81' FB restoration

[BigIslandSevens]

Hello everyone,

Well this started as a ill timed radiator leak. I was about to head down to the Lake Hartwell Lakehouse meet in Ga and the day before th erad starts leaking. I missed the meet and got the itch to restore the FB.

A little history on the FB , I bought it for 500.00 dollars:D I had seen it under a car port for a couple years. Then one day I saw someone outside and stopped in. Long story short 500 bones and I drove it home.

So Far I have put 20 bucks worth of U-joints in the Driveshaft, New rotors and pads up front, and a set of HTR 200's in the back.It went for 15k miles this year before the rad problem!! Awsome little bugger. best 500 I ever spent.

So far I have gutted the enginebay in preperation for a good cleaning, sanding priming and then paint. All teh suspension pieces up front will be pulled and painted as well. All bushings will be replaced, etc..

Here is the start of what I did in the last 24 hours. Past the point of no return!!

http://i31.tinypic.com/2dv23c3.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/34r945j.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/bj8tc4.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/15pqw6w.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/2edwbko.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/2uj5auq.jpg

Not bad for a few hours work removing 28 year old rusted body fasteners!! More pics to come as I do more stuff

[BigIslandSevens]

Another 1/2 hour and the engine and trans are out of there home. And man it is dirty:D

http://i31.tinypic.com/34jeqhj.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/opo0ae.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2dt3taa.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/2yyb1w3.jpg[/

[BigIslandSevens]

Got the entire engine bay gutted. Steering box and shaft and all. In a couple days I will have it up on stands and drop the front suspension and cradle. Also I will drop out the drum rear end in preperation for the LSD disc brake rear end:D

http://i29.tinypic.com/2hi35ao.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/2uzfb4i.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2ikte2u.jpg
taken with my jetpack!!
http://i26.tinypic.com/oavhvc.jpg

I am pretty excitedabout getting to do this finally. Even the wife is into it...the planets are in alignment:D

[djmtsu]

See, that is why I love FB's. You can tear them apart in no time, so simple!!

Good look, and can't wait to see the results!

[BigIslandSevens]

My only complaints so far is that 1) The main harness is a mile long and has to be pulled back thru the firewall.( Seriously thinking about doing a bulkhead conector) and 2) The clutch master nut(top one) is almost impossible to get my big ass heands into with any tool. Other than that I am really liking the FB

[BigIslandSevens]

Some shots of the little parts after a coat of POR15. So far the clutch master and slave, brake booster and master, battery tray, and heater hose pipe(not shown).
http://i29.tinypic.com/168wugj.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/14448pk.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/2e4epz8.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/10751z7.jpg
EEEEW!! 28 years of grimey build up!!
http://i30.tinypic.com/ermwd1.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/2rykaiq.jpg

[BigIslandSevens]

Here is what happened after cleanig. Much better looking. Still have the oil pan to clean better and paint tomorrow. Also the radiator shrouds are in 3 coats of rustoleum for rott stop( out of POR15), Then tomorrow they get primered, sanded and sprayed in black base/clear coat. Should be slick.

The engine I am leaving all Aluminum colored until I rebuild it. The water pump will be black and the alternator and The intake manifold are getting color matched to the enginebay. Sanding the enginebay tomorrow as well. Got it nice and clean with the pressure washer and SG. Hopefully doing the tranny as well tomorrow, lots on the plate though. It will be Aluminum as well. Still shooting for a completed enginebay by next weekend hopefully. I still have the cradle and suspension to tend to paint wise as well. And the rear axle...It never ends!! But I love it. Kinda sick

http://i25.tinypic.com/ip1evd.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/4h9no3.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2zpv34p.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/4lo8ky.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/14wq6hj.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/rvacgj.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/14dm3hy.jpg

[BigIslandSevens]

Some shots of yesterday and todays progress. Rust taken off to bare metal and spot primed to stop flash rust.

http://i27.tinypic.com/oh485z.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2mmzhwk.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/2i70qwp.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2zrj3p5.jpg[/
2 coats of sealer to start things off. Hopefully shooting primer tonight. We'll see how it plays out.

http://i32.tinypic.com/11l1qg2.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/zlrbdx.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/111jtrc.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/21nh386.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/2ij6nox.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/25z1jzq.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2zq6dzm.jpg[/

[Whizbang]

so i take it your going to restore it to originalish color

[JShiz]

Hot damn. If I had another car, I'd be motivated to rip mine apart and clean it. This thread is motivational

[BigIslandSevens]

so i take it your going to restore it to originalish color

No not original colors. It was a white car to begin life. I got it and cleaned up some rust spots and removed and filled the badge holes etc.. I then put it in a coat of black epoxy primer. ( which it still is in)
The car is going to get a 2 tone job. The enginebay and topp of the car are going to be a PPG Brilliant orange. Similar to the 350Z and Honda VTX cruiser bike color. The bottom half of the car is getting a gloss black( On the fence about throwing some small copper flake in it as well)

Hopefully I will spray the enginebay tomorrow. I still need to wetsand the primer down tonight or tomorrow morning. Then it is ready for color and clear. The wheel wells are going to get a truck bed coating or a rubberized undercoat of some sort. As will the entire underside of the car eventually.

I just got back from a buddies house 20 minutes ago with the GSL disc brake LSD rear end that is getting put in. As well yesterday I got the full RE-Speed(energy suspension) bushing kit. Installing those bits as well next week if all goes well.

[Whizbang]

well i was incorrect, lol

[BigIslandSevens]

Here is the initial pics of the newly aquired GSL rear end. The chunk is in the garage, just forgot to take a pic of it. I did a quick wire wheel on the right side of the axle to remove the rust. Then it started raining and I covered it up and came inside:D Going to POR15 it and then some gloss black. with a color matched center I think. 100 dollar rear end is a good thing. Now I have disc breaks and LSD. I already refurbished the GSL M/C and booster to go with the new discs.

http://i26.tinypic.com/o7syl5.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/2rw5av9.jpg

[RotorDad]

Really great post, I can't wait to see the finished car.

[WE3RX7]

Good job man - I like it when somebody takes the time to do it right, reminds me of somebody I know... ;)

Cant wait to see the orange... I've thought of doing an Orange FB... not sure if I can do the bright orange though...

[BigIslandSevens]

^ Thanks man, I enjoy seeing your metal work skills as well. And the time involved. It is never appreciated. The orange is really more of a copperish orange than the Grabber orange from GM so to speak. Here is a shot of the color on the cap for a sense of the shade.

http://i32.tinypic.com/qz292o.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/2m6l7xk.jpg

Just came in from the shop, I ws planning on spraying some color tonight. My guns had other ideas. In the last few days of working I must have forgot to thuroughly clean my guns....now I must work hard to clean all the crap out of them. I hate dumb mistakes:(

[WE3RX7]

Ah - thats a good shade of orange. thats more what I was looking for.... cant wait to see it!

Is that paint a mica or larger flake? What gun are you using to spray it?

[need RX7]

Awesome job so far. I love seeing someone putting in the time and effort to bring one these cars back to life, rather than just driving it into the ground and throwing it away. Most people would ask why you bother, but we all know they're stupid and just don't understand :). This is a real inspiration, I'm trying to do the same thing with my FC.

[BigIslandSevens]

The paint is a mica paint( pearl paint, same thing) My priginal color choice was the "copperhead pearl) used on the show trucks when they built the C10 truck. Problem is it is 230.00 a quart!!! So I did some flipping thru the color books and found this. I hope it turns out like I planned.

As for guns, I currently have just some cheapo HVLP guns. I believe they are made by DevilBiss. They work OK but I really want a couple anesta iwata(sp?) guns. My buddy switched from SATA jet to those and loves them. $$ guns though. But they do nice work on getting the product to the surface you are spraying. Much like any paintwork, it is all about the prep. I have seen some awsome paint from a 40 Kobalt gun from Lowes

[WE3RX7]

Yea - I just have a cheapo HVLP that I intend to use someday on an FB project... havent cracked it open yet. Paint is something I dont have enough practice with just yet...

[Tanj!]

Where you spraying the Por15? If so how did you like the product? I'm leaning towards using their stuff and it's hard finding people who pony up for it and to get impressions from them.

[BigIslandSevens]

I like the product. So far it has worked well. I buy it in the quart form and actually apply it with a traditional hand brush. About a 2 inch brush works well. The main thing is you still MUST remove as much of the rust as possible. It can't work miracles. It is a inhibitor I believe more than a rust converter/transformer. I took everything that had rust down to bare metal and then put it on. Scuff it with a scotchbrite pad and prime over it. Then prep as normal/needed.

You can use a spray gun to apply it as well. I just have never needed to do that big of an area. I think a quart is about 40 bucks at my paint shop;)

[WE3RX7]

I applied all my POR15 by hand as well. Used a 2" foam brush and small roller... turned out ok. I didnt like it at first as it seemed VERY easy to get runs, once I got the hang of it though I was pleased.

I used their semi-gloss which turned out glossier than expected, but still looks nice!

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah, the POR likes to run pretty quickly. And I also have found that thye foam brush works better as it doesn't leave bristle marks.( As I found out) I fear major runs if sprayed. I'll try it one day.

I have the color layed down and it looks pretty nice. I have a couple areas I don't like, but that is due to not hitting the tight areas well enough when wet-sanding. I can live with it for the time being. Laying clear in a little bit tonight. Tough engine bay to paint. I need to get a mini HVLP gun now. It would have made the job alot easier getting to the little tight corners. I'll go snap some shots of it with just the color on it now and post them in a few minutes.

Thanks for the comments so far on the project. I still haven't addressed the leaky radiator:D I may throw a S4 rad in there as I have access to one. We'll see.

Dave

[WE3RX7]

May as well go w/ the S4 radiator since you've gone through this much trouble.

Cant wait to see the color :)

[BigIslandSevens]

Like I said. It is not perfect. But for a quick budget resto, I think I will proceed. Although the flash really shows where I didn't get good coverage. Afraid of runs if I went closer or longer in those tight spots. hopefully they will not be to embarrasing. The wheel wells and shock tower inners are going to be blacked out. Either truckbed coating or rubberized undercoat.So is the bottom of the frame rails and the trans tunnel area;)

Here are some color shots. No clearcoat on it yet.1 quart of color, or 3 good coats.
Opinions on whether to proceed are welcome. Or try to cover the few small areas.

http://i28.tinypic.com/23rwe2q.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/5ev9c5.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/2yukh3t.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/35lwarn.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Looks really nice actually - I love that color now even more.

The only areas I would attempt to get more coverage on before clear would be the areas behind the headlights leading into where the rad shrouds go. Since you'll have those nice black rad shrouds there, it'll make a nice sharp line in the paint and with the hood up it would great... other than that I think you're good.

Most people will just be impressed at how clean the engine bay is and the fact that its cleared. Only you will really notice the "bad" spots...

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah, Those are the spots that bug me the worst. I know I will see them everytime I lift the hood. So, I did not clear it yet and will redue those spots and maybe the frame rails a bit further back into the tunnel area. I have come this far I might as well spend 1 more day getting full coverage. Time to head to a friends paint shop and borrow a mini gun and some advice on the touch-up procedure.

I was impressed with the color as well. Thanks for the comments, it confirmed what I already knew I needed to do;)

Dave

[JShiz]

That copper looks a lot better than I thought. I like it a lot.

[BigIslandSevens]

Well, I broke out the old mini spray gun I had about 8 years ago. Broke it down at 3 AM and started soaking it in cleaner for the day. Got back to the house around 3 and did some touch-up work with it in the few spots that were still showing primer. I haven't used this gun in like 8 years as stated earlier, so I was rusty as it is a conventional pressure gun instead of HVLP. But, I think it worked out alright.

Then I layed down 2 coats of clear. Ran out of clear after 2 coats:( I usually like to do 3 minimum) Waiting for the smoke to clear so to speak. Then I will snap some pics and post them up.

[WE3RX7]

Nice.... yea, we went w/ 3 coats of clear in my engine bay.... a little added protection against fluids, lol. Although 2 will still be better than the stock paint....

[BigIslandSevens]

Here are some shots. I had a couple small runs that I may attack with the razor blade. They are on the passenger side. Still didn't get the "bad spots" perfectly. I think I need a airbrush to get in the real small areas. I'll live with it.

http://i30.tinypic.com/1zg8ai1.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/dhfz9v.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/mtqscg.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/vze8tw.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2hohd78.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/2wquzat.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/3495v14.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/30wwbvr.jpg

[BigIslandSevens]

Man I just really noticed that I need to clean the shop up bad after the last couple days of working.:( So sad. I hope I am doing the rotary gods happy with my undertaking. Reassembly of enginebay starts in a couple days after a good curing.

[WE3RX7]

Looks really good - the spots I noticed before look touched up and the rest you will probably never see... good job man!

[BigIslandSevens]

Made some progress today. I got a new puppy last Friday so my time has been busy trying to tame the poop/piss factory that is a little dog.;) Anyways, Applied 3 coats of "Plasti-Cote" truck bed liner. ( A gallon was 43 bucks) I used a 2 inch brush to cut in the corners and then a 3 inch roller to do the rest of it

A word on this, It is a absolute mess to work with. I like the end result, but it gets everywhere. Cleans up easy though. Also be warned it WILL come thru the seams at some points and the open holes into the enginebay. I taped all them off and was glad I did. The strut tower seams still leaked when I did the inside of them. Wiped it off easily. I also "pinned" the door hinges in preperation for removal to paint the inners and jams. Pinning them is drilling holes in the hinges so that when you re attach the doors. You stick a few "pins" ;) into the holes and the doors are lined up rite off the bat.

Also, cleaned the crossmember, steering box, Motor mounts, steering shaft case, lower control arms, sway bar, and some steering links.. Then I sprayed them with gloss black rustoleum as I have used on all the other black parts so they match.

http://i26.tinypic.com/rt2ptw.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/2b5st0.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/vcwjex.jpg
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http://i31.tinypic.com/2nkhxea.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/5f1avp.jpg

[WE3RX7]

Looking good... what kind of "rust prevention" or protection does the plasticoat offer? Not that I dont like POR, but i'm looking for something more "rough" to undercoat the belly of my FC and that stuff looks pretty rough....

[BigIslandSevens]

I would guess that the prevention abilities are limited to just keeping water off of the metal. I did it to protect from rocks and debris. More than that though it just gives a nice contrast in colors. And it looks more industrial rather than just a black spray bomb or base/clear. Really "most" of it will not even be visible to the outside world. As the inner fenders cover much of iit.

The truckbed coating is imprgenated with lots of plastic chunks. Which gives it the textured appearence. I am going to do the remainder of the underbody eventually. I need to get the car road worthy in the next week or so.

[BigIslandSevens]

labor Day weekend update#1

Making good progress today. I have the crossmember, lower control arms with RE-Speed bushings back in place. As well the sway bar mounts are in place but will be removed to actually mount the sway bar when it is dry enough( couple hours more) The struts and knuckles have been painted black as well as the debris gaurds.

Also I have installed the clutch and brake m/c's. That is the worst part of the whole job to me. I am a big guy at 6'2 and 2-210 lbs. So contorting myself into inverted chicken wing stance sucks:D But it is done.


Ah yes, I can't forget that I re-wrapped the entire enginebay wire harness main section so far. The plug on leads are next( Starter, etc..) That took a long ass time as well just sitting there burning thru 2 roles of electrical tape. But it is mucho bettero!! Lots of pics to come later on tonight. It may even be on the ground on it's wheels tonight. We'll see.

Still to do:

Clean and paint steering linkage parts.
Paint the tranny aluminum to match the engine.
Paint all the little brake line hold-down thingymabobs.
Install the engine and trans
Paint the headlight motors and brakets.

Something else,....hmmm, oh yeah fix the bloody radiator or replace it :D

[BigIslandSevens]

Pics as promised. Just a few shots of the progress. I like the way it is coming together with the color combo.

Master cylinders installed.
http://i29.tinypic.com/24wepma.jpg
crossmember,steering linkage, steering box installed
http://i29.tinypic.com/30w6rrd.jpg
Swaybar mounts, swaybar, and crossmember again
http://i28.tinypic.com/192s6x.jpg
new swaybar end links, cleaned and painted suspension bits
http://i27.tinypic.com/wl7mmd.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/2napguv.jpg

[BigIslandSevens]

I ended up painting the tranny black, as that is what I had here and did not feel like going out to the store just for Aluminum color spray. The engine and trans will go in tomorrow. The headlight motors and brackets will be painted tomorrow as well.

Next big pieces to spray are the underside of the hood, brake calipers Front and rear. Then I will drive it for a bit as I am needing a FB fix bad.The next big thing will be the new LSD rear end with Disc brakes once it is cleaned and painted to match the car scheme.

[BigIslandSevens]

Engine, transmission, driveshaft are all back in place. Almost a runner again:D Couple more days hopefully.

[BigIslandSevens]

Just picked up a Kia Ring and pinion gear set( The entire third member) I plan on swapping over the gear sets into my carrier to see if it works with a small bearing carrier. I will post the details/results in Gravity Fed's Kia thread;)

Other than that I plan on starting the engine up today or tomorrow more likely. Tired from yanking the front axle apart laying on rocks at the junk yard:D

[Whizbang]

woo gearing!

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah Gearing is a sweet thing. Here are some shots of recent progress.

from when the engine/trans went into the new shiny home.
http://i26.tinypic.com/5zgy2v.jpg
With some parts on it now. S4 Alt, wiring harness simplified etc..
http://i29.tinypic.com/1z3p8j7.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/1495hn4.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/2088hew.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/zspt9g.jpg
And the new gears awaiting disassembly
http://i30.tinypic.com/14tpkyq.jpg

[Whizbang]

love the color

[JShiz]

That looks so good. Nice to see FBs getting TLC

[WE3RX7]

Nice man... it looks really slick with the engine back in it. She'll be good for years to come now!

[t_g_farrell]

Hey Dave, the work looks great, left you a PM on that other "site" and then came over here to see what was up and found this thread.

[RotorDad]

Looks really good, the car seems to be coming along nicely!

[BigIslandSevens]

Dropped the radiator off for repairs today. Should be done tomorrow afternoon for about 65 bucks. Fingers crossed that old bird will hold up to the tests they run.

Hey Tim, Good to see ya over here. Yeah, I had enough of the other place. I am here to stay;) I still check PM's every now and then. I am trying to have the car ready for Octobers OGTA meet to unveil the resto.

The car is almost ready to run again. Then the rest of the car gets torn into:D I swear it is never endiing. You don't realize how many parts there are to the car until you clean, restore and repaint every one of them. Takes waay longer than you plan it to. But then again, This is overkill for a leaky rad!!:D

Parts update:

I am about to lay down some clear on the headlight braket/cages, hood latch, hood hinges, air cleaner top, and headlight cover undersides. All have been painted the same orange to match.

Calipers later this week along with the rear axle assembly once fitted with new gearing. Busy week ahead, oh yeah can't forget the underside of the hood to do as well. Sheesh!

[BigIslandSevens]

Well, The old crusty rad fell apart during the flushing process:D The core litterally came out from inside out he said. I will see it later today. Just ordered a replacement from Black Dragon. I almost had a shop in Atlanta build me a nice one but it really isn't in the budget.( Around 1k) Next year;) Shameless plug, If anyone needs a bitchin radiator( The best in the country for sure) give Jack Baldwin a call at DB Products LLC. They build rads for most of the DP cars, Grand AM cars, NASCAR Etc.. Very nice guy to talk with.He will be getting my business on a sweet rad/oil cooler combo one day

http://www.racedbproducts.com

EDIT: The rear end is NOT a big bearing afterall. I was misinformed. However, The gear set swaps directly over and if you use the Kia Pinion spacer it "appears" to be the correct depth and gear meshing. I will give all the info to Gravity fed to add to his KIA thread.

Kinda on a hoilding pattern until the rad shows up. Maybe Saturday, we'll see.Until then there is much ore to paint and assemble.

[Jeezus]

Wow that orange color sure is perty! I am loving the pictures Dave.

Keep up the good work, I will be using this thread this winter when it comes time for my car to go under the knife :)

[Whizbang]

horrah for crapped out radiators. Figure the thing is 25 or more years old, its probably about time. Probably better for the well being of your engine too. Corrosion is not known for its great thermal properties.

[BigIslandSevens]

Hey Stu! Glad you found your way over here. Thanks for the kind words. I am trying to do the rotor gods rite. When you start on yours let me know. I can swing by and help out with anything you need.

Gravity: Yeah I am not complaining, It served it's time very well.

[t_g_farrell]

Hope that exhaust works out for ya.

I have 2 batches of brew going now. Should be ready in a couple of weeks.

[BigIslandSevens]

Yep. Already have it mounted up. Welded back together, and gaskets that will fit it found locally;) The resonator that was rattling was doing so because the insides have crumbled and are clogging the path. Also shaking around. It should flow awsome once I replace that resonator.
MMMMMMMmmmmm..homebrew beer!!

I am currently in the middle of removing all the rear bushings. Not a particularly easy job considering the bushings are fused to the metal. I am drilling around the rubber until I can remove the center pin. Then I am chiseling the rest of the rubber chunks out. After that, I set it ablaze and let the remaining rubber cook itself crispy and then I scrape it out.

1 more lower arm to burn out and then the Watts linkage bushings. Then I reinstall the new RE-SPEED bushings

I also think I am going to undercoat the rest of the car while the axle is out of the way....maybe.

[Jeezus]

I am interested in how those bushings feel :D

Your thread inspired me to clean the #$%& out of my engine bay. Debating on starting a thread here, but it isn't a build up as much as a clean up.

Did you get Tim's old exhaust?

[BigIslandSevens]

Hey Stu, Awsome man! Glad to hear you are getting started on the cleaning. That is the absolute first thing that needs to be done on ANY level of resto;)

The new radiator showed up today....They sent me a short rad with what I think is a loop inside the lower tank for power steering? It does not pose a return it issue for me. Just a couple ugly pipes I don't like. I may cut them off flush and and plug the holes.

I have mounted the radiator and the shrouds top and sides. I also am in the middle of running the battery cables from the rear passenger bin. This really cleans up the enginebay alot.

Installed the newly aquired R E full exhaust. I need to replace one of the resonators and it will be all good. The headers were just wrapped in DEI heat wrap and have never been run yet. ( he got a new exhaust)

I have decided to do the undercoating to the wheelwell area in the rear only. I need to save something for the winter time. And I really need to get the rest of the car painted this month.

All the bushings are out, and the linkages all painted gloss black. New bushings are going in tonight while we watch Dancing with the stars:D The rear axle will go in tomorrow. The new rear brake rotors and pads are getting here Thursday.

Wheew!! Sorry to ramble but it has been a busy week. I will get picks updated to where I am at tomorrow. It is too dark to get good shots now.


Thanks for all the kind words everyone.!!

Dave

[Jeezus]

Hey Stu, Awsome man! Glad to hear you are getting started on the cleaning. That is the absolute first thing that needs to be done on ANY level of resto;)

The new radiator showed up today....They sent me a short rad with what I think is a loop inside the lower tank for power steering? It does not pose a return it issue for me. Just a couple ugly pipes I don't like. I may cut them off flush and and plug the holes.

I have mounted the radiator and the shrouds top and sides. I also am in the middle of running the battery cables from the rear passenger bin. This really cleans up the enginebay alot.

Installed the newly aquired R E full exhaust. I need to replace one of the resonators and it will be all good. The headers were just wrapped in DEI heat wrap and have never been run yet. ( he got a new exhaust)

I have decided to do the undercoating to the wheelwell area in the rear only. I need to save something for the winter time. And I really need to get the rest of the car painted this month.

All the bushings are out, and the linkages all painted gloss black. New bushings are going in tonight while we watch Dancing with the stars:D The rear axle will go in tomorrow. The new rear brake rotors and pads are getting here Thursday.

Wheew!! Sorry to ramble but it has been a busy week. I will get picks updated to where I am at tomorrow. It is too dark to get good shots now.


Thanks for all the kind words everyone.!!

Dave

If you got the short rad, that's S1-2. It is a 3 core, so better than S3 :D

Also, those lines could be for the automatic cooler. I have the same lines on mine.

PICTURES!


Also, are you running the stock(ish?) battery? I was thinking of going to a miata battery. It is smaller so I might be able to fit it between the back seat and rear tower bar.

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah it is a 3 row rad that will fit both auto and manual. I am just going to cut and plug the lines where they come out.

I use a Optima Yellow top battery.

I also am going to build a duct for the radiator that goes up to the bumper and funnels the air to the rad.

I installed all the bushings tonight. I used the arm press;) My hands are sore as hell.
Pics tomorrow I promise.

[Jeezus]

I installed all the bushings tonight. I used the arm press;) My hands are sore as hell.
Pics tomorrow I promise.

Haha, the arm press.


Someone call a vet, cause these pythons are SICKKK

http://i35.tinypic.com/2mhfri9.jpg

[t_g_farrell]

Did you get Tim's old exhaust?

Yeah he acquired my old setup. Good to see it live on in another 7.

[BigIslandSevens]

Here is where it stands as of last night. I "may' Start it up today. I have a few things to complete on the battery relocation and it will be ready to power up again.
http://i33.tinypic.com/14tautk.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/xbmuzc.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/16kpcpj.jpg
http://i34.tinypic.com/15xv9lw.jpg
the rear wheel wells undercoated
http://i34.tinypic.com/eu3o9d.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/2ccpkw3.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/jze0io.jpg
http://i34.tinypic.com/1zdht4.jpg
The rear axle housing assembly and watts linkage, new poly bushings installed
http://i35.tinypic.com/dg6sfp.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/2utoxon.jpg

Forgot a good shot of the wrapped headers. Later tonight I guess.

[Jeezus]

I love new and new looking parts :D

Keep it up dave! Let me know on how the relocation went. Did you pick up a kit from summit?

[t_g_farrell]

Front looks great, now get the rest of it painted :) That color rocks, I like it.

[BigIslandSevens]

I love new and new looking parts :D

Keep it up dave! Let me know on how the relocation went. Did you pick up a kit from summit?

I have a Aluminum battery box from Jegs that I don't use. If you didn't want to mount it in the bins;)

I grab all the stuff I need for the battery from the local NAPA/Advanced. A quick list off the top of my head is as follows:

10' 2 gauge battery cable( for the main POS and NEG cables)
10' of 8 gauge battery cable.( for powering up the fuse block)
2-4 8 gauge ring terminals
2-4 2 gauge ring terminals
2 Battery post terminals
1 rubber grommet for the hole I am drilling thru the body for the cable
I fabricate my own battery hold down once I figure out exactly where it is going.
5-10 cable "hlod down " clamps to secure the cable to the underside of the car or wherever you run it
1 main fuse( about 100A) that is installed at the battery POS in case the power wire should short to the chassis it will disconnect the battery. In theory:D I get theses from the car stereo store.

It may be less hassle to just grab a kit, but I am probably around the 30-50 dollar range in parts depending on the quality of cable you use. Plus I have done a few of them so I have a good idea of what I will run into.


Yeah Tim, The rest of the car is super fugly compared to the enginebay! I am working on it!!

[BigIslandSevens]

Update:

I have the rear axle and diff installed into the car. Replaced the rear axle bearings as well. I just got done laying down the color and clear onto the front and rear calipers, and resprayed the hood latch.( uneven coverage)

Due to the non-stop rain I cannot get back out and finish the wiring and fill the diff. Add oil , and start the car. Maybe tomorrow as it is supposed to be sunny.

[BigIslandSevens]

Wiring is done, calipers are painted and installed. Watts installed. Small progress today. Filling all cases with oil tomorrow. And firing it up...hopefully:D
http://i35.tinypic.com/4kts0i.jpg
http://i36.tinypic.com/1j3ehk.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/v46xw4.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/iycsn6.jpg

[BigIslandSevens]

It's alive!! :D Started rite up after filling the bowls with fuel and a good backfire that echoed thru the hood at 7:30 AM:D Runs nice and smooth. Which means I did not screw up any wiring when I "simplified".

Bleeding the brakes today and possibly test driving with the new gearing and bushings.,

[WE3RX7]

Congrats man - thats awesome!

[NoDOHC]

Wow! under 2 months, maybe I need to figure out where you buy your water....

I can barely get a set of engine rotors polished in 2 months

[BigIslandSevens]

I get my water from the local crack springs!:D

2 months has only gotten me finished with the enginebay and all parts included. And the rear axle conversion. I still have the door jambs, doors, rear hatch jamb, underside of the hood and the entire exterior to paint. So probably another month at least.

it is inspiring to hear it run again though.

[t_g_farrell]

So you still think you'll be making it to the OGTA meet for October?

If you do the November one I'll come down with you.

Sounds like your really making progress. I'm in the middle of stripping the undercoat off my gas tank before I redo it. What a mess! Lots of small rust spots too! Hopefully none of them go thru.

[Jeezus]

Dave inspires us all :)

It is looking real good there! I am still super jealous you got the 4.77! Gotta tell me what that is like. I am looking for one to, would love to wipe the smile off my brother's face when my FB beats his power hardtop miata!

Any new pictures of the engine bay?

[BigIslandSevens]

Nothing new done to the enginebay. I did spray the air cleaner base black today. The clear is just dry enough to touch. It will get mounted tomorrow. I need to get a can of gas as iI didn't think the gauge was working.....It is:D Ran out when I tried to move the car back up the driveway for a test.

Also the rear brake distribution block on the axle is leaking. As well I think the Master cylinder may be bad. It has a wierd feel about halfway thru the stroke. ( Kinda expected this as it is off a junker car of who knows how long) I may just grab a reman from the zone tomorrow.

Glad I can help inspire keeping the 7 alive!

You planning on going to the blue ridge cruise/meet Stu?

[Jeezus]

Yeah, I am aimin for it! :D

[BigIslandSevens]

Well I fixed my brake issues today. 1 fitting was just a little loose, and the new hose from the body to axle just needed a crush washer on it and it sealed up fine. Bled the entire system again and it seems to work well. I have a slight rubbing noise from the left rear disc when I go around left turns. ( I think it may be the dust shield. It looks a tad bent at the top edge.

The e-fan keeps the car chillin. The new gearing seems a bit quicker. Hard to tell. It's been too long since I drove it enough. I guess Stu or Tim and I will need to "compare":D

I reaasembled the bodywork today as well. I really need to drive it:D Then I will tear back into it for the rest of the paintwork/ bodywork.

A word of CAUTION: Please be carefull if you are ever working in the storage bin areas, The edges of the metal are EXTREMELY sharp!! I silced a big chunk out of my hand that just flaps back and forth. Since I am 1 of the 50 Million uninsured, It was going to cost me 600.00 at the local urgent care for stitches:( I am forced to work with butterfly bandages and super glue:D Anyways, BE CAREFULL.!!!

[t_g_farrell]

So whats the news this week?

[BigIslandSevens]

Well, I have just been driving it and looking for the "little" things to come up. Such as the driveshaft flange bolts failed to get torqued upon final inspection. I had a vibration apear from nowhere.... Fixed that. The brakes feel awsome and work great! Stopping power was greatly increased:D

Hacked up the exhaust today as it was hangiing sooo low and scraping when I farted. The flange at the front where it meets the header was welded on crooked. Not pretty but I need to replace that section at some point anyhow.

I will say that I LOVE the sound of the exhaust and how I can talk to my wife next to me. The only Rx we have that we can do that in:D

Also the car has alot more snap to it I think( butt dyno) First gear is almost a wasted gear with the 4.77 in the back. I need to run with the local crew at the Blue ridge parkway run and see. I believe the speedo is 3-4 MPH off because of the change in gear as well. I am very happy with the results of the gear swap and the LSD install. I loove traction!!!Even left 2 black marks just cause I could:D

[Whizbang]

so you like the gearing then?

[BigIslandSevens]

very much so.

[Whizbang]

im excited to see how my car is since the wife got it running. All i have is a teaser video.

[t_g_farrell]

Yeah that exhaust does sound sweet, its less raw than the RB SP one I put on but I think its a bit more restrictive and it collects right after the header. I'm glad you made good use of it.

Are you bringing the wifey on the B3RR trip then? What about the puppy?

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah if we make it the wife and puppy will be with. The puppy likes riding in the FB:D We go for a drive everyday recently. And the area we will be in has a couple trails that are dog friendly and the campsite is as well. They must stay leashed though.

Sadly I have been looking into traveling with the dog on a road trip west next year or so. The problem is that NONE of the National parks allow dogs at all. Kinda pisses me off since that land is mine and I can't use it with my entire family( the land is also yours and every other tax paying Americans;) ) The "good" that I have found is that next to most of the National parks there is a State park that will allow dogs. Anyways, this has nothing to do with my resto so I will STFU already:D

[Whizbang]

my dog loves the rx7 car rides as well. claims the hatch as him domain.

[t_g_farrell]

Hows the car doing? No news is good news I suppose.

Anymore new painted bits?

You still up for B3R this weekend?

[BigIslandSevens]

I just painted the underside of the hood 2 days ago. It should be cured enough to mount back up today. Been cruising with a true cold air intake the last 2 days:D So now the entire enginebay has been done other than the fender inner lips.( in primer still)

The car is running great. I made a aluminum insert for the center console. As the stock plastic was in 3 pieces do to redneck stereo mounting:( So I made a new "first piece" that covers the entire thing.Mounted the new cheap stereo headunit and fixed all the hacked up wiring under there.

Fixed my mirror rattles. Then the passenger side one blew up:Doops.
If the state ever pays us we will be able to go for a cruise Sat. Probably won't camp out. We may head to our place in Saluda and stay there with the dog. we'll see.

[RCCAZ 1]

I'd love to see a few pics of the completed car (all 4 sides) if you have them. Great job and beautiful outcome!!

[BigIslandSevens]

I'll have some when the entire car gets done. I am starting on the door jams, the door interior paint, and the rear hatch jam next. Having the time to tear it down is beginning to get difficult. Hopefully in another month it will be completed.

Thanks for the compliments on the progress so far.

[Jeezus]

Bizzump!

[t_g_farrell]

Hows this going?

I know still owe you some homebrew.

[BigIslandSevens]

It has stalled out due to my compressor taking a nosedive.:( I will have a new one in a couple weeks and then I dive back in for the finish. I have also been getting some stuff re-done on the FD and it is almost ready to run when the FB goes down. It's like a constant rotation.:D

[Teenwolf1393]

if you ever need a spare set of hands let me know i live in mooresville. i currently have a gslse that is gonna be getting the same treatment as yours got. ill buy the beer

[Jeezus]

bumpo!

[one320fc]

Very impressive resto job thus far. I have a lot of work to get done if I plan on having my 83 LE resto turn out that well! I hope your planing on attending DGRR 2010 I would love to see this car in person. Keep up the good work!!

[WE3RX7]

I'd like to see some good updates too :)



and Chris - where's your build thread damnit!?

[one320fc]

I'd like to see some good updates too :)



and Chris - where's your build thread damnit!?

Had I done any work in the past months, I would have something to write:rofl:

[codytheoutlaw]

Nice build you have here.

[BigIslandSevens]

Thanks everyone. I hope to attend DGRR10 with at least 2 of our rx7's. The progress has stalled out due to buckling down with my wifes law practice to make more $$. The compressor shiting itself doesn't help things either:D

The latest things I have done to it though included filling in the marker light holes front and rear. Filling the antenna hole, fixing some of the minor dings and such with the exterior. I am still needing to block and smooth out the roof panel. As it seems many people at one point decided to use it as a jungle gym and there are a few big dents/deformations to fix. Then into prime for another block session and then paint. Hopefully in the next month or so it will be done externally and drivetran wise. Then onto the interior. Which won't be done by the dragon. :D

Pics when it is pic worthy.

Dave

[BigIslandSevens]

Had a intresting day on the Blue ridge parkway yesterday. Enjoy my misery. Fuel line burst, all new lines, no leaks.
here are some pics. The only 3 I snapped before phone went dead. No flames to show.Sorry, I was preoccupied at the time.:D

http://i46.tinypic.com/2qcqrub.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/105w45d.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2i9jbjr.jpg[/QUOTE]

Time to start the resto over this winter!.I was able to put out the fire with less than 2 gallons of water off a rangers water cooler.

Dave

[speedjunkie]

Damn man, sorry:(

[BigIslandSevens]

Thanks, It sucks but it could have been way worse considering how far from civilization we were. I still have a car to rebuild. Not usually the case in car fires.

Plus I get to make it bigger and more nasty. I am thinking turbo of some sort.

[t_g_farrell]

Bad luck that. Sorry to see this happen. It was such a good DD for you too.

Hope it got home okay.

[BigIslandSevens]

Taken from the "other place" as I am too lazy to retype it.

Taking a week to hit the FB. It was just starting to rot badly in its burnt state.

The start
http://i51.tinypic.com/30c5bgo.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/i23k2o.jpg
Ugh!
http://i53.tinypic.com/f53dhs.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/w7ldvm.jpg
After a couple hours with the DA sander and small scotchbrite discs. A couple more to go.
Better than the crispy look.
http://i51.tinypic.com/2ag9m2w.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/35lyrgn.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/2u40xs0.jpg[/

[BigIslandSevens]

Fire sucks ass!! It destroys everything. It hit every corner of the enginebay. I thought I might be able to salvage the front half,..HAH!! Nope, it got tagged and bubbled in a few spots. Oh well, I had to take a week off from the REPU resto to stop the bleeding on this one.

Dave

[WE3RX7]

Was wondering when this would pick up again... will we see it at DGRR?

[BigIslandSevens]

Yeah, I was in denial that it had to happen again:D However I knew that I had to attack it for a week or so and at least get it back to prime I can walk away for a while and know it isn't rotting to death outside. And No, it will not be at DGRR I have waay to many things going on.

the underside of the hood is a mess. I do believe that I am going to have it blasted to get it cleaned off to bare metal. It has so many nooks and crannies that I can't get all the shite out from the fire.

Heading back out to the shop for some more sanding/clean-up. Hoping to prime it before I leave for the weekend tomorrow. We'll see.