stuart@ssc-vax.UUCP (Stuart Lewis) (03/27/84)
As a new user I have, until now, only read news articles on this system. Being an avid auto enthusiast, net.auto is my favorite group. What a wonderful opportunity for us to exchange ideas, views, expertise, parts sources, etc. Which brings to surface my request. This is probably aimed at the older members of the net (even though I am but 26) who have owned or had experience with the "fabled 409". I am the owner of a '63 Impala Sport Coupe (not S.S.) with the aforemen- tioned engine. This is not my daily driver (I own two other Chev's) but my restoration project. The motor and drive train are finished and the next step is the suspension and new paint. Even though the engine is com- plete and running, parts are as rare as dinosaur eggs (they quite building them in '65 - the really hot ones (400 & 425 H.P.) in '64) and I'm always on the lookout for extra parts whether I need them or not. Especially push rods, con-rods, heads, manifolds, cranks, oil pans, push rods, con-rods, cams, valves, blocks even, and particularly push rods and con-rods! How about it guys - have you ever owned a 409, what are your memories (good and bad) (*I've already eaten one camshaft!), experiences, tech advice, etc. Do you know of any parts sources? I have a tool shed full of parts and have at least one of everything including an extra '63 QA 425 horse block and even a couple of 348 tri-power set ups. I don't have any Z-11 stuff though. Anyway, I might be willing to swap or trade or buy outright. Let me have some feedback. "Where were you in sixty-two?!" Stuart Lewis (ssc-vax!stuart)
nowicki@uiuccsb.UUCP (03/29/84)
#R:ssc-vax:-1700:uiuccsb:5800010:000:599 uiuccsb!nowicki Mar 28 19:36:00 1984 I may only be 23 but I've heard of the great 409. Mostly from those die-hard chevy street rodders. I have a question on the drive train. Some of the old chevys I've worked on (64 Impala) had a two piece drive shaft. We had some bad experiences with the center bearing ripping of the the frame under high torque situations. The final solution was to get a custom cut drive shaft and weld in some extra supports on the frame so that the center X'ing could be removed. My memory of the car is rather vague however, did you have any such problems? Final note: You've got a gem, hold on to it!!!!!!
rb@beesvax.UUCP (03/29/84)
Good to hear that someone else appreciates the old cars! I currently am a member of the Bonneville Classic Chevy Club here in Utah. We are primarily envolved with the 1955-1957 cars and trucks, but "409's" are neat also. I currently own a 1955 Belair Convt. and a 1956 1/2 truck. Just in case you or someone else on the net may not be familiar, Hemmings Motor News is the bible of the old car hobbyist. Most bookstores should carry it. It contains everything you need in restoring old cars, from cars for sale, to services provided.