tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19833489112723644112024-03-13T01:01:37.072-04:00Barracuda DiariesThis girl's attempt to get Dad's 1967 Plymouth Barracuda back on the road. Eventually.jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-11352509997321086462019-05-15T06:52:00.003-04:002019-05-15T06:52:43.391-04:00Forty degree mornings in may...not helpfulSpring has been very cold...and rainy.<br />
We've had 2 nice days this spring. That is it.<br />
The carport roof has been down for months and the car is just covered by two old generic blue tarps...one of which may as well be netting.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGBZriH4Zi0/XNvtZc7PBAI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1K8DSwb_H90wX5lXAl-eExiW74FRkGEQQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/puddle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGBZriH4Zi0/XNvtZc7PBAI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1K8DSwb_H90wX5lXAl-eExiW74FRkGEQQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/puddle.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
The result was a large puddle on the passengers side floor, as well as a smaller puddle on the drivers side floor.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncJ-PdnNcTY/XNvtmSrqJKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/j_VKxwxIHiIDCmmBuh_UXT0B3S1Mm2QIgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/seal.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncJ-PdnNcTY/XNvtmSrqJKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/j_VKxwxIHiIDCmmBuh_UXT0B3S1Mm2QIgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/seal.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Possibly the result of bad window seals...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtF0EjID2M4/XNvtsrwz7sI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/PKbwjaXebIQ-GxiPX-QmY2H7L_3m2_xywCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/vent.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtF0EjID2M4/XNvtsrwz7sI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/PKbwjaXebIQ-GxiPX-QmY2H7L_3m2_xywCK4BGAYYCw/s320/vent.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
...possibly in conjunction with the cracked vent...<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUEmpxDNrU/XNvuozH61PI/AAAAAAAAAyg/18o6-LqwPRs0VWQFN_C9XaqA8InjY71GACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/critters.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUEmpxDNrU/XNvuozH61PI/AAAAAAAAAyg/18o6-LqwPRs0VWQFN_C9XaqA8InjY71GACK4BGAYYCw/s320/critters.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
(both sides are cracked and I'm not sure how long this critter bedding has been here, but it's probably fairly new)<br />
Or, maybe the window, vent AND bad tarp all played part.<br />
With more rain just filling up the forecast, I swapped tarps to at least get a little more protection. Seemed to be doing the trick last I looked but that was 2 days ago.<br />
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Today, I am expecting the delivery of my new tarp to replace the missing roof. I'll be rigging it up with some bungees and zipties, just to get some protection. It will not be a full roof replacement but that was for two reasons:<br />
1. I actually like having the sun come through while working, but still have the privacy of the walls.<br />
2. I really like the ability for the wind (which also is relentless) to cut through the carport without ballooning and wanting to take flight!<br />
<br />
So after finding the puddles, all I've done so far is take some pics from underneath, reattach the front bench seat, and do a little spit shining to remind myself how beautiful the beast will be when it's running (not 'finished' of course since there's so much to do that I am just not financially set up to do) and I can just go shine her up and tool around causing traffic jams during my sunday drives!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb7uYLxXEP0/XNvvTyRaRyI/AAAAAAAAAys/Ro9Mg85HGKwWJLcQg0upxz3rJIPemIkaQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb7uYLxXEP0/XNvvTyRaRyI/AAAAAAAAAys/Ro9Mg85HGKwWJLcQg0upxz3rJIPemIkaQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/paint.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehF7fKS6Hxw/XNvvWYs7dyI/AAAAAAAAAy0/QAjgFl6g5lowL4YGokJu-bsslwO6AaUWwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/emblem.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehF7fKS6Hxw/XNvvWYs7dyI/AAAAAAAAAy0/QAjgFl6g5lowL4YGokJu-bsslwO6AaUWwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/emblem.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-15124665368625717312018-10-24T06:42:00.002-04:002018-10-24T06:42:34.208-04:00Summer recapI've been pretty bad about blogging this project. I usually do a quick post on my steemit page when I have a day of work in the books.<br />
<br />
Here's the run down:<br />
1. finished the rear drum assembly, though I had to use some parts from the new spring kit and some from the old set up because things weren't going smoothly. Plus, I really had to rig things up to act as a second set of hands. But I did it. And the drums seem a little tight, even with the adjuster at it's shortest setting, but I've moved on.<br />
<br />
2. I had a set back with the front disc conversion, when I finally thought I could move on to that section. Pulling out the disc kit I bought 5 years ago, I found the rotors to be too big...wrong bolt size.<br />
After some searching and waiting for backorders to ship, I now have the proper sized rotors. Unfortunately, I am anxious to install them, as I may need spacers to get the calipers to fit into my tiny 14" rims. So...I still have not started the front disc installation.<br />
<br />
3. While waiting on working on the front, I decided my plan of attack would just be to finish up the rear, first. Oh, yeah...the fuel tank! I thought that would be pretty straightforward. (I was wrong, again.)<br />
a. The 'J' bolt I had was the wrong style. which we realized as we struggled with the tank install<br />
b. with new bolt, I managed to install the tank alone. but couldn't get the filler neck into the new gasket.<br />
c. realized new gasket was also wrong, but this time I had the right one, which I had forgotten I had...which is what initially led me to ordering the wrong one!<br />
d. with new gasket in the new tank, I was able to finish the tank install<br />
<br />
4. With new tank and rear drums done (and the trunk patch done well enough for my purposes), the rear end needed<br />
a. fuel line connected to sending unit on fuel tank :DONE<br />
b. rear shocks installed<br />
c. all rear end nuts torqued: I'd rather not talk about it but let's just say my torque wrench was out of calibration and I broke a nut...and have to go back and do it over after loosening all nuts I thought I had finished. So...still needs to be done.<br />
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5. Once I finish the list in point #4, I can move on to the front. My hope was to finish up and get the car on rubber and off the jack stands by winter so I could take down the carport and just tarp the car for the winter. But now I am considering just finishing up the brakes and such and wrapping the four wheels in plastic (as suggested by a member of a car group I'm in) and leaving it off the ground for one more winter.<br />
<br />
And that's my summer in a nutshell. I'll bolt the bench seat back in and make sure my new door seals are in order and that will take care of all the cosmetic issues I was planning on addressing. The headliner and carpet are simply not in the budget.<br />
I am putting a lot of faith in being able to get the engine running, since I've worked backwards, but when you're kinda flying by the seat of your pants, you do what feels right.<br />
<br />
Sorry no pics...I just don't have it in me today.<br />
Happy fall-into-winter!<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-72786763057277653902018-06-21T19:01:00.002-04:002018-06-21T19:01:40.481-04:00I've been working, I swear!I've been getting a few things done, here and there. A friend told me about another blog 'venue' where you can actually get paid in cryptocurrency, for posting, so I've been putting my blogging energy in there, since I definitely don't have the time for double blogging. ( You can check it out <a href="https://steemit.com/@barracudadiaries" target="_blank">here</a>, if you want, but it's not just car blogging and I'm about to give you the abridged version of what I've been doing since the weather has turned from winter, to spring and to now, the first day of summer.)<br />
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Let's see, the last post was about how winter was cold and windy, though not terribly snowy overall. I had purchased a gator grip socket to try to get the fuel cap, and subsequently the filler neck, out of the car to make putting the new tank in a little easier.<br />
That didn't work, so I decided to just struggle with it, with the filler neck still in.<br />
Unfortunately, that plan didn't work, as i couldn't get the pipe to line up with the hole in the tank. It's just me, mind you, with the tank on a plank of wood, using a jack to raise the tank into place.<br />
It was not working out.<br />
I abandoned the fuel tank so that I could just bite the bullet and order the proper socket for the security screws and just take the neck out and do it right.<br />
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I did have to use a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to loosen the screws anyway, though, thinking 'why didn't I just do that in the first place!?' but also decided that eventually the screws would have to go back in and the socket would come in handy for that.<br />
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So, again...raising the tank alone was just not working out. In the meantime, I also decided that I'd just go ahead and order a new collar for the filler neck to replace the cracked one I had. (not sure it's called a collar, but it's the part that seals the trunk where the filler neck goes through the trunk floor and into the fuel tank)</div>
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That should be here Saturday, and Hubby has agreed to help me raise the trunk since I have admitted I have too short a wingspan and/or not enough limbs to do it alone.</div>
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Besides that nonsense going on, I had a bit of a struggle with the rear brakes. It has been years since disassembling them and I had not taken (or could not find) very good pictures of the process. YouTube, my manual, and whatever pics I could find on the internet were the best I could do.</div>
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After stretching the whole process over a few weeks of working on my days off, I managed. Barely. </div>
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And there's some rubbing at the top of the shoes on both driver's side and passenger's side. I've not put the new drums on yet, and they seem to be quite a bit bigger (deeper) than the old ones, so I'm not entirely sure I won't just be using the old drums after all that.</div>
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Once I finally finished up the rear brakes, though, and hooked the brake pedal to the master cylinder push rod, I thought 'yes! the brakes are done!'...</div>
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...but I haven't even started the front disc conversion. I've finally got all the new knuckles and suspension pretty much squared away (I think...I hope), but the brake conversion is still in boxes. </div>
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And then the anxiety of that set in.</div>
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But that's where we are now.</div>
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Hoping to button up the fuel tank, and basically the rear end of the car so I can move up to the front brakes...</div>
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And after that, I start playing with the heart. The engine. The real test of the whole project.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-20156219061641465682018-03-07T18:48:00.000-05:002018-03-07T18:48:34.036-05:00Winter = a lot of down timeIt hasn't been a particularly snowy winter, this year; but, it has been tremendously windy. Gusty.<br />
Other than a couple very cold days, we haven't even had any real winter coat days. We are currently in the beginnings of another pretty bad wind storm, though.<br />
As I said...tons of wind this year.<br />
This past weekend we had a storm that didn't produce much more than a few hours of rain, but with gusts hitting mph in triple digits at times, I am thrilled to report that the car port is actually still standing.<br />
For now, that is, as this next storm's gusts have started to blow. This one is only expected to produce 55mph gusts, but I don't count any chickens until they've blown out of the nest.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have wasted yet another winter when I could've been working on indoor projects such as really getting that carb cleaned and getting the sending unit and gaskets on the new gas tank.<br />
I blame the stress of dealing with getting a new roof, finding out that it was not the real cause for the leaky roof, then dealing with getting the chimney rebuilt.<br />
Ah, home ownership sure does know how to make a person feel like they will never get ahead in life. I don't mean that to sound like I am not grateful to have the means to fix our leaky roof, which I know we are lucky to have over our heads, but I do feel like that carrot just gets farther and farther out of my grasp.<br />
<br />
But that is just a moment in time, isn't it.<br />
Looking ahead, we still have the fence to fix, now that it has gotten even worse with these wind storms...<br />
<br />
OH! and the car, of course.<br />
<br />
When I go through the list in my head, I see myself driving the car by the end of this summer at the latest.<br />
Then when I put lists to paper, it is clear that I am putting a lot of faith in every thing on that list will just be a matter of execution, and move along with no problems or set backs.<br />
And, if the history of this project...hell! the history of the world...has shown us anything, it's that nothing moves along without issue.<br />
<br />
However, I do have faith. And with each tasks I've crossed off my list so far, I have gained the confidence to believe that it is possible, even with set backs, that this car could have me sitting behind the wheel and cruising the Cape at least before next winter.<br />
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I have not been keeping up here, mostly because I've not done much with the car, and I like to keep this blog devoted to just that; but, also because I've been blogging on a new site where I am making a little bit of cryptocurrency on a platform called Steemit.<br />
Friends of mine told me about it and I figured, what the hell...doesn't cost me anything and if I can make a few cents here and there, it will add up eventually, right?<br />
Anyway, if you're interested in the other bits of nonsense going on this winter, while the car sits waiting, here is the link to my <a href="https://steemit.com/@barracudadiaries" target="_blank">Steemit blog</a>.<br />
<br />
And just so you're not subjected to an all text post, here is the last picture I took while 'working' on the car. We had a random day of nearly 60 degrees. I had the day off, but also little motivation since it was at the tail end of my bout with the flu. I have been trying to figure out how to get the filler tank out, so I could put in the new tank properly. Everyone said 'try a gator grip', since they are security screws and I was trying not to spend another chunk of money on another specialized tool for 3 screws. I found a gator grip, promptly went out to get the screws out...and discovered the socket was too wide to fit into the space where the screws sit. That part had not occurred to me, of course.<br />
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So...I can get back on ebay and order the $20 socket that I will use for this one task; or, I can try to just shove the tank with the new gasket back onto the filler neck while it is still attached. I will most likely attempt without the tool and if it's just too much work or just won't work, then I'll get back on ebay.<br />
I have a feeling I will be using the hell out of the gator grip, though!<br />
<br />
Wondering what my list looks like now?<br />
Torque all rear bolts (axle, etc)<br />
Fill differential<br />
Assemble rear drum brakes and connect all rear lines<br />
Install fuel tank and connect lines (plus close off vent line on sender unit)<br />
<br />
Finish sanding, filling, painting drivers side floor<br />
Find nuts for front seat and reinstall<br />
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Assemble front disc brakes and attach all front lines<br />
Bleed brakes<br />
Have tires mounted to original rims and balanced as best as possible<br />
Torque all front suspension bolts<br />
<br />
...Then all the engine stuff will commence...fingers will be crossed, prayers will be said, animals will be sacrificed (in the form of celebratory burgers, hopefully) and breath will be held...<br />
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Just a few more weeks and I'm hoping to have more to report and more pictures to share.jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-53875300019913981842017-11-17T17:06:00.000-05:002017-11-17T17:06:56.470-05:00A quick update on progressMy last post was on October 25! It is now November 17...almost Thanksgiving. The weather has definitely turned the corner to colder days. We've had a fair amount of rain over the past few weeks as well. It makes it hard to get motivated to go out into the ramshackle carport to fight with the parts I can't get to budge.<br />
But, I managed to get a few hours in, here and there, during my days off.<br />
The struggle with the distributor went on for several weeks. It resulted in more trips to Home Depot and Harbor Freight than I had hoped, but I finally found the winning combination: brute strength and a mid-sized pry bar.<br />
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It was a moment of sheer joy when that thing popped out. I was happy to have been warned that the distributor in my car did not have gears attached...that the end simply looked like a flat-head screwdriver. If I had not known that before removing the part, I would've thought I had broken the end off!<br />
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Once that was out of the way, I was able to loosen all the bolts on the intake manifold. I have not taken it out yet, however. I have a list of things I'd like to have done before the snow falls and/or working conditions are less than ideal.<br />
So, even though I'm feeling good about moving forward with the engine, as far as removing parts and cleaning out the gunk, I'll likely be saving that for Spring.<br />
In the meantime, I made the decision to forgo welding the trunk. The hole was fairly large, and definitely a welding job for someone in the know, but I just did not see myself attaining that skill (or equipment) in a timely manner. Instead, I chose to use a resin/fiberglass patch.<br />
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I had already done some patching over the small holes with Bondo body filler. It is unfortunate that I didn't think to just go with the fiberglass from the start, but I am hoping the overlapping of fiberglass over filler won't be too problematic.<br />
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I still have to get out there to sand and see how it looks, since the day I did it, I ran out of time doing other chores. ugh...life.<br />
With that patch ready to sand, and then the trunk ready to prime (and possibly paint, in the future), I can finally get the new fuel tank in and tie up the fuel lines. With that done, I can finally finish hooking up the new brake lines and finish the front brake conversion and re-assemble the rear drums. The new shocks can go on, all around; and, I can get the tires mounted and ready.<br />
Spring can be all about getting the engine and exhaust squared away and with any luck, it'll be on the road by summer.<br />
Now, I'm not counting my chickens, by any means, but I'm finally at a place where I feel like I'm moving steadily forward.<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-61415918876601040572017-10-25T07:09:00.000-04:002017-10-25T07:09:01.341-04:00Still at it...Wow! My last post was in August! And it's almost November!?<br />
It's not from lack of work...not that I'm 'killing it' with the progress, but I am making more of an effort to actually get out there and work before the weather gets too cold.<br />
Upside, this year, is that I bought a lamp this past spring, which turned out to give off a ton of heat, so working later into the year is not out of the question.<br />
This will be a short post. The past couple months have been a little hectic: in-law visit, vacation, dead fridge...you know...life getting in the way.<br />
Hubby took a trip back to Ohio to see his folks and help a friend move, so I took some extra time off to concentrate on the car...but then the fridge broke and I spent a day fixing that instead. And, I'm not gonna lie...when I have the house to myself I become very unmotivated to do anything more than binge watch my guilty pleasures and get up early and bake.<br />
But anyway, I did spend a day cleaning and sanding the rust in the trunk and getting a little bit of patch work done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trunk had so much rust that the jack stand had rusted to the spare. I had to knock it out with a hammer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweep the big bits of rust, vacuum the rest...sand and brush, vacuum again...and on and on....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removed as much rust as I could and prepared to just spray with filler. It was still sturdy, no give to it, luckily.</td></tr>
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I managed to get the valve covers off to expose an unsettling amount of rust. So I spent some time cleaning those as well.<br />
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The trouble this time...the thing that has got me frustrated and questioning my sanity...the intake manifold and distributor.<br />
My hope this month was to get the manifolds swapped out (original back in)...but there is one bolt that is inaccessible (as far as my ability) without removing the distributor (which I was really hoping to not have to do).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a bolt just behind that red lever that I just can't manage to get to. My hinged wrench kind of gets in there but then I have no leverage to get the power I need to get the bolt loose.</td></tr>
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Okay, fine, I give...I'll remove the distributor. Off to the YouTubes I go...'mark this, mark that'...take the cap off...slip it right out...<br />
Um...no...it does not 'slip right out'. In fact, it feels pretty cemented in there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not budging at all. Tried a flathead screwdriver to loosen the seal and pry, but again...space is limited there.</td></tr>
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I've tried all I can think of and can only guess that the seal is just really tight and maybe I can pry it out with a mini pry bar. Or, worse, is that it's somehow fused/rusted at the gear end, inside the engine. (that thought, of course, makes me want to cry)<br />
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With the wind and the rain today, I'm not likely to get out there and work, but somehow, sometime soon I need to figure out a way the get the distributor out...or at least a way to get that hidden manifold bolt out.<br />
Here's hoping my next post is about how I finally figured it out!jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-69299838384524900122017-08-17T15:42:00.001-04:002017-08-17T15:42:18.258-04:00Patchwork fuel lineTwo posts in one day!? ugh, I know...<br />
To be fair, this is my documentation of this madness, and my memory is crap so I need to get stuff down before it's gone.<br />
Again, I had one real goal today and that was to work on the car for a few hours. My secondary goals were to finish up the fuel line and possibly continue drilling the bolt hole. Then, of course depending on my energy and state of mind, maybe move onto something else on the list.<br />
'Real goal': accomplished. I worked for about 3 and a half hours before succumbing to hunger. I forgot to eat before heading out to get to it. I also forgot I got up at 4 and was out the door at 5 this morning for a 30 minute run. And 3 hours seems to be my 'time to beat', I did okay.<br />
'Secondary goal #1 (fuel line)': accomplished!<br />
It was very slow going, as I am still not skilled at the art of line bending. It was terribly frustrating and it's not the perfectly bent line I was hoping to install when I bought a 'pre-bent line', but somehow I managed to get the line in and bolted/bracketed in.<br />
As I mentioned with my first post, today...these two lines needed to be connected...<br />
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After some more cutting and bending and fighting and cursing and comparing the new bends with the bends in the old line (which of course I kept for reference!) and more struggling...I finally got bends to match up enough to get the new line into the hooks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtiZQitC51k/WZXspuHtYDI/AAAAAAAAAtY/y5xK9vgLn7Mxq8qFSYE2h6FPByapayEOACLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Brear%2Bline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtiZQitC51k/WZXspuHtYDI/AAAAAAAAAtY/y5xK9vgLn7Mxq8qFSYE2h6FPByapayEOACLcBGAs/s320/new%2Brear%2Bline.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not an exact match, but the new line is in tight and ready for the new tank!</td></tr>
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I wasn't really sure about adding the rubber line. I've watched multiple videos about it. I've double checked fuel hose ratings. I changed the blade in my utility knife. I had my box of assorted clamps. And I've put off enough stuff due to anxiety that I just had to do it. <div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I think I did a pretty good job!</b></span></div>
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<i>I mean...it looks right...</i></div>
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Next up was the front end. This where I had to do more research. I was under the impression that the original lines were 3/8, rather than the 5/16 that they actually were. So I bought a sending unit in 3/8"....and fuel line for 3/8"...but for some reason, my new pump to carburetor lines are the proper 5/16". So after some inquiries in the forums, I was told that if I had 3/8" from tank to the front, that I could simply get an adapter to connect the 3/8 fuel line to a short run of 5/16 line to the fuel pump!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, I did!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BUH0mU6on4/WZXwSrabcBI/AAAAAAAAAtw/_xUdtaeOZaMcpLK9Rqr9r2uhllgJf24DwCLcBGAs/s1600/newlinetopump3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BUH0mU6on4/WZXwSrabcBI/AAAAAAAAAtw/_xUdtaeOZaMcpLK9Rqr9r2uhllgJf24DwCLcBGAs/s320/newlinetopump3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after!</td></tr>
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That was, after all the struggle with getting the line to shape/fit in properly at the rear...then realizing I needed to do more bending at the front end to get the line tight into it's final bracket, just about all I could do. </div>
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I spent a little more time trying to figure out the grease fitting issue but I didn't want it to put me in a mood, so I backed off.</div>
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I feel good about the time I've spent on the car over these past couple days. It's not a lot on paper, but forward progress is forward progress!</div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-90726011026833368882017-08-17T07:11:00.003-04:002017-08-17T07:11:28.169-04:00mini staycation: a.k.a. restoration marathon<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Okay...both of those things are misleading.</b></div>
I took an extra day off from work to get 2 days in a row to work on the car. And, it's only a 'marathon' to me in the sense that I have never (that I can remember) worked on the car on consecutive days. It's quite a big deal, for me actually! I'm glad I did it, too, because I actually feel like today I can really finish some things!<br />
<b>FINISH!</b><br />
I almost think the idea of getting something actually checked off my list, rather than just adjusting the task, is a little odd. I mean, this whole project has been 'well, that's a problem...I'll just move on and come back to that.' It's literally a big pile of unfinished projects under the umbrella of 'car restoration'. Yes, I know that is basically every single car restoration (or home restoration), and although the years I've spent on this may seem contrary to this point, but I like to finish a project and move on. It is hard for me to have a thing that needs attention day after day after day (a good reason that I don't have kids!).<br />
But I'm getting away from he important stuff here...per usual...let's just move on to the meat of the story.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So yesterday was Day 1 of my 2-day build-a-thon. </b></div>
The long and short of it: I made some progress but did not get as far as I had hoped.<br />
My daily goals are set pretty low, since I have a history with this car.<br />
#1: get the old headers out, by cutting whatever pipes are in the way of pulling them up and out<br />
#2: finish drilling the tank strap bolt hole<br />
#3: if all that gets done, move onto Day 2 list<br />
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<b>Seems simple. Easy. Straight-forward.</b></div>
Well, it is all that, but it's also just a day in the life of my first car project.<br />
I made surprisingly good time with the pipe cutting! My original plan was actually to get to the tool store early and pick up a pipe cutting tool...a flaring tool, maybe...see if i could find anything that looked like it would be helpful in getting my u-joint grease fitting back in (I think the rear axle may have to come off for me to fix that silly mistake)...but the stores didn't open until 8! I thought I could get in by 7:30, but 8 is too late...commuters and beach-goers are already crowding the roads by 8.<br />
So, I went at it with my mini hacksaw and the blades I had left from the bolt cutting I had to do previously.<br />
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6 blades...both ends and as far into the middle as I could get. I had to skip my yoga after all the sawing and drilling and mowing the lawn and whacking the weeds the day before...I could barely lift my arms to feed myself by yesterday afternoon!<br />
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<b>But, of course, I had the proud moments of solving my problem.</b></div>
In the past, I start work on the driver's side of the car. Probably because that side of the carport has more clearance. But, the driver's side headers were packed in around the steering column and I just wanted to do the easy side first, for once. After the first cut was so awful, I tried to be more methodical about the angle I cut the rest of the pipes. I was able to cut 3 on each side to pull the headers out.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YIuMF8_kok/WZVvid7-mZI/AAAAAAAAAsU/tGDrMOa-lf8pOuXt3vU_ptkZHbVAEetnQCLcBGAs/s1600/passpipescut1.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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YIuMF8_kok/WZVvid7-mZI/AAAAAAAAAsU/tGDrMOa-lf8pOuXt3vU_ptkZHbVAEetnQCLcBGAs/s320/passpipescut1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The middle bolts, on the driver's side, were a little tricky to get to so I thought I could cut that one first, to get a better angle at the bolt. However, I didn't actually pay close enough attention to where I was cutting so I didn't get in close enough anyway. To add insult to injury, when the pipe was cut, and I tried to pull it out, it was getting stuck on something...and the tie rod got in the way of pulling it out from underneath. So there it hung. I was hoping I could get away with cutting just 2 pipes but the two left in this picture are basically stacked so they wouldn't clear the steering column if I pulled up. So I cut the pipe all the way to the right, which was a little tricky in the end, since that first pipe was still hanging there. </div>
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But I did it. I cut 6 pipes using my mini hacksaw. It wasn't really that difficult and didn't take all that much time, to be honest. The hardest part was starting the cut. </div>
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Finishing the cut was a bit tricky on some, too. </div>
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This is the last pipe I cut. You can see the first pipe I cut, stuck hanging off the one I'm cutting.</div>
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Once I got the headers out, I cleaned up around the spark plugs and swept up all the metal shavings and other such debris from the years.</div>
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The plugs look new to me, but I didn't take any out to see how they look on the other end.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCPU8Vhpmcs/WZVzk1bhN6I/AAAAAAAAAss/scKQnbXH6hIzS6lNAXUq28m7Dh7kuBzVACLcBGAs/s1600/passsansheader.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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCPU8Vhpmcs/WZVzk1bhN6I/AAAAAAAAAss/scKQnbXH6hIzS6lNAXUq28m7Dh7kuBzVACLcBGAs/s320/passsansheader.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have the old valve covers, which I think would be fun to put back on, but I really like these Mopar ones, too. The old ones are just red.</div>
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Today's plan is to, first of all, get an earlier start. Since the sawing and drilling are the loudest tasks on my list, I can go out as early as 7 or 8 today. Maybe do some more drilling at the end of my day.</div>
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I'm hoping to tie up the fuel line issues: </div>
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fix the broken line near the wheel well</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnEyIbzqXQY/WZV1H--t5HI/AAAAAAAAAs8/YRiqyBCBgFEi1npidjW_2hdbjVOTvj2CwCLcBGAs/s1600/fuellinebreak2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnEyIbzqXQY/WZV1H--t5HI/AAAAAAAAAs8/YRiqyBCBgFEi1npidjW_2hdbjVOTvj2CwCLcBGAs/s320/fuellinebreak2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cut this extra bit off and bend behind that wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYIVfhlK1Q8/WZV1HknvtvI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ox87PFtxwe4wAG6sZoureQudv9OAVTsBgCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1338" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYIVfhlK1Q8/WZV1HknvtvI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ox87PFtxwe4wAG6sZoureQudv9OAVTsBgCLcBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">add rubber fuel hose to connect the two cut ends</td></tr>
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I'm nervous/anxious to finish up all the brake stuff I still need to finish. I'm not really sure why. It's almost like I don't want to finish it. I guess because it's the only thing that is really new. Everything else is just replacing old parts. This is a new system to this car and I don't want to fuck it up.<br />
A big part of it, though, is thinking about getting all these new parts in and then it just sits there with all the new parts rusting away while I try to figure out the engine.<br />
<br />
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<b>Get to bridge...then, cross it...</b></div>
I have to stop looking ahead and imagining the road blocks that may (or may not) appear and just enjoy the feeling of accomplishment each time I get to the next step.<br />
I know, I know...jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-79390977292480784462017-08-09T16:23:00.001-04:002017-08-09T16:23:26.333-04:00making an effortSo here we are a week+ into August!<br />
Looks like my plan to get the car back to 'wheels down' by labor day may not happen. It may still, but I'm not holding myself to that. September still offers lovely outdoor weather, but that is the time my in-laws are in town, meaning it's all work and in-laws all the time. This year, however, we've planned our (usually in October) vacation for the second week they are here, so that's a week I won't even be in the country.<br />
But that's okay! I'm really close to being ready to start looking into what's going on with the engine!<br />
<br />
Let's see...where did we leave off...<br />
Oh, right...the broken, brand new, fuel line. Which, I'll be honest, I think turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Rather than fighting to fit a line that is obviously too long for this car, I can just put a tiny bit of fuel hose in place of the cut out section and it'll be great. Of course, I actually have to get under there and do that...<br />
I finally got the jack out so I could position the fuel tank to drill the hole for the tank strap bolt.<br />
Let me just remind this tiny world of Barracuda Diaries readers that metal work scares me. I don't like drilling metal. I don't like cutting wheels on metal. I have such a desire to learn welding but fusing metals scares me (though this is the least of my metal aversions).<br />
When a drill bit gets stuck as I'm drilling...I panic a little.<br />
My brother has a massive scar on his face from a flying cutting wheel from a grinder.<br />
Let me also just give you a little background to my odd trauma visions: every time I drive over a railroad track, I imagine a train plowing right into me. My imagination is both wonderful and wonderfully disturbing.<br />
But back to today's work!<br />
<br />
You may remember (or maybe not, since this has been going on for years. so many years) that there was some rust that needed repair on the chassis. The rear passengers side frame had rusted out, you guessed it, at the fuel tank bolt hole. Most likely from the hole in the trunk channel, since it's also where the major damage is to the trunk. My wonderful friend, Patrick, welded a patch for me. Unfortunately, the damage + the new patch left me with no place to attach the bolted end of my fuel tank strap. I've been putting off drilling a new hole.<br />
A) because it was quite an ordeal to get that patch on there, since the sheet metal I had was way too thick so cutting and bending and welding was a pain in the ass for my friend...I didn't want to mess that up!<br />
B) because I had to get it right the first time. I couldn't be drilling holes all over until I finally got it right! I'm a lazy measurer. 'Measure twice, cut once' has always been in my head, but quickly followed by 'just hurry up...it'll be close enough.'<br />
C) drilling metal...ugh!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcHNGHHaTE8/WYtlNNFXXSI/AAAAAAAAArQ/3R4CTeDfCwccoTv2ctuGqgkKo1dFiZQUgCLcBGAs/s1600/firstdrill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcHNGHHaTE8/WYtlNNFXXSI/AAAAAAAAArQ/3R4CTeDfCwccoTv2ctuGqgkKo1dFiZQUgCLcBGAs/s320/firstdrill.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skU9Ix062zI/WYtlNOtUdoI/AAAAAAAAArM/jEo15zRZTgQEE_eeJO5rGhTGmKwjjhsZQCLcBGAs/s1600/seconddrill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skU9Ix062zI/WYtlNOtUdoI/AAAAAAAAArM/jEo15zRZTgQEE_eeJO5rGhTGmKwjjhsZQCLcBGAs/s320/seconddrill.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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At first I thought maybe I didn't get the right drill bits (yes, I had to get new bits, as I didn't have one big enough for the larger hole I needed to make). It was so slow going. I actually took a screwdriver and hammered it in after a long time drilling with almost no visible progress, just to see if the metal was indeed getting thinner. It was...so I proceeded. And when I finally got through the patch metal...I had the original layer of metal to go through!! </div>
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WHAT!? </div>
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But then I was in my groove and settled down from my metal drilling anxiety. Unfortunately my legs were falling asleep and I was just beginning.</div>
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So the J-hook I have to hang my tank strap is the kind that goes in a large hole then settles into a smaller slot. That meant drilling a larger hole above the smaller hole. </div>
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At this stage, where I'm becoming more confident in my drilling skills, the larger bit kept getting stuck. So, of course, I had to do some problem solving for a problem I was not terribly accustomed to. </div>
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The old me: throw the drill and all the bits. slam my head against the rear quarter panel. cry. pack up until my next day off.</div>
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The new and improved me: think about why the bit is getting stuck. look at the tools at my disposal. grab a smaller drill bit and gradually increase my bit size.</div>
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However, even the new me has a breaking point and after so much drilling, with numb legs and arms that were also slowly going numb...I stopped before finishing the larger hole. But it's nearly finished and it's not a nagging issue that will continue to cause undue anxiety.</div>
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The bolt hole was actually my second task today.</div>
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Today's list started with the super annoying task of cutting the headers out. Silly me, I thought I could just unbolt them and pull them up and out...throw in the old exhaust manifolds and be ready to hook up a new exhaust system!</div>
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WRONG.</div>
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Those fracking things are jammed in there. Well, I thought, looking at it, that the passengers side just needed one of the pipes cut off, because it was getting caught on the torsion bar. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfwVYPcxMgk/WYtsmNYFd_I/AAAAAAAAArk/btPRbI-UvbUzAS2YGJ26CVFaKfnwYP-RgCLcBGAs/s1600/cutpipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfwVYPcxMgk/WYtsmNYFd_I/AAAAAAAAArk/btPRbI-UvbUzAS2YGJ26CVFaKfnwYP-RgCLcBGAs/s320/cutpipe.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cutting this pipe took several hours (over multiple days) to cut through. the hardest part being that last bit where my cuts didn't line up.</td></tr>
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After what seemed like an eternity of sawing with my mini hack (see above statement about cutting wheels and grinders), I finally had that pipe cut! Bolts back out and...</div>
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STILL STUCK!</div>
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Problem solving mode...seemed like I could just cut the opposite pipe out and the other, middle, two should be good to just slide out.</div>
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NOPE! </div>
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So basically all the pipes need to be cut off up by the intake manifold. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnFUk99JBMo/WYtslzFD_TI/AAAAAAAAArg/SMbaSPu47FoZ2w8t9K922cd5zYZakTwrQCLcBGAs/s1600/problempipes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnFUk99JBMo/WYtslzFD_TI/AAAAAAAAArg/SMbaSPu47FoZ2w8t9K922cd5zYZakTwrQCLcBGAs/s320/problempipes.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after cutting the two outside pipes, it is obvious that all pipes must be cut in order to remove the headers. </td></tr>
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And all of this was AFTER a day of just trying to get the bolts out! I am continually puzzled by how this car was put together in the first place!! I mean, the headers weren't original equipment on this car. Someone put those in aftermarket and they are jammed in there!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btRI_f41-ak/WYtt16-kmMI/AAAAAAAAArw/YdeSf5WJUoo5fNKVhG1p6xDl_zFl2tCKgCLcBGAs/s1600/headersDR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btRI_f41-ak/WYtt16-kmMI/AAAAAAAAArw/YdeSf5WJUoo5fNKVhG1p6xDl_zFl2tCKgCLcBGAs/s320/headersDR.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Can you see how tight that is in there!? The pipes are molded to fit around the steering column!! That is going to be such a pain to get out...I'm gonna have to have some major reward ready for the day I tackle that mess!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJaXckn5HT4/WYtt1l2bKkI/AAAAAAAAArs/vdabfMCym9MwDNXjBLJro_Kk7dES0LzGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/oilobstuction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJaXckn5HT4/WYtt1l2bKkI/AAAAAAAAArs/vdabfMCym9MwDNXjBLJro_Kk7dES0LzGQCEwYBhgL/s320/oilobstuction.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And the simple act of removing some bolts is made nearly impossible by the oil dipstick do-hickey being so close that I had to wedge the Allen wrench at an angle that allowed me to push a nearly immovable tube out of my way. Then I get to do it all over when I put the original manifolds back in. Yeah.</div>
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But today I put in a solid 3 hours (the most I've been able to manage yet) and I feel like I did quite a bit to move forward. </div>
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So I rewarded myself with a lunchtime beer!</div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-64871599016566956322017-07-29T08:14:00.001-04:002017-07-29T08:14:51.115-04:00Fuel line: phase 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When a broken fuel line means progress...</div>
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Here's the story: I bought a tube bender. I picked out one that I thought I could use on the lines as they were already installed, because I was not about to pull it all out and try putting it back in again. As we know, I am a very lazy restorer. Instead, I couldn't wrap my head around how the darn bender worked. In my head, I knew where and how I needed that line to bend, but no matter which way I put the line in the tool, it seemed to want to bend it in the wrong direction. Giving up on that for a moment to work it out in my head again...matching the old line with the new one to see how the bends lined up...I put a little too much force into my manhandling of the line. I felt it snap. I knew I had gone too far. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGPbT4Yte4/WXxvpN8nz5I/AAAAAAAAAqg/ns7sTrW7TtwESE705V8LFA6it6okrFrmwCLcBGAs/s1600/fuellinebend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGPbT4Yte4/WXxvpN8nz5I/AAAAAAAAAqg/ns7sTrW7TtwESE705V8LFA6it6okrFrmwCLcBGAs/s320/fuellinebend.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the break just below the bend</td></tr>
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I had a minor ...MINOR... moment of defeat. Those moments I'm oh, so used to, when I think 'well, that's just great. More money wasted and my one step forward has yielded 2 steps back.'<br />
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But this time was different!</div>
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No tears.</div>
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No dwelling on the fuck up.</div>
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No feeling sorry for myself not getting this right the first time.</div>
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That's progress!!!</div>
This time I actually took a breath and thought, 'well, I guess I was right in the beginning. This line needs a section cut out if it's going to fit. And now the car gods have saved me more time struggling and have forced me to just cut the line.' My friends keep reminding me that this is the first time I've done this. I don't have any previous knowledge. This is a huge project for me and I have to stop setting unrealistic goals for myself. I'm doing the best I can, I'm learning along the way, and I have to 'stop beating [myself] up over the setbacks', as they keep telling me.<br />
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And this time I did! </div>
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And it felt great!</div>
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And now I'm going into another day of car work WITHOUT that feeling of dread that I tend to get after a little thing like the line break!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5L2_xWk-lE/WXxvpK8YTnI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Ixx-eI-5AS4eJeJEu8adfUKstTzUHQ97gCLcBGAs/s1600/fuellinebroken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5L2_xWk-lE/WXxvpK8YTnI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Ixx-eI-5AS4eJeJEu8adfUKstTzUHQ97gCLcBGAs/s320/fuellinebroken.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using dad's old line cutter, I made a clean cut on one end to see how sharp the blade was. I'll cut the 2 broken ends to fit it in the wheel well and add some rubber line and extra clips to keep it secure to the car (since I accidentally bought two new sets of clips). </td></tr>
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I considered using some of the nylon line and the quick connects I have but that would call for a whole different flare on the lines. Plus, it's right in the wheel well, where there will be a lot of rocks and debris flying up from the tires, so I thought the rubber lines would be a stronger option. See! I'm learning.<br />
<br />
I'm still working on 'test fitting' the fuel tank to get the right placement for the bolt hole. I attempted to do it last weekend but I'll need a second set of hands to make it less frustrating to get the tank in and placed right.<br />
I'm also still working out my plan for the welding projects that need doing...the trunk weld is gonna be fairly large but doesn't have to be pretty...and I can do it while the car is in the port. The floor weld, which I got a full new pan for, will need to be done close to last, I think, as the doors don't open all the way while it's trapped in the carport. Which also means, I have not been able to get the front bench seat out. The car port is looking pretty gnarly these days...the rip from when the storm lifted it off the ground, plus the thinning of the tarp and holes from tree branches that have fallen on top, and now the ripping at the corner poles...but it's been up for a few years.<br />
I just need to make my plan of attack and stick to it from here on out, I think.<br />
Tires need to be mounted, since I'm about done with the brakes. Still need to get the shocks on.<br />
I just want to make sure I don't need to get back under the car before I finish all that up. But then there's the exhaust! ok...too much looking ahead again...focus! focus!<br />
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In the meantime, if it rains like it's supposed to today, I have been researching my carburetor.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPbCHWoWLjI/WXxvpbdw_II/AAAAAAAAAqo/6D9cojEe6zsv6pNHFdIMj_cj2xjwfDgggCEwYBhgL/s1600/carbstamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPbCHWoWLjI/WXxvpbdw_II/AAAAAAAAAqo/6D9cojEe6zsv6pNHFdIMj_cj2xjwfDgggCEwYBhgL/s320/carbstamp.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The manual I have been using for my car is not exactly for my 1967 Barracuda. It's for 'Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant 67-76, 6-cylinder engines/also includes Barracuda (67-69), Duster and Demon'. When I looked for a Haynes manual, this was all I could find for my make/model/year. So it's been helpful, but not exactly perfect. And the Carter BBD carb is not in this book.<br />
I love youtube. And I love the random people out there in this great big world, willing to share their knowledge on the internet.<br />
I really don't want to take my carburetor apart, but at the same time, it would be nice to have it all clean and pretty when I'm ready to put it back in the car. Of course, first thing's first, I'll need to get the old manifold and headers out of the car!<br />
<br />
Lastly, I am a little concerned with the positioning of the new ball joints and knuckle on the front brake conversion and I'm hoping that once things are on the ground it'll all line up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Nvfl3YvGw/WXx5KnG29pI/AAAAAAAAAq0/6w9Yj8FTpMsgN3F0eBO-ip-zNU7fPa9mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Nvfl3YvGw/WXx5KnG29pI/AAAAAAAAAq0/6w9Yj8FTpMsgN3F0eBO-ip-zNU7fPa9mgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6569.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hoping that fills out and sits right once it's greased and wheels are down</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm also feeling that anxiety about tightening the torsion bar back up, since it's as loose as it'll go without taking the bolts right out. I keep reading the manual to try to get the correct order of operations with this and the shocks and the torsion bar. Unfortunately, I was startled out of sleep by a dream of the bar snapping as I was tightening the bolt. </div>
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So that's where I'm at. I keep going through it thinking 'oh, I just need to finish this up and then that...then I can move onto the engine...ugh...the exhaust...dang, I still need to get the tires mounted. and bleed the brakes once they're done...the welds...the window adjustment can wait...good thing I wasn't planning on putting in a new headliner or carpet!!'</div>
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Basically it's almost finished!! hahahahahahaha</div>
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jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-59736995912961641832017-07-08T14:38:00.002-04:002017-07-08T14:38:44.222-04:00next...A quick update before moving onto today's project:<br />
After the initial struggles with the brake lines connecting (or rather, not connecting) to the proportioning valve last weekend, I spent the morning of my day off trying to figure out why things weren't fitting as they should. After a friend suggested loosening the valve from the car to get a better angle to see what was going on, I ended up disconnecting all the lines and, long story short, I discovered that the diagram I had drawn myself did not match up with the photo I had. Thankfully, I remembered I had taken pictures for reference. Once that was worked out, I was able to get that all squared away and decided I'd just jump into the headache of getting the fuel line in.<br />
<br />
And that's where we are today.<br />
Having wrestled with the original line, trying to get it out in one piece but ultimately having to cut it into at least two pieces to get it out, I knew I was in for another wrestling match.<br />
I had to unbend the pre-bent line in order to get an angle that allowed me to get the line through the one tiny hole where it goes through the frame.<br />
I was able to get it through with a fair amount of struggling...and more bending and straightening of the line.<br />
But, as we know...nothing is that easy, as to just be a little bit of a struggle. It has to be a full on brawl with these parts to get them back in!<br />
I did finally get it pretty much where it should be...see how professional and nearly perfect it seems!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjGfd46NQeg/WWEko1PtavI/AAAAAAAAAqA/STPIDrBh7u4PDLZjhScQ7o0HaWDAwpwmgCLcBGAs/s1600/fuel1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjGfd46NQeg/WWEko1PtavI/AAAAAAAAAqA/STPIDrBh7u4PDLZjhScQ7o0HaWDAwpwmgCLcBGAs/s320/fuel1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Well...the rear end of the line is a different story...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll3MmkyfLRs/WWEk7gU3cNI/AAAAAAAAAqM/8ffdTRUUA0UT4kp1vXg5XQX_lQSl3Jy1gCLcBGAs/s1600/fuel2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll3MmkyfLRs/WWEk7gU3cNI/AAAAAAAAAqM/8ffdTRUUA0UT4kp1vXg5XQX_lQSl3Jy1gCLcBGAs/s320/fuel2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bends are just a little off</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu8a6U1lRoU/WWEk7l4AgSI/AAAAAAAAAqI/dcUytfUQ3O8TlHaeitg0qKUN_iH8Q6HjwCLcBGAs/s1600/fuel4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu8a6U1lRoU/WWEk7l4AgSI/AAAAAAAAAqI/dcUytfUQ3O8TlHaeitg0qKUN_iH8Q6HjwCLcBGAs/s320/fuel4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It's so close to being where it's supposed to be, going by the clips that are still on the car, but it's just not right.<br />
The bends are right, but just not in exactly the right place.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc-WC1bIt8w/WWEk7heWImI/AAAAAAAAAqE/mvjv_9OrbWAcETl-sBEzcfKwOpSfBWMbwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fuel3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc-WC1bIt8w/WWEk7heWImI/AAAAAAAAAqE/mvjv_9OrbWAcETl-sBEzcfKwOpSfBWMbwCEwYBhgL/s320/fuel3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I will play around this later, to try to get the line to match up with the old pattern and clips, but the bit just along the frame rail is causing a lot of trouble. I'm not quite strong enough to bend by hand and my line bending tool isn't the right size. So, back to the tool store I go, I think, before I can get these bits to match up.<br />
***no tears were shed during today's struggles***jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-15768665178720203682017-06-29T17:00:00.001-04:002017-06-29T17:00:23.378-04:00brakes....the never ending storyWednesday.<br />
Day off from the J.O.B.<br />
Made up my mind to put in as much time as i could with the 'Cuda.<br />
I've started calling her Christine because she is an absolute nightmare and i'm beginning to hate and fear her...but, is it weird that that's my middle name??<br />
I went out at 10 am, deciding to start by hooking up the brake lines to the prop/combo valve so i could get the brake system all tied up and D.U.N.<br />
I had the chart I made when i disconnected the original lines, oh so many years ago, so that i knew which lines went where upon reconnecting. (that's one smart thing!)<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF6V6uLHouI/WVVm__6OeXI/AAAAAAAAApk/OPllMGYsEFgCxDfG4X_lOExJ8hT97M0oACLcBGAs/s1600/propchart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uF6V6uLHouI/WVVm__6OeXI/AAAAAAAAApk/OPllMGYsEFgCxDfG4X_lOExJ8hT97M0oACLcBGAs/s320/propchart.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
After a tiny struggle with the first connection, the next one was fairly easy. Along the way i got to the level of frustration that i was ready to throw in the towel for the day...but then i thought i could go a little longer..try a little harder.<br />
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I swore like a sailor..cried like a baby...and figured the universe was, again, against me. This connection seemed to either be too big for the hole, or the threads in the hole weren't properly threaded. I didn't really know what to think except to wonder why the hell that thing would not attach. Eventually, I got it in enough to stay put while i screwed it in tighter with the line wrench. Unbelievably frustrating, but it was just a taste of what I was about to experience with the next line.<br />
So i got that worked out and moved on...hooked up another line and went on to the next.<br />
This caused so much trouble that I could not move on.<br />
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An impossibly tight space and a line that simply would not screw in caused entirely too much stress after hours of working on a task that seemed it should take a few minutes.<br />
From 10 am to 1:30 pm i worked on those lines. the last 45 minutes was spent on one line. the line from the prop valve to the master cylinder caused so much trouble. I could not get the right angle to get that connection to the prop valve. my hands won't fit in the tight space. from underneath i can't get the strength or proper angle to tighten connection. working with my eyes closed, since i can't see what i'm doing, i still couldn't get the connection to stay put.<br />
Ultimately, I walked away, in desperate need of a shower, without getting that connected.<br />
I am beyond frustrated. Beyond annoyed. Beyond sanity.<br />
And with a severely bruised hand...(which you may not be able to see from the picture, but let me just tell you, the slightest little brush up against anything shoots a cringe-worthy jolt of pain into my hand and making a fist hurts.)<br />
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<br />
I need to take a day, but I need to get this damn brake system done, once and for all.<br />
I've taken a couple extra days off to keep any momentum I may gain over the next couple months.<br />
Any tips on getting into tight spaces are greatly appreciated!<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-22891607258249823212017-06-13T15:41:00.002-04:002017-06-13T15:41:56.719-04:00You're never gonna believe this!Well, well, well...<br />
On this day, June 13, 2017....a mere 5 years since parking my greatest challenge in Hubby's parking spot and ordering the parts for the drum to disc brake upgrade...I'm ready to hook up the brake lines and get the rotors and tires back on!<br />
This weekend I had another day of 'oh, all I have to do is this one little thing and I'll be on track to tie this brake system up, finally!'...which turned into, instead, 'what a surprise. I can't get this to work out. I need a drink.'<br />
It gets pretty exhausting, going day after day, hitting a wall every time I try to get some momentum on this project.<br />
I feel overwhelmingly lucky to have a handful of folks I can text, message, call (ha! like I use the phone for talking!) to ask 'what am I doing wrong?'<br />
The car forums are super helpful, too, when it's a specific A-body question.<br />
And I always have my Haynes manual handy...<br />
But all of that is still not enough to work out a problem without a little mental & emotional breakdown thrown in.<br />
Let's just get right to it...we all know this is the longest brake conversion in the history of brake conversions, I'm sure.<br />
Once all the stuck parts were off, I thought it'd be pretty smooth sailing to get the new stuff right in there and off we go to the next thing.<br />
Alas, that is not how this project works. This past weekend, I went out to work on the car with all kinds of hope and excitement that the front brakes would go on, lickety-split, then I could get the rear drums all put back together and then hook up the brake lines...then onto the fuel system.<br />
Instead, the new parts didn't line up properly. with lead to all sorts of frantic messages and texts and forum questions, followed by a couple days of checking emails, and reconfirming that I was understanding the information I was getting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JP65r4v4hE0/WUA7OmRc4-I/AAAAAAAAAow/chAgqWz-Oio6NunANC_sODp4oQrxDJF3QCLcBGAs/s1600/knuckle1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JP65r4v4hE0/WUA7OmRc4-I/AAAAAAAAAow/chAgqWz-Oio6NunANC_sODp4oQrxDJF3QCLcBGAs/s320/knuckle1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the knuckle connected to the upper ball joint, I could not get the lower ball joint to meet up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4baKW4qVPSk/WUA7OzfZaFI/AAAAAAAAAo0/V6FxoUXL97c52EmTnJVkn0C6nrBVbkH-QCLcB/s1600/knuckle2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4baKW4qVPSk/WUA7OzfZaFI/AAAAAAAAAo0/V6FxoUXL97c52EmTnJVkn0C6nrBVbkH-QCLcB/s320/knuckle2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the lower ball joint connected, which is the order the manual says to do things, things also did not line up </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58nKhDLOv90/WUA7Ox9MqZI/AAAAAAAAAo4/YLtGUHBGm5QF-9aSAe80bUARxenmomwcACLcBGAs/s1600/knucklegap1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58nKhDLOv90/WUA7Ox9MqZI/AAAAAAAAAo4/YLtGUHBGm5QF-9aSAe80bUARxenmomwcACLcBGAs/s320/knucklegap1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a jack, to help raise the knuckle was the best suggestion, but this is as far as the jack would go before the pressure just seemed to intense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, when the jack method wasn't working, I got emotional. I thought back to the forum replies. And the manual...the thing I kept thinking was 'why is the adjuster bolt not loose?' According to the manual, the bracket should move freely, but I just chalked it up to rust, since previous posts on the forum lead me to believe that the bolt was out 'all the way'.<br />
But the manual says it should move...besides that, upon further reading, that bolt comes out when/if the torsion bar is removed. <br />
Let's pretend I'm removing the torsion bar.<br />
As I recalled, I turned to bolt as much as I could in past attempts. Out comes the PB Blaster and the breaker bar...<br />
Oh, good god! It's still turning! and turning! and for heaven's sake will this bolt ever come out!? Then the bracket began to move! Joy! A new emotion.<br />
Eventually, it came out and, just like the guys in the chat rooms said 'once that bolt is loose, the lower control arm should move freely.' It really did!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rv9q5q5mcN4/WUA9P57ODzI/AAAAAAAAApE/I-9GecGSxlsk48gPuMIvG_UzgVtgVy2qgCLcBGAs/s1600/boltout1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rv9q5q5mcN4/WUA9P57ODzI/AAAAAAAAApE/I-9GecGSxlsk48gPuMIvG_UzgVtgVy2qgCLcBGAs/s320/boltout1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is! The adjuster bolt just had to come all the way out for me to get the range of motion I needed for that lower control arm to move!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So once I could move the LCA, I used all my upper strength to get the parts to meet, and my lower strength to hold the low parts up with my leg.<br />
But hold the phone...it's not so simple.<br />
I was able to get it all together without removing the new bump stop, as everyone had suggested, to get the UCA to move down more. Yeah, right?<br />
Wrong...at that point, I couldn't get the adjuster bolt bracket back into the LCA...<br />
so, off come the new parts...out comes the new bump stop (which I've been assured will go in easy once the car is back on the ground)...in goes the bracket...and back on go the new parts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6jiGm8Bnck/WUA9P_aqgOI/AAAAAAAAApA/1hqqa12gYccS4Wd-B3cWUxIdCz7Myw-KwCLcBGAs/s1600/driverdone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6jiGm8Bnck/WUA9P_aqgOI/AAAAAAAAApA/1hqqa12gYccS4Wd-B3cWUxIdCz7Myw-KwCLcBGAs/s320/driverdone.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All buttoned up, but without the bump stop.</td></tr>
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So, I gave myself an hour to work out my problem, hoping I could a)figure it out, and b) move on to get the passenger's side done, as well. Unfortunately, it took me nearly the full hour to do this.<br />
Fortunately, I'm home for the day and have to power to extend my stay, so long as the heat didn't cause me to pass out (it's currently 85 degrees outside the carport...but, I was working around 10am, so it wasn't as hot...but the sweat was still dripping. No getting around that!)...so, I gave myself another half hour before I would have to call it a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkH0AF-5FOQ/WUA_Ria7GVI/AAAAAAAAApM/Mov9IEjBZI0UeHJrQOeF2fl8Bo3Am6uZACLcBGAs/s1600/passengerdone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkH0AF-5FOQ/WUA_Ria7GVI/AAAAAAAAApM/Mov9IEjBZI0UeHJrQOeF2fl8Bo3Am6uZACLcBGAs/s320/passengerdone.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">passenger's side, done, with bump stop!</td></tr>
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The passenger's side took 20 minutes. Not only that, but learning from my mistake, I put the bracket back in, leaving the bump stop on, and then put it all back together.<br />
<br />
So that's that! Now I need to add the rotors and all that jazz, of course, but I'm without bearing grease and I'm going to be honest...I hate this heat and really just want a cold beer.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-68881741583662057172017-05-24T19:09:00.002-04:002017-05-24T19:09:42.273-04:00Now we're moving alongThe struggle continues. On and on I go, just hoping that the daily task I have set for myself goes off without (too much of) a hitch.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The latest issue: bump stops.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">BUMP STOPS!!!</span></div>
the silly little rubber bumpers that keep the upper control arms up and away from other metal parts as the car hits all the bumps in the road.<br />
A bit of rubber on a bolt that is screwed into place.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>That's it! It's a rubber topped screw.</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The task: unscrew old bump stops, screw in new bump stops.</div>
WOW! That'll be easy. Probably a little (a lot) rusty, but I'll just douse it with PB Blaster and use the impact wrench on it.<br />
OOPS...not enough clearance for the wrench...or the wrench, socket and hinged adapter.<br />
Breaker bar? NOPE...so here we go with the smallest wrench and socket I have...and after hours of struggle...I mean, ab wrenching and shoulder pulling struggle...nothing.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">NOTHING! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>How can these things not be moving AT ALL!?</i></div>
I'm getting better at holding back the tears. I'll get a cutting blade for my 8-in-1 multi-tool thingamajig and try again.<br />
<br />
Fast forwarding: metal cutter in hand, eye protection on, footing as secure as i can get it (well, not really 'footing' since everything I do with this car I'm either lying on the ground or kneeling until my legs go numb)...<br />
After just a few seconds of using this tool, I can tell it is not going to work. The intense vibration has my hands going as numb as my legs and my brain telling me that this will only end badly, if I continue to attempt this.<br />
So, I give up again. As I think about my problem, I remember that I am not opposed to more elbow grease if that's what it takes. People may think my way tends to be more labor intensive, but if I can get the job done with less fretting that I may slip and cut my hand off, it's worth it to me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My solution: get thee a hacksaw!</span></div>
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I put it in my head that, no matter how crowded Home Depot was going to be on a sunny day after 2 weeks of rain, I was going to stand in line and buy my $10 mini hacksaw.<br />
The true victory was actually going home and USING the saw, rather than waiting another week.<br />
But as with most days working on this car, the joy from this victory was short-lived.<br />
After a lot of work without much pay-off, it didn't seem like the saw was cutting the bolt at all.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWLxD0iPlqk/WSYKuPFDPhI/AAAAAAAAAn8/aw6XAftmXpoEtiBxvbqx3-cOW3tNE8NewCLcB/s1600/boltraised.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWLxD0iPlqk/WSYKuPFDPhI/AAAAAAAAAn8/aw6XAftmXpoEtiBxvbqx3-cOW3tNE8NewCLcB/s320/boltraised.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
Though to look at it, and the relation of the blade to the placement of the screw, it had to be going through...so I continued on.<br />
Finally, after a pretty intense upper body workout, That disc popped right off!<br />
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And I was faced with another 'haha, you suck at this' slap in the face from this car that I can only assume, at this point, is haunted by some asshole spirit that likes to watch me beat my head against the car window and pretend to smash it to bits with a hammer...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>...wait...where was I going with this...?</i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, the top finally came off to reveal....</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7c16_uvqfA/WSYLzsoWWjI/AAAAAAAAAoE/051P2v3Pno0b-S7Grj0P6VWGMwCcpupUACLcB/s1600/boltsawed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7c16_uvqfA/WSYLzsoWWjI/AAAAAAAAAoE/051P2v3Pno0b-S7Grj0P6VWGMwCcpupUACLcB/s320/boltsawed.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
A square hole, with a square bolt that has been tightened beyond it's proper position.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously...is this whole thing a freaking joke? Well, universe? Is it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What could I do, but move on to the passengers side, leaving this bolt stuck. I did not have the wits to figure this problem out, at that time. It looked as if it had been welded in, and the fact that I was unable to get it to budge at all, it's truly what I thought.</div>
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The passenger's side bolt actually had some movement to it, I was just not able to get the nut off the bolt.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
That went much more smoothly and I was beyond excited to just get it out and move on to try to solve the problem of the driver's side fiasco.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That all happened on Monday...with my day off just around the corner, I made up my mind to get that bolt out on Wednesday (today).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More PB Blaster...sledgehammer and a big metal punch we had lying around from some other random project...flat head screwdriver-as-chisel...and more sledgehammering.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My god I pounded on that thing...I cursed the car, per usual...I fake cried (because the tears just don't come anymore)...then I gathered my strength to go at it all again. Staring and wondering how it could be that this fucking thing won't budge!!??</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Out comes the drill. That's no help, because I'm not really sure, at that point, what or where I should be drilling.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I chisel away at the parts that I think will help relieve that tight grip of a diamond in a square.</div>
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Finally, I could see the PB Blaster shooting up through the bolt hole...I thought 'why not give that little socket wrench one more try?'</div>
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Oh sweet merciful whatever, it moved...but not straight...so it was simply stuck in a different position.</div>
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So I go through all the usual quips: <i>'really!?' 'are you fucking kidding me?' 'this is SO my life'</i>...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A little more wiggling and another smack with the hammer and it's out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JUST LIKE THAT. EASY AS PIE.<i>(*sarcasm*)</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm2rkMd62S8/WSYPvsBlcMI/AAAAAAAAAoc/N7t0Q6AWaGwdbPiOGVrUZPeclrh63S0RgCLcB/s1600/bolthead2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm2rkMd62S8/WSYPvsBlcMI/AAAAAAAAAoc/N7t0Q6AWaGwdbPiOGVrUZPeclrh63S0RgCLcB/s320/bolthead2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Mangled and shiny. </div>
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The best part: I'm too nervous to check but, to my memory, my new bump stops are not square at the base. We shall see soon enough, though.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The light at the end of this tunnel that took me several hours over the course of many weeks to get through: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Parts can start going back on!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>We're not done yet and I think the real fun is about to begin.</b></i></div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-84946935655141135052017-05-05T19:02:00.001-04:002017-05-06T07:29:35.518-04:00Days of rainI'd love to say that the days and days of rain is the reason that i've been lazy about working on the car. But it's really only part of the reason. The main reason is because I've spooked myself. I've convinced myself that I don't have what it takes to see this project to the end.<br />
And that's just silly! I mean, sure, I have no idea what I'm going to do when it comes to the engine work, but I can figure that out. I know people.<br />
It's true that it's taking me FOR-EV-ER to move along on this thing, and I've thought about giving up several times (but then couldn't figure out how to get that heap of metal out of the driveway, anyway, so why not give it another go, right?), but I always go back. Maybe it's because a lightbulb goes off and I figure a different way to get past my roadblock. Or, maybe it's because a new person enters my life with the knowledge that I need to move past my current problem. Or, maybe I just somehow summon the strength and courage to push through my doubt and get shit done.<br />
This time it was a combo, really...<br />
and I'm still moving along.<br />
Here's where we were last time: unable to get the tie rod out. Why, you ask? Well, because, as we know by now, I don't really know what i'm doing. So I could not get my impact wrench in a position to get the nut off. But, with media, my super power of admitting I am ignorant, and my collection of car friends, I was guided. 'Turn the steering wheel' my friend Pat told me. Of course. Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and be ready to feel like a complete dolt.<br />
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I turned the steering wheel and, low and behold, I had no problem on the driver's side. The passenger's side was a little more of an issue, but I still managed to move along.<br />
The tie rods are out.<br />
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They, of course, needed some cleaning...and removal of old bushings. Removing old bushings isn't all that easy, by the way.</div>
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<br />
They've been cleaned up.<br />
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<br />
The new bushings are on and it's basically ready to go back in.<br />
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And that means we finish that brake conversion! The thing that started it all, in my eyes. The upgrade that I thought this car needed. Let's face it, it's not a great looking car to start, so spending money on body work wasn't really important to me. It's a heavy beast so souping it up to become a race car would be the most ridiculous idea ever (that's my next car. *wink*). I just wanted to get it running so I could drive it around a few times during the summer...maybe hit a car show some weekend...then maybe sell it to recoup the money I put in (which is basically the few dollars I got from a lawsuit my dad was involved in before he passed away). So, since driving on the Cape means having brakes that work...I was willing to spend the bulk of the budget on this disc conversion...and it's about to happen, folks! Years later, I can actually say I'm ready to start emptying the boxes of rotors and dust shields and calipers and (ugh) adapters...<br />
<br />
While playing my usual game of getting frustrated and feeling like I couldn't make any progress on the car, I decided to do some cosmetic stuff (nothing major...just trim and window stuff)...<br />
DECORATIVE DOOR TRIM:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsROTZo3hvM/WQ0DGj8vUNI/AAAAAAAAAng/Hlc8seuuFEgx7iEMKF_p62bCHmnvjNJdwCLcB/s1600/trimcompare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsROTZo3hvM/WQ0DGj8vUNI/AAAAAAAAAng/Hlc8seuuFEgx7iEMKF_p62bCHmnvjNJdwCLcB/s320/trimcompare.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the dark brown is the old (outer) trim...a look at that same trim but on the inside of the door revealed that it was originally silver. I got new silver trim.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3R3CcIGjH_A/WQ0DGcGRuhI/AAAAAAAAAnc/KtlKBwpplJIX8x9Q2nEbbAGlhptiMDCLACLcB/s1600/trimnew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3R3CcIGjH_A/WQ0DGcGRuhI/AAAAAAAAAnc/KtlKBwpplJIX8x9Q2nEbbAGlhptiMDCLACLcB/s320/trimnew.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't really see the silver in this picture, but you can see the difference compared to the picture below...</td></tr>
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I also replaced the weather stripping between the front door window and the quarter/back window. The door still needs to be adjusted to make it water tight (another procedure I didn't know about until my friend Pat mentioned it...more researching needs to be done there.)<br />
<br />
So that is where I'm at now.<br />
And it's been raining for a week, basically. With another weekend of more rain ahead of us.<br />
We shall see when I get back out there, but I'm feeling good and positive about where I'm at. Just trying not to think about the engine and floor boards just yet. (oh, yeah...I bought a pre-fab floor pan to weld in to fix the driver's side floor rust...another adventure there, for sure!)<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-63137235603540115262017-02-01T16:27:00.000-05:002017-02-01T16:27:49.643-05:00and just like that...<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, folks, it's been a long time, hasn't it.</div>
A long few months of silence here, and over on the ol' facebook page.<br />
I've been dormant, though the weather has actually been pretty nice considering it's winter in New England. We had a big snowstorm, but it was all cleared out by rain and warmer temps within a few days.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, my point?</span></div>
It's not the weather keeping me from that beast in the driveway.<br />
I pretty much gave up on the ol' gal after all the trouble with the front suspension, as you all know.<br />
But not the kind of giving up that leads to the thing just sitting there to rot or trying somehow to get someone to come buy the heap so I didn't have to keep being reminded that I was in way over my head simply starting this project. (that was a long ass sentence!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zHpxbSCONg/WJJNELCH88I/AAAAAAAAAlw/iHTe1KXvIy854MqjD-n60K1enh_-kbVgwCLcB/s1600/oldlcasetup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zHpxbSCONg/WJJNELCH88I/AAAAAAAAAlw/iHTe1KXvIy854MqjD-n60K1enh_-kbVgwCLcB/s320/oldlcasetup.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">maybe you're thinking 'what kind of trouble were you having? i forgot.'</td></tr>
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The front disc brake conversion can not take place until the old brake parts and suspension are squared away...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2y4eTIr9rc/WJJN3BaKqeI/AAAAAAAAAl8/78Dxf-A9-KYNuwt0enRPf5ouNKQkiSzcgCLcB/s1600/newtoolagain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2y4eTIr9rc/WJJN3BaKqeI/AAAAAAAAAl8/78Dxf-A9-KYNuwt0enRPf5ouNKQkiSzcgCLcB/s320/newtoolagain.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remember...I had to buy 2 of these $20 tools because i broke the first one trying to get the ball joints off?</td></tr>
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All the things I tried...including the pickle fork/sledge hammer combo and this stupid 'too big' pitman arm tool.<br />
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Ahh...the joy of auto restoration, coupled with a complete lack of car knowledge makes for some pretty rough days of waking up the neighbors (guess it's ok if they shine their headlights in my windows, after all...and eye for an eye, i suppose.) and tears. Lots and lots of tears.<br />
<br />
Well, winter will give me a great excuse to just not think about it for awhile so when people ask 'how's it going with the car?' i can say 'um, it's winter. what could I possibly be doing? It's going just as scheduled.'<br />
Then we have the ridiculous warm weather and days when I should be out there. But I'm not.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Enter my new friend, Jeremy. </span></div>
Husband of a woman my hubs works with. Mechanic. Happens to have some free time this week...and Wednesday looks good. Oh, but wait! There's snow in the forecast for Tuesday, of course.<br />
Miraculously, Wednesday is still looking like 40+ degrees...and it was.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, yes, and...?</span></div>
Let's just let these pics do the talking...<br />
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All the parts are OFF! Which alone is enough to really bring me joy. However, I got a bit of pleasure when the ball joint gave him just as much trouble, until he used some tricks of the trade and his knowledge of leverage and how it can work in this situation. It was better than finding a unicorn while out on a walk in the woods. It proved to me that I must have a little bit of good karma built up somewhere.<br />
Since I really just met Jeremy a few days ago, I told him my whole sad story. Which reminded me of the long and winding road I've been down with this car. I have renewed excitement for this project again, now. Soon, the long and winding roads will be for cruisin'!<br />
***(Jeremy, if you're reading this, I hope you're not completely embarrassed and unwilling to ever speak to me again. ...Perhaps I should've asked him first...)<br />
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-25686703227662175342017-01-28T17:18:00.000-05:002017-01-28T17:18:06.523-05:00another long absenceDoes absence make the heart grow fonder?<div>
I'm not sure. It makes my heart grow more stressed and anxious, that's for sure.</div>
<div>
It's winter here in New England, which usually means tons of snow and frigid temps. This year, we're having unseasonably warm days that I have been letting get away.</div>
<div>
We have had one crazy snowstorm, so far, but it got so warm and we've had a lot of rain, that the signs of that storm have all been erased. </div>
<div>
The next few days are looking pretty mild, but it's definitely headed back to a cold trend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At any rate, I'm not really here to give a weather report. I'm certainly not here to give a car work report, because I haven't done anything in months. Except, well, you know...the useless ball joint labor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last night we had dinner with a couple friends. New friends to me...one of hubs' co-workers and her husband. It was nice. Get out... meet new people (though i had met them before, we've all just never hung out). Well, her hubby is a mechanic by trade and it was sort of a set up that we've been trying to make happen for a while. Most of the night was shop talk between work pals, but by the end of the night, we managed to make a tentative meeting at the house so he can see what I'm up against. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So look for at least one more update soon...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
...still, to be continued...</div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-68932467574159508852016-11-29T17:40:00.003-05:002016-11-29T17:40:38.984-05:00Last post: August...it's almost DecemberWow! I know restoring a car can take a long time, but I don't think it's usually held up by tantrums and crying fits.<br />
I'm sure no one really wants to hear another story about how hard this project is. How everything just seems to go wrong at that moment when I feel like something might just go my way. It's exhausting listening to someone go on and on about how the universe is against them and they are doomed to live a life of woe.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I'm sorry, but that is how it goes.</span><br />
I'm still sitting here with stuck ball joints and control arms. I've gotten lots of advice and tried a few methods (not all...I mean, there's still hope that I can get some forward momentum again). I've gone the route of simply giving up on the brakes and deciding to work on other bits, and then go back...but then I get it in my head that I can try just one more time...maybe the rust has loosened up enough...maybe I'm a little stronger today. But that just ends in more tears, same old stuck parts, and NOT moving on to other parts...and me drinking the beer I didn't earn.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What is wrong with me, anyway? </i></div>
Why can't I just face the fact that I may have reached that point where I just can't move forward?<br />
Well, oddly, I have friends who still encourage me and tell me <span style="font-size: large;">'you can do it!'</span> and continue to offer advice. I miraculously have a husband who, despite his burning desire to have 'his' parking space back, still asks <span style="font-size: large;">'how's it going?'</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">'are you working on the car today?' </span>like it's just a normal thing for me to do on a Saturday afternoon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But, I'm not sure how to move forward anymore. </span></div>
I'm so down every time I think about the brakes and then I get nervous that my bad luck will continue when I go to drill the hole for the bolt for the fuel tank. Then I think about using a grinder to cut bolts off, and envision a cutting wheel to the face as my brother and so many others all over social media have endured. I like scars, but I also like not going to the hospital to have parts of my tools taken out of my face.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But it has to be done. </span></div>
I have to just get out there and drill that hole.<br />
I have to cut those bolts off, if they aren't going to budge.<br />
I have to get that torch and heat up those parts. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I just have to do it. </span></div>
I've used a drill before...I've just never used one while lying on my back.<br />
I've cut bolts and nails before...I've just never done it in such tight spaces.<br />
I've never used a torch before...that'll be a first!<br />
<br />
So I do go on with my life thinking it's totally feasible for me to eventually get to the day when I have finished this project. Well, to the point I can drive it, anyway. I had some things that didn't make the list of repairs due to budget constraints, but after the hell of the brake conversion, those things will be for the next owner to tackle. I don't need a headliner, carpet, spare tire or non-leaking windows.<br />
<br />
Basically, I still haven't gotten to the point of giving up. Well, I have said it, but that odd husband of mine has talked me off the ledge and convinced me I'd regret that decision. And I would regret it, I just wish I was stronger and better equipped to handle the set backs. these moments of non-movement.<br />
If I knew even a little about cars, I'd feel more comfortable about it all.<br />
Maybe I should use my complete ignorance of the job as a tool to lift me up. It can be my mantra:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You've done more than most people with your lack of car knowledge!</span></div>
<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-82833675981123712532016-08-06T16:44:00.000-04:002016-08-06T16:44:09.331-04:00The longest brake conversion story...EVER<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday. </span></div>
One of the two days I am able to just get out and do what I can with the car, without any other obligations.<br />
Three hours seems to be the maximum time I can manage without having a breakdown.<br />
Now, I don't mean in the intense 'losing all control' sense of the term...just a mild 'okay...get out while you still have your wits about you' sense of the term.<br />
So today's 3 hours of work got me a little further in the conversion process, but I'm still stuck on the driver's side. Still not able to move onto drilling the hole for the fuel tank strap bolt. Still not able to finish hooking up the brake lines (and then the brake bleeding process...ugh). Still not able to concentrate on running the fuel line.<br />
Still stuck on getting the old suspension parts off and replacing bushings and boots.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But!!!</span></div>
But, I still made some progress!<br />
I bought this tool at Harbor Freight. It costs a mere $22.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEP0uLy4a0M/V6ZFRVyzBhI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/c1zBjGsVKUMRMbeU5P9Wy1Nasx9_N3h2gCLcB/s1600/newtool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEP0uLy4a0M/V6ZFRVyzBhI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/c1zBjGsVKUMRMbeU5P9Wy1Nasx9_N3h2gCLcB/s320/newtool.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQsO0Psexhs/V6ZGVwSo1jI/AAAAAAAAAkc/-KIiIO3CHYs0hbB7R1MK3Ev3hwwjSu3UgCLcB/s1600/newtoolagain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQsO0Psexhs/V6ZGVwSo1jI/AAAAAAAAAkc/-KIiIO3CHYs0hbB7R1MK3Ev3hwwjSu3UgCLcB/s320/newtoolagain.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
And it worked wonders on the tie rod end!! I could feel the 'pop' up into my teeth when it finally came apart, but I was overcome with excitement and couldn't wait to just get all that stuff unstuck!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeVuxzQmkn4/V6ZFRQCcLTI/AAAAAAAAAkU/ONYqS5U95NcTBlfsZmvLeUoHMr-XLUzvACLcB/s1600/tierodoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeVuxzQmkn4/V6ZFRQCcLTI/AAAAAAAAAkU/ONYqS5U95NcTBlfsZmvLeUoHMr-XLUzvACLcB/s320/tierodoff.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But!!!</span></div>
But...<br />
so much pressure and nothing that should be moving was moving ...then...POP!... Yeah, it...wait a minute...it's all.still.together...and ...where's the other part of the tool????<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7A5wsld8MY/V6ZGVko_BqI/AAAAAAAAAkY/l1h0a4Nxo4cNmap_OBN9ZQotvwRZz_wtwCLcB/s1600/newtoolBOO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7A5wsld8MY/V6ZGVko_BqI/AAAAAAAAAkY/l1h0a4Nxo4cNmap_OBN9ZQotvwRZz_wtwCLcB/s320/newtoolBOO.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Now seems like a great time to let you all know: I am always wearing gloves and glasses. And, if I'm being perfectly honest, knowing that this is a violent kind of prying apart of ...parts, I actually propped my rubber floor mat up in front of me, so that if anything DID come flying off at me, it hit that instead of my person. I don't mind bruises and cuts and scars and things like that (honestly sort of like them)...but I don't need to maim myself!<br />
After that I pounded on my pickle fork. I tried the pitman arm tool...<br />
<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SKyFIdPzKc/V6ZJChSjS2I/AAAAAAAAAk8/Wli2zJl5fYIj1mm6MT_ZocY31HUm0CASQCLcB/s1600/pitmanarmBAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SKyFIdPzKc/V6ZJChSjS2I/AAAAAAAAAk8/Wli2zJl5fYIj1mm6MT_ZocY31HUm0CASQCLcB/s320/pitmanarmBAD.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
...but...it was too wide. I ended up gouging the end of the lower control arm because i didn't realize it wasn't doing what it was supposed to be doing.<br />
I got on the ol' facebook and posted some stuff...got some solid advice and virtual high fives from my car guys...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_qX0WoV5RU/V6ZJ5uRRKrI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Qdyy8XgdFk8J7EW3j4dwvJuQk3ROP4JTQCLcB/s1600/LCAdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_qX0WoV5RU/V6ZJ5uRRKrI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Qdyy8XgdFk8J7EW3j4dwvJuQk3ROP4JTQCLcB/s320/LCAdown.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I released the jack I was using to support the lower control arm, hoping the problem I was having was simply a matter of pressure being applied in the wrong place.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">However...</span></div>
After all the struggle I could handle for the day...<br />
I decided to see if I could get the rusted nuts off the upper shock bolts.<br />
More spraying of rust stuff...more clamping of deteriorating shocks...more spinning of bolts...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PClfI8vMorw/V6ZJCk7u8sI/AAAAAAAAAlE/vdlOUb5uUsk937sEGcU74zzXFQ-eqb82gCEw/s1600/shockclamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PClfI8vMorw/V6ZJCk7u8sI/AAAAAAAAAlE/vdlOUb5uUsk937sEGcU74zzXFQ-eqb82gCEw/s320/shockclamp.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And then FINALLY....</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHV17ZyMznM/V6ZJCuCFMdI/AAAAAAAAAlE/06HeGChmFXcCALHrqDJT_aXrmadBkII9QCEw/s1600/shockout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHV17ZyMznM/V6ZJCuCFMdI/AAAAAAAAAlE/06HeGChmFXcCALHrqDJT_aXrmadBkII9QCEw/s320/shockout.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
...something went right.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And if you're counting...that's TWO things that went right for me today!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">TWO!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I wiiiiiiiinnnnn!!!!</span></div>
jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-40681233510245451032016-08-03T14:40:00.001-04:002016-08-03T14:40:09.054-04:00same story, different dayThis exciting project...this 'step outside my comfort zone' experiment...this test of patience...this 'I said I'll do it, so I'll do it' game I'm playing is really starting to feel a little 'Groundhog's Day'-ish. If Bill Murray showed up at some point, for some comic relief, it might make the adventure a little less tearful. On the upside, there's no one around to witness the meltdowns I have EVERY.SINGLE.TIME I work on the car.<br />
Today's awesome fun time task: start taking those shocks and front brakes apart!<br />
Well, after probably 30 minutes of 'how the hell am I going to get these damn shocks out!' Crying. Whimpering. Begging for some sort of 'ah-ha' moment to hit me. Hammer, mallet, screwdrivers, clamps, lots and lots of PB Blaster...and only my breaker bar to help with the shock nut because I don't have deep sockets for my impact wrench. whomp whomp.<br />
This is what I ended up with before I gave up and moved onto the bottom bolt (hoping maybe somehow that would help with the top one, though, truly I knew it wouldn't)...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn-W3O7KpR8/V6I0AQ9DBpI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Fz9lnx2-hS8vDlw5ZqeqcNCPi8pRF-11ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn-W3O7KpR8/V6I0AQ9DBpI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Fz9lnx2-hS8vDlw5ZqeqcNCPi8pRF-11ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" /></a></div>
...all I managed to do was bend and mangle the shock! Vice grips...clamps...my own hand...nothing would hold the shock still while I worked on getting the nut off. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5EMx5CPEo/V6I1GPnmoOI/AAAAAAAAAjs/xvSGZgzXRmo4ovPz3qVpDsXyL9H35m2jQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5EMx5CPEo/V6I1GPnmoOI/AAAAAAAAAjs/xvSGZgzXRmo4ovPz3qVpDsXyL9H35m2jQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to hold the bolt with one hand and use the impact wrench with my LEFT hand to get the lower shock bolt out...but, still could not manage to get the upper bolt off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, onto the next phase.<br />
<br />
I actually started to make some real progress with the brake parts! With the exception of a few whiny 'why won't you just come off!?' and 'how am I gonna get the impact wrench in that tight space?!' I was taking cotter pins out and nuts off and bolts out...<br />
Things were starting to turn for me!<br />
I managed to get the steering knuckle out of the way so that I could get the knuckle arm off...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-xJpeWc6Yk/V6I1GOESVjI/AAAAAAAAAjw/4ENVs6326Rgdbun9ziPPyUm160Ug1Nq8gCEw/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-xJpeWc6Yk/V6I1GOESVjI/AAAAAAAAAjw/4ENVs6326Rgdbun9ziPPyUm160Ug1Nq8gCEw/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuDYhIWoTl0/V6I1GLQoYdI/AAAAAAAAAj0/78uKDhHflEYWoc3_0FitruamjfXVLGdMQCEw/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuDYhIWoTl0/V6I1GLQoYdI/AAAAAAAAAj0/78uKDhHflEYWoc3_0FitruamjfXVLGdMQCEw/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
...except, I still haven't gotten that done. I can't seem to get the arm off the tie rod end (nut is off...the bolt just doesn't want to come out). I've tried banging it through with a mallet. I've tried my pickle fork. I was going to try the pitman arm tool, but it's too big to fit around the end.<br />
So I moved on to the seal at the top of the arm...same deal!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl6u8qjUhC4/V6I1GVqLCxI/AAAAAAAAAkE/PGOyVNdd_scW2BJiOlVMXXW1_kPkPjYeQCEw/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl6u8qjUhC4/V6I1GVqLCxI/AAAAAAAAAkE/PGOyVNdd_scW2BJiOlVMXXW1_kPkPjYeQCEw/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" /></a></div>
Here, I could actually use the pitman arm tool, but it did nothing. Perhaps I have to take the jack out from under the lower control arm? Maybe I'm not getting the proper leverage?<br />
At any rate, as with every 'go' at the car, the day has ended with another shopping list.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXaDsvm1bok/V6I1GcGDxyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/hi_q4XHm17c4fLE3H0pI_OKauSKwRWo_QCEw/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXaDsvm1bok/V6I1GcGDxyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/hi_q4XHm17c4fLE3H0pI_OKauSKwRWo_QCEw/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" /></a></div>
I should already have a set, but I don't...and I think it would've made the day go much more smoothly if I had a set of deep impact sockets. Both for this bolt holding the steering knuckle to the upper ball joint, and for that wretched shock bolt.<br />
I think the most frustrating part of this project is that the little things that I think are going to be quick and easy 'and I can just move right on to the next thing' end up being the worst!! Nothing ruins my day like a stuck bolt! (okay, there are a ton of worse scenarios that can ruin my day.) Such a simple little thing, stuck, and putting the whole rest of the day's list on hold!<br />
Stupid rusty bolts.<br />
Now...off to do some shopping...jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-1066448821862313612016-07-20T17:22:00.000-04:002016-07-20T17:22:01.673-04:00WARNING: i'm frustrated...againI'm ...I just don't know what I am.<br />
I'm not giving up. But, I just can't find the strength to get over this hump.<br />
The very first time I pulled the trigger to spend money on this project was when I decided I would splurge on an upgrade to front disc brakes.<br />
Those parts are still sitting in boxes, taking up space in the little 'corner office' Hubby set up for me to get myself organized. I can't sit at my desk, because there are boxes of rotors and flex hoses and dust caps and brake pads and...well, you get the picture.<br />
The very first project I set out to do, has become the one I can't seem to get started!<br />
<br />
As you all know, I know nothing about cars. I'm learning A LOT, but I don't really know anything substantial or helpful. This whole project relies on friends, strangers, the internet, and gumption.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I ran out of gumption.</span></div>
It always seems like a simple 'just do this' situation gets me all jazzed to get out there and get stuff done...but then I'm hit with the ol' 1-2 punch of 'not moving' and 'wrong part/tool'.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's frustrating.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's maddening.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's wearing me down.</span></div>
<br />
But, mostly because I just can't quit it.<br />
I know Dad can't really see me and what I'm doing. Doing if 'for Dad' seems like a silly notion. But what isn't silly is doing it because if he WAS still alive, then I know he would be proud. Because if he was still alive, he'd be helping me get through this nonsense. He'd yell or make me feel like I was ridiculous for not knowing what to do, instinctively, but he'd get me through it. And, when he was on his 'death bed' and we asked him to let us have that car so that we could get it running again...and he agreed, with doubt in his voice...i didn't want it so that it could sit and rot in MY yard. I fully intended on getting this heap of scrap metal running again!<br />
<br />
yes...I just pep talked myself. I definitely have a support system...there's no doubt about that!...but sometimes, even with the kind and helpful words of my friends, I can't find the strength to get through a day of stuck bolts without crying.<br />
yes...I also just admitted that this project has me in tears. On more than this one occasion.<br />
I don't apologize for it, but I also won't pretend it doesn't happen. It's a frustrating thing to spend an hour trying to get a bolt to move, simply to watch it spin and spin and spin...in place.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
at any rate, here's where we're at:</div>
fucking torsion bar adjuster bolts and blades that seem to be moving but not actually coming loose or moving me forward to getting shit done.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN_Gu_JR3-0/V4_ooJVIOkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/I27gnHaLl-MjxSBgFPlcc2ERFUpIygz6gCLcB/s1600/adjbolt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN_Gu_JR3-0/V4_ooJVIOkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/I27gnHaLl-MjxSBgFPlcc2ERFUpIygz6gCLcB/s1600/adjbolt1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before height</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud4AszkcuRU/V4_ooA6XT_I/AAAAAAAAAjI/FZgNRpghoTsLvuqtG36iPKo6I1PFZc25QCLcB/s1600/adjbolt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud4AszkcuRU/V4_ooA6XT_I/AAAAAAAAAjI/FZgNRpghoTsLvuqtG36iPKo6I1PFZc25QCLcB/s1600/adjbolt2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after height</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
you can see there's a difference in exposed threads, but that bracket is stuck to that bolt like glue. Causing me to think that as I 'loosen' the tension on the torsion bar (that is, lower that control arm), I'm twisting all that other suspension stuff out of whack!<br />
but...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xromzkaZNAg/V4_pZphHcyI/AAAAAAAAAjU/IsTgH2IoU38LdUxWrRG_tx44kcMpD60RACLcB/s1600/knuckle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xromzkaZNAg/V4_pZphHcyI/AAAAAAAAAjU/IsTgH2IoU38LdUxWrRG_tx44kcMpD60RACLcB/s320/knuckle.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front axle, very early in project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S7HX4Rh8ijM/V4_pYwNYQqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/9DiRAod6OVItyQHTjsHznmi9AtVNmnpbACLcB/s1600/crookedknuckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S7HX4Rh8ijM/V4_pYwNYQqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/9DiRAod6OVItyQHTjsHznmi9AtVNmnpbACLcB/s1600/crookedknuckle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front axle, today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I thought the front bits where moving A LOT during all of my wrenching today. But, looking at today's pic compared to one from many months ago (before I even took that brake parts off!)...they don't look all that different. Maybe all that movement was exaggerated in my head?<br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be, I had to stop. I was in a kneeling position with a breaker bar in one hand and a flat head screwdriver in the other for a FULL HOUR! I thought I'd never walk again, when I finally straightened my legs.<br />
<br />
I just want a day to go...relatively smoothly and productively. I want to go out and spend time with the car and come back in and really feel like I've accomplished something. Right now I have have done brakes, half done fuel system, half done body work...I haven't finished ONE thing.<br />
I just want to finish something.<br />
I'll finish my drink, for now.<br />
(and I'm going to finish this post without editing...)jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-91810080891116006622016-07-03T17:45:00.001-04:002016-07-03T17:45:31.087-04:00July 4 WeekendJust another weekend here, for me. Saturday is one of my regular days off from the J.O.B., so I really should be working on the car every weekend. My excuse has been that I'm far too busy with other projects right now...but that excuse won't fly for the rest of the summer, since those projects are done.<br />
I do have lots of irons in the fire, so to speak, but this car project is one of my priorities again.<br />
So, onward and upward and back at it!!<br />
I had decided to get the fuel system re-do going. so I pulled out the shiny new gas tank...to discover that it was not the right tank! I freaked out! I have had this since the beginning of May. MAY! When I got it, I was just so excited at how shiny and new it was that I didn't even think to make sure it was right. Rock Auto had not let me down, once, with all the things I'd ordered so far...I just took for granted that the past shipments had been spot on.<br />
So, then I had the task of figuring out how to send back a gas tank. And hope that they would still let me return it, even though my window of return had closed just a few days earlier. I filled out the form online, regarding the return. I emailed, after my computer froze during the process. They emailed back, and things were worked out. The old tank went back yesterday and I got an email today that the new one is ready to ship.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ym8sHG_z_z4/V3l68K7t0pI/AAAAAAAAAho/4zdCbA_Nlv0BtIkbApUnWPlVUko6vFF1QCLcB/s1600/tanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ym8sHG_z_z4/V3l68K7t0pI/AAAAAAAAAho/4zdCbA_Nlv0BtIkbApUnWPlVUko6vFF1QCLcB/s1600/tanks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as you can see, the new tank is flat, like a pancake...the old one is much more shapely.</td></tr>
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No worries. </div>
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I can still get stuff ready. </div>
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Like figuring out the tank strap and just where does that J-bolt attach? </div>
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Well, here's super fun bit:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it goes right there. which means drilling a hole where my friend was nice enough to weld the massive hole I had in the chassis...with the thickest sheet metal known to man, because that's what I happened to have in my shed. </td></tr>
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<br />Well, we'll get to that later, shall we? Since I'm not a real pro with the drill, I need to be extra super sure that that's what I need to do. (though, I'm like 99.9% sure, since I have no idea where else it would attach, given that's the positioning for the tank.) My friend suggested it might actually attach through the trunk, but looking at my manual, I think it goes through the frame. Another question for the forum, maybe, to make sure I only drill what needs to be drilled!<br />
Ok...so no tank and no hole for the J-bolt. I guess that part of the project can wait.<br />
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Onto the fuel line! </div>
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That should be easy enough: </div>
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detach at ports and pull off car. </div>
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First of all, I do not have dainty lady hands. I was told once (by a 14 year old boy, so I let it slide) 'you have manly hands'...well, he wasn't wrong. But somehow I got my hand and screwdriver in there and loosened that clamp. And then pulled and twisted and yanked and swore and pried with a screwdriver....that hose was on there TIGHT! Which, of course, is good news when you're out driving around. Bad news when all you want to do is detach the freaking hose and move on to the next thing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the struggle paid off...I still get very excited when I make progress!</td></tr>
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I did have a plan for getting the old line out: cut the hose at the point just after it passes through the frame, and pull it out in two parts.<br />
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I found this handy pipe cutter in a box of tools I lifted from my dad's house after he passed away. Originally I had thought it was a clamp, but I've used it several times (I actually had two but I broke one). Anyway, I was ready with a pan to catch any fuel that may still be in the lines.<br />
It was at about this time, lying on the ground, totally aware of all the bugs and dirt I was rolling around and covered in, that I saw this little (not little) guy drop from the car to pull a caterpillar up with its web!!<br />
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<br />
I had one eye on him the rest of my time under the car. He was about the size of a dime.<br />
At any rate, he did not keep me from my task at hand...<br />
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The line was cut and now just pull it through and up and out!<br />
As if!<br />
I couldn't get the proper movement to get the bend through the frame, so I had to make another cut. The first one was tricky getting enough room to twist the line cutter, but the second cut was of course easier, having the luxury of a free moving line.<br />
I actually had some trouble getting it out of that clamp (the left side of the picture, above), until I stopped to sort it out in my brain and simply used some vice grips to pinch the clamp and just leave it attached (read:rusted) to the hose. Further down the back end, I had similar difficulty with the clamps and had to bend to break a few more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SUCCESS! Old fuel line, out.</td></tr>
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So, I managed to cross that off my list. It was a short list, because I've learned my lesson: budget about 3 times the time you think it will take to do a 'simple task', and make shorter lists.</div>
<div>
Figure out a plan for the J-bolt was also on the list. Plan is in mind...just need to execute it.</div>
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Next on the list was to figure out how to work with my new sending unit for the gas tank. When I had to compare the old and new tanks, I realized my new sending unit also looked different from my old one. An extra port. </div>
<div>
Onto the Cuda-Challenger forum to see if anyone else has dealt with this and what the solution/s is/are. Some people simply cap the extra port. A fellow cuda restorer on facebook recommended I consider using it as it is intended, as a vent line.</div>
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Which I'm totally down for...but, how!? </div>
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I mean, where does the vent line go? </div>
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If my old tank didn't have it...how do I add it?</div>
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I at least know where to begin looking, so I opened up the trunk and checked out the filler pipe.</div>
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<div>
Looks like a vent line to me! However, according to the diagram in my Haynes manual, that simply goes back into the tank next to where the filler pipe attaches. So I'm kind of in the same place I was before, unless my replacement tank doesn't have the vent port by the filler attachment...or...I can vent it as the manual says and just cap the second port on the new sending unit.</div>
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But, that will be a task for another day, since, as we learned at the beginning of this story...</div>
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you must examine your packages upon arrival or suffer the consequences when you really should be moving forward, but instead you're making more work and pushing yourself further behind schedule...wait...what lesson am I trying to teach?</div>
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It doesn't matter. </div>
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What matters is that I have plenty more Saturdays to chip away at this beast. </div>
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jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-77889506715591003972016-06-08T16:39:00.000-04:002016-06-08T16:39:01.724-04:00working...but not on the car, reallyBoy this project has its ebbs and flows. Years of not doing anything seems to turn to days of work...then back to bad weather/busy schedules/waiting on parts...then stuff starts to get done again...and now, back to the back burner it goes.<br />
I do remember a time when my list consisted of: homework, wash dishes, baby sit, read/play with Barbies/catch frogs and lady bugs.<br />
Now, if I want to catch frogs, I have to hope I see them during my skate dates! Okay, you caught me. I still find time for fun. (and i did have to coax a frog across the bike path after almost squishing him under my skate, a couple days ago.)<br />
But the car has dropped on the list again, sadly. It's crunch time for me and my Relay for Life team. In just about a week, we're taking the track to camp out and walk for 24 hours, all in the name of raising money for cancer research and patients. All year long we've been raising money, but this last week before the event means making posters, airing out tents, making lists and getting the new teammates prepared, making cupcakes, lining up last minute events, and this year we got shirts printed. We all help out, but man this last week is exhausting! I'm actually looking forward to just walking! (last year, i stayed up the full 24 hours and ended up walking 30 miles!!!)<br />
<br />
Anyway...there's that...<br />
plus, my very best friends and i have our 'girl gang' and we hang and skate and just have fun whenever we can get away from work all at the same time. Since it's a rare scene these days, i never pass that up!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen, Susie, and Me...post skate date</td></tr>
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Last year, around this time, my sister and I took a quick trip to Detroit to visit mom...did it again this year and had a blast..again...of course.<br />
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I saw, and was told about this cool bar/restaurant, <a href="http://vinsettagarage.com/">Vinsetta Garage</a>, last time and just HAD to go this year. A.Maze.Ing! It's an actual old garage. The old wooden door opens in nice weather, which it was when we got in, and it's just a cool venue. The burgers were to die for.<br />
We also hit up the<a href="http://detroitzoo.org/"> zoo</a>, which was fun...I love penguins. We took my mom to see some kick ass roller derby, as the <a href="http://www.detroitderbygirls.com/">Detroit Derby Girls</a> had their league championships that weekend. So fun.<br />
We also went to the local brewery, near mom's apartment: <a href="http://www.bnektar.com/">B. Nektar Meadery</a><br />
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<br />
And so after the relay event, a week from saturday, my sister, a friend and I are going to see Heart at the local concert venue, <a href="http://tenthyannis.com/index.php">Cape Cod Melody Tent</a>.<br />
<br />
But after all of that....my free time goes into this car. I had hoped to get it done to drive to the concert, but I knew that was quick a lofty goal. I'd be happy just to have the main systems i'm working on now, done.<br />
I've been struggling, still, with the dreaded torsion bar. I finally got the bushings and I'm pretty sure I have what i need to get that suspension/brake conversion done, but ...well, I have mixed emotions.<br />
I have people warning me that if something goes wrong there, it goes really wrong and it could mean bodily harm. Now, i'm totally into scars and don't care if i cut myself and am fine getting a little of my blood on this car (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_(comics)">KISS ARMY</a> style!), but I'm not into losing important things like fingers or eyes or arms.<br />
But there's a part of me that just wants so badly to do it. Get it done and say, 'there. it's done. what's next?'<br />
That's the part that I think will win out. That's the part that has been pouring over my Haynes manual, scouring Cuda forums, and googling the shit out of 'adjusting torsion bars' and 'A-body suspension' and 'how to release the tension on the torsion bar of a '67 Plymouth Barracuda A-body without losing a limb'...<br />
Today I was forwarded a video that made my day. It clearly showed where to jack up the car and what the adjuster screw looks like when the load is off the T-bar and you're safe to start work. It made my heart sing.<br />
So, my plan has been adjusted a little, since I won't be attempting to finish the car by June 25. Now, the floor weld is non-essential. However...not sure how I'm going to mount the fuel tank with the rusted trunk and ...I'm pretty sure the patch my friend did on the frame rail is where the J-bolt for the mounting strap may have rusted out. So there's that.<br />
But, I'm not discouraged! And I still love it when parts get delivered!!!<br />
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<br />
As I told my friend, I am amazed every day that I remind myself that I'm working on this car. The fact that parts are going back on brings me utter joy.<br />
It's a restoration project that I started blogging about in 2010!!! That's 6 years ago, folks!! W.T.F?<br />
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Next post will be about actual work...I <strike>promise</strike> hope.<br />
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<br />jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-7546496379939526612016-05-15T16:22:00.000-04:002016-05-15T16:22:08.543-04:00a good day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start of the day</td></tr>
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<br />
Well, more than a month later, i'm ready to share some more of my journey.<br />
My car guru and friend, Pat, had set aside a full day in May, to help me get stuff done.<br />
After puttering around and doing a little here and a little there, to the best of my ability, that day finally came and we got some major things tackled.<br />
Now, don't for one minute think that I'm in any way making light of the work that I have done on my own. With guidance and a little determination, I have managed to actually start this project...take a leap of faith in myself and order parts...put a few things together...and, toughest of all, accept help!<br />
Yes, accepting help is really where it began, and something i struggle with daily. But there is no way I could've gotten as far as I have, nor could I ever even dream of finishing this, without help.<br />
<br />
Here's the kicker: my friend sets aside a full day to help me. I clear my schedule and make sure we have a clear list and (almost) everything we need to just keep on trucking until the list is complete or the sun goes down,whichever came first.<br />
But when have you ever had a day that goes totally as planned? For me, that day does not exist.<br />
We were offered a free, private plane ride around the Cape for a friend's birthday, so my day was cut short...and Pat stayed behind to finish up.<br />
It was a great day, but boy did i feel like a jerk. (He, of course, was fine...)<br />
<br />
Regardless of my personality flaws, we got a lot done. I have days, during this project, that I look forward to:<br />
1. the day parts started coming in,<br />
2. the day I fixed something or put something together on my own,<br />
3. the day the rear end finally starts going back on,<br />
4. the day the disc conversion is finally done,<br />
5. the day the fuel and exhaust systems are squared away,<br />
6. the day the engine (hopefully) turns over, and ...of course...<br />
7. the day i back it out of the driveway and go for my first drive.<br />
<br />
Well, 1 and 2 happened months ago...and it was thrilling for a person like me. I have always had a love of old muscle cars, simply because of my dad's love of them. As I got older and had my own thoughts and feelings, I just couldn't deny the beauty of old cars...especially growing up with such plain and uninspired cars. I've really come to love the simplicity of the older engines, and the idea that anyone can figure out what's going on in there, if you just think about how it all works together.<br />
But, let's be honest! I know absolutely nothing about cars and how they work! So running brake lines or disassembling something that I'll eventually have to put back together is a really big for me.<br />
<br />
And yesterday, we accomplished #3. All i've been able to think about is getting that rear end back together. I've just been thinking, 'if i can just get some parts back on the car, then it'll be real. It'll be progress and a move forward, instead of just standing still and sitting on parts.' <br />
The feeling I got when i stepped back and looked at the tail end of the car was pure joy. Finally, instead of just seeing a car seemingly hovering, as it sat on those jack stands for it's 3rd year in a row, I saw a car with a rear axle and new leaf springs. I knew that the driveshaft, with its shiny new U-joints, would be going back on soon. I knew that I could finally finish attaching the new brake lines and e-brake cable. I knew, up front, was a brand new master cylinder waiting to be part of the new braking system.<br />
Luckily, when asked to recall how the parts came out, so we could put them back in properly, I was instead able to consult my repair manual.<br />
<br />
I still have a long way to go before i'm at #7, when i drive to A&W for a root beer float, but progress is progress. This is a huge project that I felt like abandoning dozens of times, but did not. I'm lucky for my support system, for sure! It's a lovely feeling to have people who believe in you!<br />
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As i head into a long vacation, I have my lists started. A trip to see my mom in Detroit means i give up a saturday to work on the car again with Pat, but it'll get done, and being in detroit with my mom has a strange effect on my determination. It's the Motor City! It's where my parents grew up in the 60's....it's like going back to where my car was born!! (almost...if you've been here from the beginning, you may remember our car was built in Hamtramck, MI...at the plant where our great-grandfather worked!)<br />
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anyway...words, words, words...here are some pics. I cleaned a lot of parts and am kicking myself for my lack of documentation of before and afters. One track mind, i guess...so i stole a few from Pat!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbdA8aQ6_RE/VzjXRfBQT3I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Vc8JtakuxnQukfwvUBweBJ5gI_8X__wJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbdA8aQ6_RE/VzjXRfBQT3I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Vc8JtakuxnQukfwvUBweBJ5gI_8X__wJQCLcB/s320/IMG_3310.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old master cylinder</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTmKeGGs68/VzjW-KiOB_I/AAAAAAAAAfk/GxtwoUbwDNItPuuLx8FnmjFG9XxZp1eewCLcB/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTmKeGGs68/VzjW-KiOB_I/AAAAAAAAAfk/GxtwoUbwDNItPuuLx8FnmjFG9XxZp1eewCLcB/s320/IMG_3569.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new master cylinder (Pat's pic)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOG5vGjEnEU/VzjXUHTWYJI/AAAAAAAAAf8/VcQG6uCAtUAtHH8NI04UQbfBdvQ1ai2qQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOG5vGjEnEU/VzjXUHTWYJI/AAAAAAAAAf8/VcQG6uCAtUAtHH8NI04UQbfBdvQ1ai2qQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cleaning the driveshaft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee2zG45E5os/VzjW-GE1oOI/AAAAAAAAAgA/DoYon8wZNV8h8IBPJ3tBx6A9OryufqfPQCKgB/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee2zG45E5os/VzjW-GE1oOI/AAAAAAAAAgA/DoYon8wZNV8h8IBPJ3tBx6A9OryufqfPQCKgB/s320/IMG_3570.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">frame rail hole :(</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntOuC1yHtgY/VzjW-A1YEhI/AAAAAAAAAgA/0E86E1VSnMcCPhrUotWNuEAp8yOzUHR0QCKgB/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntOuC1yHtgY/VzjW-A1YEhI/AAAAAAAAAgA/0E86E1VSnMcCPhrUotWNuEAp8yOzUHR0QCKgB/s320/IMG_3571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fixing the hole! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWHPKI0YbxU/VzjXCfK0tbI/AAAAAAAAAgA/tFp8zRHf5BcXN7vte_0-noQiGunmmNerwCKgB/s1600/rearviewafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWHPKI0YbxU/VzjXCfK0tbI/AAAAAAAAAgA/tFp8zRHf5BcXN7vte_0-noQiGunmmNerwCKgB/s1600/rearviewafter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">end of the day</td></tr>
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jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983348911272364411.post-85552763176320398082016-04-10T19:04:00.000-04:002016-04-10T19:04:19.573-04:00let's talk about frustrationwhat do we know?<br />
well, i have my conversion kit. parts in boxes just waiting to be put on the car. those boxes are slowly being emptied. and i do mean S.L.O.W.L.Y.<br />
that's okay...i mean, who ever restored a car, one that had been sitting for 10 or so years, in a weekend?! nobody, that's who! and after years of sitting...3 of those years, in my own yard!...who am i to think it would go any faster?<br />
honestly, i'm already impressed with what i've been able to do. it may not seem like much to a car person, but to me, it's something.<br />
consider this: 2 days ago, i couldn't get anything to work out. literally wanted to just smash the thing into bits so i could at least get the pleasure of hearing glass break.<br />
but i just stepped away and decided to just try again the next day...maybe something would come to me in a dream.<br />
not a dream, exactly but i did have some time to think things through a little...you know, without actually also trying to do stuff, and i came up with a way to simplify one of my problems!<br />
<br />
(i think i've strayed a little from my original thought, here...)<br />
back to the beginning...we know i have parts and that some parts are getting back on the car. we know i have run the brake lines but not very well. we know i have the old master cylinder out, but that there is a slight problem with the new master cylinder and the adapter fitting into the old slot. (this is where my little daydream comes in...more on that later.) we know (i think i mentioned it? maybe not) that the e-brake cables were giving me some trouble. in fact, i tried to finish getting them out yesterday (when i had my meltdown) and had to do more wire cutting in order to finally get the cable out. what a pain!! again, after walking away from a project i knew i would not finish, being as frustrated as i was, i went back out today and managed to move a little further with that task. the main cable is in, but i had reached my breaking point again, and left it to be re-connected to the handle and secondary brake lines later.<br />
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yes, there is a pattern of frustration. i am a person who can not figure out why i can't do something. what makes some tasks just seem so impossible? other people do it...where am i lacking? what am i missing?<br />
stepping back gives me some time to think...<br />
think, 'yes, it's true. other people CAN do this. and so can you...it will just take you a little longer to figure it out...you'll have to ask more questions...you'll have to make more mistakes...you'll have accept that you don't know the shortcuts or tricks that will allow you to get brake lines run in a few hours.'<br />
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and so after i talk myself down off the ledge, i give it another go...<br />
here's what i've been working on, and continue to struggle with, at the moment:<br />
1. brake lines: finessing and getting them to lay smoothly and get back in their retainer clips<br />
2. master cylinder: figuring out the best way to get the new one in so i can finish the damn brake lines<br />
3. rear axle: getting the differential cover back on (yes! i finally found a new one!) and changing out the axle flange gaskets so i can finish the damn brake lines and get the rear axle back on the car<br />
4. freaking leaf springs: ugh...i don't want to talk about those right now...<br />
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here's what i'm talking about with the master cylinder issue....making this template, to have a better view of what needed to be done, was what my 'dream' was about:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKznbEywMTU/VwrU9z5scwI/AAAAAAAAAfE/ESJzEvaFqXEj7uZSEp5bugZE86OxPpi8Q/s1600/MCgraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKznbEywMTU/VwrU9z5scwI/AAAAAAAAAfE/ESJzEvaFqXEj7uZSEp5bugZE86OxPpi8Q/s320/MCgraphic.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
as you can see, the dark black line is the shape that should fit into the hole where the old master cylinder came out. however, the actual hole where the MC came out is the more faint 'rust' outline. i'm thinking i could just get some snips and cut out the bits to open the hole to fit the adapter in. but then the upper and lower bits would still be open, but COVERED by the adapter, once the whole thing is installed. would that matter? would a couple little gaps make any difference...maybe in the stabilization of the MC...but, wouldn't those four bolts hold it tight and in place? (these are the things i just wish i knew...or could figure out...)<br />
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and, i really did have more trouble with the brake lines! specifically the e-brake cable. after my friend cut the secondary lines off, i went to work getting the main cable out. sure...just unbolt it from the lever...pull it out and through, and put the new one in! well, great...if the back connection isn't practically welded to the frame!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTeXasqLNYo/VwrYHqspKyI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/L2Dwg_S_ZRYrKZNQAFgc2GdB9hGaCVJuw/s1600/brakeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTeXasqLNYo/VwrYHqspKyI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/L2Dwg_S_ZRYrKZNQAFgc2GdB9hGaCVJuw/s320/brakeline.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
i ended up cutting that line...oh, so much work! and, of course, after the struggle, all the little wires were all spread out, making pulling the cable through the housing pretty difficult. once i had that stuck bit exposed...i hit it with a hammer. sheer joy washed over me when that thing popped out the other end! the struggle wasn't over there, but eventually i got the whole thing out...and the new line in, but not at all connected to anything.<br />
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the rear differential cover is on it's way from the other coast. in the meantime, it is my plan to rent the slide hammer from AutoZone tomorrow and get the rest of the axle work wrapped up so i can just put the new cover on and be ready to put it back on the car.<br />
which leads me to the leaf springs. pretty sure i finally have everything i need for that, but i really need to get one thing finished before i open that can of worms...but by the end of the week i should be getting that set up and ready.<br />
and the weather is still not all that great, yet! we haven't really hit 50 degrees yet and the wind makes working outside the carport pretty awful.<br />
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oh...but maybe i should getting my fuel lines and system ready to work on!? time to get the credit card out again, i guess.jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.com0