The SSheriff (1996 9C1)

Well, since last, Ive done ...
a new EGR (and broke the damn vacuum line ),
"installed" the CTS third brake light where I want it ( gotta make a nice "bump" and cover so it looks stock.
I've got a RM courtesy lamp harness on the way
repainted the RMW grill with 4 coats of gloss and 5 coats of clear
Painted and installed new chrome (black) door trim to the passenger door after my little boo boo. Thanks Indigo!
Also replaced the trim piece behind the rear pass. door (black also) that mike gave me (96slowss) thank you
Removed the Fleur De Lis (or Saints emblem) from the trunk lid and added "Caprice by Chevrolet" to the bumper cover
Broke my cursive Caprice script, gotta figure that out for the grill. it is redundant tho...
Rewired my horns
re-adjusted the console to fit better
Installed an AUX power supply inside the Bravada console (power all the time)
Powered up the PRNDL on the console using the ashtray light harness (only on when light are on)
Dave sold me a new RMW bumper to work with
Door spears will be on the way soon
Ive still got springs, shocks, and bump stops to do
Exhaust has to be adjusted, doing it in the driveway was a mistake!
Also need to get 5/8" spacers for the short bus of a rear end design these B's have
And as stated in another post, I just might need a new water pump...and maybe an opti. Im glad this came after the tax money was spent
No NEW pics, but this was maybe a month ago...


The chrome was wrecked on this emblem, so I sanded it down today and gave it a few nice coats of gloss black and clear. the 2 piece design made it very easy to finish. Unsure if I'll actually use it or not. Still has mounting studs/nuts.


So, just a few small details for now.

I love this car so. so. SOOOO much.

Cadet57 wrote:

I love this car so. so. SOOOO much.

Thank you Justin. We've come a long way since May 2009. It is DEFINITELY a LABOR of love / money pit...

Sweet!
Now we need to have a meet to see this up close & personal.
Very subtle & classy....just the way I like em...great job

Steve, thank you for the compliments! It's turning out pretty close to what I've brainstormed. Maybe next year I'll get a new hood to add to it.(got plans for the details already). It definitely needs paint and some body filler tho. (kinda adds character if you ask me) Maybe just a nice wax and polish for now. I'm still undecided on where I want the interior to go. Driving on the police seats is like sitting on the bench waiting for the bus to come. I'd like to do tan with black accents. Was gonna swap the l99 guts in, and make some leather RM seats into buckets for the console. Keep the black rubber floor tho. Idk. I'm sure by the time my wifes hair has completely turned gray prematurely, I'll have it figured out lol. A full front end and brakes upgrade is on the drawing board as well. I can dream, can't I? Hahaha

I feel you on the seats there, I think the '93 bench is basically a bench version of the 9c1 seats aside from stab plates in the seatbacks or whatever. Lately it feels like I am sitting on the floor! If I keep this car I think I need to put some other type of nicer blue B-body seat if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Matt Trakker wrote:

if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Dammit man, where were you when I saw a set of blue bonnies get crushed when no one wanted them.

lol! It's always wrong place wrong time kinda stuff. Like when someone posts up a Suncoast hood and you just spent the money that could have gotten it

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Dammit man, where were you when I saw a set of blue bonnies get crushed when no one wanted them.

When the F was this!?!?!?! LOL

Now my hip hurts worse!

Matt Trakker wrote:

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Dammit man, where were you when I saw a set of blue bonnies get crushed when no one wanted them.

When the F was this!?!?!?! LOL

Now my hip hurts worse!

LOL Back in the fall-ish. I saw them in the JY. I even had a thread on them!

Lol. I remember. Didn't the yard want like $300 or something stupid like that?

Yeah, if that were the case, nevermind. Hahaha.

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Lol. I remember. Didn't the yard want like $300 or something stupid like that?

$225

Cadet57 wrote:

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Lol. I remember. Didn't the yard want like $300 or something stupid like that?

$225

close enough. Still tho, I wouldn't be interested in paying more than $150 for (used) seats, of all conditions. Impala SS guts, different story, but they are usually all torn up. I'd say $300-$350 on those. I'm a pretty generous guy, I could not see myself charging anyone a dime more than that. Jus' sayin'.

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Dammit man, where were you when I saw a set of blue bonnies get crushed when no one wanted them.

Dammit! You know how long it took me to find blue bonnies for my t-type? I forget but it was a LONG time. And theyre not even the right blue. Evey pair I've ever seen in pics was a match to my interior, i buy a set finally and they showed up lighter color. They are a match for the blue in 9c1s though. Figures. Ok, enough with the thread Hi jack, and your car is coming out the balls, Brian!

Thank you Bill. That's sucks about the seat color. Are the seats tbi 9c1 blue, or lt1 9c1 blue?

Looks like it was customized right out the showroom in 96.....



..... coming out nice & clean

bowtiepimp wrote:

Looks like it was customized right out the showroom in 96.....



..... coming out nice & clean

thanks Chris. Anything looks good from 20 feet away. This doesn't include the 9C1 however. Definitely needs work.

Every car needs work. Doesn't change the fact that you have one of the nicest looking B's out there.

mp775 wrote:

Every car needs work. Doesn't change the fact that you have one of the nicest looking B's out there.

thank you Mike.

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Thank you Bill. That's sucks about the seat color. Are the seats tbi 9c1 blue, or lt1 9c1 blue?

Lighter, like 94-96 lt1 blue. They look ok though. I meant to ask boojum about that when I was up his house I think he has a darker set. Ill add a pic later I cant from my work computer for some reason. I love the old school emblem in the grille, Brian, nice touch.

Jim may have installed those in one of his b's maybe? I could be wrong. Are the ones you have cloth?

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Jim may have installed those in one of his b's maybe? I could be wrong. Are the ones you have cloth?

Yes they are. Here's a pic-

I forgot about the seats. They are in my spare parts bin. I also have 60/40s in the 9C1.

nice concept,like the way the RM bumper cover looks.VERY ORIGINAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Just HAD to quote this pic again.

What an angle....What a look....I am sooooo impressed by this

Wish I could get a pic of my car (any one of them, I dont care) and have it draw my eye as much as this does.

Lets just say I'm photographically challenged.

This should be your screensaver!!

Thanks for the compliments guys! I'm pretty good at taking pics of cars. Especially junk yard cars/trucks. If you'd like me to give it a shot sometime Steve, LMK.

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Thanks for the compliments guys! I'm pretty good at taking pics of cars. Especially junk yard cars/trucks. If you'd like me to give it a shot sometime Steve, LMK.

Stop shitting on your own car!

It is coming together nicely, can't wait to see it when you get the new RM bumper on and clean up the rough edges you talk about.

1984twodoor wrote:

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Thanks for the compliments guys! I'm pretty good at taking pics of cars. Especially junk yard cars/trucks. If you'd like me to give it a shot sometime Steve, LMK.

Stop shitting on your own car!

It is coming together nicely, can't wait to see it when you get the new RM bumper on and clean up the rough edges you talk about.

I wasn't doing the big number 2 there. I meant I like taking junk yard pics in general. But yes Matt, it will look Sooo much better with what I've got coming down the pipe line.

MASShole9C1 wrote:

1984twodoor wrote:

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Thanks for the compliments guys! I'm pretty good at taking pics of cars. Especially junk yard cars/trucks. If you'd like me to give it a shot sometime Steve, LMK.

Stop shitting on your own car!

It is coming together nicely, can't wait to see it when you get the new RM bumper on and clean up the rough edges you talk about.

I wasn't doing the big number 2 there. I meant I like taking junk yard pics in general. But yes Matt, it will look Sooo much better with what I've got coming down the pipe line.

I like the way that sounds!

...progress and such...still moving forward... Under the hood is in a million pieces. Inner fenders are coming out tm. still looking for 1 seat, drivers door panel, picked up a 3rd bumper to "mod". Tail light harness replaced, 91/92 tails are now useless to me for now. Swapped on a minty set of 93-96 tails for now. Added a brand new fuel bib. New out of the box fuel rail covers/studs and quick disconnect tool too install them the right way. Got a new drivers arm rest for $3. Buick rear brace, some cleaning, sand blasting, and painting coming up. Another grill in the works. SS door spears painted and installed(BIG PITA). Spotlights are gonna be painted black. New water pump painted and installed. Alternator painted. AIR deleted. Need to reprogram the computer and remove the pita pipe. Need to install courtesy lamp harness. Cadillac horns to install. Console shift needs to be adjusted somehow, doesnt always bring the column back to park. I have to turn it myself to get the key out. And some other stuff I've forgotten about. I'm willing to bet she won't be on the road the rest of the year as well as no inspection sticker. Need to replace entire air dam also. Got lots more parts to throw at it in the next couple months. I need a new floor jack...

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

if I can't find Bonnies. My hip even hurts lol

Dammit man, where were you when I saw a set of blue bonnies get crushed when no one wanted them.

When the F was this!?!?!?! LOL

Now my hip hurts worse!

LOL Back in the fall-ish. I saw them in the JY. I even had a thread on them!

Blue Bonnies Crushed????? I think I am gonna be sick I dont remember that thread either. Damn it

I picked up the (2) 3/4-16 drain plugs to cap the manifolds. About $8 at Advance. Here's some pics from today. Took alot apart. Gotta love rust free California!!!! The AIR system came apart piece by piece. Even the manifold pieces separated with zero trouble. No heat, no cutting!!!!! So far Ive got ALOT of vacuum lines to replace and the shock top nut just spins the cylinder around SMH.






Here you can see the destroyed bump stop.

Either the sway bar or tire turned is rubbing here.

Here you can see where the tire rubs inside the inner fender.

Shock Tool



PEP Boys up here has the tool.

I put a piece of hose on the upper arm just in case the AC lines rub.

Ive subscribed to doing one side of the car at a time. So far the passengers side is of to a great start. I pulled the inner fender, used a wire wheel on it cleaned it, cleaned it again, and laid about 5 coats of rustoleum. I alos attempted to fill some holes left by the police equipment. Came out good if you ask me. I also did the battery tray and the front outside of the frame so far.


I also got the top shock nut out. 3/4" drill bit and a big flat head and hammer work good and quick. the deep well and extension method didn't work for me. While I was there, I removed the stock destroyed rubber bump stop.


Today I removed the spring without a hitch. I undid the castle nut to the UBJ,outer tie rod, and removed the end link which helped out immensely. Dont forget to unbolt the sensor for safekeeping.


Heres the old SS spring with 1 whole coil chopped on the right. I dont recommend this method AT ALL. It sure looks badass, but your going to regret driving around like that. These SS springs now have about 100k miles on them. On the left, is the Z28 spring Jim suggested. When I get around to installing it, it shouldn't be too hard as it is a bit shorter sprung. But given the de-rating of the SS spring from coil removal. I anticipate the Z28 springs to sit a bit higher as shown in Jims SS thread. Im anxious to see once they settle if they level out with my ST springs in the back or I'm gonna have to throw in my rear SS springs.


And of course, Ive had a little help along the way. They say little hands are good for the hard to reach spots.

You are going to like the Z28 springs. After I changed the steering box like Al suggested the SS is a joy to drive.

Consider using ZQ8 bump stops. You might need to trim them a bit. You won't be hitting them very often anyway!

The ST rear springs might be a little low. We need a volunteer to try some Moog spring for the rear.

I picked up some ZQ8 stops a while back on my last big purchase from Jegs. If someone comes up with the research and part #, I'll try out some rears for s&g.

I put in a good 4 hours today. I got the new spring, shock, UBJ, and ZQ8 installed on the pass. side today. Also, the inner fender and all its mounting bolts and fender to firewall braces were reinstalled. I'm going to be upgrading my brakes (calipers, flex lines, pads, rotors etc) soon. Any suggestions on kits? I'm interested in Wilwood products. No more than dual piston, the rest would be a waste. Also, front and rear sway bar/bushings suggestions would help along with the extended uppers and lowers CA's for the rear. What was it BMR?? GMHP did an upgrade article not too long ago and i just might go with them. http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/tech/suspension/0911gmhtp_1995_chevy_impala_ss_suspension_upgrades/index.html
Anywho, Heres pics of progress up to the new ride height with the new Moog springs and Belltechs...


Had to rig up this ridiculousness to tighten the top shock nut. Gotta love ratcheting wrenches!





Slowly making my way to the dis-assembly and re-working of the drivers side. then on to the rear of the car.

Here's the ride height about 10 min after dropping the car. We'll see in a few weeks if I have to upgrade the rear spring isolators to keep the rake. but the trunk has about 300lbs of tools, parts, and supplies in it for now.

And, my little helper getting dirty with daddy


I also installed the Cadillac horns in the pass. side fender. Holes were already there from the factory!

Car's looking good Brian

Lisle makes a tool that helps with removing upper shock mount nuts, I forget the number for it, but it comes in handy. I think I got mine online, it's just some hex shaped sockets that fit together, then you slide some ratcheting box end wrenches over the hexes. I just used it on my truck a few weeks ago, but I think I need to break it out again and jack up the suspension with the upper mount loosened to get it fully retightened...

Good to know about the Cadillac horn holes, I plan on getting some, have to take a look at my car...

I think you are talking about the tool Jim posted a pic of above, Matt. I don't need a fancy tool like that. I actually like doing these kinda things the hard way now. Gives me more hands on and problem solving I guess.

boojum wrote:

Shock Tool



PEP Boys up here has the tool.

I put a piece of hose on the upper arm just in case the AC lines rub.

Haha, didn't even see that, yes that's the thing I have. You don't HAVE to use it, but it sure does come in handy and isn't a lot of moolah

Among other large $ purchases for the car lately. I sent out my tail lenses to lil Ron in Dallas for a nice make over. I also did the chrome tape mod. Havnt tried it yet cuz everything is still apart. I'm in the midst of a neat idea for some tail lights too. Stay tuned! I ended up snagging some mint black tbi door bezels last week. Someone jb welded the cars mirror switch into the original woodgrain bezel. Smh, the allen head wasnt even tightened. They look great considering the woodgrain ones didn't match anything. That AIR pump metal pipe is NO joke. Power tools power tool POWER TOOLS. If you can get them in there. I also found a member on the big board who sells the tsb decals. Good price. I bought 2. For some reason, I've been having trouble finalized transaction on the Naisso store. They havnt returned my emails either. Oh well. Their loss.

Ive gotten a few packages this last week. Many more to come.

Hmmmmmm. Well, I ordered a new aftermarket hood last night. New CAI should be here soon. I started the drivers side of the suspension/reconditioning project yesterday. I'm in the final stages of my grill idea too (not sure if I'm liking it anymore). Also, still looking for a blue roadmaster leather passenger 40. NON LIMITED. So, if anybody actually reads this, Lmk what you find. I should have my tail lenses back in a few days. I have a new found love for the big forum. Can't wait to get new tires, install the new wheels, and rear CA's and shocks! It needs to stop raining!

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Hmmmmmm. Well, I ordered a new aftermarket hood last night. New CAI should be here soon. I started the drivers side of the suspension/reconditioning project yesterday. I'm in the final stages of my grill idea too (not sure if I'm liking it anymore). Also, still looking for a blue roadmaster leather passenger 40. NON LIMITED. So, if anybody actually reads this, Lmk what you find. I should have my tail lenses back in a few days. I have a new found love for the big forum. Can't wait to get new tires, install the new wheels, and rear CA's and shocks! It needs to stop raining!

Brian you butt dialed me earlier. Just sayin!

Oh and I wanted to let you know I am reading!

Yea, lol. I saw that. Did you enjoy listening to me walking around in the rain?

MASShole9C1 wrote:

Yea, lol. I saw that. Did you enjoy listening to me walking around in the rain?

Lol yeah, I thought you were in trouble! So I sent lassie out to rescue you, she'll get there in a day or two.

LMAO

^LOL...lucky I didn't butt dial you Matt, you would have heard the results of eating at the Bali Hai in Lynnfield earlier