 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Pictures sure would be nice....They are worth a thousand times years later, ask me.....Frank

Wayne Skelly 09-29-2013 08:44 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
1 Attachment(s)
Not the best pic but its a start

Charlie A 09-29-2013 08:46 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Skelly (Post 402063)
Not the best pic but its a start

What I do best:

http://classracer.com/classforum/att...5&d=1380458574

http://classracer.com/classforum/att...6&d=1380460129

bob3240 09-29-2013 09:09 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Wayne good luck on your Lemans build. What are you using for ignition? I have '77 Lemans 400 (same body) and the car always hooks on a decent track. You have lots of potential there. (See Bill Edgeworth) . That motor won a lot of races years past in the Ventura body with a 2-bbl. Bob Michael.

Wayne Skelly 09-29-2013 09:10 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
1 Attachment(s)
Not the best again....apparently cant use the cell phone for pics. Buford in drydock.

Wayne Skelly 09-29-2013 09:13 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
using a Davis HEI unit I mooched from my neighbor

Bob Shupe 09-29-2013 10:50 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Wayne, Good luck with the build really looks like you found a pretty solid piece to get going with, and I bet Billy will really get into that.

Robert Swartz 09-29-2013 11:07 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Skelly (Post 402068)
Not the best again....apparently cant use the cell phone for pics. Buford in drydock.

Wayne,

That's not a bad looking car at all. Good luck with this build.

Just a question, was the car running when you guys got it? If you find anything like that around here, it's either pure junk or the owner wants to retire from the sale! Can't wait to hear the end results.

George W 09-29-2013 11:27 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Wayne, looks like you got a good start to this project and with Billy guiding you this should be a great project.I look forward to seeing the finished car

Wayne Skelly 09-29-2013 12:19 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
6 Attachment(s)
The car was running....old gas made it a bit stubborn but we managed to lay down about a 100 ft "one wheel wonder peel" before getting it up on the trailer! It does have a little rust here and there but overall is in pretty good shape. Here is some more pics.... I was surprised to see no bore notches for the intake valves and no valve notches at all in the pistons. My Pontiac experience is very limited but it doesn't fit with what I have seen before? Looks good inside motor....ridge is alomost non-existent. The boy got the control arms boxed and will be welding the tubes to center of rear in a bit.

chris ok 09-29-2013 08:35 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
congrats on the great project.
Way cool dime rocket.
I've never seen pontiac pistons like that, but do see the valve notches in block for the valves, I think, if my eyes work.
Billys thread is really great.
I got lucky enough to meet him at Cecil. I should get my pics off my phone of his launch and at the 700 or so foot mark.
Hope you get it done for The Dutch.
I hope to go on ssunday.lol.stutterrrrrerrrr
Keep us posted.

Chris

Mark Yacavone 10-01-2013 02:06 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Skelly (Post 402000)
Started a build on a 40k mile 350 2bbl LeMans which has been parked since 99. Car was headed for scrap but it is now Billy Nees approved and endorsed! Car is the same color as the Buford T. Justice sheriff car from Smokey and the Bandit with a white top and lovely green and white interior(yup....that's right) of which the upholstery closely resembles my grandmas couch when I was growing up. I am told it will make a great Q, R or T car.

Trying to thrash it out for the Dutch classic coming up and stay close to the grand budget. Had some almost new 26x8.5s and 26" front runners laying around, Billy threw in a set of 4.56 gears and a posi to use for now. Just got a set of cheap headers and a Jegs XHD converter. Ordered a cam from Bullet which should be here Tues. The rear is out and opened, should have the gears in by the end of the weekend. Driveline is getting ready to come out as I am typing this(wife and kid are thrashing away while I slack!) Gonna check chamber volumes and upgrade springs then drop it back in figuring on an overhaul over the winter. Neighbor Bob and my son are gonna freshen up the trans the beginning of the week.

If all goes well we should be playing at Maple in a coupla weeks. I will work on the picture thing but am rather computer retarded unfortunately.

Wayne...Let us know how that converter works...
Good luck
Don't drive Billy completely crazy..It's been said he doesn't have far to go...

Don Himes 10-04-2013 11:00 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Hey Wayne, have you found head gaskets yet? If not, I've got a number to call. You can PM me if you want.

Dave Ribeiro 10-04-2013 03:27 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Wayne..........You have a PM....

brent flynn 10-05-2013 09:48 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Some may disagree, but, this is what the spirit of Stock, and the sport, is all about... I have a '72 Lemans Wagon, that would fit this bill... i drive it everyday, but, it has a little rust on it... dont know how NHRA tech would feel about that :) Its a neat old car... I could run 250 hp 455, or 200hp 400... i just need a set of 7k3's, i think, for the 455... I happen to have a good TRW version, of both engines, sitting around :) Car already has 3.90 gears, Eaton posi, and Moser axles in it( rear would probably grenade itself, unless i go with 400 cubes, and 4.56-4.88s).. 10'' continental 3200ish converter...i have headers...Oh crap, this is gettin interesting! I even have a cam, its a Bullet, .405 with probably a bit too much duration, but it would work :) Should i , or shouldnt I? hehehe

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...37111160_n.jpg

Don Himes 10-05-2013 10:56 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Yo Brent, you must be a yougster if you don't remember my old K/SA, 1972 LeMans wagon with the Sport (GTO) nose on it. Even had junior stock stripes on the roof! 250/455 combo. Would have loved to have tried the H.O. set up for I/SA.

brent flynn 10-05-2013 02:16 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Himes (Post 402989)
Yo Brent, you must be a yougster if you don't remember my old K/SA, 1972 LeMans wagon with the Sport (GTO) nose on it. Even had junior stock stripes on the roof! 250/455 combo. Would have loved to have tried the H.O. set up for I/SA.

You have a pic? Im 44... i guess, in NHRA Stock, that makes me young :)
Im building my 68 Bird into an E or F car... but, would love to do a 'dime rocket".... I have most everything i'd need...except for some 7k3's... I have correct intake, a fairly decent shortblock(went 11.50s with stock heads, in my bird), 3.90 gears(to start), and decent converters...but the 10bolt is the weak link... Why cant we run a 400(with 4bbl)? I think it was rated at 250hp, as well...correct? I know the 455 is a no brainer...i just need a 12 bolt...or a good 8.5 10bolt... I wonder how good a 400/200 2bbl would run? I have everything but a correct intake...shouldnt be hard to find...

Todd Hoven 10-07-2013 03:05 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Very cool project Wayne, Billy speaks very highly of you and your work. Hope to meet you one of these days. If you need anything feel free to ask.

Brent, the reason no one runs the 400 in the 72 lemans is because it is rated 5 hp higher than the 455. The 55 is the much better combo. You could run the index with a bone stock shortblock.










Quote:

Originally Posted by brent flynn (Post 403007)
You have a pic? Im 44... i guess, in NHRA Stock, that makes me young :)
Im building my 68 Bird into an E or F car... but, would love to do a 'dime rocket".... I have most everything i'd need...except for some 7k3's... I have correct intake, a fairly decent shortblock(went 11.50s with stock heads, in my bird), 3.90 gears(to start), and decent converters...but the 10bolt is the weak link... Why cant we run a 400(with 4bbl)? I think it was rated at 250hp, as well...correct? I know the 455 is a no brainer...i just need a 12 bolt...or a good 8.5 10bolt... I wonder how good a 400/200 2bbl would run? I have everything but a correct intake...shouldnt be hard to find...


cicero819 10-07-2013 04:03 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Don do you still have your great wagon, I took so many pictures of it at the Groves. My question is , did they come with the hood scoop and side vents as a wagon? It would make a wicked race car. I'm sure you had no traction problems. Claude Ruel

brent flynn 10-07-2013 08:22 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd Hoven (Post 403323)
Very cool project Wayne, Billy speaks very highly of you and your work. Hope to meet you one of these days. If you need anything feel free to ask.

Brent, the reason no one runs the 400 in the 72 lemans is because it is rated 5 hp higher than the 455. The 55 is the much better combo. You could run the index with a bone stock shortblock.

No doubt... i think i could shatter it, by atleast .3-.4, with no trouble... i think legal weight, is 4075... The '62 weighs only 50lbs less than that, and runs 12teens, with nothing...only real difference, would be about point and half, of compression...ITs something i may have to throw together, in the next couple years... biggest issue is rear axle... IT would be fun, and hook on gravel!

Logus 10-07-2013 09:42 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

IT would be fun, and hook on gravel!
You said FUN and Hook. http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps04f104b1.jpg

brent flynn 10-07-2013 10:26 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Logus (Post 403400)

That's what im sayin! Heck, i already won a trophy with it, :) It was born to race...hehe

lvd2340 10-08-2013 12:47 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
That Tons of Fun wagon was one of my fathers favorite cars from back in the day, to bad it's so difficult to find one of those wagons.

brent flynn 10-08-2013 09:57 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lvd2340 (Post 403474)
That Tons of Fun wagon was one of my fathers favorite cars from back in the day, to bad it's so difficult to find one of those wagons.

I have one :) Its a neat old car... hoping to break 13's with it, tomorrow evening...

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...37111160_n.jpg

Charlie A 10-13-2013 09:24 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by brent flynn (Post 403525)
I have one :) Its a neat old car... hoping to break 13's with it, tomorrow evening...

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...37111160_n.jpg

There was a twin to that one in my hometown when I was a kid. I've always been a longroof fan. I had a 64, 4 speed GTO at the time. I always imagined owning one of these with a 4 speed.
Neat cars!

brent flynn 10-17-2013 08:45 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
This one came from Witchita, Kansas...then ended up in Oklahoma...then to Indy, around '93... i bought it in March 2011... 14.10/96mph 1.96 60' on street tires... 13's are around the corner...

Todd Hoven 10-18-2013 12:17 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Has the Burford car made any runs or headway yet?

Mark Yacavone 10-18-2013 04:14 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Guy, I hate to be an ol' stick in the mud, but you need to run that car with a 4 bbl.
The 2 bbl is just too small with 350 ci.
You can run it in N without a roll bar. The hp is way too high but it will still run the index easier with a 4 bbl.
Write a letter to NHRA. Tell them the hp was kicked up on that car because of Rink's GTO.
A Ventura body style with a ram air hood..
Should be back down to 250 max...Really 235 where the GTO started.It should have never been factored up in the first place.

bob3240 10-18-2013 05:11 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Amen to Mark! Keep writing those letters and working on the car. They reduced my '62 Grand Prix from 318 to 275hp although I still had to throw a bunch of money at it to be in the middle of the pack for a K/SA!

Wayne Skelly 10-20-2013 09:33 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Sorry for disappearing on everyone. Been working a lot of overtime at my regular job and the garage has been crazy at night. With only the Lee Sherman left this season and since the engine is already out I am going to blueprint the shortblock over the winter and come out swinging in the spring. Good news is the rear is done and back in the car, the trans is fresh and ready to go and the carb is redone.....so I have a great headstart. I will keep everyone posted as I make progress .

Mark Yacavone 10-20-2013 05:16 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Danny Ashley,,,7-10-11
Can you spare a dime..thread


Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Ashley (Post 268289)
Back in the late 80's when I had my 1974 GTO I considered the 2-bbl. because that body was a one engine combination for a 4-bbl. I obtained a manifold and carburetor and knowing that the late W.A.Lee worked on 2-bbl's, I sent it to him. He called me up and said they had tried it already and that the carb was too small and it would slow the car one and a half seconds. I had looked at Allen Peters at the time and made my decision off him but W.A. informed me that the '69 Chevy had a much larger venturi. He didn't want to do it because he felt I was wasting my time and sent it back. I really didn't think it would kill it that much so I decided to try it anyway.
It was in the fall and we had decent air but nothing like I had just ran at the Keystones where I was no.1 qualifier and ran 11.97 in L/SA which was really quick for that time. The car at that time with the 2 bbl. was P/SA and the index was an odd number for some reason of 13.54. My first pass was 13.53 followed by a 13.52. The car had no power. I had to almost floor it to do a burnout. I came back and installed the 4-bbl. set-up which is quick to do on a Pontiac and went right back up and went 12.22. I'll admit that the car could go quicker with maybe more gear, smaller headers, cam change, etc. but it didn't look worth the time and money to flogg it out especially when the 4bbl. was so good.
One last thought. Please don't base the 2bbl. combination off of Bill Rink's car. Bill is a good friend and carburetor customer and I can tell you that his engine is a "Top Shelf" Parson & Meyers piece as is everything else on the car. Definitely not a "Dime Rocket". Just a "Rocket" in it's day.


BigBlockBill 01-24-2021 04:55 PM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Was this build ever completed??

Billy Nees 01-25-2021 08:34 AM

Re: 74 LeMans stocker "Buford"
 
Nope, I'm sorry to say. Wayne went Bracket Racing with his Wife and Son. It was a better fit for him. It was a really nice survivor car but by the time that I got there to try and save it, it had been scrapped.


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