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Post by v8vega on Dec 2, 2015 11:30:56 GMT -5
My bird is down for renovation. Exhaust leak was getting louder and louder. Starting to sound like an old truck. Apparently 428 exhaust manifolds warp like crazy. Motor and trans is out. Both getting freshened up. Manifolds will be milled flat again. Spent the last week cleaning 50 years of gunk off of everything else. Took the distributor apart and cleaned it so it now spins freely. Vacuum advance was not working at all. New one on order. Found numerous bolts that were not as tight as they should be, or missing altogether. New A/C compressor, water pump, fuel pump, u-joints, and other misc stuff ordered.
I am going to get it up and running, spend some time making sure all is in good working order, and then the goal is eventually a cross country trip. Anyone interested?
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Post by Green68Camaro on Dec 2, 2015 11:53:55 GMT -5
It will be like a new car again. I would tag along but my car is not set up for long distance highway driving at this time. I still have a few more change to make and then lets go. |
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Post by chevy300deluxe on Dec 4, 2015 19:52:48 GMT -5
I would be interested, that's exactly what I built the 350 for. Keep me updated on what you are thinking.
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Post by v8vega on Dec 8, 2015 9:23:27 GMT -5
I just keep thinking about the couple from Sweden riding all over the US in that 32. I would say take some back roads and maybe hit some hot rod hangouts in a couple of different places. Probably head east since going west would require a pretty long drive before you got anywhere.
I got the tranny back and a bunch of parts. Now I just need the motor and to finish cleaning everything. Probably have to put the car on the trailer and take it to the car wash. My power washer bit the dust the other day. Honda overhead valve engine dropped a valve into the cylinder. A lot of clanking, and then it was done. Took the valve cover off and it has a plastic cam with a tiny little belt driving it. The valve train looks like it belongs on a Tonka toy. I'm guessing a keeper gave up.
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Post by Green68Camaro on Dec 8, 2015 14:23:15 GMT -5
Taking back roads, I would be interested in that.
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Post by v8vega on Dec 18, 2015 18:24:48 GMT -5
I have now cleaned enormous amounts of gunk off of everything. All brackets painted, all bolts cleaned or replaced. Now I just need a motor. Getting closer.
I had a brilliant idea for the cruise to wherever. Try to hit a car show somewhere (since that would probably be a weekend), and maybe hit some hot rod shops on the way and way back.
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Post by v8vega on Dec 23, 2015 10:03:07 GMT -5
Ok, so I'm sure you have been waiting almost completely in suspense for the next episode. Did a ton of research on power washers since I didn't want to haul the car to the car wash, and needed a power washer anyway. Bought a Subaru powered pressure washer. Nice unit. Got some Simple Green and sprayed the engine compartment down, let it soak, and then sprayed the heck out of it. A lot of sanding, scraping, and more washing, and the thing actually was clean. Painted it and now just need a motor. A few other small things to do yet, but at least the grime is gone!
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Post by 63cdv on Dec 23, 2015 10:42:15 GMT -5
Good deal. Are you taking pictures of this project? If so, lets see em.
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Post by Green68Camaro on Dec 23, 2015 22:36:34 GMT -5
That was an awesome episode of "As the T-Bird turns". I'm glad things are moving along with this project. I can not wait to see it or at least some pictures if you have them. |
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Post by v8vega on Dec 25, 2015 15:14:19 GMT -5
I will try to get some pics loaded. For some reason, it's a hassle. My photobucket account is slower than a snail.
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Post by v8vega on Dec 29, 2015 11:56:30 GMT -5
So, in case you were wondering if your brake master cylinder was capable of operating while filled with some really nasty looking brown sludge in it, rest easy. It will! I decided the rusted power booster just had to come out. Reaching my tiny little hands up under the dash to remove the four nuts holding it to the fire wall was something close to, well not sure what it was close to, but it wasn't fun. Pulled the circlip off the back of the master cylinder and holy macaroni, when the piston finally came out, well, it was disgusting. Cleaned it up, honed it, and it was still pitted. New master cylinder on the way. Booster cleaned and painted. All brake lines flushed. Funny how the fluid coming out of the lines wasn't all that bad. Will keep calipers and wheel cylinders on the "some day to do list".
Apparently not getting the motor back this year. Maybe next year. Have a GREAT and SAFE new years.
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Post by Green68Camaro on Dec 31, 2015 18:20:22 GMT -5
Now you will be able to stop with all the power from a re-built motor. Have a happy new year! |
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Post by v8vega on Mar 12, 2016 9:01:31 GMT -5
Wellllllll, after a long wait, got the motor back and all ready to go back in the car. Good thing I took a bunch of pictures of how the myriad of brackets go back on every corner of the engine. Found a shift bushing missing in one of the linkages. Easy fix with the motor out of the way. With the motor in, no way to get to it. Hopefully be up and running in time for Roundup.
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Post by Green68Camaro on Mar 12, 2016 13:42:29 GMT -5
Can't wait to see how it runs.
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Post by v8vega on Apr 26, 2016 8:30:02 GMT -5
So, a little update. Motor came back out for some brain surgery. One of the oil passages from the main line to the #2 cam bearing that also feeds the drivers side rocker shaft was plugged with gunk. Should have it back this week. Now that it's been down for four months, I can't wait to get it running. Still want to do that cross country trip.
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Post by Green68Camaro on Apr 27, 2016 12:53:55 GMT -5
There is a place north of Dallas where they let you play with bulldozers, backhoes and construction haulers. That would be a good weekend trip. A cross country trip would be fun. |
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Post by v8vega on May 3, 2016 16:04:13 GMT -5
So got the motor back and decided to check the oil pressure before I put the valve covers back on. Turns out the replacement rocker shaft was designed different than the factory one. Wasn't oiling the rockers properly. Drilled the 8 missing holes in it, reassembled it, and wala, oil pressure to the rockers. Got if running and was ready for a test drive when the expansion tank decided to spring a leak. Seems to be trying to test my patience. Not working, as I will win and it WILL run.
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Post by v8vega on May 10, 2016 8:14:45 GMT -5
A good lesson. Never give up. Car is back together again. Drove it to Top Notch without a hitch. Got there and looked under it. No leaks. Excellent! Now to just start getting some miles on it and work out a few little bugs.
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Post by Green68Camaro on May 10, 2016 13:31:09 GMT -5
Congratulations. Top Notch this Saturday will add some more miles. |
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