Mike Phillips starts his journey to Autogeek.net!
- Thread starter Meghan
- Start date
OGauge4Me
New member
- Jul 23, 2008
- 580
- 0
Welcome Mike. I know you do not remember me, and that is ok. I signed up for a class you presented in Baltimore a few years back. I learned more in that class than I thought possible. I still feel that the time I invested in the class is still paying me back with dividends. Your attention to the little details makes for a first class detail on any automobile.
I am looking forward to your posts and advise on the forum.
I am looking forward to your posts and advise on the forum.
Erik Mejia
New member
- Jun 18, 2009
- 161
- 0
The Jimmy is coming along great. Looks like you're having fun relaxing and doing the things you love to do before going back to work. Have a safe, and fun filled trip Mike. :cheers:
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
***Update***
Removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstalled the transmission, transfercase and torque converter and it appears to be all correct and ready to go.
today I installed the starter, transmission cooling lines, transmission shift linkage, transfercase linkage, MSD coil, ignition box, distributor and valve covers.
Here's shot of the visible progress, sorry about the low quality, I've been using my iphone for a camera for speed and convenience.
Had a huge delay in progress on Thursday when after I installed the transmission and transfercase something was binding and the torque converter wouldn't bolt up to the flexplate.
I couldn't figure out or see what the problem could be so at 7:30am this morning I unbolted and removed the transmission and transfercase, cleaned and inspected everything and then reinstalled everything and this time everything meshed just perfectly.
If you've ever removed a transmission and transfercase out of a full size truck then you can understand how much work this is with a couple of buddies and even more work when you're doing it all by yourself.
Can you say...
Heavy Metal
Back to work...
Removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstalled the transmission, transfercase and torque converter and it appears to be all correct and ready to go.
today I installed the starter, transmission cooling lines, transmission shift linkage, transfercase linkage, MSD coil, ignition box, distributor and valve covers.
Here's shot of the visible progress, sorry about the low quality, I've been using my iphone for a camera for speed and convenience.
Had a huge delay in progress on Thursday when after I installed the transmission and transfercase something was binding and the torque converter wouldn't bolt up to the flexplate.
I couldn't figure out or see what the problem could be so at 7:30am this morning I unbolted and removed the transmission and transfercase, cleaned and inspected everything and then reinstalled everything and this time everything meshed just perfectly.
If you've ever removed a transmission and transfercase out of a full size truck then you can understand how much work this is with a couple of buddies and even more work when you're doing it all by yourself.
Can you say...
Heavy Metal
Back to work...
Brian_Brice
New member
- Jan 30, 2008
- 373
- 0
Awesome free agent pick-up AG! I've never spoke to Mike, but have long been a fan of his professionalism, and well known work ethic.
Good luck with the move Mike, and welcome to Florida.
-Brian
Good luck with the move Mike, and welcome to Florida.
-Brian
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
Here's an update,
Installed water temperature line and oil pressure line today, it's a little different on a big block as compared to a small block so nothing was a direct bolt on from the small block, but it's all done.
Installed the ignition system including mounting the hardware and then wiring all the components together.
If you look at the side of the engine block, just down from where the valve cover reads 454, you'll notice there's no headers. Test fit the Block Hugger Headers for the engine yesterday and found out they don't fit. The passenger side header hits the frame and the motor mount. The driver's side header just hits the frame.
You can see them in this picture and of course on the engine stand they fit fine, but they won't work in this frame and engine setup.
Called Jegs Saturday and the fastest a set of long tube headers can be shipped here without crazy shipping costs is Thursday.
So by Thursday, everything should be read to go and the engine should be ready to fire and break-in.
Installed water temperature line and oil pressure line today, it's a little different on a big block as compared to a small block so nothing was a direct bolt on from the small block, but it's all done.
Installed the ignition system including mounting the hardware and then wiring all the components together.
If you look at the side of the engine block, just down from where the valve cover reads 454, you'll notice there's no headers. Test fit the Block Hugger Headers for the engine yesterday and found out they don't fit. The passenger side header hits the frame and the motor mount. The driver's side header just hits the frame.
You can see them in this picture and of course on the engine stand they fit fine, but they won't work in this frame and engine setup.
Called Jegs Saturday and the fastest a set of long tube headers can be shipped here without crazy shipping costs is Thursday.
So by Thursday, everything should be read to go and the engine should be ready to fire and break-in.
Meghan
Super Moderator
- Mar 3, 2006
- 15,033
- 0
- Thread starter
- #32
I talked to Mike today and he is enjoying his time off with his son. We are looking forward to him starting his way on over here but very glad that he is taking much deserved and needed time off to just play! Once he gets here I am sure you all will keep him very busy.
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
***Success***
Well almost...
Fired the engine up yesterday and so far so good. Somehow the rear flange of the duel feed gas line for the carburetor was leaking gas onto the intake manifold so that's going to be replaced today.
Somehow missed plugging the hole in the back of the block for an oil line and had oil pumping out of the engine when we first started the engine so we plugged off that hole.
Ran the water temp sensor into the intake manifold and forgot to put a plug in the head where I originally was going to install the sensor so when we added water to the engine that hole had water flowing out of it. Plugged.
After plugging all the leaks we added the tranny fluid to the transmission and topped off and cycled the new power steering pump. Then we cycled the transmission by driving the truck backwards and forwards in the driveway selecting all the gears.
Next we had a local Tow Truck company tow the truck down to one of the local muffler shops to cut and fit the old exhaust system to the new Hedman headers. The old exhaust system is Flowmaster mufflers and is in great shape but needed the Ball & Socket flanges welded on to mate to the Ball & Socket flanges on the headers.
After that, I got to drive it for the first time! When you push down on the throttle the truck wants to jump. Nuff said.
Just for fun I drove it to a friends shop to show the guys the results and that's where I discovered the fuel leak so I left it there until the local speed shop opens up and I can get the new duel feed gas line and then go install it.
While the truck was at my friend Fernando's shop Fernando started inspecting the install and since firing up the engine and then driving it about 10 city blocks the engine has already shifted as the new rubber motor mounts settled in and now the headers are hitting the frame in at least 2 places and maybe 3 places.
Fernando said he could do a little cutting here and there and in one place do a little bending and make it right.
Summit Tech Rep helped me to order the right MSD Spark Plug Wires and in so doing sent me a set with 45 degree boots which snugged right up against the headers so we installed Belden wires for now and hopefully Summit will send me the right boots so I can install the correct wires for this ignition system.
That's about it. We're going to try to get everything dialed-in enough today to hook up the boat and take off and go camping tomorrow morning at Big Bear Lake. Just had a Bimini Top made for the boat so we don't get sunburned.
If everything is working good with the truck and boat at Big Bear then we're going to either take off for Lake Havasu or Oregon for a week for some more fishing and camping. Probably will go to Lake Havasu as it's closer and this project used up too much of our time we planned to use to drive to Oregon and back.
It's been a ton of work with more surprises and setback than I ever imagined, but driving the truck yesterday and knowing the truck now has the power to pull my boat to Florida to start my new career is comforting. (And a ton a fun)
More pics and some videos shortly....
Well almost...
Fired the engine up yesterday and so far so good. Somehow the rear flange of the duel feed gas line for the carburetor was leaking gas onto the intake manifold so that's going to be replaced today.
Somehow missed plugging the hole in the back of the block for an oil line and had oil pumping out of the engine when we first started the engine so we plugged off that hole.
Ran the water temp sensor into the intake manifold and forgot to put a plug in the head where I originally was going to install the sensor so when we added water to the engine that hole had water flowing out of it. Plugged.
After plugging all the leaks we added the tranny fluid to the transmission and topped off and cycled the new power steering pump. Then we cycled the transmission by driving the truck backwards and forwards in the driveway selecting all the gears.
Next we had a local Tow Truck company tow the truck down to one of the local muffler shops to cut and fit the old exhaust system to the new Hedman headers. The old exhaust system is Flowmaster mufflers and is in great shape but needed the Ball & Socket flanges welded on to mate to the Ball & Socket flanges on the headers.
After that, I got to drive it for the first time! When you push down on the throttle the truck wants to jump. Nuff said.
Just for fun I drove it to a friends shop to show the guys the results and that's where I discovered the fuel leak so I left it there until the local speed shop opens up and I can get the new duel feed gas line and then go install it.
While the truck was at my friend Fernando's shop Fernando started inspecting the install and since firing up the engine and then driving it about 10 city blocks the engine has already shifted as the new rubber motor mounts settled in and now the headers are hitting the frame in at least 2 places and maybe 3 places.
Fernando said he could do a little cutting here and there and in one place do a little bending and make it right.
Summit Tech Rep helped me to order the right MSD Spark Plug Wires and in so doing sent me a set with 45 degree boots which snugged right up against the headers so we installed Belden wires for now and hopefully Summit will send me the right boots so I can install the correct wires for this ignition system.
That's about it. We're going to try to get everything dialed-in enough today to hook up the boat and take off and go camping tomorrow morning at Big Bear Lake. Just had a Bimini Top made for the boat so we don't get sunburned.
If everything is working good with the truck and boat at Big Bear then we're going to either take off for Lake Havasu or Oregon for a week for some more fishing and camping. Probably will go to Lake Havasu as it's closer and this project used up too much of our time we planned to use to drive to Oregon and back.
It's been a ton of work with more surprises and setback than I ever imagined, but driving the truck yesterday and knowing the truck now has the power to pull my boat to Florida to start my new career is comforting. (And a ton a fun)
More pics and some videos shortly....
builthatch
New member
- May 25, 2008
- 2,352
- 0
red heads and their boxers!
BenzDetailer
In time out
- Jan 31, 2009
- 337
- 0
When is his start date at AG?
2old2change
New member
- Jan 3, 2007
- 1,269
- 0
I think Megan said Mike would start around the 1st of Aug.
Megafast13
In time out
- Aug 30, 2008
- 1
- 0
Hey Mike!
Had to follow you over here from MOL!
Thank you for all of your help...
You basically taught me everything I know about detailing.
Have fun in Florida
Had to follow you over here from MOL!
Thank you for all of your help...
You basically taught me everything I know about detailing.
Have fun in Florida
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
She's up and running. Didn't take into consideration the effect the extra weight would have on the suspension so I need to upgrade the springs in some fashion in order to put the 35" Boggers back onto the front axles.
It's very fun to drive and sounds very nice too. These were all taken with an iphone. Without further ado,
Will install the grill tomorrow.
Won't mention having to replace a brakeline, cut the frame again in two places, re-do the gas lines to the carburetor and replace two brake caliper bolts.
At this time the lock-up is getting power but it's not locking up. Going to troubleshoot it tomorrow so I've been driving it around in 3rd gear.
It's very fun to drive and sounds very nice too. These were all taken with an iphone. Without further ado,
Will install the grill tomorrow.
Won't mention having to replace a brakeline, cut the frame again in two places, re-do the gas lines to the carburetor and replace two brake caliper bolts.
At this time the lock-up is getting power but it's not locking up. Going to troubleshoot it tomorrow so I've been driving it around in 3rd gear.
HealthyCivic
New member
- Jul 1, 2009
- 31
- 0
Mike,
That's amazing. Sometimes I wish I knew so much about engines and had the patience to tinker with them like that. Maybe some day...
Look forward to the videos!
That's amazing. Sometimes I wish I knew so much about engines and had the patience to tinker with them like that. Maybe some day...
Look forward to the videos!