What have I done...My '76 TA

[41mag]

Get rid of the quadrajunk carb (keep it, but shelf it) put on a Carter AFB carb.. 650 or 700 CFM
If you are going back with orig 455 and keeping it pretty much stock, i would opt for the 650CFM , good thing about them is you can re-jet without disassembly...
you will have way fewer probs from Carter than the Rochester....trust me. They work great. They even come chromed !
(FYI- Edelbrock carb is a Carter with Edelbrock nameplate )

 

[shotgun 01]

Get rid of the quadrajunk carb (keep it, but shelf it) put on a Carter AFB carb.. 650 or 700 CFM
If you are going back with orig 455 and keeping it pretty much stock, i would opt for the 650CFM , good thing about them is you can re-jet without disassembly...
you will have way fewer probs from Carter than the Rochester....trust me. They work great. They even come chromed !
(FYI- Edelbrock carb is a Carter with Edelbrock nameplate )

Thanks for the info. I agree about the Q-jets, however, years ago I knew an old guy who was a carb specialist. He tricked it out after we rebuilt the engine and it has always been good. Of course, I probably just jinxed myself by saying that.

 

[shotgun 01]

Went by for a visit. The guy doing the work seems to be excited about it. He keeps telling me what good shape the body is in. No dents in the lower rocker panels and only one small spot of rust. Very little body work to do.

 

[41mag]

Thanks for the info. I agree about the Q-jets, however, years ago I knew an old guy who was a carb specialist. He tricked it out after we rebuilt the engine and it has always been good. Of course, I probably just jinxed myself by saying that.

Certainly the Rochesters arent junk by any means. The Carter is a simpler carb, leans more towards performance where as the Q-jet is more of an emissions mongrel.....that being said, i have experienced some quads that are performance enhanced and do right well.
Both have a footing in the history of hot rods and stock rides....the Carter does perform, in my opinion, throught the range of idle to WOT a bit better for the slightly modified than does the stock Rochester.

It is a dealers choice of course. I have often said myself that ‘...if it performs well, then leave it alone’.

Let me know which way you go too, if you dont mind. I am hungry for final pics and numbers.

 

[roundhouse]

Okay, you resto gurus, I gots a question for you. When it comes to brakes, should I go back with original or upgrade. I don't want or need something like Wilwoods, so if I upgrade, what do you recommend? Keep in mind, we are an older couple that just want to cruise and look badass. We aren't going racing, but we want to STOP.

Also, should I replace the starter and alternator, or have them rebuilt? If rebuilt, who does a good job. I want them to look original.

If the starter and alt are original I’d rebuild em

I’d rebuild em anyway
All the ones at auto parts stores are old ones that have been cleaned and put in a new box
With virtually no rebuilding done

 

[roundhouse]

I’d keep it as close to stock as possible

If that’s a numbers matching factory 455 4 speed

It’s gonna be worth some good money when you’re done

Get it appraised and get some good insurance on it and consider a hidden switch for the starter

A friend of one has a old 70s car and he’s put some money into it
But his kids drive it so he’s not eligible for classes card insurance

put a small button switch , that is inline with the normal starter switch , hidden under the edge of the seat cover

Or was it under the carpet by the seat belt ?

Anyway it’s wired in series , which means you have to turn the switch on the column like normal and also hit this hidden switch at the same time


If the original engine has already been rebuilt once and was bored .0030 over , there may not be enough to rebuild it again

 

[imawoodsman]

You are right brother, " You have gone and DID IT now.
ALL systems need a GOING THRU.
Better now than later. Just MHO!!
GREAT project, where do ya find the TIME!!!

 

[shotgun 01]

You are right brother, " You have gone and DID IT now.
ALL systems need a GOING THRU.
Better now than later. Just MHO!!
GREAT project, where do ya find the TIME!!!

I don't know, buddy. Right now I am wide open.

 

[shotgun 01]

Going for a visit today, so hopefully I will have some new pics. I got my new exhaust ordered over the Christmas break, as well as some interior parts that were lacking. Will be taking the wheels and exhaust manifolds to the powder coating/ceramic coating guy next week.

 

[imawoodsman]

Can't wait to see the NEW pics!!!