65 Fairlane pro-touring build

[Vic1947]

Can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted any progress. I finished a few punch list items on the GN and started welding the boxing plates on the passenger side of the Fairlane. In the middle of that, we went on a road trip to IL, IN, MI, OH, KY and back home to KC. We toured the Gilmore Auto Museum in Kalamazoo, but other than that we spent most of the time hiking various trails in state parks. I definitely overdid it as I returned home limping around with a sore left foot. Which gave me an excuse to sit on the couch with my feet up and stream the entire Mecum Indy auction.

I'm still only about 50pc, but I couldn't justify doing the layabout any longer. I have the boxing plates on the passenger rail welded in and ground down. Still a few pinholes here and there, but I've been trying to mark them as I find them and will make another pass after I finish up the driver side.

I don't think I mentioned I also setup the 8" diff for the rearend. The 8" is weaker than its 9" big brother, but with good parts should handle a stock Coyote. I installed a helical gear style Eaton Truetrac, Motive gears, a billet aluminum pinion support with larger bearings and a billet steel 1350 yoke.

[Vic1947]

My upholstery guy, Jeff, at Gladstone Auto Trim called to say my seats were ready to pick up. Talk about getting the horse before the cart! I'm two years away from even being remotely ready for seats, but what the heck. Stuff ain't getting any cheaper and I was able to source a pair of convertible seats with integrated shoulder harness that only needed new coverings. Jeff also did the rear seats to match the front seats. They used a grey thread on the French seams which doesn't pop as much as red or blue, but I wanted a more muted appearance. Doing the seats and fixing a few things on the Buick GN gives me a break from the mind-numbing tasks of welding and grinding. But I'm making a little progress on those fronts also.

I twisted off and placed an order with C2C for new floor pans, toe boards and quarter panels yesterday. Should take about 3-4 weeks. Was pleasantly surprised they offered a 10% discount to veterans. Every little bit helps.

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