The restoration of 2930

[nullset]

I thought I'd go ahead and start a new thread documenting my work so far and my future plans.

So far:
- Removed the interior
- Separated the body and frame (thanks SEDOC!)
- Removed Exhaust
- Removed Engine
- Removed Transmission
- Removed Radiator brackets, supports, etc
- Cleaned the frame thoroughly
- Removed all brake calipers
- Turned all the rotors ( Napa, $13 / rotor. SWEET)

Goals: I want the car drivable in the Dragoncon parade. That's Labor Day Weekend, Sept 3rd. I also want some BTTF props on it. Hopefully they will be better than the ones on there now.

To accomplish this goal, I need a set of checkpoints I can make….
- Fix rust problems (slight)
- Rebuild front suspension
- Rebuild brake calipers
- Rebuild rear suspension
- Clean up radiator / mounting / etc
- Reinstall engine/transmission
- Pressure test coolant system
- Reinstall intake manifold
- Re-unify body and frame
- Connect electrical connections between the frame and the engine
- Put new oil in the engine
- Drain/flush the transmission fluid?
- Start the engine
- Put the doors back together enough that I can safely open and close them
- Drive off into the sunset
- Start working on the exterior props

Now, a few unknowns:
- The engine. I have no idea if it's good at all or how good it is. It was spray painted blue. There's lots of dirt inside the VOD, and I can't figure out the best way to clean it. Should I attempt to clean it? POR-15 it? How? The engine is currently on an engine stand.

- Should I replace all the gaskets in the engine, or wait and see how it does?

- The transmission. I have no idea if it works….I hope it does…..
- The electrical system. There's lots of rat poop everywhere, but it seems like none of the wires are chewed through. There's evidence of a past fuse box failure (#19 fuse looks like it melted. It's routed externally)

Raise your hand if you think I'm insane! If you want to help, just show up at Freeside!

What else should I do while it's almost completely stripped down to a bare frame?


--buddy

[nullset]

An update, for those interested:

The body/frame were split and the rust has been repaired. What started as "oh it's just a little bit of rust, it's not bad" ended with most of the driver side crumble tube needing to be replaced.

Nonetheless, it's now rust free!

Here's my rough todo list;

Seriously though, I put the brake calipers back on the rear last night. Here's my legitimate list and rough order:
- Mate engine and transmission
- Put engine and transmission into frame
- Connect transmission cooling lines
- Reassemble gas tank / fuel pump /etc and install in frame
- Reinstall radiator, run lines
- Install intake manifold and exhaust
- Put body/frame back together
- Connect everything that joins the body and frame, etc
- Reinstall rear bumper
- Drive off into the sunset…(hopefully)
- Change transmission fluid?
- Rebuild enough of the interior that I can drive it in the parade
- if there's time, make new props. if not, reinstall the crappy ones…..
- Parade!


Anyone wanting to help out any time, can contact me. I'm working nights and weekends until labor day to get it done.

I'll provide anyone that helps with food and/or beer…..

--buddy

[nullset]

An update, for those interested:

- Reassemble gas tank / fuel pump /etc and install in frame

Gas tank 'interior' is now reassembled. I still need to install it and run the various hoses.

The engine is off the stand and ready to be mated to the transmission. Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced some bolts….uh oh.

If I can't find them I'll see if I can find some at NAPA, or order them from DMCH.

A quick question….when reinstalling the transmission, should I drain the fluid in the torque converter? Should I then leave it empty, or fill it with fresh fluid? Are there any other 'gotchas' I need to be aware of?

--buddy

[sean]

The engine is off the stand and ready to be mated to the transmission. Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced some bolts….uh oh.

Oh noes!

A quick question….when reinstalling the transmission, should I drain the fluid in the torque converter? Should I then leave it empty, or fill it with fresh fluid? Are there any other 'gotchas' I need to be aware of?

I would drain it just because you don't know the history. If this was a regular driver I would leave it filled. Did you clean the transmission filter yet?

[nullset]

Oh noes!




I would drain it just because you don't know the history. If this was a regular driver I would leave it filled. Did you clean the transmission filter yet?

Should I refill it with fresh fluid?

I haven't done the filter yet. Do I need any parts for that? (Such as a new gasket over the drain pan)? I'll put that on the 'todo' list.

--buddy

[sean]

Should I refill it with fresh fluid?

You can.

I haven't done the filter yet. Do I need any parts for that? (Such as a new gasket over the drain pan)? I'll put that on the 'todo' list.

Can of carb cleaner plus a pan gasket and a filter gasket.

[sphiend]

Congrats Buddy! Sound like great progress. Can't wait to see her in parade.