Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Well a few more additions:

I installed a pair of Monroe air lift shocks on the back. I did this for two reasons. 1. the old shocks were worn out and needed replacement anyways, and 2. I could raise the rear just a bit to give the car a bit of a 'rake'. It looks much better and rides much nicer.

I installed a voltmeter and also got the oil pressure gauge hooked up. The car originally only had 'idiot' lights for both so at least now I can see what is really going on.

I also developed a slight leak in the passenger side rear axle. So I found a new seal on ebay and bought it. Should have it this week so will tackle that problem next.

I still have a slight vibration at around 2000 rpm. It appeared the tail shaft on the trans could have been hitting the cross member so I put a couple spacers under the mount to raise the trans. It helped but I'm still feeling the vibration. Will have to try to figure that problem out.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

I've accomplished a few things over the last few days.

I got the grill and bumper re-installed after replacing the harmonic balancer and electric fan. New fan works great runs at about 1/4 of the temp gauge all the time now. No overflow or leaks from the radiator.






I also got the roof painted so now the car is all one color!



I re-installed the chrome bed trim around the rear window so all of my trim is now in place





Once the paint is fully dry (normally takes 24 hours) I will wash the whole car and start work on the bed. I did get the first aluminum cross support installed the other day (the rear most one). Now I need to pop rivet it in place. Also got to try out the rust eliminator paint. It appears to have worked but will know more when I prime the spots I tried it on.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Well UPS dropped off the new (rebuilt) harmonic balancer this afternoon. It looks great! I thought about putting off installing it till tomorrow but decided to take the few minutes to do it today. Everything went easy so I pulled the car around front (long story but the neighbor smokes and loves to sit and watch EVERYTHING I do.) and installed the new 14 inch electric fan! Again everything went smooth. Took it out for a quick test drive and the balancer seems to have helped with the 2000 to 2500 rpm vibration. Next step is to check motor mounts and make sure exactly what was done when they put the engine in. Tomorrow I will re-install the front rock shield, grill and bumper.