Gretz's 82 SC intro and build thread!

[Gretz]

I realized recently that I never said a formal hello to the community when I purchased my 82 SC recently. Thanks for everyone's help in finding and purchasing a great car. I literally could not have done it without you guys. It has a host of small issues to rectify, but the PO did all the important mechanical stuff like a top-end rebuild and head studs. The paint has some issues, but those aren't at the top of my list. I was looking for a reasonably priced reliable driver and I found it. The car has a factory short shift kit installed. I wouldn't have known but the PPI mechanic and my personal mechanic have told me this.

Right now I'm working through some minor CIS issues and electrical gremlins. Once those are sorted, I'll be on to the fun mods! I also wanted to say thanks for the all the tech help. You folks have been great. I've got the Bentley manual and most of the required tools, as well as the 101 Projects book and other references. I love the car. If I have one complaint, it's the same as most people: the engine compartment is so tight it's hard to get to many important things.

So far I've done the following things:

- Replaced rubber fuel lines which were dry-rotted (mechanic did this)
- Changed the old knockoff 17" Cup wheels to Euromeister 17s
- New tires
- Fixed slight transmission leak (mechanic). Plate on bottom was warped and had to be leveled
- Changed the oil and oil filter
- Replaced the worn OEM steering wheel and hub and installed Momo Prototipo
- Replaced very old Optima battery with new Optima battery
- Replaced fuel accumulator and fuel filter
- Checked for vacuum leaks, replaced small hose to brake booster
- Adjusted mixture (mechanic)
- New spark plugs, Clewett wires, distributor cap, rotor
- Removed corrosion from front and rear fuse panels. Installed all new fuses.
- Replaced oxygen sensor relay (not sure it was failing, but cheap insurance)
- Replaced fuel pump relay (again, cheap insurance)
- Began process of cleaning and removing corrosion from ground locations. Three locations complete so far

There are probably other things I've forgotten. I am planning a fuel pressure test for this weekend to address a cold start issue too. Again, thanks to you guys I did the majority of this stuff myself. And here are a few pics of the car, including one next to its sibling car.

[chrisbalich]

that is a gorgeous car. love the color.

[canamfan]

Sexy with those Fuchs boy!!

[gazzerr]

Great machine!

[Gretz]

Thanks, guys! With any luck, she’ll only be getting better!

[RSBob]

Yep, you have it bad. Welcome to the insanity.

[Gretz]

Just a little update since I haven't added to this thread recently:

First I want to say thanks again to everyone here on Pelican. There's no way I could do half of the stuff on my SC without you guys. What a wealth of knowledge! Since my previous post here I've commented on plenty of other threads but here's a list of some of the other things I've done:

- Removed AC compressor and sealed up the hoses. Going to look into replacement options prior to next summer. Florida is way too hot to run without AC unfortunately.
- Fixed various corrosion issues in turn signals and now everything is working correctly.
- Replaced fuel pump relay and rear decklid seal.
- Replaced cracked vacuum hose and checked for additional vacuum leaks with smoke test.
- Deep cleaned floor mats and carpet. Made a huge difference in the interior!
- Cleaned/degreased all interior leather. Because it was beige leather, it made an amazing difference.
- Replaced the cracked and worn out WUR electrical connector. Thanks, Dennis!
- Replaced the poorly functioning WUR 090. Thanks, Tony!
- Refurbished rear PORSCHE reflector. Looks 100% better now.
- Replaced rear taillight lenses. Old ones were slightly cracked and generally worn.
- Replaced rear taillight seals.
- Backdated heat. This was a pretty straightforward job and made a huge difference in the engine compartment appearance and access for repairs.
- Replaced oil pressure sensor. Old one worked nominally but I broke the electrical post when removing corrosion (I'm an idiot) so repair was required. Actually wasn't a bad job with AC bracket removed and the right side heater hose out.
- Replaced red heater knobs between the seats. Genuine replacements were cheap and also made a big difference in the interior appearance.
- Replaced transmission-to-chassis ground strap and cleaned attachment points. For some reason the car actually seems to start more easily now, but that could just be my imagination.
- Removed the 80s era Clifford Sabre alarm and non-functional 1995 Clarion CD player. New head unit and speakers soon. The alarm removal wasn't as bad as I thought, mainly because when the PO had the ignition switch replaced, it looks like the mechanic disconnected all the ignition/starter interrupt bits. Still took several hours to find all the components of the virus and clear the infection.

I'll add some pics for fun, including the current appearance, engine compartment with backdated heat, and alarm detritus. I probably forgot some completed tasks, but there is still plenty on the to-do list.

[Travisrt1985]

That color! Looks great

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by Travisrt1985

That color! Looks great

Agreed

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Nice progress! Car looks terrific.

[timmy2]

Looking good, enjoy.