81' FB restoration

JShiz · 09-12-2009, 09:57 PM

That looks so good. Nice to see FBs getting TLC

WE3RX7 · 09-13-2009, 10:24 PM

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

t_g_farrell · 09-14-2009, 01:44 PM

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 · 09-14-2009, 02:13 PM

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

BigIslandSevens · 09-14-2009, 03:17 PM

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

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!!

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 · 09-16-2009, 08:31 AM

Well, The old crusty rad fell apart during the flushing process

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 · 09-16-2009, 05:40 PM

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 · 09-16-2009, 05:43 PM

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 · 09-16-2009, 05:49 PM

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 · 09-21-2009, 02:53 PM

Hope that exhaust works out for ya.

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

BigIslandSevens · 09-21-2009, 04:07 PM

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 · 09-22-2009, 05:51 PM

I am interested in how those bushings feel

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 · 09-22-2009, 07:07 PM

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

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 · 09-22-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

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 · 09-22-2009, 09:35 PM

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.

09-14-2009, 02:13 PM	#49
RotorDad Big Ugly Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, Va iTrader: (1) Posts: 591 Rep Power: 16	Looks really good, the car seems to be coming along nicely! __________________ *Boosted Big Body On 335's* PS3 ID: Rotordad 1986 Mazda RX7 GXL - Street ported 13BT, Haltech, 62mm, ect. 2006 MazdaSpeed 6 - Eagle, Wiseco, Cobb, ect.

09-14-2009, 03:17 PM	#50
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	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 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!! 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! Last edited by BigIslandSevens; 09-14-2009 at 04:14 PM..

09-16-2009, 08:31 AM	#51
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	Well, The old crusty rad fell apart during the flushing process 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. Last edited by BigIslandSevens; 09-16-2009 at 04:39 PM..

09-16-2009, 05:43 PM	#53
Whizbang Respecognize! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Δx = ħ/2Δp iTrader: (5) Posts: 3,190 Rep Power: 20	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. __________________ For current updates and event coverage check out Follow on Twitter! @WhizbangRally Whizbang Rally's Webpage \| Facebook

09-21-2009, 02:53 PM	#55
t_g_farrell Waffles - hmmm good Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 757 Rep Power: 0	Hope that exhaust works out for ya. I have 2 batches of brew going now. Should be ready in a couple of weeks. __________________ 1980 GS stockport, Fat Nikki, RB Dual Facetfuel pumps, Holley regulator, RB Street port exhaust, 2GDFIS, MR2 MK I electric fans, 2G strut bar, relayed fans, lights and fuel pump, LEDs Project Fat Nikki Budget 12A rebuild Video setup < $30.00

09-12-2009, 09:57 PM	#46
JShiz ZOMG WTF BBQ!!! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mobile, Al iTrader: (0) Posts: 280 Rep Power: 17	That looks so good. Nice to see FBs getting TLC

09-13-2009, 10:24 PM	#47
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Nice man... it looks really slick with the engine back in it. She'll be good for years to come now!

09-14-2009, 01:44 PM	#48
t_g_farrell Waffles - hmmm good Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 757 Rep Power: 0	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.

09-16-2009, 05:40 PM	#52
Jeezus The Newbie Join Date: Sep 2009 iTrader: (0) Posts: 18 Rep Power: 0	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

09-16-2009, 05:49 PM	#54
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	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.

09-21-2009, 04:07 PM	#56
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	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. Last edited by BigIslandSevens; 09-21-2009 at 04:12 PM..

09-22-2009, 05:51 PM	#57
Jeezus The Newbie Join Date: Sep 2009 iTrader: (0) Posts: 18 Rep Power: 0	I am interested in how those bushings feel 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?

09-22-2009, 07:07 PM	#58
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	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 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

09-22-2009, 09:35 PM	#60
BigIslandSevens Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Posts: 201 Rep Power: 17	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.