With rear end apart, I went ahead and installed a Fred Apgar rear finish panel after dropping the Dansk sport 1 in and 1 out muffler while it was on the lift. I had noticed the “hairline” cracks in the reflector panel, but I didn’t know that when the 2 or 3 remaining mount nuts were removed and the liquid nail lost its grip, that this thing would pop out in 4 pieces. Oh well, it’s done – in the trash it goes. New Apgar painted panel has perfect dimensions and curvature. 4 rear studs were JB Welded into place on the backside and I used some thin weatherstripping around the perimeter to allow it to sit properly. That cleans things up a bit and more to my liking.
Wanted to tackle the shift linkage next. Stomski coupling and fresh Honda grease used on J. West shifter and new rod bushing in tunnel to give it a good overhaul. Easy peasy.
Rear rotors installed, parking brake not properly adjusted (damn me – I hate these parking brake assemblies!), and fabbed up a simple block off plate for oil cooler up front with some help from a sheet of alum and McMaster Carr weatherstripping that was recommended by a Pelican. Dropped the lift down and my front end had to be adusted UP! The rears were fine. I think I got everything to about 24.5” front and 24” rear from floor to top of wheel wells. (Wrote it down somewhere – just not certain at the moment)
Car was trailered to Digital Chassis in Durham for final alignment and adjustments. Overall, I am quite pleased with the fresh feeling of this updated suspension, steering, and shifting! My first thoughts were that this MUST BE how an IMSA GTU car felt pulling out of the paddock garage back in the 70’s! Probably not, but this little coupe has a flat stance, eliminated the lean in the corners, and feels like a new toy with no power assist anything – perfect alignment with my sports car preferences.
