tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71274628896554414492024-03-19T03:14:11.697-07:00Eric's GarageHumble classic and custom automotive and motorcycle projects in my garage over the years. Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-27427883088154786672020-11-26T21:18:00.002-08:002020-11-26T21:20:53.584-08:001983 Suzuki GS1100G brat build<p>I've always had a motorcycle, and for most of my younger life, I've always needed a motorcycle, whether it be for low cost of transportation, or the simple thrill and joy of riding. I rode my Buell almost exclusively as my sole mode of transportation year-round for my final two years of College many years ago. Life lately hasn't afforded many opportunities to ride a motorcycle in the way I've always enjoyed riding. No long drives to work, no weekend travels with friends, far and few spur-of-the-moment joy rides through the mountains. So my last motorcycle was just an expensive thing in the way taking up garage space. I sold it. Then while mindlessly surfing the classifieds on the internet, I stumbled across this 80's heavy-metal beauty. plenty of power, comfy, and cheap! I figured I'd buy it, store it outside under a cover and ride it if I felt like it. It wouldn't be in the way and who cares if it sits outside, right? </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAkbh6XR1M459sHrQYejLR3fM_ILlNS7kmoww8Droi3zxt8Wu08FEzKa6p-xFOgWkB79k0RJZSPSyi9xWL4nkO1jdCmnHmbjDKvDrNRcjoOqPMFw0bbv4X_w3XBnlWxCANNKlhFKEItw/s2048/IMG_0485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAkbh6XR1M459sHrQYejLR3fM_ILlNS7kmoww8Droi3zxt8Wu08FEzKa6p-xFOgWkB79k0RJZSPSyi9xWL4nkO1jdCmnHmbjDKvDrNRcjoOqPMFw0bbv4X_w3XBnlWxCANNKlhFKEItw/w318-h239/IMG_0485.JPG" width="318" /></a></p><p>I was attracted by its originality. I like naked bikes, and though this is from the early 80's, it still looks timelessly styled. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuepZFeWce0YHMP7XalsBWM3hZEhTJj6HLlalXqmkqH69gHH01fQtDngBrtP6X9Q4r328P0liUKilh8ChtoldfDkF4FBO1CveKBJoHGRCuik2Q5oT3ChsBH1Nxkmt1RMLRplfSf9UqXzs/s2048/IMG_0489.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuepZFeWce0YHMP7XalsBWM3hZEhTJj6HLlalXqmkqH69gHH01fQtDngBrtP6X9Q4r328P0liUKilh8ChtoldfDkF4FBO1CveKBJoHGRCuik2Q5oT3ChsBH1Nxkmt1RMLRplfSf9UqXzs/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>this bike was packed with nice features- air suspension, a gear indicator, self-cancelling signals, fuel gage, side-stand reminder. And it was powerful and soaked up bumps in the road nicely.</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rqD1NuSFsHBnOHAd2xNOwSmyNxthOn85szh3W-TJ3MEaHLkHfkrTCbu8zQWMMtpu5OJgyDowRl6HcNtFafjPoslywd1vD0KCn4etq6GG_jS_ipnSMBvQFkngKBh7FSa26C3ZbeHMji8/s2048/IMG_0611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rqD1NuSFsHBnOHAd2xNOwSmyNxthOn85szh3W-TJ3MEaHLkHfkrTCbu8zQWMMtpu5OJgyDowRl6HcNtFafjPoslywd1vD0KCn4etq6GG_jS_ipnSMBvQFkngKBh7FSa26C3ZbeHMji8/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>But, within a few short months, that was no longer good enough. I got tired of how "porky" it looked on top of the skinny 80's tire sizes. I set out to slim the bike down a bit, and it spiraled out of control into a full cosmetic rehab. Step one- sever the rear frame...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvigo-A4SKWHXnEdbhNsswraLq4XwcBcYAcW6dzkIg_4W2e6VG4yBJ8YFoJYslxPkIMLwqEyRU3MnhvqZO2tLfTbdfCLmAE8Sg2rLiI5Nasob4Xw5a1sbjVtpi6xsErr9dfP2e2fZ0n_g/s2048/IMG_0605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvigo-A4SKWHXnEdbhNsswraLq4XwcBcYAcW6dzkIg_4W2e6VG4yBJ8YFoJYslxPkIMLwqEyRU3MnhvqZO2tLfTbdfCLmAE8Sg2rLiI5Nasob4Xw5a1sbjVtpi6xsErr9dfP2e2fZ0n_g/s320/IMG_0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aiming for something between cafe and brat, I picked up a cheap lightweight seat and began finding the right attitude</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKK4u8r5XBqdPfrNIaKhL1J-1HBedB6ZoKYdgEukoRKVGiCrIZtIw3Rqe40nWvJBFglIUHxxZi9-v3L3ju0v6Z619ZbQP2AC7bWjEzc4yYfVlx0jSuB9X4p0REU24FsWUwW_bmNv1xTg/s2048/IMG_0620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKK4u8r5XBqdPfrNIaKhL1J-1HBedB6ZoKYdgEukoRKVGiCrIZtIw3Rqe40nWvJBFglIUHxxZi9-v3L3ju0v6Z619ZbQP2AC7bWjEzc4yYfVlx0jSuB9X4p0REU24FsWUwW_bmNv1xTg/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I reconstructed the rear frame to the seat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5BOH16mN0aj4i_zW0Q4ayc0xa48E6DWanRtoPwknuvlV1Hv86u3RYOoU9WZWYBQQvIpPUSQvNdHnosPSB80-vuW8Gzf9F0w_f4qMxv7XswQRngq7QFIjHiH1VyZW3Fn-qabI71DgvNI/s2048/IMG_0623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5BOH16mN0aj4i_zW0Q4ayc0xa48E6DWanRtoPwknuvlV1Hv86u3RYOoU9WZWYBQQvIpPUSQvNdHnosPSB80-vuW8Gzf9F0w_f4qMxv7XswQRngq7QFIjHiH1VyZW3Fn-qabI71DgvNI/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I relocated and concealed the electronics under the seat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb9znzB6UCpwLO8NcGtOwiFyM6kLRmZerFWZL3w3czYiNlp3psEpB9eOuIU0EuKV8BqH8pHy4EzvktjlEbxHRNkgGayT8lBc1iLmS7slrqtEeKdP4Hwt4_7DHUaDD0nze5qOmN2yGQBc/s2048/IMG_0606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb9znzB6UCpwLO8NcGtOwiFyM6kLRmZerFWZL3w3czYiNlp3psEpB9eOuIU0EuKV8BqH8pHy4EzvktjlEbxHRNkgGayT8lBc1iLmS7slrqtEeKdP4Hwt4_7DHUaDD0nze5qOmN2yGQBc/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I removed what wasn't necessary and relocated out-of-sight what I could. Here you see the horns have been moved to hide along the spine of the frame under the fuel tank</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMcfn-ErCm3Z1lLJKI3z_TV-8LQJzoRTkeQD3lCWT2wtO7TtyBeAbX_Hk5cf0rwB1VY-UggJ_UCjT1WVoIZ_-PtZV6BxoltO6C4tVaKfWGU7w4j43qspkwLCaVkJaJpxT1BTdbzueGmM/s2048/IMG_0630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMcfn-ErCm3Z1lLJKI3z_TV-8LQJzoRTkeQD3lCWT2wtO7TtyBeAbX_Hk5cf0rwB1VY-UggJ_UCjT1WVoIZ_-PtZV6BxoltO6C4tVaKfWGU7w4j43qspkwLCaVkJaJpxT1BTdbzueGmM/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I lowered the headlight about an inch and raised the rear of the tank about an inch. The devil is in the details. I slashed off the stock, heavy, quiet pipes in favor of a set of small "glass-packs" made for a car.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcsKgcIykuADjb3jQrnpwvZHOXBZKJWsXdAMjwrxooyGMku6RF5nGuQL6rtNMJxnqtGu2yUiH12CYELbLJEK2rDSfgyHjHqU56h8QR6_W_Gof5PTOwebeYc7fEgSoPRczR1V5Ou8c9UI/s2048/IMG_0643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcsKgcIykuADjb3jQrnpwvZHOXBZKJWsXdAMjwrxooyGMku6RF5nGuQL6rtNMJxnqtGu2yUiH12CYELbLJEK2rDSfgyHjHqU56h8QR6_W_Gof5PTOwebeYc7fEgSoPRczR1V5Ou8c9UI/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="320" /></a><p></p><p> All-in-all I removed many many pounds of weight</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Ql_u24Y_EA87JoY-pH5PXDCWewZDAVDk6He6B8PLTBiUkquJU1eYYNnGwCnP93d4vFAipu5IilP5836elEqSvg4JG_0v2jDW1H7ZsLJV2kjoT8TpIgwTnwBBPAn61lxMUQ-vExnIjQ/s2048/IMG_0633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Ql_u24Y_EA87JoY-pH5PXDCWewZDAVDk6He6B8PLTBiUkquJU1eYYNnGwCnP93d4vFAipu5IilP5836elEqSvg4JG_0v2jDW1H7ZsLJV2kjoT8TpIgwTnwBBPAn61lxMUQ-vExnIjQ/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>I ended up with this in the first round. I matched the wheels to the bronze pin-stripe on the tank. I bobbed the front fender, added filter pods and rejetted the carbs. The look was not fully eye-pleasing or refined, so I stared and studied and made incremental changes over the next few weeks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitR-hDH8VjSPLc1knrFjBYnTrryOq0dzg5NUakm0H91RcSyFTXr-aPdIw3vdWfZw_flRGxdkQDc3tHjMswXqynIhoq_TeCcvi7Xdn-hSEFcg5mJyTFA4NRSr9KsQFeI93RP4J74t4xYQ/s2048/IMG_0031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitR-hDH8VjSPLc1knrFjBYnTrryOq0dzg5NUakm0H91RcSyFTXr-aPdIw3vdWfZw_flRGxdkQDc3tHjMswXqynIhoq_TeCcvi7Xdn-hSEFcg5mJyTFA4NRSr9KsQFeI93RP4J74t4xYQ/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Too much silver and chrome, I decided, so I blacked out the fork lowers, mufflers, headlight ring, tail light, final drive, and changed the rear shocks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu4Si6YBhdRPdJMq2eI1KWDDRohl6CBH5PY_gjMKvuB4ze1ziBgQZo8TcQ4dG_LZBMnRS5h2a6W2e6wXpmsd3FDxAwdSncOOIVY6HX3x8i5Yxifc8xkrLSctnnNYx0nKz3mKqD5-hBBk/s2048/IMG_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu4Si6YBhdRPdJMq2eI1KWDDRohl6CBH5PY_gjMKvuB4ze1ziBgQZo8TcQ4dG_LZBMnRS5h2a6W2e6wXpmsd3FDxAwdSncOOIVY6HX3x8i5Yxifc8xkrLSctnnNYx0nKz3mKqD5-hBBk/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you can see the small aftermarket signals in place of large stockers. Also note the smooth underside of the seat pan where the electronics are safely housed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYxSKZ0dcrDRb8CS1J1L3-7fyaTC4zWUKYtDAP1ts6p8Y1dyMHUgmNfO0AcKDvVZFxJfLAzGw8UD8XyXdYS8II-J091FEvIVLXYcq1_kUwaXp7krNYLWspJ-uMh0WueZbUHiYWgreDQw/s2048/IMG_0021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYxSKZ0dcrDRb8CS1J1L3-7fyaTC4zWUKYtDAP1ts6p8Y1dyMHUgmNfO0AcKDvVZFxJfLAzGw8UD8XyXdYS8II-J091FEvIVLXYcq1_kUwaXp7krNYLWspJ-uMh0WueZbUHiYWgreDQw/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added tank pads for knee grip and since it seemed my jeans were continuously dulling the paint in the tank coves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMTPObiT_dEBVgnH1ansbIU9NawBin6gjElJuAyTJ3cKdDiRLgpSHgGT-ZOw-nDbHvYRZyb7o7VCdUOapV_PRHfV7WSrWjE5kWNK1xJChzVycwb2x_TonKiNpHsiXQTuQ1J-O2lxhLWU/s2048/IMG_0020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMTPObiT_dEBVgnH1ansbIU9NawBin6gjElJuAyTJ3cKdDiRLgpSHgGT-ZOw-nDbHvYRZyb7o7VCdUOapV_PRHfV7WSrWjE5kWNK1xJChzVycwb2x_TonKiNpHsiXQTuQ1J-O2lxhLWU/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bar-end mirrors and mini-speedometer on black cafe-style handle bars. The gauge was more to track miles so I didn't run out of gas than for the need to know what speed I was going.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGeHGdiut0KxgM3RTJBwiOJ63xliN9z3D4Ycf91I28aAtrnme3RIuqKetavPdyWEcAo3mHiYzvme9k7okHf43-B6O-uDru0wJeN7gnQwiyc_tuXOl_ItahywqH_0S_wRw5uiTQWc2hEk/s2048/IMG_0016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGeHGdiut0KxgM3RTJBwiOJ63xliN9z3D4Ycf91I28aAtrnme3RIuqKetavPdyWEcAo3mHiYzvme9k7okHf43-B6O-uDru0wJeN7gnQwiyc_tuXOl_ItahywqH_0S_wRw5uiTQWc2hEk/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The final incarnation. I achieved the look I was after. The jets, pipes and lighter weight really made the bike a monster performer with one giant, scary flaw: The chassis handling was not matched to the engine's brute power. And in the end, while it was a cool bike, it too, was just in the way for lack of use. I guess these days I enjoy the build more than the ride. I rehomed the bike to a guy who needed it as a companion for his beloved GS850. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-68299947373711068972020-11-26T20:25:00.005-08:002020-11-26T21:31:35.613-08:00Corvette C4's, the best and worst (almost)<p> In the spring of 2019 the unthinkable happened: I bought another C4 Corvette. Even more unimaginable, it was a 1984- arguably the worst year for the C4. That's not to say that the '84 is a bad Corvette, far from it, just that it's got the lowest hp rated engine of the entire C4 line-up. The one I picked up had the "doug nash" 4+3 manual transmission and Z51 suspension. The Z51 "track" suspension included a quick ratio steering rack, large diameter sway bars, extra stiff (bone-jarring) springs and staggered rim sizes. I got the car cheap because it had suffered years of neglect mechanically. The clutch was shot, the exhaust manifold gaskets were blown, oil leaks, 1,000 interior rattles, etc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqSpqby62h-bK73TjdyXJVWG5oL2_vsUYCZPZOpf4SuNTZ2RGAQWvawMlvLyZkdgvLuScdhN074vuo5gBZqAqWD0MNUpTAwXzO46mNgwZH2u3KiNE-RW8VmuWeUjR7zffO1wr0U8s2j0/s2048/IMG_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqSpqby62h-bK73TjdyXJVWG5oL2_vsUYCZPZOpf4SuNTZ2RGAQWvawMlvLyZkdgvLuScdhN074vuo5gBZqAqWD0MNUpTAwXzO46mNgwZH2u3KiNE-RW8VmuWeUjR7zffO1wr0U8s2j0/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The body and paint were very nice. I lowered it an inch and added slim wheel spacers at the rear to get the stance right. What I loved most about the 84 was it's total lack of modern safety gadgetry: No ABS, no Airbags, no Traction control, no 3rd brake light. The purest expression of mechanical C4 performance machinery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QI7IiIWNX5XvXQ-y-XJDW_VgmX3wjPh6l_CYeEhlR5RlUwWcEeWLVJifAbQcgVDHFbtoK2j0bXr7i1ktE5Py3AduIWg77sWlOyk3E2T_uOP1jNzlbS9L9zarfUMmH6w0tt85SPJNjHY/s2048/IMG_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QI7IiIWNX5XvXQ-y-XJDW_VgmX3wjPh6l_CYeEhlR5RlUwWcEeWLVJifAbQcgVDHFbtoK2j0bXr7i1ktE5Py3AduIWg77sWlOyk3E2T_uOP1jNzlbS9L9zarfUMmH6w0tt85SPJNjHY/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I added turbo mufflers and custom tips for a nice mellow sound. I enjoyed driving and tinkering on this 84 for about a year until something even more unthinkable happened....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyZPTdyORm2aap1NdNQQeT_wqdtcfvmCqCGoo2SZmTnkv2N1lPhf_OPxGG_HvxZMtKwvV9B6DwvrH_aHksbO7cefuTBvIeNn-QP6bx4gQez5ImDbyZMteFj0lHsUF1D3OKBTAHMevTP8/s2048/IMG_0005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyZPTdyORm2aap1NdNQQeT_wqdtcfvmCqCGoo2SZmTnkv2N1lPhf_OPxGG_HvxZMtKwvV9B6DwvrH_aHksbO7cefuTBvIeNn-QP6bx4gQez5ImDbyZMteFj0lHsUF1D3OKBTAHMevTP8/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost exactly a year later, in the spring of 2020, I bought a 1996 LT-4 powered C4, arguably the best of the C4 line, excluding ZR-1 which is a mechanical nightmare when things go wrong...I got a good deal on this car also as it had a bad clutch too....Corvette owners...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI6q56GG2-kR7G3Hj3ijPpqjmaFDNTpijyJCGhBCLRmcL58oAAKQw13H_o_ErZ9uXqi2UR74z4FsliKoqmdlns2iAM3fvujemrh5Wwa4nolzO_4RjmyI8VmCfcr64l-Gq3Ws74GBSKqI/s2048/IMG_0003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI6q56GG2-kR7G3Hj3ijPpqjmaFDNTpijyJCGhBCLRmcL58oAAKQw13H_o_ErZ9uXqi2UR74z4FsliKoqmdlns2iAM3fvujemrh5Wwa4nolzO_4RjmyI8VmCfcr64l-Gq3Ws74GBSKqI/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 96 was breathtakingly beautiful, a 6 speed car with only 69k miles on the odometer. It felt like a new C4. And it was very fast and fun. Sadly though it did not have Z51 suspension and the handling was a little doggy compared to the 84, despite wider tires and a new set of Bilsteins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix18sE-Xt5O-uZjE_9fv8DBC0LkkKLd2q_z0SZRZcfyy6EaRtLdMF7kfzuFmcBOTFaFpIqYP8GjeN6tiMmoFwS75mj6vdOWMyrZkR3kXMi3qmTZtDrtE1kwDCNXIuSo2Y7B9rdaLWMrmY/s2048/IMG_0010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix18sE-Xt5O-uZjE_9fv8DBC0LkkKLd2q_z0SZRZcfyy6EaRtLdMF7kfzuFmcBOTFaFpIqYP8GjeN6tiMmoFwS75mj6vdOWMyrZkR3kXMi3qmTZtDrtE1kwDCNXIuSo2Y7B9rdaLWMrmY/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the 84's "crossfire" engine, a simple and reliable twin throttle-body injected 350. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj286LgJtotf_J31naILbQOHOlfvWLpuRoDeoo4Y7dgLjNvxRHzB-Rjsf0oRJI2Veg0_tO6fFwM8tRp3P1FbRuN1XTpBIlbsHXqp20DGp5Xnwuxy-gb7rQ-PgWOqYjW_K0oP1g-JtABUUg/s2048/IMG_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj286LgJtotf_J31naILbQOHOlfvWLpuRoDeoo4Y7dgLjNvxRHzB-Rjsf0oRJI2Veg0_tO6fFwM8tRp3P1FbRuN1XTpBIlbsHXqp20DGp5Xnwuxy-gb7rQ-PgWOqYjW_K0oP1g-JtABUUg/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the 96's LT-4 one-year-only engine. Very fast and very smooth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW3V8JtAKTXTmmSx5_ESOhec07skdAEuVfT1ddKujC81eEySjfqc4RDL7S83hf995BwwYTwF5I2LqkpgzAwgr2CgFfvRnwBvd9pREMhuaE4L9OAm3cj8FehyphenhyphengskwMcMYb4uVrebOhrmY/s2048/IMG_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW3V8JtAKTXTmmSx5_ESOhec07skdAEuVfT1ddKujC81eEySjfqc4RDL7S83hf995BwwYTwF5I2LqkpgzAwgr2CgFfvRnwBvd9pREMhuaE4L9OAm3cj8FehyphenhyphengskwMcMYb4uVrebOhrmY/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always favored the early C4 digital dash interior, and this one I managed to clean up and restore to a very nice level. I added the flat dash panel and red accent stripe. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7dj2AOsRL1XW5KOGxD5wJ3E1YjD42U_OKj3QWIIoM_q-b8qgnCw8fNi8JN5kEMVP9VWmLsx0OQjOyDpLcJHBG3Mtnf6E7ewgbzZufsI-e-OYS0uwudSIzxxk3qwmVsQX0rXuh_LMPIQ/s2048/IMG_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7dj2AOsRL1XW5KOGxD5wJ3E1YjD42U_OKj3QWIIoM_q-b8qgnCw8fNi8JN5kEMVP9VWmLsx0OQjOyDpLcJHBG3Mtnf6E7ewgbzZufsI-e-OYS0uwudSIzxxk3qwmVsQX0rXuh_LMPIQ/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 96 had the updated interior, making it look like a whole different generation Corvette. It was a sporty feel for sure, but lacked much of the quirky early C4 charisma. The 96 was a much more serious Corvette.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmRPuXh2L8ipGEmpEtHb-LtiwTbmD-qpQrvwjd3oNfXLRH0Q4ok_O0T7V21E-zSIXP2mX3kTABj4jUKQN3zy3ymOeIZJMzSZOKgAqxrOl3wmiBHKNDB_IQEUBARXMbhDg11nVqIiM8ys/s2048/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmRPuXh2L8ipGEmpEtHb-LtiwTbmD-qpQrvwjd3oNfXLRH0Q4ok_O0T7V21E-zSIXP2mX3kTABj4jUKQN3zy3ymOeIZJMzSZOKgAqxrOl3wmiBHKNDB_IQEUBARXMbhDg11nVqIiM8ys/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought the 96 with the idea that I would replace the 84 with a lower mileage and more powerful example.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lsxVRJ6HXyr0wQddYhaH-sHQ-kWX2cXQRZxbR8t_sGUYwVsEu0ajuXYdEnv0wUo8PqcKObk9MgJ39hkVJ_9qSfhYafOUklR0Dv-Gcbbru7xxTYQpFfBUf1CeEis_1PLANISRtw-sUoY/s2048/IMG_0006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lsxVRJ6HXyr0wQddYhaH-sHQ-kWX2cXQRZxbR8t_sGUYwVsEu0ajuXYdEnv0wUo8PqcKObk9MgJ39hkVJ_9qSfhYafOUklR0Dv-Gcbbru7xxTYQpFfBUf1CeEis_1PLANISRtw-sUoY/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The more I drove each car the more strikingly the different short-comings of each car stood out. What the 84 lacked in powerful acceleration, the 96 lacked in road-gripping handling. What the 96 lacked in charisma, the 84 lacked in overall fit and finish...parting with one over the other became a very difficult choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEMYS8P_KiQzSf-_r0NEb_66XtjJYI5QBA7SLU93AdCy41slvosIHpBpyROM_8nasn00mUNrOJ_UyC0EcBj2cfugExK2kdPDn2n4DM_yR48aE5Tnb5zSojqJTsuVftSs_0psDvvMEL3M/s2048/IMG_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEMYS8P_KiQzSf-_r0NEb_66XtjJYI5QBA7SLU93AdCy41slvosIHpBpyROM_8nasn00mUNrOJ_UyC0EcBj2cfugExK2kdPDn2n4DM_yR48aE5Tnb5zSojqJTsuVftSs_0psDvvMEL3M/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In an ironic twist of fate, within 3 months of buying and repairing the 96 to showroom condition, I sold both Corvettes. The 96 ruined the 84 for me, and the 84 ruined the 96. Unthinkable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-79319124448123435902018-05-18T14:04:00.002-07:002018-05-18T14:05:08.588-07:002005 Cadillac Deville DTS land yacht, a gluttonous and unpopular fetish ride, a wolf in sheep's clothingThis will look like a stretch being posted on my blog about "humble custom and classic" vehicles, but, I assure you, with the little tweaks I did, I can argue that it meets the loose definition of "humble custom", and for me (and harder to argue) it is a modern classic.<br />
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This gracefully-aging beauty came along at the right time in the right place a little over a year ago. I had just resolved with one of my car buddies that my next car was going to be a cheap full-size, fully loaded out-of-fashion luxury-barge Cadillac (I've never owned one and needed to check that off the proverbial "list."). They sell used for pennies on the dollar compared to things like Toyota trucks, which as they age increase in value like real estate.<br />
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This car presented itself to me and it was love at first sight. I was not well versed in post-vintage Cadillacs so I didn't really know what I was looking at. But I knew I really really liked it. The color grabbed me, the beautiful gray leather interior reeled me in, and the bucket seat and floor shifter sealed the deal.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftyAN5iAlaOD6gqeR1HahoNIM9A54vs6Nr3f0jICukJRqwZMWWlIyiftOP2iMjn64cnHFLmkXd0hwyqNvTRVJqPhOpOb-aKOntgCsVSnyM9o2cqhkgR2Su2lSWjsAEtiueZ8okuqGg3s/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftyAN5iAlaOD6gqeR1HahoNIM9A54vs6Nr3f0jICukJRqwZMWWlIyiftOP2iMjn64cnHFLmkXd0hwyqNvTRVJqPhOpOb-aKOntgCsVSnyM9o2cqhkgR2Su2lSWjsAEtiueZ8okuqGg3s/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
My DTS (Deville Touring Sedan) is finished in the exquisite and understated "thunder metallic gray" complimented with chrome plated Cadillac rims and a hand-painted pinstripe.<br />
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From any angle, she's large and has presence. Note the absence of the classic Caddi hood ornament. The DTS model was the "sport" package and as such wore a cleaner look devoid of superfluous chrome and bling. The low-slung stance lends itself to surprisingly good handling, evasive maneuvering and acceleration despite it's portly dimensions. The last three American Presidents all relied on these Devilles in their motorcades!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTBGaBy7ijEBlVReIYE8adY2WQIooklhmXxGeopqjPlCS5OcnEVc-GAfjXV8mJh2SELfo8EUagKzUdVu_V4fFBHxwcPg01-rIw6I1ZG6OHkOuLyVrQHPkTKpC50qaoikeur0-bm24zdY/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTBGaBy7ijEBlVReIYE8adY2WQIooklhmXxGeopqjPlCS5OcnEVc-GAfjXV8mJh2SELfo8EUagKzUdVu_V4fFBHxwcPg01-rIw6I1ZG6OHkOuLyVrQHPkTKpC50qaoikeur0-bm24zdY/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had all windows professionally tinted to 35% for a classy, semi-private look. I de-badged the deck lid of the engine and model emblems, leaving only that legendary crest in the center on display. I also upgraded the front brakes with cross drilled rotors and dustless ceramic brake pads. Stopping this sled in a hurry was never a problem. Between the visual aesthetic of the tucked quad pipes and the Cadillac crest, enough said...<br />
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Slipping behind the leather and wood heated steering wheel, the car is a super old-money-opulent American treat to drive. I had to replace the worn engine mounts and shocks to restore that smooth, confident, powerful Cadillac experience, but it was well worth it and I was rewarded every time I turned the key and that 300 horsepower Northstar eagerly roared to life.<br />
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The original mufflers were so good that I couldn't hear the V8 at all. So I cut them off and welded in place this set of Summit Racing "turbo-style" chambered units. They allowed for a satisfying burble at idle and a gleeful, yet subdued wail in the higher RPM's, while remaining completely silent at steady cruise. I retained the high quality and well-styled original quad tips.<br />
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As a point of defense when everyone asked why I would buy this car, I routinely suggested that, while Cadillac ownership isn't for everyone, I loved it for the inspiring 300 HP engine, the spacious leather interior, and this little "auto" button. This is the switch on the side of the front seats which actuates the seat massage....I used it all the time...All the time. The seats were also heated and cooled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTg9lp_ParSgXd4h7OMBp7KVp52CoCRuAMOxxxtpxKtfmCtGHuxj7uMsT3WvSYRdoGdPGBKKlRGvAtBkQs0uY14X2hHFewCack-NUB8gIi-pDL-cjlhtQen6nD5VwIlG91vGhpgenUcE/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTg9lp_ParSgXd4h7OMBp7KVp52CoCRuAMOxxxtpxKtfmCtGHuxj7uMsT3WvSYRdoGdPGBKKlRGvAtBkQs0uY14X2hHFewCack-NUB8gIi-pDL-cjlhtQen6nD5VwIlG91vGhpgenUcE/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the best and worst part of post-vintage full-size Cadillac ownership- Northstar. I knew that these engines are notorious for stretched head bolts and blown head gaskets. They all do it and are essentially an expensive ticking time-bomb. However, after purchasing this car I did some research and learned that by 2004 Cadillac had successfully redesigned the Northstar (for like the 5th time since the early 1990's) and finally had their reliability problems fixed. This engine is one of the good ones! Note that the "NHP" on the cover designated this as the 300HP version, instead of the standard 275 in all other Deville models. Now go out and get yours before they're all sent to the crusher!!!</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-79484706204818495392018-04-07T19:25:00.001-07:002018-04-07T19:25:09.296-07:00My 1996 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider experienceI found this bike for sale as a trade-in at an Indian Dealer nearby. They had it bargain priced and listed on craigslist. I skeptically went to have a look. I was wanting a nimble uncluttered Harley with twin front disk brakes and a carbureted evolution engine, and this one fit the bill. It was adorned with a windshield, saddle bags, sissy bar, and heaps of pointless add-on chrome glamour pieces. This is not to my taste, but I was able to see through all that and picture the cool simple bike that was concealed within. The sales lady talked $500 off the asking price all on her own, much to my surprise, and it was a done deal!<br />
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Day 1 departing the Indian dealer with my new/old Dyna. Note the tall windshield, sissy bar, thunder header exhaust, saddle bag supports.</div>
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I removed the 4" handle bar risers, windshield, bag supports and sissy bar as soon as I got the bike home. The rear progressive brand shocks were garbage so I replaced them with some newer genuine HD adjustable units that I found used online.</div>
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Only the Dyna Low Rider comes with this unique instrumentation which includes a tachometer. Cool. I added heated grips from drag specialties, the switch is built into the left grip.</div>
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I changed to more low-profile mirrors and swapped out the so-called anti-vibration front foot pegs for a set of long basic HD pegs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4S4NsFZcCcxR0-yN9ckwhR1MFolZ0wOqtr6rBdTSIrAau1f_tjw2a-Nh17NLQ678IHTl4XUORSmddk_yP-Xk8ZbM2n6O8pDhcIA3CrF_SslV2kHsYdNMMmryuHgowiHy0WuSTZFPY-Y/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4S4NsFZcCcxR0-yN9ckwhR1MFolZ0wOqtr6rBdTSIrAau1f_tjw2a-Nh17NLQ678IHTl4XUORSmddk_yP-Xk8ZbM2n6O8pDhcIA3CrF_SslV2kHsYdNMMmryuHgowiHy0WuSTZFPY-Y/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The thunder header exhaust had cracked it's bracket and muffler mount during a day trip to Reno for the annual "Street-Vibrations" biker rally, so I swapped on a set of ceramic coated Samson pipes. Also note a prior owner had installed chrome fork lowers and chrome brake rotors.</div>
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Close-up of that beautiful evolution engine with classic round air cleaner. Shortly after this bike, HD moved to fuel injection and the air cleaner changed shape completely. I recently noticed some of the new 2018 models have adopted this iconic style again after something like a 15-year lapse. A good call.</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-39184373309313677592018-03-16T13:58:00.002-07:002019-12-27T22:43:13.917-08:002000 Audi TT Rally Cross experimentI remember when this car was unveiled; sometime in the late 1990's one of the mucky-mucks from Audi announced that this new car was the type of car "James Dean" would have driven (much to the chagrin of the Porsche mucky-mucks, who historically owned those bragging rights). Well I have always been passively interested in this fascinating little car. This particular example, an all-wheel-drive, turbo 5-speed model presented itself to me recently for very cheap and I had to have it. I've never owned or driven an old Porsche 356 or 550 spyder (Dean's car), but when I'm hunkered down in the low slung, chopped roof cockpit of this little bomb-shell, I feel distantly connected to that piece of German sports-motoring heritage. This car in 180hp trim with a 5 speed and all wheel drive is responsive, grippy, slightly under powered, and spectacular in twisties. It is also highly modifiable and pretty simple to work on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2V0R0E-GpXZXRNrhx4ka6cKliudhPkECfxtleJVn1-LOJ36M5zCswXtQ1m3BVXec5FDVz1N16KHjptv9tOR_BiE9iKGzOf2grod1V53X03L0GFcOgu5z05WEHQQi8jrxxyu3cYNPXNo/s1600/Audi+TT+stock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2V0R0E-GpXZXRNrhx4ka6cKliudhPkECfxtleJVn1-LOJ36M5zCswXtQ1m3BVXec5FDVz1N16KHjptv9tOR_BiE9iKGzOf2grod1V53X03L0GFcOgu5z05WEHQQi8jrxxyu3cYNPXNo/s320/Audi+TT+stock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My car had 199k miles on the odometer, but looked to have been well maintained, so I figured it was at least a 50-50 chance of it not blowing up in my face...I replaced the timing belt, gave it a full tune-up, and completely rebuilt the cooling system.<br />
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The paint on the center of the hood was oxidizing, so I added the red-accented matte black stripe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga78UAVIXTu4aZqWdZQgqpoSt5reRfXIOFb5QDiu7QW7fK1G5js52fK-XHSlFyHFvCmPBT-UgD6kJdMehEoUU7RLo7IVKJUNF5YlbIcIbkN-WVdZxF8rLt31K0A73hQcZFlGcMrf-rhg/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga78UAVIXTu4aZqWdZQgqpoSt5reRfXIOFb5QDiu7QW7fK1G5js52fK-XHSlFyHFvCmPBT-UgD6kJdMehEoUU7RLo7IVKJUNF5YlbIcIbkN-WVdZxF8rLt31K0A73hQcZFlGcMrf-rhg/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The rims were gouged pretty good so I repaired them and painted them graphite. I painted the graphite detail onto the rocker panel too<br />
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I terminated the stripe on the rear spoiler for a vintage-modern touch</div>
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The interior is gray leather, which I am a sucker for. It also has heated seats. The dash layout is simple and aesthetically quite attractive: only what you need, and nothing you don't. </div>
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The car was already wearing new bilstein shocks, new brakes and newish Michelin tires when I bought it. I added Neuspeed 1.5" lowering springs and Megan Racing adjustable rear lower control arms to get proper rear camber alignment.</div>
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To maximize performance on minimum money, I reconfigured the turbo controls via some creative plumbing, added an adjustable diverter valve, an adjustable manual boost-controller, and built this free-flowing cat-back exhaust system to expedite spool-up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUYzAZoCas_Xeu0-chuG3KGgXu09vr54ahzpO7ro73vpgE80hGZDTKPnqLHFip8BFKmfRWP4A8sJxXWp-i17tWmsLDZkxbPOhDrDziq-Ns7120eHQwj6dX3fKL4glSW8Vhx8KyWIw0Ec/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUYzAZoCas_Xeu0-chuG3KGgXu09vr54ahzpO7ro73vpgE80hGZDTKPnqLHFip8BFKmfRWP4A8sJxXWp-i17tWmsLDZkxbPOhDrDziq-Ns7120eHQwj6dX3fKL4glSW8Vhx8KyWIw0Ec/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A boost gauge is a must when fiddling with overboosting an engine. I added this Bosch unit and it looks right at home</div>
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I decided to take it to the local off-road park at Prairie City, where the quattro all-wheel-drive system impressed me in the mud. Then I accidentally drove it over a small cliff and broke the lower nose and radiator....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo9wKwIutvTrbltgsJB5VNBMAKDmAmHvakuKzxuZJK4SzpnoWelrQhDgDwA6OvldQ7gdNVHCGEYkCPYUefC72tkFa8bTqNFdmrOwROiD8Ul0mfLS8a2czjuDpvmhMGwkovUCoNqZQIl8/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo9wKwIutvTrbltgsJB5VNBMAKDmAmHvakuKzxuZJK4SzpnoWelrQhDgDwA6OvldQ7gdNVHCGEYkCPYUefC72tkFa8bTqNFdmrOwROiD8Ul0mfLS8a2czjuDpvmhMGwkovUCoNqZQIl8/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I had it towed home for lack of an in-tact engine cooling system</div>
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During dismantling and inspection I of course found the radiator ruptured, but also found the core support very broken.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWHgll1P-hR_fdowTO5wQDd1DsPL5MB9qVIOyKKIffAqdACefmzys9v5relwSDED7n9uUBYLfQizWSdwMmWoj93g2L6OwhJXQTRDCjiBkzjqcNOONFop3V3Hv2fy2HLsnBA51dcdO0wo/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWHgll1P-hR_fdowTO5wQDd1DsPL5MB9qVIOyKKIffAqdACefmzys9v5relwSDED7n9uUBYLfQizWSdwMmWoj93g2L6OwhJXQTRDCjiBkzjqcNOONFop3V3Hv2fy2HLsnBA51dcdO0wo/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is what it looks like when the front of an Audi TT is off</div>
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After repairing the core support and various other pieces, I replaced the radiator, reassembled and set about protecting the radiator from a repeat "incident"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyG3SGkqv7Wr9E91Z0_WXfcJa6fH1ordcan-bx6ue_RlncaS0hD6k_VPbD0HCGZZgT4fWoKFAwpfBeqS9MDpqSbwwAc_b5Daj8qDxQDAwC96WI-Hz7HjnpSLvJQQBSWPCRMYtInQ3z30/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyG3SGkqv7Wr9E91Z0_WXfcJa6fH1ordcan-bx6ue_RlncaS0hD6k_VPbD0HCGZZgT4fWoKFAwpfBeqS9MDpqSbwwAc_b5Daj8qDxQDAwC96WI-Hz7HjnpSLvJQQBSWPCRMYtInQ3z30/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I fabbed up this push bar, which bolts to the bumper beam and also to the add-on "panzer" skid plate underneath.</div>
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I added mud flaps, racing numbers, and a trio of Hella driving lights.</div>
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yes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8GmMJRFtwjtTM_MOtYH7tuSJRgalVKlTVoLplEzsliGaIm3uom_4_FVgyHGSw4JWC6cjc7jNobPX9qBBuxIGg6wciN55Cx9D8pi7R_oF9whD0W6qbbETEFgxCLt8GitwrHYvpR_xGDk/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8GmMJRFtwjtTM_MOtYH7tuSJRgalVKlTVoLplEzsliGaIm3uom_4_FVgyHGSw4JWC6cjc7jNobPX9qBBuxIGg6wciN55Cx9D8pi7R_oF9whD0W6qbbETEFgxCLt8GitwrHYvpR_xGDk/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To complement the white bar, I resprayed the wheels white. I also raised the front back up 1.5 inches</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW5yK0naxNWjD68R-xI7hyphenhypheny0JX4RQ91KvheF0PYpA5NBI1dzjCynXCrVXZB93zXrAamsf6qTuRFmKuHHSDoExAWJFxQeEM_ADZqP02KawpwZK4ZPbcjr9R6y-VyOsh_LLE1yxZZe0zIw/s1600/40748937342_2f10b65da4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW5yK0naxNWjD68R-xI7hyphenhypheny0JX4RQ91KvheF0PYpA5NBI1dzjCynXCrVXZB93zXrAamsf6qTuRFmKuHHSDoExAWJFxQeEM_ADZqP02KawpwZK4ZPbcjr9R6y-VyOsh_LLE1yxZZe0zIw/s320/40748937342_2f10b65da4_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Driver: Eric Schulte</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I returned to Prairie City to compete in the "prepared all-wheel-drive" class in the Nor-Cal rally cross series. The car did very well in it's first real foray and was on track to rank as the 3rd fastest car of the class (of 10 cars),</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aSLgtqLJcs3vOzRhQuNBygfxx8pr_hnM3ScUYAUyM4sRiklLOdQQB8zdxjue3qmrQLsXvD8B4Z0Mr0UaxCO7ReHWeTf-ZbLrjw31cGcsLbJsJ-DJ5HXdOhyphenhyphen0x14XJVJpTBsnteCnqS4/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aSLgtqLJcs3vOzRhQuNBygfxx8pr_hnM3ScUYAUyM4sRiklLOdQQB8zdxjue3qmrQLsXvD8B4Z0Mr0UaxCO7ReHWeTf-ZbLrjw31cGcsLbJsJ-DJ5HXdOhyphenhyphen0x14XJVJpTBsnteCnqS4/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Unfortunately it broke in the middle of round 4. I was jamming the shifter like a mad-man, powering out of a complicated turn when the 19-year-old brittle plastic linkage end snapped and rendered the shifter completely limp and useless. So instead I came in 9th place of 10. And after the race I limped the car home 25 miles in second gear with the hazard lights flashing away! Two days and 30 bucks later, the TT was back up and running.<br />
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-41391155007877986472017-08-12T22:06:00.001-07:002017-08-13T09:22:20.584-07:001995 Volvo 850- Swedish Dream.Well this is a departure. My wife and I just had a son born to us and I needed a comfy, convenient and safe vehicle to transport him in. At my job I am constantly tempted by all sorts of ordinary and misfit cars available to purchase at or below wholesale prices. One day, this little Volvo showed up and spoke to me. I had to have her. I'll be brief.<br />
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1995 Volvo 850 GLT</div>
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She's over 20 years old and only had 86k miles on the odometer. The gray leather interior was immaculate and her body and paint weren't too shabby either. She even had good tires! She was let go in her later years and I had to do a "little" sprucing to bring her up to snuff. Her transmission was failing and required some replacement parts, which I was able to source for cheap at the local junk yard.<br />
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I also had to do a little engine tuning to really make that non-turbo 5 cylinder sing. I replaced the restrictor-plate throttle butterfly with a non-restrictor unit from a junkyard Volvo 960, this gave me better throttle response off idle. I adjusted the intake and exhaust cam timing to provide for a little overlap, which yielded a slightly irregular idle, but noticeably improved the engine's torque delivery, particularly in the low rpm ranges. FYI, Volvo 850's come from the factory with adjustable cam gears and fine-tuning adjustments only take a matter of minutes. Another interesting fact: Here in the state of California, adjustable cam gears are illegal to have on "pollution controlled vehicles" which this Volvo is. How about a round of applause for them renegade Swedes!<br />
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I changed all the notoriously weak engine mounts and replaced the seepy heater core, which was about an hour job. Everything I did to the car was easy thanks to the thoughtful engineering that went into designing this car. I gained a lot of respect for the Volvo 850 and would gladly own a clean example again, though they are far and few between these days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqshoZkQcpK2pp32vPPvGvejYvRxKTqXWSUJrI2u_N-3If_cg8aPIHluvOBprDwBljH7r4WVqzxC221ozvUTIs6wvqFdf6anjOu1gautB3HHlFuPLjSjULvLYYatapuImJ3lDhhtc1azU/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqshoZkQcpK2pp32vPPvGvejYvRxKTqXWSUJrI2u_N-3If_cg8aPIHluvOBprDwBljH7r4WVqzxC221ozvUTIs6wvqFdf6anjOu1gautB3HHlFuPLjSjULvLYYatapuImJ3lDhhtc1azU/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The wife complained that the front grill made it look like a Buick, so I painted the grill black to "tone it down." She remained unmoved by it's pure Swedish good looks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk7U9gypTMKwn9cObZdRVtFquT7nhGSYDEdZDbatsaiCVgAndOK0e0YwDh6GDKRU664WsY6lOxjqvNANzWLR7m_QffsttWMGnb49RlkpX5hjDM8SnLHI9PHmMwqw-zCdsZSdGDtoiwzY/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk7U9gypTMKwn9cObZdRVtFquT7nhGSYDEdZDbatsaiCVgAndOK0e0YwDh6GDKRU664WsY6lOxjqvNANzWLR7m_QffsttWMGnb49RlkpX5hjDM8SnLHI9PHmMwqw-zCdsZSdGDtoiwzY/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I had all the windows professionally tinted to 35% for a tasteful and subtle look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZYUow15ocPAGUaNizUL4LoSeMhRbEibTPjAY4QMcVGBgwu56FgySxHN285115c86HbkfmhS0ul07PoqI90tsPzFDnOJjom0pzAWF4dfJDyiI_mS7-K8Toab74nL8YanQDC0LX2vpxbM/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZYUow15ocPAGUaNizUL4LoSeMhRbEibTPjAY4QMcVGBgwu56FgySxHN285115c86HbkfmhS0ul07PoqI90tsPzFDnOJjom0pzAWF4dfJDyiI_mS7-K8Toab74nL8YanQDC0LX2vpxbM/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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A well cared-for Volvo leather interior. This is something rarely seen in this vintage. I cleaned and conditioned the seats about once per month to keep it healthy. These seats are so comfy. If you have not experienced the Volvo seat, you simply must. It's the cushy, yet supportive seat you've always dreamed of but never knew existed.<br />
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I swapped on some rims from a later Volvo, "Canistos." They freshened up the look a bit, but the lower profile tires made the ride harsh. I removed them a day later and put the stock ones back on. The Volvo 850 has an ultra smooth and luxurious ride, yet handles like a sports car when needed. The buttery smooth 5 cylinder engine sounds like pure magic wailing away at redline. They are easy to work on, parts are very reasonable, and there is tremendous amounts of good info and support all over the internet. I highly recommend one. I sold this one when a gorgeous 12-year-old Cadillac Deville DTS land yacht lured me in. It was a bitter sweet parting.</div>
<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-3120512293741037272017-08-12T21:25:00.002-07:002017-08-18T10:03:20.328-07:001955 Willys M38A1 the miliary spec CJ5 JeepPresently the oldest "car" I own is this 1955 Willys ex-military Jeep. "Car" being a bit of a euphemism, as it operates, looks and feels more like a piece of industrial equipment...and that's just one of the many cool things about it.<br />
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I remember as a kid growing up in the late 70's and 80's, magazine ads for sea monkeys and military surplus Jeeps, some still in crates(!) for sale for as little as $25 (or $500, the pricing structure is a little hazy after all these years). How cool, I thought, a military surplus Jeep for cheap! Well, this is one of those Jeeps. It didn't come from some dubious ad, it came from a government equipment liquidator in the Northern California area, and was acquired by my father-in-law some time around 1972. He was the first registered owner after it was surplussed from the United States Military.<br />
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My father-in-law stripped the old military rig down and repainted the frame, body, added a 75/25 bench seat from a Willys wagon, dropped in a friends' "newish" Dauntless 225 V6 and hit the trails. This one-time Military rig was now on permanent R+R, enjoying years of family leisure use on the Rubicon Trail with the Jeepers Jamboree folks.<br />
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In about 1992 things got weird for the old girl as smog laws had caught up to her and they shut her down. There's not much in the world that a Jeep can't climb up and over, but government bureaucracy has a way of grinding down even the proudest. She was registered somehow as a 1974, probably thanks to one of the dim bulbs working the counter at the California DMV. So she was a 1955, titled as a 1974, with a 1971 engine, and not enough pollution control equipment to satisfy the bureaucrats after some 37 years of continuous dedicated service. In the mid 1990's, my father-in-law tarped her up in the side yard, and there she sat...until 2016.<br />
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I didn't really want/need/have space for a Jeep, so how did I end up with her? This is how the conversation went: Father-in-law: "I'm thinking of selling the old Jeep." Me: "what are you looking to get for it?" Him: "about a grand." Me- "seems like it's worth more than that. Maybe I could get it running for you."<br />
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The very next day he had the Jeep towed to my house...Me and my big mouth.<br />
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M38A1 Military 1/4 ton utilities all had the electrical pass-through hole just behind the right front fender<br />
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Six point roll cage installed. Rear fender extensions. Also note the fold damage to the left rear fender behind the tire.<br />
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75/25 Willys wagon seat was well used.<br />
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M38A1's have sunken headlights as compared to the CJ5 "Civilian Jeep" versions<br />
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Aftermarket rear bench seat is also a lockable storage chest!<br />
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Top and roll cage out. Note: M38A1's are tailgate-delete.</div>
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One of my brothers and I put together a make-shift "Top-Shot" challenge which made use of the Willys as a moving platform for my twin 75 Cal Anti-Aircraft potato gun.</div>
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I scrapped the old bench for this set of fork lift seats from Northern Tool. I had to modify them a bit, I changed the back rest angle and raised the back rest pad.</div>
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I stripped the tub's old carpet and laid down some thin indoor/outdoor mat, cut to fit the foot wells</div>
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A Nice clean look without the cage or top. The new buckets and lack of cage really open up the otherwise cramped cockpit.</div>
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I caved in to safety and decided to put part of the roll cage back in. I cut off the front part and just installed the four-point rear hoop.</div>
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The roll bar allowed for the easy install of the new Bikini top. Note the new mufflers, as one of the originals blew out around midnight on my way home one night. After a good bit of measuring and research, I determined that the unknown aftermarket chrome rims would accept 70's Corvette Rally hub caps!</div>
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I gave the old girl her proper "Willys" identity by painting the old logo on the tail. I stripped the black rubber fender extensions and hammered out the folded fenders.</div>
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Easy in and out access without the front cage loop in the way and with those clean little forklift seats installed. My Father-in-law had relocated the fuel tank to the rear and covered over the old filler hole.</div>
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Original Military ordinance plate was relocated to the tool compartment. I like seeing the army green down here, it reveals and proves her past.</div>
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"Willys" script added to the front, un-original, but at least everyone knows what she is. People ask me all the time- "is that your Willys out there?" instead of "is that your Jeep?" I don't know why, but I feel it matters.<br />
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It wasn't all just cosmetic fun. The T90 3 speed trans gave up it's 3rd gear synchro and the Spicer 18 transfer case was howling like a banshee due to wasted bearings. I rebuilt both. I also replaced a front chassis cross member that was cracking off, rebuilt the entire fuel system, replaced the radiator, restored much of the electrical system and finally...got her properly titled as a "1955 Willys!"</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-16434238750067166962016-10-23T17:28:00.000-07:002016-10-23T18:02:34.575-07:00BMW 2002 polyurethane rear sub frame bushing and differential mount bushing installAs this little BMW approaches respectability, I have been chipping away at some of the little long ignored detail things she needs to be "right." There was a pretty good knock from the right rear sub frame bushing when going over big bumps. A quick look underneath revealed saggy bushings for the subframe and the differential mount. I decided to purchase some poly bushings and try them out. This is an easy enough job, but a little cumbersome and smelly. The following is how I got it done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0RqBNtyVFz97g0TW5I1a6-TE63aJS0HKBNlNcxPKkwg6SV_UIO2oPdDd4HHcMjz-n0gcsVxR2IAj1FJQh919wrDYlOqcSpmQbGkqKjiiKTUr1mhEOyiTN-YjtIbP0TaFPS6O8T_n3_c/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0RqBNtyVFz97g0TW5I1a6-TE63aJS0HKBNlNcxPKkwg6SV_UIO2oPdDd4HHcMjz-n0gcsVxR2IAj1FJQh919wrDYlOqcSpmQbGkqKjiiKTUr1mhEOyiTN-YjtIbP0TaFPS6O8T_n3_c/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
the rear of the 2002 up on stands<br />
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I pulled out the differential mount bracket because I am replacing those bushings as well. this is a 10 minute operation requiring only the removal of four 17 mm fasteners.<br />
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Side view of the sub frame mount bushing. Not sure if it's sagging, or just designed this way as it is an "offset" bushing.<br />
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Under-view. Looks pretty tired to me.</div>
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Step one- remove 22mm nut. Loosen 17mm bolt at front of the safety bracket to allow the bracket to drop. (note both body and subframe are supported)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdz67-HF7KNIWLpANhDY3lc-YHrTQku4vHKNxr7NjmQw1MH6SPQPfhXHD1vBaeFUqlsBXdpIPZYEbCGe_G97zok1uh3vCcMX8TxcV5Dz5z2bUYMgsa8JbNl0zr60NDVDbzau8jw_kW-N8/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdz67-HF7KNIWLpANhDY3lc-YHrTQku4vHKNxr7NjmQw1MH6SPQPfhXHD1vBaeFUqlsBXdpIPZYEbCGe_G97zok1uh3vCcMX8TxcV5Dz5z2bUYMgsa8JbNl0zr60NDVDbzau8jw_kW-N8/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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jam one of the attaching bolts with a screwdriver thusly, then remove the 17mm nut from the other end.</div>
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When all loose, I allowed the subframe to drop a bit, I wiggled one of the long bolts out and finagled the mount the rest of the way out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNBxP-yqIRNKvnMjw0Rht9PgWgQD3vKEdcLex0n7q5CnGt4aOWVpB227JLBAvuGmWqpmAGu3F137KXeceSopwbPYXJPp9tcUpKEbXxjpfQ8fpWQFc6LMp4a0BZ_-UXGiT7Khat7Iw3p4/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNBxP-yqIRNKvnMjw0Rht9PgWgQD3vKEdcLex0n7q5CnGt4aOWVpB227JLBAvuGmWqpmAGu3F137KXeceSopwbPYXJPp9tcUpKEbXxjpfQ8fpWQFc6LMp4a0BZ_-UXGiT7Khat7Iw3p4/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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right side mount cracked and responsible for the noise and excessive subframe movement.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4JbZ27DszU-dwu3KbBQRfjsJKrQ2_k2v92BAnJ2whfDeLh_YObfHNxpSsuHNivllrHJql7b42ChUQ-71uYZJU0R75D5vf47larkrpu0sEM4qO8pYHGJdp9KLOj_igVrv_O31zg2LjhI/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4JbZ27DszU-dwu3KbBQRfjsJKrQ2_k2v92BAnJ2whfDeLh_YObfHNxpSsuHNivllrHJql7b42ChUQ-71uYZJU0R75D5vf47larkrpu0sEM4qO8pYHGJdp9KLOj_igVrv_O31zg2LjhI/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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glamor shot of cracked subframe mount.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUkz6Qac80_ydK0AA7el-IJYWestUGC9TXE8kZFPEFUPnPTzNWjVWn2LTB9mdWQhux8zDdnBZcR10b7ERqpUt5MAkbIYhj1FIOkqL4rFwaFb6llo7IGT1s0CzFswJV_3SjecNN2Lw1p4/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUkz6Qac80_ydK0AA7el-IJYWestUGC9TXE8kZFPEFUPnPTzNWjVWn2LTB9mdWQhux8zDdnBZcR10b7ERqpUt5MAkbIYhj1FIOkqL4rFwaFb6llo7IGT1s0CzFswJV_3SjecNN2Lw1p4/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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New poly kit</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqhJ5H7It_yFRP9gGZ5xlVvffZRHmgRvj1HfrAMIXqrZZQCxN3ajx1SKsK8xnhEJLdTCj4GWNFnRettIpmKoeLzEvJHXyJ00fY85du3tPWzRtecVxznHKV0zVCqMqGXk_kovHD00FaxU/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqhJ5H7It_yFRP9gGZ5xlVvffZRHmgRvj1HfrAMIXqrZZQCxN3ajx1SKsK8xnhEJLdTCj4GWNFnRettIpmKoeLzEvJHXyJ00fY85du3tPWzRtecVxznHKV0zVCqMqGXk_kovHD00FaxU/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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New mount bushing is not offset, and also requires re use of original metal housing, which BMW did not intend for re use/re purposing.</div>
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I drilled out the rubber until the center metal sleeve was loose</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEubN36J-gsBrjPQMSIQig4uaalu22VU5MDpcSuc_C4y88He5K_TE1aMAoEPRJlTQSvv7kMSe2W_hbB8JNDmwIGieUUAhJIqc77SL3-_zgCA5HcQYxyFZ53JrO8jjvETNovo5vi5uzbc/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEubN36J-gsBrjPQMSIQig4uaalu22VU5MDpcSuc_C4y88He5K_TE1aMAoEPRJlTQSvv7kMSe2W_hbB8JNDmwIGieUUAhJIqc77SL3-_zgCA5HcQYxyFZ53JrO8jjvETNovo5vi5uzbc/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I removed the center sleeve</div>
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I trimmed away a little more old rubber (the more you cut away, the less you have to burn)</div>
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I torched the remainder. Once lit, it burned very aggressively on it's own. </div>
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This part is really satisfying if there is an eight-year-old pyromaniac trapped inside you. However, it is a filthy stinking smoky mess. I was slightly concerned a neighbor may call the fire department, so do it when nobody is around, like on Thursday at 1 pm.</div>
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As it was burning down I was scraping the rubber away with a long screwdriver</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWcmhn1jQEbfR0Qo2NgSM6q5ZBiWXwZwOltiNz4tO3hgqiR5vbAS2f8E7TpiKRAkoDzaHgrkhI0n3n14WnbZes6LI3VtR4lYlw_SMoLUEzJM0tAREe_hvrJcRsQRcgPdRYOchahC9Oow/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWcmhn1jQEbfR0Qo2NgSM6q5ZBiWXwZwOltiNz4tO3hgqiR5vbAS2f8E7TpiKRAkoDzaHgrkhI0n3n14WnbZes6LI3VtR4lYlw_SMoLUEzJM0tAREe_hvrJcRsQRcgPdRYOchahC9Oow/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A quick coat of paint</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9707qEoHKWd9IamBXcb4CJBBTMQgLDYb_iP67iV_pqz-E0uea6ALb_BWsOLaHA0yl9s1KnGp3pJo8ADnM933B37PrqzYwCZeH9BTpinEX2VI7-nUfmokWraumlhq6GA3CJsbPgd1ArQ4/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9707qEoHKWd9IamBXcb4CJBBTMQgLDYb_iP67iV_pqz-E0uea6ALb_BWsOLaHA0yl9s1KnGp3pJo8ADnM933B37PrqzYwCZeH9BTpinEX2VI7-nUfmokWraumlhq6GA3CJsbPgd1ArQ4/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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the new bushings push in with relative ease.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRAh-VTziMmOke-HFky2VCh5DUHpJRuwreH17MZsU4ffqCNSHFwzmwniVUxKRTaEHJjKByE6s-WJNquKhmc88WfMwD2eF-DQBSQfloFMRljUrVaSkZGFPz-muYk0u8vC48ygP86wrVQQ/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRAh-VTziMmOke-HFky2VCh5DUHpJRuwreH17MZsU4ffqCNSHFwzmwniVUxKRTaEHJjKByE6s-WJNquKhmc88WfMwD2eF-DQBSQfloFMRljUrVaSkZGFPz-muYk0u8vC48ygP86wrVQQ/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The new bushing center is low, but after a call to the manufacturer, I was reassured that this is how it's supposed to be and that it is designed to squeeze together to completely inhibit movement once installed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0lU2XAmTC-HIbpJYZ-OnU-2fd-PQGdu_n04av93XQ-ZqSE9DxgYAX7RXvamBImZm29w0O8x9naJSIv65x7A34IZGw-9aaWljasagyE9KirsYlmsdIWl4Nsg0Vr1jYEK1xf-MtBjX2eg/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0lU2XAmTC-HIbpJYZ-OnU-2fd-PQGdu_n04av93XQ-ZqSE9DxgYAX7RXvamBImZm29w0O8x9naJSIv65x7A34IZGw-9aaWljasagyE9KirsYlmsdIWl4Nsg0Vr1jYEK1xf-MtBjX2eg/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I picked up some slightly shorter bolts so I can bolt the mount to the frame in a more maintenance-friendly fashion to make future work a breeze. (originals on the right)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1U4-P9Af24cfa3Dvb6jvRF0LYtxXTsaJVfX5AU0_j7aS6IdPNpJkd9T7z8_5pLAlRBcMq_Bmsvn81UTgmD2HsU4nvFKhX48_FrPv8iEYZhUU18RywqV78peNHv1zjuAfxaTlk6dhTzc/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1U4-P9Af24cfa3Dvb6jvRF0LYtxXTsaJVfX5AU0_j7aS6IdPNpJkd9T7z8_5pLAlRBcMq_Bmsvn81UTgmD2HsU4nvFKhX48_FrPv8iEYZhUU18RywqV78peNHv1zjuAfxaTlk6dhTzc/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The nut is now on the inside, allowing easy re installation and for the mounts to be removed without as much finagling in the future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeZpfjGbyKEMBUFYposy-oPq8XnpiPAC6HojFtNQbMQIhEvEt7RMXYky0ouuP8ebEY-qypMzfxi0ahqkBRgNgEEhxkpH0imjgVJsbLqdVjXMBtkXQ48JfJYvHKG_DS1_SgVN5nkbv_IE/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeZpfjGbyKEMBUFYposy-oPq8XnpiPAC6HojFtNQbMQIhEvEt7RMXYky0ouuP8ebEY-qypMzfxi0ahqkBRgNgEEhxkpH0imjgVJsbLqdVjXMBtkXQ48JfJYvHKG_DS1_SgVN5nkbv_IE/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All bolted up and no clearance issues.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSAVHbGflzCna1BA6dX2Pl4UTMoxQsvJl4Dxvp4l5sJbLN92yLL2WGelUIx6sV4zQuBrl14hOo30euE3Dl4LpBYREf-fmn63cntmUj66KXDf8UvhvDGqxcGenJQJqc8BrqISG5AtMWW0/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSAVHbGflzCna1BA6dX2Pl4UTMoxQsvJl4Dxvp4l5sJbLN92yLL2WGelUIx6sV4zQuBrl14hOo30euE3Dl4LpBYREf-fmn63cntmUj66KXDf8UvhvDGqxcGenJQJqc8BrqISG5AtMWW0/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another view</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAsSEwnxWQV6A1tns2CfB9iKxiISS1X0NMybIvZ1nxmkjeqmVEF3RhFdqLPgxolA9VgnXJFgP0gSrLo1ZGgI-s7Vk649B91TioobtpRIMHkHIYFMyng9sz8El5ExyFSyDFkS3cultq0Q/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAsSEwnxWQV6A1tns2CfB9iKxiISS1X0NMybIvZ1nxmkjeqmVEF3RhFdqLPgxolA9VgnXJFgP0gSrLo1ZGgI-s7Vk649B91TioobtpRIMHkHIYFMyng9sz8El5ExyFSyDFkS3cultq0Q/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added a thick flat washer top and bottom of the new bushing to better distribute the squeeze of the main bolt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbheegE1L3RVAflrMqDRxM6Jzx-KUefkYjpEmmisCIm6ChpMrdP1KlM0_GdohDvgbMOZPWU56Ixjd7GGXffxg6bBahQBP0CNk3i0LavDCMO4x3DR6SJ8YxVttk5wGIqgKQXYb1mizsho/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbheegE1L3RVAflrMqDRxM6Jzx-KUefkYjpEmmisCIm6ChpMrdP1KlM0_GdohDvgbMOZPWU56Ixjd7GGXffxg6bBahQBP0CNk3i0LavDCMO4x3DR6SJ8YxVttk5wGIqgKQXYb1mizsho/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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the new subframe bushings are not offset and have raised the front of the subframe a bit. After talking with the manufacturer I was assured that this is in no way going to induce a bad pinion angle or create any problems. (spoiler alert- he was right, they worked perfectly)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj367NS-EHtBRCmspEuboSi_VgdGfpUK13lIefWOOhB-JnrZMWflwOVT1YUWj2G1jqRYqD3YEC118BN2OjmE5eZ56PIOnvGPYQBd7wWdrwHlqEkDvsR84ODAAr6R2k9hjGssjeayNtnK5Q/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj367NS-EHtBRCmspEuboSi_VgdGfpUK13lIefWOOhB-JnrZMWflwOVT1YUWj2G1jqRYqD3YEC118BN2OjmE5eZ56PIOnvGPYQBd7wWdrwHlqEkDvsR84ODAAr6R2k9hjGssjeayNtnK5Q/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Removal of the differential mount bracket. Note that I pulled this first, and re installed it last during the whole repair process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXhpP2aT-WXkVkjQgE0IsVcl03Q6m7zKYqvmo7hQ8u3jO6HsqzTHe5Vs7tCXfORT82obKGGZS0kYNDYSCstO9eMzotFdp-jf8wIzwPhkl3zXkepbbmLMTha8UZIUYET_8xqE1LFB6JsQ/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXhpP2aT-WXkVkjQgE0IsVcl03Q6m7zKYqvmo7hQ8u3jO6HsqzTHe5Vs7tCXfORT82obKGGZS0kYNDYSCstO9eMzotFdp-jf8wIzwPhkl3zXkepbbmLMTha8UZIUYET_8xqE1LFB6JsQ/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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New bushings above the old</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs0_pdArciybLnH9A2NgKyg4r997UTZyYEgrVwZJmGUsIwfMc0jQLMxkf1fnM-N3wmo18tHhGDwE1jFkHDxL08CyXCacRgfRStvGeFi_2qP54U8x6PQv08jPbFdKEPCS_T0Az94VAfhg/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs0_pdArciybLnH9A2NgKyg4r997UTZyYEgrVwZJmGUsIwfMc0jQLMxkf1fnM-N3wmo18tHhGDwE1jFkHDxL08CyXCacRgfRStvGeFi_2qP54U8x6PQv08jPbFdKEPCS_T0Az94VAfhg/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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sagging, cracked, and pulling away from their shells.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQuCUg9AvlF41z2eq6QGpgeNACs8c8C-EoXwBab1wmImyib3fEzYBmytI7hAwnVkKVRZfuyrRUc1_eg9NudrVRLacbkZ82lfOMc1ns5uvZbA98e3SHhY3edg8qa6ClHSa3dZZz2OI5js/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQuCUg9AvlF41z2eq6QGpgeNACs8c8C-EoXwBab1wmImyib3fEzYBmytI7hAwnVkKVRZfuyrRUc1_eg9NudrVRLacbkZ82lfOMc1ns5uvZbA98e3SHhY3edg8qa6ClHSa3dZZz2OI5js/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I pried the rubber centers out</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6EZcvyHsdD6I3RBkmFQ8zxRX3lpQP0fa1X-tdzquLCc3g6itOciO6ZzsYj3Npn8jMYVwDWuhXWilvFoxbghv3OB97i21h61g9Nw2phNbekDjgSRPhOdQnGPJnajbhM4uo_BZMCZOUpg/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6EZcvyHsdD6I3RBkmFQ8zxRX3lpQP0fa1X-tdzquLCc3g6itOciO6ZzsYj3Npn8jMYVwDWuhXWilvFoxbghv3OB97i21h61g9Nw2phNbekDjgSRPhOdQnGPJnajbhM4uo_BZMCZOUpg/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hack-sawed the shells in two places</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqLAZH8bq9dHiqtfI86Quwf_41ewojuyG2lq_afZK1nqi24Xj8WiWeK1fOTr3it_K_mE7OcnXAtIXckb_R2oWHGCSEnf_LV_oktMP7Q7XSSp6AOUzOPufbTZ1uWEBuK1Rsy_TNmMXi3c/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqLAZH8bq9dHiqtfI86Quwf_41ewojuyG2lq_afZK1nqi24Xj8WiWeK1fOTr3it_K_mE7OcnXAtIXckb_R2oWHGCSEnf_LV_oktMP7Q7XSSp6AOUzOPufbTZ1uWEBuK1Rsy_TNmMXi3c/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a screw driver as a punch and tapped the remaining bushing shells out very effortlessly</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjtCOJZ4myXKdFx4vyIJKWwZQdIVvKqeRDMAEdZ2ymhbkD9Y1SAkFn6gTFRcxmvt5uUYZIJ9OumBGTcvMlL7L29tGeGi7FxkL2ygIFWcFhk27_BCQBOmBjJG3A8f4GY2s6T6y5Rc3WOQ/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjtCOJZ4myXKdFx4vyIJKWwZQdIVvKqeRDMAEdZ2ymhbkD9Y1SAkFn6gTFRcxmvt5uUYZIJ9OumBGTcvMlL7L29tGeGi7FxkL2ygIFWcFhk27_BCQBOmBjJG3A8f4GY2s6T6y5Rc3WOQ/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A clean removal without a press</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyDFggvusmWL87dYDcm0d_2zxsgp7TaDryRbOc3vd0ri_9e4GXL60claOXe9PWnW0wwBjwPWRgqVzJjkBuzXsQExLORtiHgaNQf-_WkZsgnoz5h78aGcNHiQmFj3s6SdH7eIR0PzGuPQ/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyDFggvusmWL87dYDcm0d_2zxsgp7TaDryRbOc3vd0ri_9e4GXL60claOXe9PWnW0wwBjwPWRgqVzJjkBuzXsQExLORtiHgaNQf-_WkZsgnoz5h78aGcNHiQmFj3s6SdH7eIR0PzGuPQ/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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New poly bushings push in with light hand pressure</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrtOd3YRd94NVEmBiNph4cWISarkuT3sID7aqk-ifQtTj_RNZueWxqzbT8Ncdd-9Q4vNsll_3xvp1kNkSHs3rcG-kn3CLFZKZ1IvgSjezNhs1XECJ62abDstQPYK6zIN5zf89kB1nFzk/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrtOd3YRd94NVEmBiNph4cWISarkuT3sID7aqk-ifQtTj_RNZueWxqzbT8Ncdd-9Q4vNsll_3xvp1kNkSHs3rcG-kn3CLFZKZ1IvgSjezNhs1XECJ62abDstQPYK6zIN5zf89kB1nFzk/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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New poly bushings installed in bracket </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP7NTJAXRzFoSdvTLO5ip2oxpIN1Qm9gPDXAb6PBczx4mw4mP8w2Qxxk4k05dWc3n3m8Bd282KFJx5D6tzrBijH309f8ktZZ784COEOVvhG23nwAL_XJKTfWW7PcoKNjPrXTKxMK6jiY/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP7NTJAXRzFoSdvTLO5ip2oxpIN1Qm9gPDXAb6PBczx4mw4mP8w2Qxxk4k05dWc3n3m8Bd282KFJx5D6tzrBijH309f8ktZZ784COEOVvhG23nwAL_XJKTfWW7PcoKNjPrXTKxMK6jiY/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bracket snakes in easily from one side</div>
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Bolted back into place, clean and simple.</div>
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When I researched the polyurethane upgrade, I found half the reviews contended they transmit too much noise, vibration and harshness into the cabin, others stated there was none. My findings are that there is no noticeable increase in NVH, however if I pay attention, the windows are rolled up, and the radio is off, I can hear a little click from the ring and pinion when I soft pedal the accelerator between the drive and coast side of the gears. No big deal. I like having a tight rear sub frame.</div>
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Also note, I attempted to shove the long body bolt up under the rear seat, but it was pretty well stuck, so I left it in place nice and snug. </div>
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-23086631030680961892016-10-23T16:31:00.001-07:002017-09-02T20:19:48.198-07:001975 BMW 2002 fresh Polaris silver paint (twice)Earlier in the year I was on a strong roll whipping the body into shape and took the leap to paint the car myself. I have successfully painted before, albeit single stage. The BMW is getting a base/clear system. I have an inexpensive harbor freight HVLP gun and a good compressor. I set aside a complete Saturday for the project and set out early with two layers of a gray sealer, which when on respectably smooth and even. After the appropriate flash time I sprayed on three beautifully uniform coats of the base metallic silver "Polaris" color. After enough flash time I mixed up the clear and started spraying. I immediately was having difficulty putting on a smooth coat of clear. It was spraying out in large drops/blobs. No matter how I fiddled with the gun, it wouldn't flow even and smooth. I reasoned that I could just lay it on heavy and cut/sand/polish it to a good smooth finish. It might have worked, but it didn't. The clear was so heavy that it hadn't time to flash off before it began to attack the base coat and wrinkle it in places. The following is how it all went down and what I did to move past this terrible "worst-case scenario" situation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16KL_bi-EqtuTgy8VUh_BKL77ousv8DRW44vhrTdlW6KhhsfJCAhOaiqAvVaZBDZ-ZLR8RXqIybsQLNw26vMEn8QpAntgEFElqOc1Foj5_I0_3isctYtZDEGYB4ayVFgmYarh0bjfGRQ/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16KL_bi-EqtuTgy8VUh_BKL77ousv8DRW44vhrTdlW6KhhsfJCAhOaiqAvVaZBDZ-ZLR8RXqIybsQLNw26vMEn8QpAntgEFElqOc1Foj5_I0_3isctYtZDEGYB4ayVFgmYarh0bjfGRQ/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Little 2002, masked under awnings in the side yard wearing a fresh sealer primer coat</div>
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Gallon of Polaris base color, custom made by my local automotive paint supplier</div>
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Carefully spraying on the base so as to achieve uniformity, avoid any mottled panels or "tiger stripes"</div>
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When the base flashed off it had a low satin sheen and it looked almost good enough as-is. I was very pleased with the progress.</div>
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During my third pass with the clear is when I noticed the base-coat problem, so I immediately stopped spraying.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fQF40q6HABpDEmLWJ6-XKlNYGccLX6yss7cKtWDfa7T7EecaPdab4SMXGxQAnZd2Y488bVv8ZSuS4ZEA4_b9yhobIMs6Ov3Qs-NvfelkH2yLM2V7HVjpMA6VpP2oeaVi0J1-SFMWzwY/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fQF40q6HABpDEmLWJ6-XKlNYGccLX6yss7cKtWDfa7T7EecaPdab4SMXGxQAnZd2Y488bVv8ZSuS4ZEA4_b9yhobIMs6Ov3Qs-NvfelkH2yLM2V7HVjpMA6VpP2oeaVi0J1-SFMWzwY/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the shine brought by the clear, and if not for the cracking, this would have been a fine home-job paint project.</div>
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But, this is the result in a few places. 95% of the car looked fine, but a few spots on the trunk, hood, tail panel and "C" pillar had this terrible reaction. It still makes me a little sick to my stomach to look at this.</div>
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I have no photos of what took place next- weeks of pain-staking, miserable careful re sanding of the entire body to remove all the failed clear and blend everything back together. Then I took the car to my local paint shop and paid up to have them shoot the car for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PhLismY5nMhyACCJPVh8dKH0SReHz7eHzmtymjjQDkc-nu-at5pHDE5BqRFlBmSoxQWUOe-8fTIEnRtYYEiSZUtryhw5oXvLC2gBzkABZegrkYYQ3wYJ4UJD2JNM2cVxr-tNAFtMNMU/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PhLismY5nMhyACCJPVh8dKH0SReHz7eHzmtymjjQDkc-nu-at5pHDE5BqRFlBmSoxQWUOe-8fTIEnRtYYEiSZUtryhw5oXvLC2gBzkABZegrkYYQ3wYJ4UJD2JNM2cVxr-tNAFtMNMU/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I got the car back I masked off the edges and wet sanded with 2000 grit, followed by 3000 grit to really make it smooth, but dull</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20fkzW3AXj39kGDEF-PTSdG-WSTaekYDrkJRsomaWvDHZJs09hqwLDY96HSYQ_a8-KdQlK224Vw3QcM5OgpZuq7Zv7EwnrEwjG1qo2KzzK5HCFGgdHBHN0hO5Lw0_-H-q2Fl88vFGloc/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20fkzW3AXj39kGDEF-PTSdG-WSTaekYDrkJRsomaWvDHZJs09hqwLDY96HSYQ_a8-KdQlK224Vw3QcM5OgpZuq7Zv7EwnrEwjG1qo2KzzK5HCFGgdHBHN0hO5Lw0_-H-q2Fl88vFGloc/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spent a day buffing the shine back up.</div>
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I spent the next day putting these parts back on.</div>
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Some of the trim was looking very very faded by comparison to the new paint, so I polished and cleaned it up. This stuff made the lower moldings look great</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXGXAT6mxI9rcvn2R3-PySrW3v7Vpet24fCLI4H7lM1V7NlWVytbsH-QcUEiTbzBNJlsOyBi0M-GVBylxHN3oN6XSOvLwj2jbkDLQOc76S6Dyqj7UgF2cn9gCsoQPLrWTeM9p2G8gE2U/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXGXAT6mxI9rcvn2R3-PySrW3v7Vpet24fCLI4H7lM1V7NlWVytbsH-QcUEiTbzBNJlsOyBi0M-GVBylxHN3oN6XSOvLwj2jbkDLQOc76S6Dyqj7UgF2cn9gCsoQPLrWTeM9p2G8gE2U/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not a huge fan of the brand, but this stuff made the faded bumper bellows look good again (UPDATE: When refueling, I spilled a lil gas on the r/r bellows and it smears this stuff right off into a gooey black greasy mess that invariably ends up getting wiped onto the cars body.)</div>
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A little polish and 0000 steel wool cleaned up the marker chrome</div>
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the fine sanding and high-speed buffer turned the once bashed and faded drivers door into a mirror!</div>
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Coming together. In this photo I haven't yet installed new window rubbers or upper belt line trim, but they went on shortly after. I later discovered that my HVLP gun had a clogged passage near the tip. Had I properly cleaned it, this likely never would have happened. This was a hard lesson. </div>
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Final iteration wearing all trim and in daily-driver shape</div>
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At the rear I removed the original license plate lights and added tiny LEDs to clean up the lines a bit.</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-51600644819414298572016-07-23T01:03:00.000-07:002016-07-23T01:03:55.716-07:00Procar Pro 90 seats installed in a 1965 Ford Falcon HardtopI've been enjoying a slushy restored bench seat in the Falcon for about six years now. I have long flirted with the idea of switching to sportier, more supportive bucket seats and have had my eye on the Procar Pro 90 low backs for some time. They are super reasonably priced and look pretty good in all the ads. Recent events and revelations in my life finally prompted me to make the leap to bucket seats. I scored a set of seats and adapters from Summit Racing (No sales tax and free shipping...Woo Hoo!!!) and got to work.<br />
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Step one is to remove the old bench seat. To make it easier and less back-breaking, I unclipped both back rests, slid them off their pivot pins, then I wrangled the bottom out separately<br />
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The bench is still in good condition even after 6 years of unsympathetic daily use. I have now stored it up in the rafters of my garage for future use.<br />
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Cavernous interior. I vacuumed it and removed the floor mats to start with a clean slate.<br />
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The procar pro 90 seats come with the sliders loose, and they need to be attached with the included hardware.<br />
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Bolting the sliders on is a breeze. The frames are all pre-threaded and very easy to work with.<br />
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This is the connecting link that synchronizes the slider release from side to side</div>
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Both sliders in place and the connecting link installed.<br />
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I secured one end of the connecting link with a zip tie to prevent it from popping off as it tended to.</div>
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Procar offers adapter brackets designed specifically for the 1965 Falcon (and by extension I assume they "may" work for the 64 and 63) I waffled on buying these for about 7 seconds. If you weld, you can build your own with scrap metal, an old bed frame, or less than $20 in metal stock...and so can I, but I decided that the extra $65 each was worth getting the job done quickly.<br />
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I set the adapter brackets into place. My car, being an original bench seat car, did not have holes for the inner feet of the adapter brackets. It should be noted that the outer holes lined up perfectly though. Notice the string I stretched from side-to-side to ensure parallel installation, as there is a little "wiggle" room between the adapters and the factory floor holes.<br />
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I employed my old trusty hot poker technology to cleanly bore through the carpet in preparation for drilling holes in the floor. Don't skip this step, as drilling through carpet will ruin your carpet and make a tangled mess out of your drill bit.<br />
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Poker carefully melting the carpet </div>
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Clean hole in the carpet, in just the right place...I repeated this 3 more times in the remaining spots.</div>
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Here you can barely see the 4 new holes in the carpet, ready to be easily drilled for the attaching bolts<br />
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I start with a small pilot hole centered in the right spot, and then drill to the correct larger size.<br />
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A quick coat of semi-gloss black for the adapter-to-floor hardware. Note that this hardware is not included with the kit. It is expected that you will reuse your existing hardware, or choose new. Falcon can't swap the hardware, as it's integral with the original seat, so I purchased new from the hardware store.<br />
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Adapter secured to the floor, repeat for the other side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxkSNBhoqsj6fmoM6EuftHDVedgKhwo6NWcYHdI61QLzQyc1c9_YihiTRC4pr6oh3cLZa7x-lTjwbZiL6hVr7Oh8qyZnPEXbuZ1oxh4CpSkact-epuPL28jl5vdGn9OpWMUAEmqYmkhg/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxkSNBhoqsj6fmoM6EuftHDVedgKhwo6NWcYHdI61QLzQyc1c9_YihiTRC4pr6oh3cLZa7x-lTjwbZiL6hVr7Oh8qyZnPEXbuZ1oxh4CpSkact-epuPL28jl5vdGn9OpWMUAEmqYmkhg/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Then the seats just bolt to the adapter bracket with the supplied hardware<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5jM6lP_BsPbMH9cy3Tg_lSGGyTVMLcTdRqf8qm1UbEr907c1KOTIgRkSyhI1epM606wPT6JdY2XfCUl6ZIUgpJNmQ54X2lQApyQQxGuS7g8YULMREODBS0xiY7ZKBZS9YB-DMzZDv60/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5jM6lP_BsPbMH9cy3Tg_lSGGyTVMLcTdRqf8qm1UbEr907c1KOTIgRkSyhI1epM606wPT6JdY2XfCUl6ZIUgpJNmQ54X2lQApyQQxGuS7g8YULMREODBS0xiY7ZKBZS9YB-DMzZDv60/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
At this point you can make adjustments to the mounting angle of the seat where it bolts to the floor adapter bracket, there is about a 1" range front and back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg9qNjEQf8q7eeuk6LD-9DteP-9pbbnY7ZomrwzUZhoU4pz5VKIR6coY7lNp_4Jv_PweW7st4w9LMPuKXQWixZpmdpATPl2WzlvQUDH4rWOs804lhx9A7MsbmV7o97tQSRRaPAbk3ywQ/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg9qNjEQf8q7eeuk6LD-9DteP-9pbbnY7ZomrwzUZhoU4pz5VKIR6coY7lNp_4Jv_PweW7st4w9LMPuKXQWixZpmdpATPl2WzlvQUDH4rWOs804lhx9A7MsbmV7o97tQSRRaPAbk3ywQ/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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plastic cover plate easily screws onto the recliner mechanism.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZFICxquaGyMatPJfSbVd1IzoK48BV5WDD_L24OIJ_HkarbAnvgF7gJc9Pr-Sj8UObosdrLOm6spIRfcMTXDa2ChyphenhyphenMKq-DZhKLVV4PMUG8EuyQKW0GSUAEtSzOQ9Ki3-hGkekCWbFCBk/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZFICxquaGyMatPJfSbVd1IzoK48BV5WDD_L24OIJ_HkarbAnvgF7gJc9Pr-Sj8UObosdrLOm6spIRfcMTXDa2ChyphenhyphenMKq-DZhKLVV4PMUG8EuyQKW0GSUAEtSzOQ9Ki3-hGkekCWbFCBk/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's that. Easy bucket seat installation! With the use of the procar adapter brackets, the install was less than an hour per side! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYAQhipEyFNApdOgoy1q4PjEbCGOjTKUarnM_XCk32Fb6hAAgjSjBLgH7REwKYyLbFFn5HbKU_xWvmwiEtpRw5bAO9rPLrUs75j9R2o_QFanmyK4p7lcdTXHXln3DSI6ULPK4LmV8mlI/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYAQhipEyFNApdOgoy1q4PjEbCGOjTKUarnM_XCk32Fb6hAAgjSjBLgH7REwKYyLbFFn5HbKU_xWvmwiEtpRw5bAO9rPLrUs75j9R2o_QFanmyK4p7lcdTXHXln3DSI6ULPK4LmV8mlI/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The seat back pivots forward to allow easy access to the rear seat with a flip of the recliner lever. Also notice the handy map pockets on the rear of the seat back.<br />
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The seat reclines back onto the rear seat. Good range of adjustability with tight increments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2rAoVAS_TK2ajLZsT0Tnza7qxdahRf0Td8BrAXWpdQJ_tPvZqyhJNM0cZJf8Vg64PNJKpgTDFZ-4DLE1rN1EpuEP5FCT5UZSAYL55cssBWgtNGiMFr9cgM483JGFqzrz2_f0cjbxZfk/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2rAoVAS_TK2ajLZsT0Tnza7qxdahRf0Td8BrAXWpdQJ_tPvZqyhJNM0cZJf8Vg64PNJKpgTDFZ-4DLE1rN1EpuEP5FCT5UZSAYL55cssBWgtNGiMFr9cgM483JGFqzrz2_f0cjbxZfk/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To fill the void between the seats and add handy cup holders for my morning coffee, I picked up this sweet little console, made by TMI for 65-68 Mustangs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4ahri6gF27irx_yw5iRr2qP49pvsCQWuaX9RB0RkW1EK6o5DqICOfeL_IjZe5F3m7rMCPYm7h2qsrLcFpmLtZs32VFNowv-9mqIrz7yT0ekC0fjcn-kKmedfOh96ejip9a2mTeXkT4/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4ahri6gF27irx_yw5iRr2qP49pvsCQWuaX9RB0RkW1EK6o5DqICOfeL_IjZe5F3m7rMCPYm7h2qsrLcFpmLtZs32VFNowv-9mqIrz7yT0ekC0fjcn-kKmedfOh96ejip9a2mTeXkT4/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The console is intended to "velcro" in place with the attached velcro straps. I wanted a more rigid and permanent installation. I cut off the velcro straps. I then made this bracket from a 1/8" steel strip about 8 inches long. I bent an inch of the ends up and conformed the middle to the driveshaft tunnel. I added some holes to secure it to the tunnel. I added holes on each bent up end to screw to the console.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLJw8I3jW4XSuZSGK5W_H8k5JHOzaA2n8m_ZElyJnH-P4qMIybfa5OXV4q39eoMnDJQARZImKG4KcAdqtAAu0szG_4oukrI0bOxZVkBbA9om2ta3b_DWplDRGCEgMQpT1KyCw-Pc_6wg/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLJw8I3jW4XSuZSGK5W_H8k5JHOzaA2n8m_ZElyJnH-P4qMIybfa5OXV4q39eoMnDJQARZImKG4KcAdqtAAu0szG_4oukrI0bOxZVkBbA9om2ta3b_DWplDRGCEgMQpT1KyCw-Pc_6wg/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
I marked a spot on each side, approximately 4" from the rear of the console, where I wanted to attach the bracket inside the console. I used tape to protect the area and a small hot poker to bore through the vinyl and pad prior to drilling the mount hole.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHZ5W9ZUuYcnYxFdjBUSOXiqSqIswmuntTYXuNS0A77uYXfyR9zIKZgSoHuaSmwN3seEzI9kneRQvovlNvGhzXdbqDHYZHMCpE3flOm6-paOxYMBwjxaSl73RjCXXYUgUq_Y0AZOIZZo/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHZ5W9ZUuYcnYxFdjBUSOXiqSqIswmuntTYXuNS0A77uYXfyR9zIKZgSoHuaSmwN3seEzI9kneRQvovlNvGhzXdbqDHYZHMCpE3flOm6-paOxYMBwjxaSl73RjCXXYUgUq_Y0AZOIZZo/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Here the bracket is installed in the console, screwed in on each side, and also bolted to the driveshaft tunnel. There is one more screw at the front of the console under where the cup holder goes. This picture shows the console's lid, "false bottom", and cup holder removed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-6zIABpn9sNwoJcUomsx9maQmVMLd8bXc_wZJntVHPEoZh48hwemDgQPKE-c2GN-WuXwtZZpMyJ2orOLKP8x1a774A2-P0COhYBx9bMWTUd3N5VYm0_ysvyPKEFZ6Zs6_lbgCGjJ5I/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-6zIABpn9sNwoJcUomsx9maQmVMLd8bXc_wZJntVHPEoZh48hwemDgQPKE-c2GN-WuXwtZZpMyJ2orOLKP8x1a774A2-P0COhYBx9bMWTUd3N5VYm0_ysvyPKEFZ6Zs6_lbgCGjJ5I/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's a very tidy look and so far I am very pleased with how well it flows with the interior. The added storage is great too.<br />
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For the money, I haven't found a better looking console than the TMI unit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpmoGM5ligyEWiBwzvCZokiZf1zzrWCKzEzBrnaQu05Z9cYKnU_ddlcrxImwXoDvhjXmZJ07rtqU1KHhgL1Z6bu6QusBvgZRNe4WBA8L5-JrMIuTN4vNPQUHLhmKm5ySBG5zgvJrMaeM/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpmoGM5ligyEWiBwzvCZokiZf1zzrWCKzEzBrnaQu05Z9cYKnU_ddlcrxImwXoDvhjXmZJ07rtqU1KHhgL1Z6bu6QusBvgZRNe4WBA8L5-JrMIuTN4vNPQUHLhmKm5ySBG5zgvJrMaeM/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also note the cool chrome strip accent. for a few bucks less, you can get it plain, sans chrome if that's more your thing. It's also available in a wide array of stock 60's Ford interior colors to suit whatever kind of cool FOMOCO ride you are building.</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-30766006835167833142016-06-03T15:06:00.001-07:002016-06-03T15:10:31.239-07:001964 Comet parts car before and after, and on to a new homeWell I managed to succeed with the plan for buying a "parts car" for some rare and expensively un-obtainable trim parts for my 64 Caliente convertible. I harvested the trim pieces I needed and they were in surprisingly good condition. My intentions were primarily two-fold: 1-Get the parts; 2-Not lose any money doing so.<br />
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I then took to freshening up the car a little to sell it on to the next person as a viable restoration project. Over the course of about one or two months, I did just that (see previous posts for details). The car turned out pretty darned respectable.<br />
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I rebuilt the brakes and power steering system and the car drove very well.<br />
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Only problem was that once I fixed the exhaust leaks and broken engine mounts, I could hear a distinct rod knock...sadly the engine is on it's last legs. Also the differential was growling. I advertised the Comet and had a buyer with cash within 24 hours, who happily drove away in Bruno, windows down, in style. He drove approximately 20 miles to his house without incident. Happy ending and hopefully I'll see him driving around the Sacramento area from time to time.<br />
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Before and after exterior. I polished up the original white roof, and all the trim. I did some quick and rough body work and then sprayed on a blue-tinted primer sealer coat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJmy22miTRUb-AcGeIzABtchQwmpEO8Nu7Lp56sQYRetKqQHS9F_L4CfODg56udNDEuGCpr5CJKXsI157Sea8fkjjZa3PZCaIDsXrdUCDV1bCJRT9aFtRp4fatwU4s_jMRRGD52BxGb4/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJmy22miTRUb-AcGeIzABtchQwmpEO8Nu7Lp56sQYRetKqQHS9F_L4CfODg56udNDEuGCpr5CJKXsI157Sea8fkjjZa3PZCaIDsXrdUCDV1bCJRT9aFtRp4fatwU4s_jMRRGD52BxGb4/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before and after engine. I didn't want to change the original look of the engine for various reasons, chiefly economic, but I did rebuild the carb, tune it and clean everything up nicely.</div>
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Before and after interior. New carpet, seat covers and fresh dash paint goes a long way for a not-stock, but tidy and sanitary feel. I spent less than $300 on the interior rehab. </div>
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Now that I got that out of my system, I can get back to the wife's BMW 2002...and hopefully get it repainted soon...Stay tuned.</div>
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<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-32635707883660884352015-12-27T09:39:00.001-08:002015-12-29T00:34:49.131-08:00Ahhh that new car smell - 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente hardtop!I'm a sucker for anything in the form of a 60's era two door hardtop. And obviously I have a particular interest in the Falcon and Comet. While I was wrapping up the rehab on my blue 64 convertible, this little gem popped up on my local Craigslist looking for a sympathetic new home. Now, seeing as I haven't bought a car in at least 5 months, clearly the planets have aligned and brought us together. It's a cosmic thing. <br />
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"Bruno," as the old German lady who owned him for the last 30 years called him, has been weathering out in a field for the last decade. Ingrid parked him in 2004 due to what she described as "death-wobble" in the front end whenever she'd hit a bump in the road. When I found him he was/is in pretty rough shape. It's unclear how much of the degradation occurred during dormancy, and how much was already there leading up to his 2004 mothballing. <br />
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He was sitting on 4 flat tires and stitched to the ground by spiderwebs too numerous to count. His corners are bashed and his soft parts are all hard and cracked. The good news is that he's virtually rust free, short of a little non-obtrusive surface rust. I had in mind to purchase Bruno with the intent of harvesting some of his nicer trim pieces for my convertible, than give him a quick "refresh" to make him a driver. I may practice my panel beating skills to straighten some of his dents, and strip out the shot interior.<br />
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But I'm getting ahead of myself...Today I am heading out to make him run again. I will flush the fuel system, rebuild the carb, change the points, condensor, cap and rotor, change the engine oil and filter, prime the oil pump, drop in a new battery, and voila!<br />
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When he's moving under his own power again, I'll tuck him away in the side yard for warmer days. With the completion of the convertible, my focus has once again shifted back to my beloved wife's BMW 2002, which I will be completing hopefully by this summer....But stay tuned, as Bruno here will be the subject of future posts.<br />
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I enlisted the help of a friend to replace Bruno's wheels and tow him out of the field.<br />
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Luckily, Bruno rolled freely and his brakes worked good enough to safely extract him from the soggy terrain.<br />
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We tugged him a block down the road to my waiting truck and borrowed trailer.<br />
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I towed Bruno home without incident and he's presently brightening up the neighborhood from my driveway.</div>
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Grill and front bumper dented<br />
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drivers fender hammered...this will be challenging, if not impossible to fix...<br />
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Rear bumper and trunk lid damaged.<br />
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Passenger quarter panel pushed in, also a challenging repair. This will definitely put my humble body skills to the test.<br />
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Engine is complete and looks about as good as can be expected given it's storage conditions.<br />
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Gratuitous spider web shot.<br />
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Cracked dash pad, peeling instrument panel<br />
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seat...<br />
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headliner...<br />
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Factory Power brakes! A nice luxury option!<br />
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Lichen everywhere. I think I'll give him a bath first. Yes he looks pretty roached out, but when I look at him, I see what he's capable of becoming, I don't hold his faults against him. At his core, he's a rare, sporty, classic V8 powered two-door hardtop Merc coupe with crisp styling and low-cost of ownership that will eventually provide lots of driving enjoyment and the occasional smokey burn-out.</div>
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Incidentally, I also occasionally see this when I look at Bruno long enough...Hmmm.</div>
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(Google "rally comet" or "afx comet" to learn more about these cars' legendary racing prowess)</div>
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-5022863923266044992015-11-04T09:52:00.001-08:002015-12-27T10:19:19.583-08:001964 Comet Caliente Convertible edging towards daily-driver status!Pursuant to my goal of having this little gem on the road and usable by November, I've been busting my rump nearly every free moment. I got the engine in, hooked up and fired with little fan-fare. I primed the oil system, replaced the old fuel with fresh, static timed the distributor, and she roared to life with just a few cranks of the key. The open headers were pretty head-splitting inside the garage and made for quite a neighborhood nuisance during initial test runs.<br />
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I topped up all fluids, made a few neighborhood romps and then drove it 2 miles to the muffler shop for a complete new system of 2.25" pipe with dual magnaflows. Since then, I've put about 150 miles on her while tuning the Edelbrock Performer carb. I bought a jet and rod kit from Summit and have been playing with different combinations to achieve a good balance of power, transition and idle.</div>
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I replaced the dented rear bumper with a well-worn example from ebay that isn't dented. I found a clean grill on craigslist and installed it in place of the wavy original. I welded in a patch at the drivers quarter panel where a little rust had eaten away. </div>
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I am presently working on freshening up the interior. Unfortunately as I write this I am held up waiting for a response from Dearborn Classics about a defective section of carpet that I can't use in the car...Hopefully they come through for me and ship out a replacement piece pronto...</div>
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Final iteration of the engine. Note the Monte-Carlo bar attached now for structure reinforcement.<br />
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Power steering pump and reservoir rehabbed and working fine. 150 miles of proving and no leaks anywhere! Also note that I added a coolant overflow reservoir where the voltage regulator would normally be. I eliminated the regulator, generator and all of it's wiring by switching to an internally regulated alternator- 14 volts at idle!</div>
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Prior to switching out the grill I did a quick sand and respray of the radiator core support.<br />
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Prior to firing the car for the first time since 1999, I drained the fuel tank. I was and still am amazed that there was vintage 20th century liquid fuel in the tank...5 gallons! Out with the old and in went some fresh. Surprisingly, the tank is clean and the level sensor works as it should. I blew out all the hard fuel lines and replaced all the rubber.</div>
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Dented rear bumper and trailer hitch removed to expose some original 1964 assembly-line worker writing</div>
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used but straight bumper installed. The chrome is a little faded, but it matches the age of the car, At least now it doesn't look like it's been rear-ended. This is an upgrade, albeit a minor one.</div>
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Nice straight grill installed, looks sharp.</div>
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Just for curiosity's sake I swapped on the 15" Cragars from my Falcon. I immediately loved the look. However, while the rims are a great fit on the shorter falcon, they look slightly under-sized within the flanks of the impressive Comet.<br />
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The only other available size for this particular rim was 17". A little size goes a long way towards upping the visual appeal. Tires are 215/50R17, a fairly common modern size so tire replacement prices are reasonable.</div>
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I spent a few hours trimming away a little rust here on the drivers quarter panel and welding in fresh sheet metal. A little filler and sanding and she's good as new. I plan to touch up the area with some matched paint soon.</div>
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The passengers seat was in pretty nice shape underneath the cloth seat covers. All door and trim panels are very respectable.</div>
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The drivers seat is pretty shot. The foam has disintegrated and the cover is torn beyond reasonable salvaging. </div>
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Interior stripped for carpet removal</div>
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Floors were found rock solid, with only a whisper of surface rust on the drivers side, which I sanded and sealed.</div>
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New carpet fitting in. Also note the fresh walnut on the lower half of the dash.</div>
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Here's the wrinkled rear floor section of carpet. Looks like when they made it, they attached the pad while the carpet was wrinkled, consequently I can't smooth out the wrinkles. I also can't remove and re-position the pad to relax the carpet because the glue is so strong it tears out the loop and makes bald spots. A bummer of a set-back. I already called...and sent pictures...Hoping to hear back from Dearborn Classics soon! Waiting...</div>
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Update: two weeks later a complete new carpet kit showed up on my door step. This one is smooth with no wrinkling or bubbling, looks great, and is ready to go in to complete the floor.</div>
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replacement carpet installed<br />
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old paint repair on hood and a few dings repaired<br />
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stone chips fixed<br />
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a coat of sealer primer where needed<br />
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color-matched paint applied. I sprayed this in 45 degree weather so it didn't flow out very well, but some 2000 and 3000 grit color sanding followed up with some orbital buffing produced a very presentable final finish.<br />
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-69590393027794019422015-08-14T11:13:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:18:51.094-07:001964 Merc Comet Caliente front suspension rebuild and modificationHaving just recently acquired this car, I set to work on the rehabilitation. Since the engine is already out this is a good time to rebuild the original suspension. I wanted to upgrade the suspension on the whole car with some improved parts and also make some inexpensive but valuable handling modifications. Here's what I did to the front.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FsQhhCWVT3qo136drBMkSy75frlDxWDDntC_VBUhOBjF0HuWum47HnG5Xo3QVMIX3WBaGPv8tRhb1YwD_PRR1GJ0bnOxp-SDVmRH7lohAQ-DOjLzfGxkMz760_080gYyi0PHagN01qc/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FsQhhCWVT3qo136drBMkSy75frlDxWDDntC_VBUhOBjF0HuWum47HnG5Xo3QVMIX3WBaGPv8tRhb1YwD_PRR1GJ0bnOxp-SDVmRH7lohAQ-DOjLzfGxkMz760_080gYyi0PHagN01qc/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I retracted the coil springs up in the shock towers with a spring compressor and removed the brakes, knuckles and upper control arms as a unit. The rest was simple unbolting.<br />
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Original 1964 parts, except the upper ball joints had been replaced some time in the past. I've seen worse parts, but there was a lot of cracking to the rubber bushings, so I decided it's got to go.<br />
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Bulldog smiling for the camera</div>
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Comet with wheel wells stripped</div>
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These are the only parts I am reusing from the original front suspension.</div>
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All cleaned up with a fresh coat of paint. I like the original springs for the fact they they're already "settled." I cut a single coil from each to lower the front end and slightly increase the spring rate.<br />
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Inner fenders had the undercoating burned off from seam-welding.<br />
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Next up is drilling a new set of holes to relocate the upper control arm mount points about an inch lower than it left the factory. This is known as the "Shelby drop" and improves the car's anti-roll properties as well as the camber curve through the entire suspension travel range. This is the template I use to get the new holes exactly where they have to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlpeokTWeO-4faw5BTBxNkzBQQUZQopmciTy2P4HUBGdnq3pQS9McVmcNQEPhBEcU6QiXQ9b0tg25cI0ngXVgLuCSlkWGRc9e1FEUmp-umgvLlsaDjF316k729nTIr3vyyvqoVmO_GgY/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlpeokTWeO-4faw5BTBxNkzBQQUZQopmciTy2P4HUBGdnq3pQS9McVmcNQEPhBEcU6QiXQ9b0tg25cI0ngXVgLuCSlkWGRc9e1FEUmp-umgvLlsaDjF316k729nTIr3vyyvqoVmO_GgY/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the new holes, under the original factory holes. Note the upper control arm will be an inch lower and an eighth of an inch rearward to also improve caster. I sprayed a little fresh undercoating over the areas left bare from welding.<br />
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Here's all the fresh suspension ready to go in</div>
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This is the coil spring compressor I used to tuck the springs into the shock towers while installing the goods underneath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxMX4JEVXSuxCmPS0cRNYuCvmbP7iM9sM29eQILYRr9ydmsKCR0a0sF5bjdg2qkL6gJdUWx_cj950SfucB5qenxW4pXDAon2o_rtDZ8s7ZlHToI0Of4h_IPD6gbvgxmd52ADBKUCUL-4/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxMX4JEVXSuxCmPS0cRNYuCvmbP7iM9sM29eQILYRr9ydmsKCR0a0sF5bjdg2qkL6gJdUWx_cj950SfucB5qenxW4pXDAon2o_rtDZ8s7ZlHToI0Of4h_IPD6gbvgxmd52ADBKUCUL-4/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Top of compressor poking out of the right shock tower.<br />
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The bottom of the compressor bolts in place of the shock absorber to the vehicle's spring perch and the coil is compressed thusly.</div>
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When the spring is adequately retracted into the shock tower, I introduce the upper control arm and loosely bolt it to the spring perch.</div>
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Then I fitted the upper control arm's pivot shaft bolts through the new "Shelby-spec" holes and tightened down all the bolts. Here's the view from inside the engine bay- this is way easier with the engine out of the way.<br />
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Next I hang the original cleaned and painted spindle/knuckle in place.<br />
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Then the lower control arm is set in place. Note the spring compressor is still installed. I do not fully tighten the inner lower control arm bolt yet. It will be torqued to spec once the full weight of the car is on it and it is sitting at proper ride height-orientation. <br />
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I jacked up the lower control arm just enough to support the force of the coil spring so I can safely remove the spring compressor.</div>
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Once the compressor is removed a new gas-charged shock is dropped into place and bolted down. The jack is removed and the suspension is almost done.</div>
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The strut rods are reinstalled with new bushings and voila! New upgraded suspension at the front. Unfortunately, I received an incorrect sway bar so I was unable to install one as of these pictures. I ordered a 1" and they sent a 3/4 inch. A proper 1" bar is forthcoming to complete the front upgrade.<br />
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-36457682511529034252015-08-09T14:45:00.004-07:002020-11-26T21:20:34.255-08:001978 Honda CB750K I sold my Harley Davidson down the road and ended up unexpectedly committing some of the cash proceeds to the purchase of a 1964 Mercury Comet. The cash I had left over was what I was left with for my next bike. I didn't know what kind of bike I'd be getting, but I had one concrete criteria- a Kick Start lever must be attached to the motorcycle (and it must be cheaper than the product of Comet purchase money subtracted from Harley Davidson sale money). I shopped craigslist for weeks until this sweet little gem popped up- a 1978 Honda CB750k, the last year of the original SOHC engine and last of the kick start 750 Hondas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA-qGTpyxoRUmNJgu5eC9LaKGLUcxt_dZtV9WZH9T-X4IgFXnrmNZlN5FNr4DamoOlDb0IqrSgcuM35Z0x-USeKPIqQ4AgP6PXdh5T4xn9l9MxXjXMwb-B3JUZo8oxfqvIVX0kHjNec8/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA-qGTpyxoRUmNJgu5eC9LaKGLUcxt_dZtV9WZH9T-X4IgFXnrmNZlN5FNr4DamoOlDb0IqrSgcuM35Z0x-USeKPIqQ4AgP6PXdh5T4xn9l9MxXjXMwb-B3JUZo8oxfqvIVX0kHjNec8/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pro's: Kick start, 750cc engine, less than 10k miles on odometer, good tires, immaculate original paint and seat, 4 chrome mufflers, chrome fenders, tons of style.<br />
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Con's: Hideous disco-era gold stripes, tall bars, doesn't run, rotten mufflers. I bought it not running but with the promise that it did run and "should" run with just a little tinkering. I hauled it home in my trusty Ford F100.</div>
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Over the course of three weeks I stripped the bike down. I cleaned the carbs and tank. I installed new progressive suspension springs front and back. I installed early CB fork gaitors.<br />
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I welded on 4 new EMGO universal reverse-cone mufflers and added a dime-city "Lucas-style" tail light and lower bars. I removed the turn signals to clean up the profile.<br />
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I skinned the original seat and removed 1" of seat padding to lower it and reinstalled the beautiful original cover. I painted the tank a nice base/clear "lime-squeeze" green, a color found on some 2013 Ford vehicles.<br />
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I painted the engine, adjusted the cam chain, adjusted the valves and replaced a few hardened seals. I gave it a full tune-up.<br />
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This beautiful little Honda even came complete with the original owners manual and tool kit.</div>
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She fires right up with a single kick every time, hot or cold. </div>
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-22341602508314841472015-08-09T14:16:00.000-07:002015-08-09T14:47:40.239-07:00Tribute to a good riding companion 1990 HD SoftailI love motorcycles. Back in 2009 I picked up a neglected Heritage Softail. I limped it home on bad tires, oil soaked brakes and with the choke pulled wide open just to keep it alive. It was in full dress, windshield, tall bars, bags, his and her seat, sissy bar, Conchos and tassels. I loved the bike but hated the look. I took to stripping it down to the essentials and making it my own. I de chromed pieces, changed the bars (several times), changed the seat, stripped the turn signals, speedo and dash and other un needed doo-dads. I wanted a pure machine, the only luxury I was allowing was the full fenders, as I really like the look. I took to repairing any faults over time and wound up with a reliable and awesome Harley Davidson that served me for six years, way beyond my humble original expectations. With mixed feelings, I sold it in tip-top shape a few weeks ago to try something different. <br />
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Here's Black Betty at her peak of fitness, a few days before I found her a new owner.<br />
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Shortly after I bought her, I discovered the drive belt had a hole in it from an unknown foreign object. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf8SQ5_wQUJY8Zmua-6ImOlRFkOKLO_HRvd-Lkm_NDxIpeNgO_XLAHbtbTyAo6ojI7eUr1nK8jQasWSuCvSm73D8vIa9hEiJ0rWPODwb68Q2kSKmmZ0dsHM_T1ZZ7lLTZGPABjFvpmoI/s1600/100_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf8SQ5_wQUJY8Zmua-6ImOlRFkOKLO_HRvd-Lkm_NDxIpeNgO_XLAHbtbTyAo6ojI7eUr1nK8jQasWSuCvSm73D8vIa9hEiJ0rWPODwb68Q2kSKmmZ0dsHM_T1ZZ7lLTZGPABjFvpmoI/s320/100_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's what you have to remove in order to change the drive belt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOu961H2uANvQfrpRSTNNYXL7_AV41taMlbA2Zb3ziRZHyjnzHi7am6qQ31GV0gXgJ3MU0JeoDNLoITEzqGQt4XDcqc0PZvptQrQ_ky2GkscIVCpqlpsoRBzThgv2fSuPwjKY5VMHaFk/s1600/100_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBz3j8CMBpoDjax9Q9Oa_FKhrzG-JOEKS2EcEBZ7BiOZPTfMyVmL8fpELy9whQKpnMjuRawj9X1hvSpFuA3YehPyUYbPGdzx5A063N9S8mdTBObOFNfAjzwwjARBKS-srwpGXt6QgFUg/s1600/100_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBz3j8CMBpoDjax9Q9Oa_FKhrzG-JOEKS2EcEBZ7BiOZPTfMyVmL8fpELy9whQKpnMjuRawj9X1hvSpFuA3YehPyUYbPGdzx5A063N9S8mdTBObOFNfAjzwwjARBKS-srwpGXt6QgFUg/s320/100_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A year or two after that, she started seeping oil from the rear cylinder's base gasket, due to faulty installation by the previous owner's mechanic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUyldGW9wJ-C3t2dbyEWbx1xQ0_Jox3FyuBc1VzW_m95YDCuxu17I8Mh3J3Ad_X2_f2rJn_VKz6GGM1vjl7ZIo5zNSO6urID5bOSkdsIBsXEMtQcP966hiMc77bp7xZYvHMJoDqEL4C4/s1600/100_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUyldGW9wJ-C3t2dbyEWbx1xQ0_Jox3FyuBc1VzW_m95YDCuxu17I8Mh3J3Ad_X2_f2rJn_VKz6GGM1vjl7ZIo5zNSO6urID5bOSkdsIBsXEMtQcP966hiMc77bp7xZYvHMJoDqEL4C4/s320/100_0930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's what you have to remove to replace the cylinder base gaskets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNykC4MusqOpK96KCgqtlcl1hRxwDLTX4ssSuK6IVvuw4FO3j61-EU47i-O2IXMd7IbFIPibA54Z0Eof065Z6IL_wr2v5eWOuCd_an9xF4NqfHstHK38evi1TLDMX4lYZf93hHXxeQow0/s1600/100_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNykC4MusqOpK96KCgqtlcl1hRxwDLTX4ssSuK6IVvuw4FO3j61-EU47i-O2IXMd7IbFIPibA54Z0Eof065Z6IL_wr2v5eWOuCd_an9xF4NqfHstHK38evi1TLDMX4lYZf93hHXxeQow0/s320/100_0933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pistons are in good condition. I found this bike very easy to work on and quick to go back together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbci5s0mO-1hyphenhyphenXeKuki54qO-bQEloctGrxADediwa1NJOmPB5Rhee-IBmaHtLvFNhyW716KK0Bk9erJgG1QmGJPyyKMJ5aGg2O591GfKLOcoXWtxz-tr2SpBfyjv5T6WOcaP1ypHOjgI/s1600/100_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbci5s0mO-1hyphenhyphenXeKuki54qO-bQEloctGrxADediwa1NJOmPB5Rhee-IBmaHtLvFNhyW716KK0Bk9erJgG1QmGJPyyKMJ5aGg2O591GfKLOcoXWtxz-tr2SpBfyjv5T6WOcaP1ypHOjgI/s320/100_0938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Since it was already torn down, I rebuilt the rear braking system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnMMGqjyUnwLlB2opN36Ftt3jvLmntx7gAjSTEfsCQhuFo0JzhBNAcUd2ryc89XX2kWlChbCsx6vS7PmKWc-HZG1GTGqwSkqCGU63TSV24D0gveT51Y4T_Z_YMrsSYjzF_CrchNONybE/s1600/hd+forks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnMMGqjyUnwLlB2opN36Ftt3jvLmntx7gAjSTEfsCQhuFo0JzhBNAcUd2ryc89XX2kWlChbCsx6vS7PmKWc-HZG1GTGqwSkqCGU63TSV24D0gveT51Y4T_Z_YMrsSYjzF_CrchNONybE/s320/hd+forks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Later I rebuilt the forks and removed the cow bells in favor of black rubber gaitors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn-Vp-6HKAJb-jBhdzwATHWuk6PwkjhoSYRrl1pxvjVMSgCd0RAnUplkcSRDo58KPaaGjAscLlnSwrDVEkKSjkHQWKN7_ltJ0lbcU4IrSUxZLAxHaC9z6EVli0FUCX9sgJOyHchhdxDE/s1600/hd+waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn-Vp-6HKAJb-jBhdzwATHWuk6PwkjhoSYRrl1pxvjVMSgCd0RAnUplkcSRDo58KPaaGjAscLlnSwrDVEkKSjkHQWKN7_ltJ0lbcU4IrSUxZLAxHaC9z6EVli0FUCX9sgJOyHchhdxDE/s320/hd+waterfall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the past six years, I piled on the miles while intermittently making repairs and upgrades. She was never broken down, just needed rehabbing as she had over 80k miles and a lot of neglect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bMtQW9E7r3Iy9-BGeYReLk8pyW-sDR2W-zVeV1CiouwQ45xQKrPH9mmCm6ZnRsucin8wSB_nJD-q9ZA5svNvoVsyA-MEBZoFCy3hfMTMVE_Pow833nACBNvxXvZKDXUwmYbf51DAI3c/s1600/hd+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bMtQW9E7r3Iy9-BGeYReLk8pyW-sDR2W-zVeV1CiouwQ45xQKrPH9mmCm6ZnRsucin8wSB_nJD-q9ZA5svNvoVsyA-MEBZoFCy3hfMTMVE_Pow833nACBNvxXvZKDXUwmYbf51DAI3c/s320/hd+view.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at all the cool places a Harley Davidson can take you! Sierra Nevada mountains in California.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGRkT5esLyOMpVrIBeGxlGleKDl8T2RRPNTJmPxurXJThWDQ9BIcEpO0R2miS7ElzbrhmSbymelnSfDdSnPn1rlMpSzWlprU4dln6ueMmRqs0rq1e_P7TDCsLdam7YdNeoB6WFd2n6hw/s1600/100_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGRkT5esLyOMpVrIBeGxlGleKDl8T2RRPNTJmPxurXJThWDQ9BIcEpO0R2miS7ElzbrhmSbymelnSfDdSnPn1rlMpSzWlprU4dln6ueMmRqs0rq1e_P7TDCsLdam7YdNeoB6WFd2n6hw/s320/100_1483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've ridden up to Oregon several times, to Nevada, and all over Northern California. This was a great bike, but as I like to experience new adventures, I decided to sell her on for the next bike- one with a kick-starter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnMMGqjyUnwLlB2opN36Ftt3jvLmntx7gAjSTEfsCQhuFo0JzhBNAcUd2ryc89XX2kWlChbCsx6vS7PmKWc-HZG1GTGqwSkqCGU63TSV24D0gveT51Y4T_Z_YMrsSYjzF_CrchNONybE/s1600/hd+forks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-56503971132701881432015-08-09T11:11:00.002-07:002015-08-09T13:37:29.148-07:001964 Mercury Comet Caliente Convertible: the modern gentleman's rocket ship cruiserA few weeks ago I sold my Harley Davidson motorcycle of 6 years. 20 minutes later I was sweeping up the garage, wad of cash in pocket, and fate brought one of my distant neighbors over for a visit. This would be no ordinary visit though, as he was there on business. He wanted to sell me his project car, a car which had been solely in his family since new- a '64 Comet convertible. He had undertaken a mechanical restoration years ago, but life interfered and the project stalled on him...for 15 years. Now I don't need another car, nor do I need another project, but I am a sucker for a cool 60's FOMOCO product and I can't resist. So we made a deal and pushed the shuttle a few blocks from his garage to mine. Follow along as I perform a sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic restoration of the Comet. It is my ambition to have her back on the road by November(ish)...we'll see about that (as I write this it's August 9, 2015).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKDHrhmzHJf3RRSmaJ3Wb3K-H-8WATfMttHhQCu8zj9rs8WE6bIZjLfS38zm826yBwAc7_s_nBkPznfYsBBYOIN7625x6BU47W_35hHvfmmxuOjnJ5tjsWkXt1rLBbsZUZE21MECwd04/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfidl-X29mOOC5yUpzGyTKVdv_OFp4FyGNYSSUsX1q_YVsbfbSOgajmL-a94WNYl-fbHX2hOeDZp5Q-AHKutwmKcvfqUWHQR8IbYVuuSeCVWw3cVuMnl_rH_JHUhr3UbVrjDTeQ43pdFo/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfidl-X29mOOC5yUpzGyTKVdv_OFp4FyGNYSSUsX1q_YVsbfbSOgajmL-a94WNYl-fbHX2hOeDZp5Q-AHKutwmKcvfqUWHQR8IbYVuuSeCVWw3cVuMnl_rH_JHUhr3UbVrjDTeQ43pdFo/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my first glimpse of the '64 comet. The engine and transmission have long ago been removed</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKDHrhmzHJf3RRSmaJ3Wb3K-H-8WATfMttHhQCu8zj9rs8WE6bIZjLfS38zm826yBwAc7_s_nBkPznfYsBBYOIN7625x6BU47W_35hHvfmmxuOjnJ5tjsWkXt1rLBbsZUZE21MECwd04/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKDHrhmzHJf3RRSmaJ3Wb3K-H-8WATfMttHhQCu8zj9rs8WE6bIZjLfS38zm826yBwAc7_s_nBkPznfYsBBYOIN7625x6BU47W_35hHvfmmxuOjnJ5tjsWkXt1rLBbsZUZE21MECwd04/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second glimpse, not too revealing, but for the fact that it hasn't seen the light of day since the year the last millennium.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BC67RtMunG5fI2l4mfhMw-19kaOZJ1yQshYtQ30puSYwD7FimPdnUcMkXBGCLO09QF536yFV3xiaf1zl5GI7V1klHGHHDt858BmmF4Hw1UiAdQTtVQk595Axd5pDh5j7Zp-kd1bUC98/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BC67RtMunG5fI2l4mfhMw-19kaOZJ1yQshYtQ30puSYwD7FimPdnUcMkXBGCLO09QF536yFV3xiaf1zl5GI7V1klHGHHDt858BmmF4Hw1UiAdQTtVQk595Axd5pDh5j7Zp-kd1bUC98/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Comet enjoying a little sunshine uncovered and in my driveway. It was necessary to fix the master cylinder and bleed the brakes to safely push/coast it to it's new home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZZGSnYn5ZYtpl32BKFFo9EYp-QK6rzYg0mvBxXPcYVIlJiI6tseoVxWpR6goFHSln22B_64muhNexo8JbO1wdMYHpcSZujVmUH78oZLcvLXQO1Q-QdQSIw_dB_huakaNzu1nsHbSZ74/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZZGSnYn5ZYtpl32BKFFo9EYp-QK6rzYg0mvBxXPcYVIlJiI6tseoVxWpR6goFHSln22B_64muhNexo8JbO1wdMYHpcSZujVmUH78oZLcvLXQO1Q-QdQSIw_dB_huakaNzu1nsHbSZ74/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Nose up in the air due to lack of engine and transmission weight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvwPBG9OeDbvv4Roxg7upjZbQYYVykna5d_RHTPCsLBdYaHC6uTBoAC1eiU1P6-C49NGTr6x_9pitOJOU-8r_7wptntoK7eJV65CsDJzePtU8jHzFH69aBbcSvnoyGhfatYiWB6Dn9o4/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvwPBG9OeDbvv4Roxg7upjZbQYYVykna5d_RHTPCsLBdYaHC6uTBoAC1eiU1P6-C49NGTr6x_9pitOJOU-8r_7wptntoK7eJV65CsDJzePtU8jHzFH69aBbcSvnoyGhfatYiWB6Dn9o4/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Boxes of replacement and upgrade parts were included in the car deal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigj_ju8Q9RFhoZd6Z0PFIvZ9k6rOlfcNLXiGKpMDMNr7QPbU5pGMLFiEIILFJC6EshngVwxjXwLuowjVo1Vfy8MyMpvEaCNgI7Poo97tQHZbGJJuJyUhrtqS57vkRRDvvmwCiSsKl_cA/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigj_ju8Q9RFhoZd6Z0PFIvZ9k6rOlfcNLXiGKpMDMNr7QPbU5pGMLFiEIILFJC6EshngVwxjXwLuowjVo1Vfy8MyMpvEaCNgI7Poo97tQHZbGJJuJyUhrtqS57vkRRDvvmwCiSsKl_cA/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Perhaps controversial in styling, but to my eye, time has been kind to this body style and it will make a very respectable cruiser with the right stance and exhaust note</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOycAojDA4IToRHiWvwQ_J8pODVA13n-zcQM8f5Wp5yu2kYmgg7Nxbqs_5uf4QbxBszP98OCNM3_eQBVQgKxfN7m1qMc1xYr6RaPd0y8gZW8IhI_x0nWmAE4btlGsz8oUSaOZZWWr-wOg/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOycAojDA4IToRHiWvwQ_J8pODVA13n-zcQM8f5Wp5yu2kYmgg7Nxbqs_5uf4QbxBszP98OCNM3_eQBVQgKxfN7m1qMc1xYr6RaPd0y8gZW8IhI_x0nWmAE4btlGsz8oUSaOZZWWr-wOg/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The engine bay had already been seam-welded as the prior owner was planning to hot rod the car a bit and needed the extra structural strength.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfFP7rkHYy8sCsJZwoTPDIWd0NCU9tXFBUfRklkW8p4985oflzdxQQtIoZ_68RKZhdibKJfkyF9GChYmVoFbP9PTeZANO6Nk6_dojbWv6sT99qjkQvwaiwgjoeNt1BLa9yyUmwXwwV3A/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfFP7rkHYy8sCsJZwoTPDIWd0NCU9tXFBUfRklkW8p4985oflzdxQQtIoZ_68RKZhdibKJfkyF9GChYmVoFbP9PTeZANO6Nk6_dojbWv6sT99qjkQvwaiwgjoeNt1BLa9yyUmwXwwV3A/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This rebuilt and bored-out 289 came with the deal. It features a torquey street/strip cam and a 4 bbl manifold. Never been fired. The C-4 automatic has been rebuilt with shift kit and a custom built stall converter. Fingers crossed that 15 years of dormancy hasn't had any ill effects on either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWSatlQMn-QuBQt40dvhx1kJdVsMpJeeERzmVxcIN8omu7eHGWBl0p-SCj73hfhuQQvzRXP18yHWliplOylC6yu3ZDZy6-SlQ5LdEdDQCZnVZrHSGQ3wfav4FhpvDkhtwb6aDFHSLFDU/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWSatlQMn-QuBQt40dvhx1kJdVsMpJeeERzmVxcIN8omu7eHGWBl0p-SCj73hfhuQQvzRXP18yHWliplOylC6yu3ZDZy6-SlQ5LdEdDQCZnVZrHSGQ3wfav4FhpvDkhtwb6aDFHSLFDU/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This wall of new parts were included as well. A complete MSD ignition system, sanderson shorty ceramic coated headers, Edelbrock carb, pulley kit, radiator, mounts, fasteners, etc, etc...<br />
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In the trunk are all the original parts for the car, save for the original engine block.</div>
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It's not all peaches and cream, though. The interior needs a fresh rug and rebuilding of the front seats, some new dash wood grain and a little general freshening, but overall I've got a lot of goodness to work with.<br />
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The rear bumper took a whammo in the past and this is going to be hard to find and/or expensive to repair<br />
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The structural rust on this vehicle is zero, however, the driver's side quarter panel has rotted through the outer skin due to a lack of proper drainage over the years.<br />
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After a quick bath, the original paint shows promise of returning to brilliance with a little careful buffing. I haven't looked at the convertible top yet- it will remain an unknown until such time that I am ready to use it. Time to get to work...</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-43555364232037152942015-08-07T14:19:00.001-07:002017-09-02T20:22:33.474-07:00BMW 2002 M10 engine buildWell, the old girl was a smoker, no matter how much I drove her and pushed her and tuned her, she had a nasty habit of expelling a cloud of bluish-grey when taking off from a stop. The longer she idled, the more embarrassing the cloud. I figured (optimistically) that the valve guide seals were deteriorated from sitting, so I embarked upon replacement of the seals. If you know your M10's, you know BMW doesn't make this an afternoon project like, say, a Chevy 350 engine. No, BMW insists you remove the camshaft and rocker shafts, and to do so requires you to remove the cylinder head from the engine. No big deal, that's a chore that takes around 3 hours working at a reasonable clip. <br />
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1975 BMW 2002 losing it's head<br />
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The expedited way to pull the head. You don't need to unbolt ancillary parts for a quickie repair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SAGKeLmnW_PBG9j-vqj4mqDW-8N8OOx7FzlQlefz2FqSyd_OoVoTUigpkebbfE3EBDNn0cUdSUhtwVmK3hGNkNtzaIn-klY1-SCVdHQLJ0ccvMdYMadw2fqTfpTKQEAF6xVK3PXyyXY/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SAGKeLmnW_PBG9j-vqj4mqDW-8N8OOx7FzlQlefz2FqSyd_OoVoTUigpkebbfE3EBDNn0cUdSUhtwVmK3hGNkNtzaIn-klY1-SCVdHQLJ0ccvMdYMadw2fqTfpTKQEAF6xVK3PXyyXY/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
4 slugs finally see the light of day<br />
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Oops, I looked too closely...There's aggressive pitting and scratches in the #1 bore...this is the cause of the smoking problem....Ugh. Turns out the guide seals were still in great shape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx6e53fb0_xUTSxCJsAgZQsKwUuWHUX_h7jPn63vHGMeHaM8eX1yFS3OqgY58klJXpDrmQonEktEajV05HaGHzyVHMvqHAehXzl_czz9HLxkAzg3uOfGVCt1K79HuT3qm6yyYCmfSYos/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx6e53fb0_xUTSxCJsAgZQsKwUuWHUX_h7jPn63vHGMeHaM8eX1yFS3OqgY58klJXpDrmQonEktEajV05HaGHzyVHMvqHAehXzl_czz9HLxkAzg3uOfGVCt1K79HuT3qm6yyYCmfSYos/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The scoring of the cylinder wall meant major engine repair, which meant major engine removal, which meant I wasn't getting my garage space back for my other car any time soon.<br />
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Turns out the maneuver pictured here is not an effective way of resolving BMW engine problems.<br />
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The bottom end is rock solid with perfect bearings all around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJM1JEFYu6UvLGHfBlsSS_1yWO0rlVy17sLx9p38zD8OOP7mXaF4K1Zuf16yWCSh1BL6T4DsYuiPJBqq033THC8Sos7UFdf8J_7nf0FVmaV4yXtO0saclwLqMd7hu2v3d-iGtI80bU0U/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJM1JEFYu6UvLGHfBlsSS_1yWO0rlVy17sLx9p38zD8OOP7mXaF4K1Zuf16yWCSh1BL6T4DsYuiPJBqq033THC8Sos7UFdf8J_7nf0FVmaV4yXtO0saclwLqMd7hu2v3d-iGtI80bU0U/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I marked all my rod and main caps for correct reassembly later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrj1CHUzsHwEzWlTcavhHBW5RIgyu80x-oq5kUCMOnBeGY9w4slv4m5sw0FV_lzvVv9DgZrTcG2Rr5iWIiYmm2CPPfcigoWzsjPFqUaX5c0G3YDutIAm_7w-OFEqnyn6yta3UMeKbX1o/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrj1CHUzsHwEzWlTcavhHBW5RIgyu80x-oq5kUCMOnBeGY9w4slv4m5sw0FV_lzvVv9DgZrTcG2Rr5iWIiYmm2CPPfcigoWzsjPFqUaX5c0G3YDutIAm_7w-OFEqnyn6yta3UMeKbX1o/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As fate would have it, I was already in possession of a higher compression 121 head and the corresponding high compression pop-up pistons that were once inside a 2000CS coupe. As I would be boring the engine, I bored it to the .50mm over spec of the 121 pistons. (originals are on the left, 121's on the right for compare).<br />
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Here's the greasy block being trucked away to my local machine shop drop-off point.<br />
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And the block returned cleaned, bored .50mm over and ready for action, less than a week later- Thank you Grass Valley, CA Napa, you guys are alright in my book!<br />
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Original crank washed and reinstalled.<br />
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the 121 head came with the spare parts collection when I purchased the car. It was about .014" warped though, so off it went to NAPA in Grass Valley. The valves and guides were all in excellent shape. I re-lapped the valves by hand and installed new Viton seals. <br />
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Here's the 121 pistons installed in the block. Note the extent to which they protrude above the deck surface. Cool.<br />
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While waiting for the block to return I used my time to clean and paint all the reusable engine parts. Here they are on the shelf waiting their turn for installation.<br />
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All together. Not much of a tutorial here, but this has all been well documented in service manuals, so I recommend anyone doing this get one.<br />
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Back at home. I also upgraded the cam with one that was in my box of parts. It was a slightly higher lift, custom grind 180 that was done by some independent speed shop out of San Jose, CA probably some time in the 80's. The engine starts and runs excellent without a whisper of smoke. The toque delivery is now very linear and robust. It revs higher too. I also put in new chains, guides and rocker shafts as they were all very worn and noisy.<br />
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Final iteration of the engine. Dual 38 Weber and an electric fuel pump. I swapped in a mechanical timing chain tensioner as the original style wasn't working right and caused erratic timing and hesitations.<br />
<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-55851779911720021012015-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:002015-03-29T08:50:44.131-07:001975 BMW 2002 Esty Carpet InstallThe 2002 interior door panels, rear seat and dash were all in really good condition. All that was letting the interior down was the front seats, (which were deflated and the drivers was torn) and the well worn original carpet. The 1974 came with a one-piece molded carpet, as opposed to the "cut and sewn" multi-piece rugs of earlier cars. Some say the cut and sewn looks better aesthetically, but I decided to order up a replacement one-piece molded carpet to replace the one that was being removed. I wanted a quick and easy install...<br />
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I received the one piece carpet from ACC. I had previously installed a molded ACC carpet in my 1974 Ford truck and it fit like a glove! It went in easily and looked fantastic, hugged all the bumps and curves as good as an original carpet. I hadn't had even a second thought about using them again. <br />
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Sadly, the carpet for the 2002 was a completely different story. I guess the floor pan is quite a bit more complicated than the old Ford's, because this carpet was a very poor, sloppy fit. There are a lot of nooks and crannies and little protrusions on the BMW 2002 floor that demand close and custom fitting. Yes, the ACC did lay down on the floor, albeit not at all snug, leaving annoying air voids everywhere, and generally requiring custom modifications that were not possible, given the one-piece design. <br />
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I didn't want to put forth the effort to make the ACC fit, because I knew I would end up with a very marginal final product. On the advice of a friend, I switch to Esty, a known custom carpet maker for old BMW's. The Esty carpet was less expensive (had I known that, I would have chosen that one first). <br />
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The Esty BMW carpet is a better choice as it is individual pieces, cut and sewn like the earlier cars. You can manipulate each piece as you install to attain the best fit possible. And with the sewn edges and original-looking materials, it really is a nicer looking finished product.<br />
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I stripped the original carpet, the seat belts, brake lever, console and shifter.<br />
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The heater valve was leaking, so I had the heater out. I left it out for carpet install, as it made it much easier to work up against the firewall.<br />
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Esty's carpet is not without work. Here is how the rear-most piece had to be trimmed down to in order for a clean fit. Better they give you more than less, but you have to be very very careful when trimming. I spent over an hour on this piece alone, fitting, trimming a little, fitting, trimming, etc...<br />
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The tunnel section has pre-cut holes for the shifter and the brake lever, but they are slightly small, as final fitment is up to you and whatever abnormality your floor needs accounted for. You can see my pen, which I used to mark the back side for trimming and the scissors. I also used a carpenter knife with NEW blades.<br />
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There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to carpet with the BMW 2002, as there were floor deviations between the years and different tunnel sizes depending on the transmission fitted. I found the fitment around the main transmission tunnel a little sloppy on my car so I padded it a little to tighten the fit.<br />
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To achieve a great fit, I decided to split the tunnel carpet from the shifter-forward. This allowed better material manipulation. It will be covered by the console, so no big deal. I also filled in the gaps later with remnants, just in case.<br />
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Next to go in are the side panels along the rockers. Pretty straight-forward. I glued them in as with the other pieces with 3M super 90. I had the seat adjusters removed for carpet fitting, then trimmed the hole and reinstalled the grommets and levers for a very clean factory look. I also snapped the threshold plates back in to hold the pieces in position as the super 90 dried.<br />
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Esty's carpet comes with the pads sewn in! The ACC didn't. The pedal positions are already there so no "leap-of-faith" moment with the knife hoping to put them in the right place as would be the case with the ACC, which didn't have any pads sewn in other than a heel pad.<br />
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Here is the trimming necessary to fit the drivers mat. I laid it in with the pedal slots as the main reference. I used a sharp knife to cut slits over the accelerator pedal mount nubs as well and the accelerator pedal stop button while in place.<br />
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The rear piece drops in. you can see the seat mount bosses remain bare. These are not visible, so not necessary to finish. I think I will hit them with some blue paint, just for good measure.<br />
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The passenger foot well has a large void. I filled it with foam so the carpet would lay flat and not have a tendency to get pushed in over time.<br />
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Kick panel glued in and console going back together.<br />
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close up of kick panel. I trimmed the edging off the rear edge of the kick panel and tucked it under the original factory edge welting for a clean finish.<br />
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Brake re installed and seat belts installed. Here's a tip: to find the seat belt anchor holes, use a sharp, small poker or a nail. poke in the area until it finds the hole. Then use an old Philips screw driver or similar, heat the end with a torch, then run the heated end into the hold you found with the nail. move it around a little. You will melt a perfect little hole in the carpet right at the bolt hole and will easily be able to run the bolt in without catching or tearing the surrounding carpet.<br />
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Notice the atrocious cut I made atop the transmission tunnel is now just a fading memory with the console back in place. <br />
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The carpet install was no walk-in-the-park. I spent probably about 8 hours over two days fitting and trimming and manipulating to get it where I wanted it. The results are worth it, though. I am pleased with the final product and glad I went with Esty. I could have spent 8 hours with the ACC, but I would be constantly irritated at the sloppy fit and finish. Now, if only Esty made low-cost seat covers.......<br />
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-989395433330124352015-01-10T09:22:00.001-08:002015-07-14T00:23:28.223-07:001974 Ford F100 Explorer "rehabbing the rig"I have never owned a truck. I had a Ranchero once, but no trucks. I was never really a truck guy. I have held a job or two where I used various company trucks for heavy-duty industrial purposes, and was always delighted at how well a good strong truck did whatever I needed it to do, within reason. I drove Fords, Chevys, Kenworths, Volvos and International Harvesters. I liked the Fords the best, though, as real "big rigs" go, A new Volvo is pretty sweet!<br />
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I am going to do some fixing up around the new house soon and need a good truck to haul stuff. However, I am wired such that I can't spend any real money on a fancy, newer truck, I don't need or want a luxurious daily-driven modern rig. I want something that is inexpensive, has a little history and is unique. Enter the 1974 F100. It has a proper 8 foot long bed, a 390 cubic inch big block V8 engine, power steering, and disk brakes. It's a classic American Work-Horse of the highest order. Best of all, it's only $1600.<br />
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It was probably the "Viking Red" color that drew me to this one. I viewed lots of cheap Fords, but this one spoke to me. Being a 1974, it is exempt from state smog inspections, so as a hot-rodder, that spoke to me also. It wasn't without it's flaws though, principally, the engine was severely down on power, and had a rough idle due to compression loss in multiple cylinders: The valves were toast. The brakes were also toast, as were the U-joints, and the cab heating system. However, the body was rust-free, wearing mostly original paint, the tires are fairly new, and the interior was original, worn, but not abused. There was enough to this truck to make it worth fixing up for the tasks at hand.<br />
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The previous owners had used it as a camper to follow the blue-grass music scene.<br />
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The original seat was torn, but structurally strong. The dash pad was uncracked, the dash face clean and original.<br />
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First order of business was relieving the rig of the shell. I next completely rebuilt the brakes and drive shaft.<br />
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Next was a long over-due paint buff and wax. I also added the wood bed-rail protectors made from basic lumber-yard wood.<br />
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Bed rail protectors are mostly for looks, giving the truck a little more character.<br />
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With worn out engine, truck quickly pressed into service hauling a mini-tractor for some side-yard grading activity at the new house.<br />
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The original engine had been rebuilt some time in the 1990's, but must not have received hardened valve seats.<br />
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Heads off for inspection<br />
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Pretty much every valve was sunken like these. I have never seen anything this messed up actually run as good as this Ford. It hauled an 8,000 lb mini tractor with the engine in this condition!<br />
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Block<br />
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80 pound iron intake manifold. I has to use a shop crane to install it. Cleaned up and painted.<br />
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I sent the heads to the machine shop for new valves, guides and seats. I repainted them, along with the exhaust manifolds. For the manifolds I used barbecue paint. It holds up pretty well<br />
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While apart, I also stripped and refinished the valve covers and air cleaner. I found a non-correct, but cool looking 390-2V air cleaner decal to finish it off. The engine now runs smooth as silk and has plenty of grunt.<br />
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Since the truck was coming along so nicely, I decided to spend a buck or two tidying up the interior. I bought red carpet and a new seat cover. I changed out the cracked steering wheel. It's a comfy and capable truck. I also rebuilt the heater and heater box. New replacement parts are cheap and easy to come by, so this has been an inexpensive and fun project. Now it's a no-excuses usable and reliable rig.<br />
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Truck also used as a vehicle to retrieve other vehicles. It towed our new old BMW out of the San Francisco Bay Area, up the American Canyon grade with comfort, style, and ease, thanks to it's stout 390 V8.</div>
<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-55197023881245680162015-01-09T20:24:00.000-08:002016-10-25T01:15:40.552-07:001975 BMW 2002 bumper tuckForeign cars sold in the American market place suffered an unfortunate aesthetic set-back for the 1974 and subsequent model years. They were required to be equipped with "5 mile-per-hour" impact bumpers. Most foreign cars already had bumpers, albeit they were typically tasteful little chrome accents to an already well styled car. For 1974 and later, BMW added large, thick aluminum beams supported by hydraulic rams to the front and rear of this delicate little Michelotti-Designed sculpture (for the US market only, Euro-market cars still had attractive slim chrome bumpers). I can only imagine the look of horror on the collective faces of the BMW Dealers in late 1973 when they took delivery of these "things" that they were going to have to convince people to buy. The prior years were equipped with very appropriate, slim chrome bumpers which appear as a thoughtful part of the cars over all visual appeal. The new bumpers were, simply put, nothing like that at all.<br />
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Having said that, I actually don't mind the 70's funk on this car. Along with the bumper change, BMW also updated the rear lamps and the front grills. The look of the 1974+ cars appeals to me because I see it as a transitional piece. It clearly is the same classic body as the car that debuted in the 1960's, but possesses modern traits that would be a BMW tradition through to the 1990's. It's not as archaic looking as the earlier roundies, yet not as refined looking at the classic E30 3 series, but evokes nostalgia for both.<br />
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Having also said that...I can't really appreciate how far the bumper stick out on my wife's car. The gap at the front and rear is absurd in my eyes, so I set about fixing that. Here's how I shortened our 1975 BMW 2002 by half a foot.<br />
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Don't stand on the front bumper when it's wet or icy, as you might fall through!<br />
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It's about 3.5 inches from the grill to the trailing edge of the front bumper.<br />
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Not hideous, but coupled with the bellows, I feel it's a let-down to the original design of the car.<br />
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The rear is the same, about 3 inches away from the body, with a "modesty skirt" (BMW's term) filling the gap.<br />
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Ram covers unscrew and side bellows unbolt.<br />
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I used a 5/16 drill bit to pierce the ram, here you can see the "anti-freeze" leaking out. Note that the rams were under pressure and momentarily sprayed with about as much force as a shaken can of Pepsi.<br />
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With ram pressure relieved and fluid drained, the bumper easily retracts back to the minimum the rams will allow.<br />
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Nice, a closer fit, but still provides protection to the nose in case the car bumps a wall, I guess.<br />
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I trimmed the bellows. I have no intention of re installing them to the fenders. I will fill and paint the holes when I rehab the rest of the body for paint.<br />
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The bellows stubs are temporary. I plan to make some proper end caps from metal. The bumpers need caps for aesthetics due to how roughly the ends are designed.<br />
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I also shortened the rubber-coated metal front ram covers by an appropriate amount with a cut-off wheel.<br />
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Ram and bumper bracket at normal rest position<br />
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Ram retracted to its minimum position- about 2.5 inches shorter than stock.<br />
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I wanted just a little more tuck, so I drilled new bracket mount holes and trimmed the bracket a bit. This yielded another 1/2 inch. On the left is a stock bumper bracket, on the right, a modified one.<br />
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Ram fully retracted and lightly welded just to prevent it from creeping out during hard braking or other driving activities.<br />
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A splash of paint on the welds, and shortened ram covers also installed.<br />
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Modified brackets painted for rust prevention and installed.<br />
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Beam re installed with bellows stubs fitted.<br />
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I really dig this look. I also like how elimination of the bellows shows off a little more fender detail.<br />
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About 1/2 inch gap. It's a good fit while still offering some protection.<br />
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Impact bumper is cleaned up. Note, I am also eliminating the silly redundant-looking front side markers.<br />
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The rear bumper was easier than the front. I unbolted the beam, unscrewed and removed the modesty skirt, drilled all three rams (there is an extra one in the center of the beam) retracted and welded the outer two and left the center one to float. Note that I also tacked the drill holes shut to avoid occasional fluid drips. The beam is about 1/4 inch from the rear body panel. I left the modesty skirt off and trimmed the end bellows to stubs like the front. The result is three inches shorter at the rear and three inches shorter at the front, I shortened the car by half a foot! Hello parallel parking space...</div>
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Update: I have since decided to reinstall the complete rubber bellows at the sides. It just didn't look right after a while without them. I trimmed out several inches and tried two different bonding agents to reattach the front and rear halves. I used some plastic-specific clear stuff and I also used JB Weld Marine. I like the JB better as it's held up for the last year in the elements, but the other stuff did not.</div>
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-92229296639964623752014-12-09T19:13:00.000-08:002014-12-14T08:09:12.926-08:001975 BMW 2002 Project Car- More Than Sensible German Engineering.I like pretty much all cars. When the wife takes an interest in a particularly cool car, I naturally support and nurture her interest, especially when we may be able to score said car for a low price. Now the cost of 2002's seems to be climbing. I have been watching the scrolls for a while now to find a good deal on a clean and usable 2002. There are no good deals, especially on "roundies." The wife has been noticing these cars for a while, and since I'm jonesing for a new project that I can waste a ton of money on, I got serious about finding one "for her". I don't want a rust bucket, and I also don't want to pay 5 figures. We found this little "square light" fixer upper in the San Francisco Bay area for sale. It has an automatic transmission (a must for my wife) that is failing. The engine doesn't run so good, the interior is deflated, it needs paint, and the sunroof mechanism is in pieces. Never-the-less, I made a deal with the seller for $3,000. Yikes.<br />
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The upshot is that it came with a spare engine, two spare transmissions and a truck-load of extra, probably useless parts. I'm in the 2002 business now. The body is absolutely 100% rust free and accident free. I am going to be restoring a worthy vehicle. There are service records back to 1975. The only body damage is on the drivers door, from where the limit strap broke and the door folded into the front fender. Oh yeah, it has a broken engine mount too.<br />
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Hauling home the next project in December '14 behind my trusty and capable 390-powered 1974 Ford f-100 Explorer</div>
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Eyeballing the possibilities of the 2002 in the sellers driveway<br />
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Loading the spare engine into the truck on the sellers ridiculously steep street. One false move and the engine and picker go racing to the bottom!<br />
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Trunk is spic and span. I found what looks like the original tool roll. Score!!<br />
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Dash is un cracked, door panels are pristine, but the carpet has to go and I have to restuff the seats. Gonna find a new steering wheel too.<br />
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Engine bay is tidy and very original. I am planning to rebuild and install the spare engine. The spare engine came with a Weber carb, which I plan on rebuilding and installing on this engine in the mean time.<br />
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2002 in good company<br />
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Clean original door panels, she escaped the aftermarket speaker treatment!<br />
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Truckload of partsErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-31220137940017365262014-10-14T20:13:00.000-07:002019-12-27T22:47:00.734-08:001990 Mazda 323 rag top!I really like compact hatch backs. I found a good excuse to own one back in 2008 when I was out of work for 6 months waiting for my broken back to fully heal. I was on state disability, which barely covered the mortgage. My savings were being chiseled away from other monthly necessaries like medical bills, groceries, insurance, house utilities, and such. I was driving a Jeep Cherokee that was good for about 15 MPG. It was killing me in a time when I both had to be super frugal and also wanted to get out of the house as often as possible. I sold the Cherokee for $2200 and bought a beat little fuel sipper for $1200. I was up $1k for expenses, and had a vehicle that would go just as far as the Jeep on half the fuel. Score!<br />
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Mind you this was also during one of the times when fuel was selling for nearly $5 per gallon. So I had the 323. I also considered many other little hatch backs, but as fuel prices were rising, so were the prices of economy cars on the second hand market. This was the best I could do. It has a 1.8l ohc engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. The heater worked and it had a radio. It wasn't long before I laid into it to make it a little more personal...I found a set of Miata wheels and bolted them on (I know, there goes the savings). The car looked way better. I added some "futura" badges taken from my Falcon project. The best modification by far, though, was the sliding rag top.<br />
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I have always thought it would be really cool to own a Renault Le Car with the full sliding roof, or say, a 2CV, or an original fiat 500. Either way, I decided that there was no reason why Mazda shouldn't and couldn't have fitted a leaky, finicky sliding roof to this 323 back in 1990. Shame on them!<br />
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I wonder if I can drive like this?</div>
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Original hubcaps that were on the car. Note the futura badge I added.</div>
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Gen 1 Miata wheels made a major visual improvement and it handled better with a slightly wider stance.</div>
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The first step was to pull out the headliner. The next step was to carefully measure and mark off the exact location of where you want to completely destroy your vehicle. I used tape as a guide for cutting.<br />
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Since you've committed, you use some nippers. I used an air-powered set that did a really handy job. (also, keep the left over sheet metal panel around, you just may need it to make patch panels for your future Triumph TR3 restoration)<br />
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With the roof now completely compromised (though there were no structural beams in the way) drop in the frame work for the sliding rag top. Drill some pilot holes to secure the frame to the roof.<br />
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Frame work is sealed to the roof and bolted in place.<br />
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Looks like this is just a redundant photo. Pretty sure this car is rangoon red, just like my Falcon...maybe that's why I liked it so much???<br />
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Feed the rags into place.<br />
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Everything is all nice and folded up. At some point I cut the corresponding hole in the headliner and put it back in.<br />
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Nice tight fit.<br />
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And now I can ruminate on all sorts of esoteric automotive things from within the car, but also from without...<br />
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Sliding rag tops belong on compact hatch backs!<br />
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There were two front corner adjustments to snug it up when closed for weather-fastness. The center nub should have had a cool handle, but the crack company that sent me the kit included one that didn't work at all. The handle they included was so idiotic that I didn't bother even contacting them for a better option- I figured this was the best they could do. I used an allen wrench instead that fit into the nub.<br />
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I had to relocate the dome lamp forward. There was enough wiring to do so, and if I recall correctly, it just snapped into a hold cut into the head liner. Piece of cake.<br />
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Would I do it again you ask? Heck yeah! That sliding roof made the 323 a one of a kind. It was awesome good times with the roof wide open, running through the Sierras, out to the Ocean, or just bopping around town. That roof truely made that car. It was great day and night. And in the rain it wasn't too terribly bad. I just wouldn't do it to a really expensive, or nice car that had a lot of value, because I think it would ruin that car. Too bad Mazda didn't see that way back in the 90's.<br />
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-11438981087683029072014-10-10T09:29:00.000-07:002014-10-10T09:29:25.258-07:001970 VW Westfalia (the travellers companion)I love vans and always have. Growing up, my folks shuttled my brothers and I around in a 1978 Ford Econoline 150. It was an ugly root beer brown, but had a 351 V8 engine and a 4 speed manual transmission! Cool! My favorite book in second grade was one about custom van conversions of the 70's. I used to stare at those pictures and dream one day of our stripped-out Econoline looking like one of the posh Taj-Majal's on wheels that graced those pages. That never happened though, sadly. However, just after high school, a friend and I hatched a plan to go cross country for a few weeks, and we'd need cheap accommodations. I bought a smashed up and gutted blue and white 1975 VW Bus (no pictures). It had the fuel injected 2.0l engine, and man alive, that thing was fast...as long as it was hitting on all 4 cylinders....which it only did from time-to-time...<br />
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We never took our cross country trip, but we drove that van for the better part of the summer out of high school. I was not able to figure out how to make that injected 2-liter run like it was supposed to, so I sold it down the road for about the same $400 that I had paid. The thing was, even though it ran terribly, I was entirely hooked on the experience of hanging out in the van with friends, of hunching over the steering wheel creeping up long grades, of hanging on at wide-open-throttle when the power would intermittently kick in, and generally I was hooked on van ownership.<br />
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It would be ten years or so before I had my next van, a white 1968 genuine Westfalia. I picked up the van through a coworker, somewhere near Grass Valley, Ca. It hadn't run in a few years, the registration was expired, and the interior was shabby and missing a few pieces, but we struck a deal and I got it for $300. Score!<br />
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1968 Westy- a little rough around the edges, but up for anything! Cosmetically, all I did was paint the wheels, add new hub caps, and wax the paint. I may have popped out a dent or two also.</div>
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I towed the van home and took to making it run. It didn't want to run because, as it turns out, the Karmann-Ghia engine that was in it had a hole in the case behind the fan shroud that was not immediately obvious upon my naive inspection. The hole was from a connecting rod that disengaged from it's piston...Bummer. I bought a rebuilt engine, a dual carb set-up and a bit of chrome doo-dads and ended up with a pretty mean looking engine hidden underneath the lid (no pics).<br />
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Looks like a twinkie on wheels, and it's brick shape wasn't terribly wind-cheating at freeway speeds.<br />
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I put some house carpet in over the old linoleum and recovered the front seats and door panels. In time, I managed to source the missing ice-box and sink parts (I had to buy a complete donor van- a 1969 Westy- to get the sink/ice box). The bed was very comfy and the horsehair seat was very supportive, even on long trips.<br />
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A shot of the sink/ice box. The cleaned up interior and new engine made this thing a pretty respectable weekend camper.<br />
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On weekends, I could pack a few clothes, my CD's, a bite to eat and just start driving in any old direction. I left the sheets and blanket on the bed all the time, just pushed to the rear so I could fold the seat up. It was an awesome get-away van. The farthest I ever wandered was out to Utah, taking a hiking/camping tour for a few weeks of the National parks out there. The van handled any off-roading, and all the on-roading I threw at it. <br />
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The long haul, me hunched over the big bus steering wheel<br />
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Camped out inside Arches National Park, Utah.<br />
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Exploring the Salt flats somewhere in Utah- extra gas strapped to the roof just in case! I needed it once during this trip.<br />
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Westy doing surf-bus duty in San Diego on Spring Break from College<br />
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In a few years though, I became tired of the fluttering noise from the fiberglass roof at highway speeds, the weak heater, the weak wipers, the cold drafts, and the seeming constant valve adjustments. I needed something a little more solid and modern...Enter the Vanagon...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPPwZagfCD8XqyC0o5wByqjj-tg9Kz433ZJpVExl_GaApApsOuQGpKM0WkyRFrsp_ysXsfC6iwdXOX_vSoJBJRZ91E-BxTca71U0Ffz_Yqy6XXuIV1Lkj-LilPQdkx_4nUrQ_S-HVESs/s1600/Vanago.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPPwZagfCD8XqyC0o5wByqjj-tg9Kz433ZJpVExl_GaApApsOuQGpKM0WkyRFrsp_ysXsfC6iwdXOX_vSoJBJRZ91E-BxTca71U0Ffz_Yqy6XXuIV1Lkj-LilPQdkx_4nUrQ_S-HVESs/s1600/Vanago.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a><br />
My 1984 Vanagon GL snooping in the desert somewhere in South-Eastern California<br />
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I sold the '68 down the road and picked up a tattered 1984 water cooled Vanagon passenger van. I sourced a Westy bed from the local junk yard and re-paneled the interior with birch- like my old '68. I put a new floor down, added curtains, and I was back in business. I had a strong heater, A/C, power steering, sound deadening, arm rests, and a much more relaxing driving experience. The Vanagon was an excellent road trip machine....but, I blew the head gaskets driving over the Grape-Vine while heading to Los Angeles during Spring Break one year. I managed to limp it along for the rest of that trip by constantly adding water and not pushing her too hard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVeukiLLBKlysslBi1oCKxn5ImWvSyx3WgmxuY_haeCX9vk_flifuurYxfJJuXeRCU-iXu_iT-nChobdzPnJvfd2Q2zYevtx0h4uiVXLOyNVCgg7uvvoIv_RyBf-0ccdMDZ_0uq2FRw4/s1600/vanagon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVeukiLLBKlysslBi1oCKxn5ImWvSyx3WgmxuY_haeCX9vk_flifuurYxfJJuXeRCU-iXu_iT-nChobdzPnJvfd2Q2zYevtx0h4uiVXLOyNVCgg7uvvoIv_RyBf-0ccdMDZ_0uq2FRw4/s1600/vanagon2.JPG" height="200" width="320" /></a><br />
Trip up the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas in California<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNIDsnJrtNzTg-n8Lr31oUlI5lQMiBSacWfwk90HKChXS5LjSb6kLDOjNhEVACRbcVcbiFgiW46cPEbfrAxGUPGmuq-eOkS3vhA_8TRxnQe6NtkVFQQK0QpM0VnHZQ63lRtPqIDyoLa0/s1600/vanagon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNIDsnJrtNzTg-n8Lr31oUlI5lQMiBSacWfwk90HKChXS5LjSb6kLDOjNhEVACRbcVcbiFgiW46cPEbfrAxGUPGmuq-eOkS3vhA_8TRxnQe6NtkVFQQK0QpM0VnHZQ63lRtPqIDyoLa0/s1600/vanagon1.JPG" height="199" width="320" /></a><br />
Trip through Death Valley, the water was a much needed thing for this Vanagon as I had blown the head gasket(s) on this trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdF2Jk8kxdhU9JyHlLbtyLn26b0j4eJkJHRLFO_cD8IBVCL9yHUH3UYiTJUX6sfpRE7uEWXnlcriTZkTTrm0psK5jL6N-t1pJUPh0wG0dDLvg-1aGRzaFXbY-sJ8dt0mzwKNgffEPUc/s1600/000_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdF2Jk8kxdhU9JyHlLbtyLn26b0j4eJkJHRLFO_cD8IBVCL9yHUH3UYiTJUX6sfpRE7uEWXnlcriTZkTTrm0psK5jL6N-t1pJUPh0wG0dDLvg-1aGRzaFXbY-sJ8dt0mzwKNgffEPUc/s1600/000_0186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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I can't leave anything alone for very long. Note that I had picthed the plastic wheel covers in favor of these 70's caps. I eventually lowered the Van and customized it a little further. This pretty much destroyed the nice ride and it's off-road capability. What was I thinking???<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2BYlEqKAmJwqdh_ZDETXr-WamVFolXMLV4F9YSFmneju53gmFljKm0IfMflpOJS2trNdMu4chr2qw2DKHvhXS-v86MBsiYrUkR2fqWQhbrmGQefAaMCKXmRigcKNIJ79g-yAgR_FRkg/s1600/000_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2BYlEqKAmJwqdh_ZDETXr-WamVFolXMLV4F9YSFmneju53gmFljKm0IfMflpOJS2trNdMu4chr2qw2DKHvhXS-v86MBsiYrUkR2fqWQhbrmGQefAaMCKXmRigcKNIJ79g-yAgR_FRkg/s1600/000_0185.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
It does look kinda cool slammed down like this though, and was fun to drive.<br />
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I sold the Vanagon down the road. and it was a few years before I got the van bug again...I had to have another air-cooled machine, because I never wanted to deal with the head gasket B.S. again. I found a really dilapidated 1970 Westy for sale on Craigs List for $300. Someone had taken it apart for restoration, than dumped it on their ex-girl friend. I contacted the lady and told her, sight-unseen, that if it had a title, and all its windows, I'd buy it, period. That's what I did. I paid $300 for a dismantled van full of its own parts and had it towed home (a seedy apartment at the time). Then I began my restoration, right in that apartment parking lot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl1AY8zSHqH0q7MqYOhja9836Kv8NK15SXiG3E6mMGrkKVH653urCzFWF3zZXe_Ej78WMZ2KZx5-SyIzRO2E8EWxGBOIleprYMjxcSlyIvZ54HMizxmezWTur1syxfuB22mMWmX0TvmM/s1600/000_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl1AY8zSHqH0q7MqYOhja9836Kv8NK15SXiG3E6mMGrkKVH653urCzFWF3zZXe_Ej78WMZ2KZx5-SyIzRO2E8EWxGBOIleprYMjxcSlyIvZ54HMizxmezWTur1syxfuB22mMWmX0TvmM/s1600/000_0376.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I picked this '70 Westy up in Davis, Ca, where it had obviously sat in this condition for years.<br />
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The engine was made to run well with little effort. The transmission shifted right, but the brakes needed overhauling. The dash had to be bolted back in and all the camp interior was rotten. I straightened the body out, had an inexpensive coat of paint, in the original shade of red applied, and refurbished a lot of little things. I put in a nice bamboo floor, added birch paneling, had the bed recovered in new vinyl and had a nice rig on my hands. I hadn't gotten to making curtains or a headliner before I was in dire-straits and had to emergency sell off the van. It broke my heart to do so, but I had to off-load it. I never even slept in it once.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47-mZr4x1Q4PK9PMsUdXvHrBYzftZo_qXRia0hsOYHuUS4Oy46NFUBm5sicUpEeqy94ZH7YLNQNDDAegXTLsg46stRLiOK3uyzlFx0HaYsryTgxMLs-qqo_nAaWlV2AOLnv_-RL9eKXo/s1600/000_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47-mZr4x1Q4PK9PMsUdXvHrBYzftZo_qXRia0hsOYHuUS4Oy46NFUBm5sicUpEeqy94ZH7YLNQNDDAegXTLsg46stRLiOK3uyzlFx0HaYsryTgxMLs-qqo_nAaWlV2AOLnv_-RL9eKXo/s1600/000_0398.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Dusty, but otherwise very tidy engine bay. Just needed some assembly, like everything else on the van<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdmQo5w-4_yIYey6ze8e8FQVEgkS7R7aOFYRACVytYFoizZaSMYRRtQAQ3O9J9B2OIzFfn726l8F0rBDwNeGTzWeEpDckm6ZOIghf7xI5C6y1Dyn9QlGsmkZAHb9je-uVQK2ldgtoh0I/s1600/000_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdmQo5w-4_yIYey6ze8e8FQVEgkS7R7aOFYRACVytYFoizZaSMYRRtQAQ3O9J9B2OIzFfn726l8F0rBDwNeGTzWeEpDckm6ZOIghf7xI5C6y1Dyn9QlGsmkZAHb9je-uVQK2ldgtoh0I/s1600/000_0395.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
This was the carb...inexplicably filled with saw-dust. Weird. A quick rebuild and she was good as new.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysIrjX5l7SKATu5mOaNLGPz6B47Tn62r9zhR4y0izvU1hNvxG_Vhw7l2YxLiqAAZQkSkcYZudlRVpVcxe_O6NKdfcxAUtJ3rooI7v1ASegSj0cgmiRRRcfIRyxebq-hXzqGtkFLCfxKI/s1600/000_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysIrjX5l7SKATu5mOaNLGPz6B47Tn62r9zhR4y0izvU1hNvxG_Vhw7l2YxLiqAAZQkSkcYZudlRVpVcxe_O6NKdfcxAUtJ3rooI7v1ASegSj0cgmiRRRcfIRyxebq-hXzqGtkFLCfxKI/s1600/000_0397.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Interior was gutted. The dash was removed too, that was the first thing I re installed<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0KKRLjiDh2hv3PRdDfcJ5_NNVg7mE8hg12uwlmXvnGZfbXKFX_mWZfOOhuk3P9VIR2DlQ8ZCazkDkzZ9hL1XKPdYFRnhDCcm8pmwjoan4Wy7fJPvMf0dtoOdYADgdPWaqLy-DGwK938/s1600/000_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0KKRLjiDh2hv3PRdDfcJ5_NNVg7mE8hg12uwlmXvnGZfbXKFX_mWZfOOhuk3P9VIR2DlQ8ZCazkDkzZ9hL1XKPdYFRnhDCcm8pmwjoan4Wy7fJPvMf0dtoOdYADgdPWaqLy-DGwK938/s1600/000_0399.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Superb original red paint inside. There was not a spec of rust inside this bus, and only minor surface rust on the outside. What a clean, dry and solid rig!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1S1y0Whtm5OTm9jJbpYmULFmRM79c3vZOb8yJ3xmFD6vdo5FyZ_U4RB4dvAPpWfnpYfLwfhotrhtJueySn3LJKx6CPF3EKxvLAoiQRsDXZKnEwruBon5yvdGMNEs1-2-SrEErkjkK9Q/s1600/000_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1S1y0Whtm5OTm9jJbpYmULFmRM79c3vZOb8yJ3xmFD6vdo5FyZ_U4RB4dvAPpWfnpYfLwfhotrhtJueySn3LJKx6CPF3EKxvLAoiQRsDXZKnEwruBon5yvdGMNEs1-2-SrEErkjkK9Q/s1600/000_0400.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Day 1 when the tow truck delivered it from Davis to my seedy Sacramento Apartment complex.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPAUvMswXNvlOjz1jOnrHllaAI1SaPVe4BgP2m5lNnmiuo3JQqa5c4yaku2GBcmgPU-OI1rZ8FpyrWSaO8wA7VGRcEWGuPINOnMA7BlyGzikzVixvpm1rZv95CVhLjgJqqv-81yka91s/s1600/000_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPAUvMswXNvlOjz1jOnrHllaAI1SaPVe4BgP2m5lNnmiuo3JQqa5c4yaku2GBcmgPU-OI1rZ8FpyrWSaO8wA7VGRcEWGuPINOnMA7BlyGzikzVixvpm1rZv95CVhLjgJqqv-81yka91s/s1600/000_0403.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Shabby looking bus keeping my Fairlane company.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho3Cv7RYZORJ_LirMEnCtCWfonsEzVxMSI0FnQ6JbRqYMdmw11OUdvJ9EbAXR_stOU2nUNTg1slpwegq0FeQbLjZ0Mlk3URAVpg8hzISX1sVfQ8VbQ8DDFJVECnBHbTuXo6IyD-F8WOY/s1600/000_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho3Cv7RYZORJ_LirMEnCtCWfonsEzVxMSI0FnQ6JbRqYMdmw11OUdvJ9EbAXR_stOU2nUNTg1slpwegq0FeQbLjZ0Mlk3URAVpg8hzISX1sVfQ8VbQ8DDFJVECnBHbTuXo6IyD-F8WOY/s1600/000_0407.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Knocking out dents, adding filler, priming and spot-blocking<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD_sBZ3C3apwHFiFp87yY48MZcdHQn3IK9GmcVF00tYcvsZ4ixu66oSj4MLjzkxrs0YiwSyRuBGl5EBRbcV5s0xJZOW80YSSJKTFviht5dMCIg_19ZXw3lPA3k2USeT29Y77Rba8E1NQ/s1600/000_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKD_sBZ3C3apwHFiFp87yY48MZcdHQn3IK9GmcVF00tYcvsZ4ixu66oSj4MLjzkxrs0YiwSyRuBGl5EBRbcV5s0xJZOW80YSSJKTFviht5dMCIg_19ZXw3lPA3k2USeT29Y77Rba8E1NQ/s1600/000_0408.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I used a vacuum to catch most of the dust while sanding. There was a lot of sanding.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAbdMbGCCmV5qPNtrngmpDmiH95R7-7HSP6dX8WKC0hdIVUDvCePIiq5R-0F8rrI3DwL-Fw7YVoCMJ2ZRedkIduvZJ5aeKUVTvi0OCQ0R8QhpQ5aB7SNoOubCUJO1q-Ipze8SsFtj_b4/s1600/000_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAbdMbGCCmV5qPNtrngmpDmiH95R7-7HSP6dX8WKC0hdIVUDvCePIiq5R-0F8rrI3DwL-Fw7YVoCMJ2ZRedkIduvZJ5aeKUVTvi0OCQ0R8QhpQ5aB7SNoOubCUJO1q-Ipze8SsFtj_b4/s1600/000_0410.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Fresh coat of the original shade of red. I love fresh paint! Most windows removed, trim and lights off. I actually drove it to and back from the paint shop like this, with a buddy following me!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWAowgq0_0uUQY2EDezvY9tXpvs6s6WQbaUUnr0NZrkg6iQ982LzmRyILlaug_g2BRVxme2pW7CWvBax5jDMLlizAV32DIfTU31aDNWSbL2YVJ0rncwcgx_YfqbVHjHWvHHmX1WZO_aY/s1600/000_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWAowgq0_0uUQY2EDezvY9tXpvs6s6WQbaUUnr0NZrkg6iQ982LzmRyILlaug_g2BRVxme2pW7CWvBax5jDMLlizAV32DIfTU31aDNWSbL2YVJ0rncwcgx_YfqbVHjHWvHHmX1WZO_aY/s1600/000_0688.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I recreated a modified version of the westy cabinetry. I wanted visibility out the passenger rear side window so I built a cut-down cabinet. The floor is bamboo and the seats and bed upholstered in brown. Original table remains.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JFs3LmwRU6j1eJx7IDSSh16uGGZeqI_BsiAKiG3_deR7A0iCs1KFHERx4SPbGKrlA1yKNsWhN3BlRYu8WRKJmAesAgbVIfuZ7Be-PrncbaO1rX2kitemFmW7z1IDwma1JjQmgsShU10/s1600/000_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JFs3LmwRU6j1eJx7IDSSh16uGGZeqI_BsiAKiG3_deR7A0iCs1KFHERx4SPbGKrlA1yKNsWhN3BlRYu8WRKJmAesAgbVIfuZ7Be-PrncbaO1rX2kitemFmW7z1IDwma1JjQmgsShU10/s1600/000_0687.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
All cleaned up, refurbished and polished. She was breath-taking. VW Mud flaps are mandatory.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX3kztqwOAQYA5c6TcbYieyFvaxKKl2aTELDC-OJ1svNRNGKLvMSVxagjDmOIuvxTLUpaPLBBqHL9HRCQdMyvK-0c2gjsgpinzMcnucGnxvWpVW14QoZujIrg8j17XpcUHldFg3ktRFc/s1600/000_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX3kztqwOAQYA5c6TcbYieyFvaxKKl2aTELDC-OJ1svNRNGKLvMSVxagjDmOIuvxTLUpaPLBBqHL9HRCQdMyvK-0c2gjsgpinzMcnucGnxvWpVW14QoZujIrg8j17XpcUHldFg3ktRFc/s1600/000_0686.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Look how clean the roof is, no more mold/moss. She had great personality. I wish I could have kept her.<br />
<br />Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127462889655441449.post-51985504906957036632014-09-27T22:20:00.001-07:002014-09-27T22:20:31.788-07:001962 Ford Fairlane 500 (the ordinary man's luxury vehicle)I picked this sled up in 2006 to take a little of the wear and tear off my other car at the time. I needed a cheap and stylish runabout to get groceries and run mundane errands. This car had a smooth V8 engine (221ci), smooth shifting two-speed automatic, four headlights, round tail lights, and tail fins. It checked all the boxes. Cons: The carburetor was leaking gas, the drive shaft was about to fall out due to shot U-joints, the tires were cracking, the interior was shabby, the drivers fender was smashed, and both bumpers were hammered. But there was something nice about the way it drove, so I struck a deal and bought it for $1400. I think I over paid.<br />
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After work, a trip to Lake Natoma in Folsom for some evening Kayaking. Trusty, versatile, and luxurious Ford Fairlane "500". (2013)<br />
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I immediately made a few repairs and pressed it into regular service. I discovered that it was a very comfy, fun and easy car to drive. The main drawbacks were the overall cosmetic condition and it really didn't seem to do well at speeds over 65 MPH owing to the two speed transmission. After several months I was going to sell it on and I tried for a week, but then as luck would have it, I found a replacement 1962-only fender on ebay.<br />
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I bought the fender. That was a game changer. I reasoned that if I could make it look nice again, I should also make it run better at high speeds. So I hatched a plan to get more MPH on the freeway...I needed overdrive, specifically I needed a Borg-Warner T5. I figured the easiest way to attain said transmission and related parts was to buy a complete donor vehicle. That's what I did. I picked up an unloved 1984 Mustang convertible complete with a 5.0 H.O. engine and slick shifting 5 speed T5 tranny. Whoo Hoo!<br />
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The engine received a Summit racing cam and some freshening up. I added a new clutch. Before I pulled the original drive train from the Fairlane I advertised it on CL and had a buyer immediately. He drove the car and liked how it all performed. That evening the Fairlane engine and trans were out and the next day they were gone to a new home. In went the good stuff. With 3.50 gears, she really gets it! She'll melt the tires down all day and rip 'em loose in second gear too. And 70+ MPH is a piece of cake.<br />
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Over the years she's slowly been getting nicer and nicer. I found one bumper locally for $20 and the other I bought off ebay for $65. I try not to spend too much money on her, but sometimes it becomes necessary. I gave this car to my brother a few years ago. He had a nice dual flow-master exhaust put in and he had new seat upholstery and carpet put in. He gave it back to me a year or two later and I added a sway bar and replaced the rear springs. I also added the Summit Legend rims and new tires. I recently drove this car 350 miles straight up I-5 to Oregon where I gave it back to my brother (at his request). He's enjoying it in Grants Pass, along with his Ferrari. I'll get it back again some day in a year or a few. I'm looking forward to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedq0qwWTT4a3xsk-go9W8yOu-jAkAPDpE6MIKsabEQ-eNd9YGwWxEaTtXIUXH1vKh2gkgtLNQ1QpU5gOaymnj9vDWh3PGT6Bzp8-5DTd_-q0IWqr8psoyUN18u9Oir86E8G4V8yCDnFo/s1600/000_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedq0qwWTT4a3xsk-go9W8yOu-jAkAPDpE6MIKsabEQ-eNd9YGwWxEaTtXIUXH1vKh2gkgtLNQ1QpU5gOaymnj9vDWh3PGT6Bzp8-5DTd_-q0IWqr8psoyUN18u9Oir86E8G4V8yCDnFo/s1600/000_0321.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I was the proud owner of this "500." The 500 stood for top of the line- Extra chrome trim, padded dash, two speed wipers, AM radio, 4 speed heater, two-tone exterior and interior,...and the list of luxurious appointments go on and on...Note the munched rear bumper. The front was just as bad. (2006)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiwsPM6x0sDbqfakxK3G0SemUQAiPCsi7QIrfntNIVgtLsybEUrVuW4C8cbV7mWdk91F66eldCTqZ9Rygh1lxpwgq7184zSZnbrpFgrqjSIZYyT1p7T-mi5RX3QQVP4qKEYZNCeHoqk8/s1600/000_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiwsPM6x0sDbqfakxK3G0SemUQAiPCsi7QIrfntNIVgtLsybEUrVuW4C8cbV7mWdk91F66eldCTqZ9Rygh1lxpwgq7184zSZnbrpFgrqjSIZYyT1p7T-mi5RX3QQVP4qKEYZNCeHoqk8/s1600/000_0505.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
This was the big ugly. The fender mangled beyond reasonable repair, and the 62-only trim was destroyed too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CUmqHPq7KXkWXRBFrtNyX88ZaJGHIRpDs9wiu_l5f7pL3O1E2Ym1f6BkUTTC_8Ljb5LZ-hkpUslXA0YqLuibLfCVbsnIpw02Al4KqApd4MyzwOMRAvAjmCWBL7q1-OUD-fwFd3FggBQ/s1600/000_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CUmqHPq7KXkWXRBFrtNyX88ZaJGHIRpDs9wiu_l5f7pL3O1E2Ym1f6BkUTTC_8Ljb5LZ-hkpUslXA0YqLuibLfCVbsnIpw02Al4KqApd4MyzwOMRAvAjmCWBL7q1-OUD-fwFd3FggBQ/s1600/000_0506.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dash was clean and interesting to look at. The seat upholstery was torn pretty good, and a few springs were broken. </div>
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This is Fords rare and unknown first small block V8- the 221 cubic inch. They made this engine for about 6 months in 1962 then punched it to 260ci, then in 1965 it went to 289ci and sometime around 1968 it went to 302ci.</div>
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Here's my ebay fender. It came complete with the "500" trim. Score!!! I painted it red oxide primer and it was a close-enough match at a quick glance.</div>
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This is the engine, transmission and clutch mechanism donor car. Is it weird that a person would rather have the tired old Fairlane than this cool little convertible?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaewTuiX7IEh174bszRTAPW_L9_Zp1zkjcGgMzzKwIsf-Jt97Mjr2zn4CqNtVSuu8KnZ3udDej5rJ9w9TiBcUYk9833GPOWWHFI8fXoKuGHpvfp-ZWxpWkhEDP9DCvlVZT7HsYdUyTl_w/s1600/000_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaewTuiX7IEh174bszRTAPW_L9_Zp1zkjcGgMzzKwIsf-Jt97Mjr2zn4CqNtVSuu8KnZ3udDej5rJ9w9TiBcUYk9833GPOWWHFI8fXoKuGHpvfp-ZWxpWkhEDP9DCvlVZT7HsYdUyTl_w/s1600/000_0522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crusty Mustang 5.0 H.O. complete with aluminum valve covers and intake manifold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LgESXsNC-K15SPd-etz8Vi80Lg5y2gXGpKuO85tZXKngBqILjbtDdaqPq_Zxqg16BihyphenhyphenVCnoZZE-2OOknd_OyjZlD7lmFtXTed8iJ0DF7y4FxzejzfhbYYwVd0Nk-EeRg_Rtk33uEvo/s1600/000_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LgESXsNC-K15SPd-etz8Vi80Lg5y2gXGpKuO85tZXKngBqILjbtDdaqPq_Zxqg16BihyphenhyphenVCnoZZE-2OOknd_OyjZlD7lmFtXTed8iJ0DF7y4FxzejzfhbYYwVd0Nk-EeRg_Rtk33uEvo/s1600/000_0574.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 84 and 85 Mustangs have a really nice factory Aluminum Ford 4 barrel intake manifold. I have one on this Fairlane and I also found one for my '65 Falcon. This engine cleaned up nicely!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-cyXZruptW4FtSNyDczMlhCaU0PI7zbxFC4OkGFMmOM8f-4QhgatNT2bX5W4Ja3w1WdnV-th0PQr4itrSHWsvN4dOF0bY4-HprCHNZNiIVy16P8IXovxdd4GWNlzbNAirU4CiYPTRPQ/s1600/000_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-cyXZruptW4FtSNyDczMlhCaU0PI7zbxFC4OkGFMmOM8f-4QhgatNT2bX5W4Ja3w1WdnV-th0PQr4itrSHWsvN4dOF0bY4-HprCHNZNiIVy16P8IXovxdd4GWNlzbNAirU4CiYPTRPQ/s1600/000_0632.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mustang engine installed and looking tough. Sadly I scrapped the original H.O. Mustang dual snorkel air cleaner, it would have been way cooler and functionally better here than the open element unit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_rxspEQiq9AOZ9kwovb3yCgvfHjME7PP-grP1QeZ6XNl9HNbb0nOKroYHzqvf3P7y3KZm11UZEEXGK9hpjmuMRp-ZBNVadY5OlYAOJeHlXeClmvF9zcvO-MbHfkgZnxK1q4MFvIZa_I/s1600/000_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_rxspEQiq9AOZ9kwovb3yCgvfHjME7PP-grP1QeZ6XNl9HNbb0nOKroYHzqvf3P7y3KZm11UZEEXGK9hpjmuMRp-ZBNVadY5OlYAOJeHlXeClmvF9zcvO-MbHfkgZnxK1q4MFvIZa_I/s1600/000_0606.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ridiculously long Hurst shifter and knob attached to the installed T5 transmission. I used the clutch pedal and cable mechanism from the Mustang and just grafted it on to the Fairlane's brake pedal bracket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcQs1cUwfHkQ4b8uGLlLzs241pgB6I3Wmjb-mzpT0MY7Gf1VQ_nsTw5I-aVkpAxHyq9c4u5iXP04cfNjyWmTBPHjCof0c7RC9_ZRW_ww-mCYihgjKDapEcasspwqASr8tBnZDt7kYVUQ/s1600/000_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcQs1cUwfHkQ4b8uGLlLzs241pgB6I3Wmjb-mzpT0MY7Gf1VQ_nsTw5I-aVkpAxHyq9c4u5iXP04cfNjyWmTBPHjCof0c7RC9_ZRW_ww-mCYihgjKDapEcasspwqASr8tBnZDt7kYVUQ/s1600/000_0703.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut the shifter down a bit for a more reasonable throw and appearance.</div>
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After I received the Fairlane back from my brother. (He was living in the state of Louisiana at the time so the Fairlane was delivered on a transport truck. (2009)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN81T59G2oJNKB7mvj3iAdm_RWiJ7yOMid_-7Sfv6y0zw0Q-KkCO-HivKscA39XfKETsVvTIFzsrVjxrL4ZlWoKW09WsLMmDpJ3ZiWcZPrXGtb7qJ_Fknjm_pAvUy8HNZfQlYcnx-SjkI/s1600/100_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN81T59G2oJNKB7mvj3iAdm_RWiJ7yOMid_-7Sfv6y0zw0Q-KkCO-HivKscA39XfKETsVvTIFzsrVjxrL4ZlWoKW09WsLMmDpJ3ZiWcZPrXGtb7qJ_Fknjm_pAvUy8HNZfQlYcnx-SjkI/s1600/100_0902.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cleaned up once again and enjoying California weather. Note that the rear end sags. I liked the look, but it turns out the springs were broken inside the rubber insulators, which had been trapping moisture for decades. They rotted through several leaves!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OzvNZjmYOduejFnypwRrVS4QiZgA_BrNeqZFhipzZB__0R19KCClq8pX04Gz62uKRhdbyC2HaV-gmU5tiOeRf4_B-DWHrSyphQhAEL2q2SPoIR4OPSoZBix-RGxMXsMf4kqlpV98WL8/s1600/100_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OzvNZjmYOduejFnypwRrVS4QiZgA_BrNeqZFhipzZB__0R19KCClq8pX04Gz62uKRhdbyC2HaV-gmU5tiOeRf4_B-DWHrSyphQhAEL2q2SPoIR4OPSoZBix-RGxMXsMf4kqlpV98WL8/s1600/100_0905.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fresh upholstery was installed during my brother's good stewardship.The door panels and dash are still the clean originals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkusAXesUa539YS5o0LCIixQOAh5puwmjIC4yso9iHVGfBWCePVg64cwMEREwE9urscTzD05kV1pcz22IvpYQxC2TdVgPfj_2e-d0lkkO3jjvU6YKdM2pJ4BbUpL3NzUvVTYsogYilvo/s1600/100_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkusAXesUa539YS5o0LCIixQOAh5puwmjIC4yso9iHVGfBWCePVg64cwMEREwE9urscTzD05kV1pcz22IvpYQxC2TdVgPfj_2e-d0lkkO3jjvU6YKdM2pJ4BbUpL3NzUvVTYsogYilvo/s1600/100_0906.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nice, original pattern and colors. Good choice. you work with what you've got sometimes. Sometime in 2012 I found another drivers fender for the Fairlane, this one was in the correct paint color. On it went.</div>
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Fairlane in 2014 at my house, just before driving the 350 miles to Oregon for delivery back to my brother. I had to lose the stock rims and caps after the monkeys at an America's Tire Company zipped my lug nuts on with an impact and ripped them through the original rims, thus destroying them. Bummer!!</div>
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Squirrel !</div>
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Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840087328297043852noreply@blogger.com