Finally, back in the game!

[timmy2]

Well,
Just thought I'd put up a list of everything I've done to the car since buying it 4 months ago. Might have missed a couple of small things but this list is fairly complete. Not Quite 101 projects, but getting closer.....

1. Replace 6 Lower Head Studs with Steel Studs
2. Install New Cylinder Rings
3. Replace bad camshaft (pitted)
4. Install new Gaskets (Case out)
5. Install New Solid Oil Tubes & O-Rings
6. Install Backdated Cooling Ducts to Exchangers (Fan delete)
7. Install Used (barely) SSI Exhaust System
8. Install New 2 into 1 exhaust/muffler
9. Install Backdated Oil Lines for SSI
10. Customize AC Bracket for Cooling Backdate
11. Install new gaskets & O-Rings for CIS
12. Install Pop off Valve in Airbox
13. Install new Injectors and O-Rings
14. Install new Cooling Duct Tubing
15. Clean and Paint Engine Cowling, Brackets and Tin etc.
16. Change Transmission fluid to Swepco 201
17. Install rebuilt Shifter Coupler (Derlin) from the "Coupler Whisperer"
18. Repair oil leaks: Oil Thermostat O-Ring, Oil Sender, Crankcase vent Gasket
19. Install Turbo valve covers & Valve cover Gaskets
20. Install Carrera Oil Feed Chain Tensioners
21. Use Brad Penn 20-50 dino oil, new oil filter
22. Install new upholstery on Front Seats, Clean rest of upholstery
23. Install Windshield Wiper Gaskets and Seals at Cowl, Install new Wipers
24. Install Brass Bushings at Tranny and Engine for throttle linkage
25. Replace cracked H4 lens on one side
26. Install New Turn Signal Switch, Hazard switch and Lighting Relay Kit
27. Repair wiring harness from PO’s damage throughout
28. Replace Door Switch Passenger side
29. Install Front Shock Strut Tower Brace
30. Install Interior Targa Body Braces
31. Install Dashcover Dash Pad (for now) Replace someday…
32. Install new Tie-Rod Ends
33. Install 16” Fuchs Wheels instead of 15” Cookie Cutters
34. Purchase used Targa top & repair, New Center pin & new Pin rubbers, 2 holding clips
35. Adjust loose or improperly installed interior bits.
36. Install new engine compartment Rubber Seal and Sound Pad
37. Repair dent in Passenger rear wheel well and door.
38. Install new Hood and Trunk Struts
39. Install new plug Wires
40. Replace Green distributor wire
41. Replace plastic airbox that blew up with stainless one...
42. Install new front shifter bushings

Still Left to Do:

4 wheel Alignment (in the next 2 weeks)
Install Mocal Front Oil Cooler (Trombone now) at next oil change
Sound deadener if I think car is too noisey
Paint next year or so?

AND.....................

DRIVE IT LIKE I STOLE IT!

[timmy2]

Installed a front spoiler today, I picked it up for under $75 delivered from E-Slay with mounting brackets.
It was dirty and the brackets needed a quick blast and paint, used some Leatherique Pristine Clean and it looks great.
Waiting for the rain to quit so I can take some outside pictures of the finished project for you all to see.

[tdskip]

Wow - you've been busy!

[timmy2]

I changed out all of my injector sleeve o-rings tonight for something to do while I wait for my new (used) stainless airbox to arrive. Mine blew up last weekend. My CIS is spread out over my bench again!
Naturally I had my wife with me for her very first ride in my project when it happened...
"Why won't it start again?
Honey, do you smell smoke?
What's happening?"...
My new pop off blew right out on a backfire and the air filter was on fire. (I never told her about the fire part....)

Stomped on the filter to put it out, shoved the pop off back in, started her right up and drove the 30 miles home on the highway at 60 mph to my house without a hitch.
Went to re-glue pop off valve the next morning and noticed airbox was cracked 90% around the entire factory seam, with screws popping out all over. The DPO had glued it back together once and hid it well...
I never noticed duing my partial rebuild....

Tore CIS out of car without dropping motor! (Long arms and determination and 2 hrs work...)
Took it apart on the bench and then I saw a classified ad the next day for a used '78/'79 large port stainless one for $300, Talked to the seller, and made the deal.
If I get it here by Friday I should be up and running again Saturday afternoon.

[timmy2]

Eye Candy!

[tevake]

Whoa Dennis that really is nice looking !! Is that sticker on the inside a manufacturers label ? Boy I'd like to get a hold of one of those, nice find.

[millarg]

Originally Posted by tevake

Whoa Dennis that really is nice looking !! Is that sticker on the inside a manufacturers label ? Boy I'd like to get a hold of one of those, nice find.

Its a Webb Designs - I'm switching my 78SC to EFI so have one to sell, PM me if you'd like to know more

[timmy2]

Well....
After a little work (without dropping the engine)

I think it looks pretty good in there..........

Still a few things to install before I fire her up again but I plan on taking her out Saturday if the clear weather sticks around.

What do you guys think???

[timmy2]

Too bad it gets hidden with the filter and cover....




Peek around the corner........There it is!

[tevake]

Well done Dennis! That is coming together nicely and looking really clean. You obviously enjoy doing the mechanical work. Soon you will be getting the real reward, driving that machine. yahoo!

Have fun Richard

[timmy2]

Believe me Richard, Once she's sorted out I will put away the tools and drive.

I've put a couple hundred miles on her since putting the drivetrain back in. The airbox failure parked me for 2 weeks on the lift again!
When something fails I have a tendancy to replace it with something better if I can find it.
I hope this airbox fits the bill and performs well for the long run.

[timmy2]

Started her up yesterday and it is running nicely.

Today I decided to finish my shifter repairs and installed the ball cup and tunnel bushing. It didn't seem too bad before but I can feel the difference. The cup looked good but the shaft bushing was a little worn in one spot.

One unexpected benefit of doing this work was the surprise discovery of this under the carpet, and it works!:


A lighted head is on order....

[timmy2]

Well, being as I'm too cheap to spring for one of the fancy cupholders available to the rich folk I figured I'd make my own.
Shaped a 1/4 " piece of aluminum to fit the passenger side seat rail and then cut a slot for a handle in a piece of a PVC pipe coupler I had. Crazy glued them togeher, couple of coats of flat black and here's what I have:




I think it looks pretty good Installed:

[timmy2]

Bored with the Oregon rain... made this with a broken targa top frame and some Lexan.
Found a thread that peaked my interest here:
Budget Targa Top - Super lite

[timmy2]

My lift in action.

[jrolstin]

Dennis, I just read this through, great thread. Nice work on the motor and CIS, too bad about the CIS blowing up! SS box looks awesome though. What's your next project?

[timmy2]

Driving it!
Need to do a 500 mile oil change and valve lash adjust after the assembly this fall very soon.

[timmy2]

Some Pictures taken during a drive last Saturday.

[jrolstin]

Sounds good to me! Can't wait to get mine back on the road...

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by jrolstin

Sounds good to me! Can't wait to get mine back on the road...

Take your time and don't cut any corners. These cars are rather unforgiving that way!