1995 RMW Jade Project Wagon

Looks great, Chris. Can't wait to see it with some wheels and an altitude adjustment!

Ya know, some black/polished C5's would look awesome on there now!

Looks great. Can't wait to see what you do with the wheels.

You mentioned having trouble putting the trim back on. I'm going to be doing that myself soon enough. Any tips you can share would be great.

Which trim? The upper trim? If so...the main thing is to watch those front spears. If the pushpin clips are broken, you need to get creative. One of mine were (the very front one on the passenger side) and I had to use some black silicone and tape to make sure that spear didn't fly away.

I will be on the lookout for another down the road.

Also, if any of your other push pin clips are broken (and you don't have extra on hand) don't forget silicone (clear..I used black since my trim was black) can be your friend

You can see where I used a little bit to make sure those push pins held tight. My trim had been off before (and woodgrain replaced) so whoever took it off was a little rough.

Chris, when I took off my trim, I had the same problem with the trim and those plastic thingies. I went to the hardware store and bought a few of what I call (as a tradesman) plastic rawls. They are those plastic things that when you buy something that has to be hung or secured, they always include them in a little package with 2 screws.

They come in several sizes, I think it is a larger size, cut the back off and push it in the hole. Then put your trim back on. Mine have been holding for 5+ years.

Tom

brokecello wrote:

Locally, I could only find a roll of 1/2 in trim...so I cut a touch off that. Could not find a source for stock OCC trim

Chris, what is the width of the trim? In FL, Krzdimond showed me the trim for the RMW's front bumper which is a dead-on-balls exact match to factory. It was a strange width IIRC, I wrote down the manufacturer, width and PN in a notebook at home. If it's the same width as the OCC bumper trim, it can be had. And even if it isn't, just having the manufacturer's name might help you find the correct size. If Krzdimond doesn't have it handy, I can post it later.

I can't believe how this treatment has turned the repulsive (to me) side wood trim into a sexy asset. Truly cool.

I'll take a measurement Lynol! Ive used that trim before (I am assuming you are talking about the upper bumper RMW trim?) Just could not find it anywhere locally (and I was in a pinch) Is this what he used?

http://www.longroof.info/body.html


Do you have a picture of what you used Tom? I am very interested!!!

Thanks for the compliments too guys, it is a lot of fun. Someday it will get a full WB4 treatment...but this wood will get me by fr awhile. It gets lots of comments!


Yesterday I spent some time cleaning the rear end up....I have an appointment with a club member in NC next Sat for a Posi and Gear install! I've had this stuff since WagonFest FL 2011 (got it there)

Counting down till Sat!

I know my exhaust will need to be moved for those huge rear wheels Jarrod has for me. Its gonna look GOOD!

I will add...this is how the rear looked after I drove it home from
Atlanta. I cleaned up the underside up to the axle already. But I
finally had time to do the axle back. It was NASTY

Those wheels are going to look sweet!

Whoo! Got my posi tag today....that is the last of the parts needed for Sat

Sorry I didn't check back sooner. The molding Robert (krzdimond) told me about wasn't a buy in pep-boys kind of thing, he bought it off line, came in a dull looking cardboard box. "ProtektoTrim" number 37-530, 7/16" A quick look on google shows this company sell all kinds of trim, so even if 7/16" is not your size, check them out.

3.42 Posi installed!!

A fellow CarISSMA club member (Tom) did the install and let me help as well. I have never done one of these before...and he took the time to tell me about each step of the process. Was an awesome day for sure!

Here are some pics...



Axles out


Outer wheel bearings out


New in.


2.93 out!

Code for my 2.93 Axle (which now is a 3.42 axle!)


Washing the parts..this took a while! Started with the caps...


Replacing the bearings on the posi unti


To get the new 3.42 ring gear installed...he baked it in the oven for a touch to get it to drop right on.


Heating a bearing for the pinion (I have never seen a Bearing "hotplate" before!)


3.42 ready for the next step of installation!






Measuring the backlash

Fiddled with the shims more...then took a break to watch the KY Derby (I'm from Louisville, so I miss being there this time of year...)




Changed the shims around some more...then had the backlash right where he wanted it. Time to check the contact pattern


Success!




Final touch (because I am weird!) I will be painting the rear too when I replace the shocks and rear control arms...its on the list!


Oh, and my first 2 wheels arrived from Rody-man!!!

Looking good there - Chris.

Thats mail I wouldn't mind getting, did you give the post man a big hug?

No, it was pretty late when I got home....he was long gone by then! Hey...thank YOU again for the parts and help too 1phastsswagon!! Wish you could have hung out longer!

Chris

Yes wish I could have stayed but you know what they say.................All play and no work makes your play time alot shorter. LOL

Excellent post! Nice shop your friend has there! Floors are spotless. He appears to be an Earnhardt fan. You think he would be interested in a limited edition Dale Earnhardt Snap On toolbox? Has never been inside of a shop and still has the plastic over the decals. Would look nice in his shop...

Is that an Auburn locker I see?

My brother Roady-man sure does some nice paint work! If you guys only had a chance to see all of his work and that skillful magic he works with a paint gun.

Looks great Chris and now the fun driving begins.Should be quite a bit more responsive with the new gearing.
Cant wait for the new wheels to be installed.

That and I am sure your happy with having no more leaks, and NOT spending the MOD money on gear oil !

Well, started getting sick yesterday at work...didn't sleep much...was up most of the night and thinking about the wagon. Lol That hood kept bugging me more and more (hard to tell from pics, but it has bad acid rain spots as well as checked paint) so I got up this morning, took the grille and buick emblem off...and dropped it off for paint at my body guy's place.

Now I can sleep. Zzzzzz

Here is a shot way back when I bought it...shows the spots. They cleaned up after a good buffing and some wetsanding...but still are there. Really looks bad when the sun it on it.
https://2img.net/h/i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp261/chrisandcarapowell/Jade/IMG_2324.jpg

Ok wagonfest goers this is the car you are up against when it comes to looking good. Time to step it up.

Lol! Jarrod...too much pressure! Im just trying to get it sorted for the fun in July.

Got it back from the painter today. Looks a lot better...I didn't want him to go crazy with it since I have a limited budget...but he made it look beautiful! Fendertops and hood complete

Shaved ornament hole looks great!

FYI Chris,...The other 2 rims will ship on Monday for sure.

The Wagon Surgeon General says - Get it some rubbers

Yuuuup and 1phatsswagon your package went out yesterday.

So...this weekend will be one of my last big pushes on Jade. The goal is...

·         Front Springs
·         Front lower control arms
·         front Swaybar / endlinks
·         All new Steering components
·         Front shocks
·         ZQ8s
·         Front rotors and pads
·         Rear lower control arms
·         Rear shocks
·         Rear swaybar

Crossing fingers

brokecello wrote:

So...this weekend will be one of my last big pushes on Jade. The goal is...

·         Front Springs
·         Front lower control arms
·         front Swaybar / endlinks
·         All new Steering components
·         Front shocks
·         ZQ8s
·         Front rotors and pads
·         Rear lower control arms
·         Rear shocks
·         Rear swaybar

Crossing fingers

PFFT............Thats IT!! you slacker







J/K - need anything let me know

1phastsswagon wrote:

The Wagon Surgeon General says - Get it some rubbers

Who's he? C. Everett Kook?

1phastsswagon wrote:

brokecello wrote:

So...this weekend will be one of my last big pushes on Jade. The goal is...

·         Front Springs
·         Front lower control arms
·         front Swaybar / endlinks
·         All new Steering components
·         Front shocks
·         ZQ8s
·         Front rotors and pads
·         Rear lower control arms
·         Rear shocks
·         Rear swaybar

Crossing fingers

PFFT............Thats IT!! you slacker

NO KIDDING!!! GET WITH IT CHRIS, LETS GET CRACK'N!!

brokecello wrote:

So...this weekend will be one of my last big pushes on Jade. The goal is...

·         Front Springs
·         Front lower control arms
·         front Swaybar / endlinks
·         All new Steering components
·         Front shocks
·         ZQ8s
·         Front rotors and pads
·         Rear lower control arms
·         Rear shocks
·         Rear swaybar

Crossing fingers

How'd your weekend thrash go?!

Ha! I don't think he works fast enough to get a whole weekend in on Tuesday morning.

Well...my list of work to do is complete!! Finished up around 2:30am...forgot how much those 9C1 front springs are a PITA!! But its all done Cant wait to get it out for a test drive later today! lol
Huge thanks to my buddy Mike again! (he helped me with the woodgrain too) BigOldV8

63 RIVIERA! I must see more of that car. Oh yeah good job on your ride and that hoist is cheating in my book,... do the crap on your back next time LOL. Us northern guys are use to dealing with rust and dirt drive ways to do our work. you make it look to dam easy with the hoist and solid car. JMHO

Before/after pics of your car on 9c1 cut springs?

How much did you cut, looks like one coil?

I'm thinking about doing this for summer myself. Let's see!

So how's the ride? And wait while you guys did ALL that, there was no detailing of the wheel wells, frame or calipers.

TSK TSK

Ok, I know its cheating Jarrod ( oh and this garage has AC too) but I decided to just get it done! Wed I decided to make the trip ( about 6.5 hours north ) to my buddy's place in Louisville, KY. Left work Fri at 4....worked all day yesterday...leaving here for SC shortly since I have to be at work tomorrow.

I will do the painting/ wheelwell stuff at home...just was not time yesterday. It hurt me inside not doing it!!! lol

This trip was also a good shakedown for Jade too. Ill measure "after" height once I get home and everything settles. Yes that was one coil off the bottom

I also have to rework the rear tips..too close once the new wheels are on.

Chris

Survey Says??

I am not worthy!!!! Nice work Chris!!

BigBlackBeaSSt wrote:

I am not worthy!!!! Nice work Chris!!

Tim if he keeps going the way his is no one will be worthy LMAO

Chris was that a catering truck and a "We Come to You" masseuse vehicle parked outside the garage?You guys really know how to rough it when you are thrashing on your wagon!Wish I was your age and physically able to do what you guys did this weekend.Wagon looks great!

A/C too that is WRONG JUST WRONG. Now I kind of wish I never sent you those last two rims .

Whoo! Was a late night home...I75 South was closed at the KY/ TN line. So took US25E which added an hour ir so. Wagon drives AWESOME!

Stock height = 29.5"( keep in mind my old springs had 220k on them and useless shocks )
New height = 28.5" with 9C1 (bottom coil cut) springs and Severe Service Shocks

At the exhaust shop now having tips run out back (so the rear wheels and tires will work)

Seriously that is going to be the best wagon I have seen in a long time when you get those rims on there. Great Job Chris.

brokecello wrote:

Whoo! Was a late night home...I75 South was closed at the KY/ TN line. So took US25E which added an hour ir so. Wagon drives AWESOME!

Stock height = 29.5"( keep in mind my old springs had 220k on them and useless shocks )
New height = 28.5" with 9C1 (bottom coil cut) springs and Severe Service Shocks

At the exhaust shop now having tips run out back (so the rear wheels and tires will work)

That's from ground to center of the fender, yeah?


Time to go measure mine. I have SS shocks that I installed back in December, and 120k old springs that are FAR too soft.

Thanks, Chris! She looks good.

Very Nice!!!!!!!

Yes, that was from the ground to bottom center of wheelwell opening.

Thank you Jarrod! You had a big part in this too Oh, I took some pics of that Riv for you.

Not sure about the Z28 Tips, but they will grow on me. I'll have to change them again in the future when I do the rollpan anyhow.

Chris

Counter sink those babes into the roll pan when you get it done, and that will be nice.