Yes, everyone likes surprises, right!? Well, I am beginning to get paranoid every time an email hits my inbox from MMC. I should caveat that at least there was one part of the email that got me really excited, even though it meant more money needs to be poured into this project.
I had not heard from MMC since the end of July 2009. I was happy to get some information on the progress when I saw an email waiting in my inbox from MMC. They are still working out the rust issues throughout the Olds frame. They are meticulously patching all the rust areas that have been cut out with new sheet metal. In the meantime, other work is being addressed such as the chrome trims being reconditioned and bumpers being straightened out and then re-chromed. The chassis is being powder coated.
The big surprise here is that my car was an original 4-speed car. The chassis had the factory cut out and they also found some 4-speed components when they disassembled the car. The bad news is that I already had them send out the TH-400 transmission to be reconditioned. This has already been completed. Yet, I wanted a 4-speed so bad in that car. I finally made a call to go ahead and make this a 4-speed car. I would figure out a way to sell the TH-400, which looked brand new after it was reconditioned.
“We have identified a nice 4-wheel disc brake system for the car as you requested, but have not yet ordered it. Once the car is off to the paint shop, we will begin the process of rebuilding all the running gear that attaches to the frame, including the new brake system. At that time, our engine builder will begin rebuilding your engine too. We will shoot to have the complete chassis ready for the painted body when it returns to us.”
The big surprise here is that my car was an original 4-speed car. The chassis had the factory cut out and they also found some 4-speed components when they disassembled the car.
I also wanted to get away from the rear drums, which never seemed allow the very heavy Olds to stop the way a car should. So they started to look at conversions that would work with my setup. Although this email does not state it, we settled on Wilwood braking setup.
MMC also began the process of rebuilding the 455ci big block. And last but not least, request for more money for the project.
Now, some of you may think that I am crazy to be spending the money that I am on this. You have to know that this is my project and this car has sentimental value that does not have a price tag on it. This was not an investment project; this was a personal project to honor my father.
Now the task of figuring out what I wanted as my 4-speed setup.
Here is the original email exchange:
