Wagonlicious

I took a picture of the interior panel on the [1995 Caprice] wagon’s tailgate / end gate so people can see where the 6 panel retainers are located. Once you take out the screws on the top edge and the four or so screws around the sides, you still have to pop these all out. The two in the middle are the ones that make you think something’s wrong and that you missed a screw – but you didn’t. :)

The replacement retainers are available through Dorman, so most parts stores have them. I got mine at Advance Auto since that was the closest store to me, and they came in a 3 pack identified as GM fasteners.

wagon rear panel

The passenger-side window’s been fixed, now. The little slider thing at the end of the regulators broke (which is common with the original design), but I got the last new one at the Chevy dealership. Apparently they’ve been discontinued, so I’m off to start hoarding nylon power window slidy deals now.

Tomorrow, the cover goes back on the inside of the end gate.

So, I stuck an old 600 Holley (not really old, but also not in use) on the truck today. It runs pretty well now – after replacing the primary bowl and metering block gaskets, as well as the accelerator pump diaphragm. A 600 is a little small for the 454 in my truck, but it’ll just have to do while I finish figuring out what the heck went wrong with the 750 double pumper that was on there. I’m pretty sure some passageway got clogged, since I didn’t do a real rebuild. But it runs well enough with the vac. secondary 600 to drive it up here where I can actually work on it.

Actually, the throttle response is great with the 600, the electric choke is convenient, and I don’t really need a race truck. I might just try the 750 on the Chevelle and see what it can do with some real airflow…

In any event, it ran and performed well during the test drive.  The tires ride well, the brakes brake well, and the new fuel tank doesn’t leak.  Plus, I had actual heat coming out after a short ride.  So, I’m hoping to con someone into riding down with me later this week so I can drive the truck back up here.  Volunteers are welcome. ;)

So, I finally have most everything recovered after the gate.com debacle which was their vps migration. Their support’s not bad, and their prices are great – but there’s always a tradeoff in low-cost hosting… :) In any event, I’m glad to be back online.