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.

[nullset]

New bolts ordered!

Thanks to James and Cameron at DMCH for helping me find the right bolts to order.

--buddy

[nullset]

An update….

- Engine/transmission are mated and back in the frame
- I still need to fill the transmission with fluid/etc. The filter has been cleaned and I've got new gaskets, though.
- Fuel tank will be in tomorrow night.
- Radiator is reattached.

I've lost more bolts than I thought! I've ordered new bolts for the transmission mount. I'm reordering bolts as I go.

Next step:
- fill transmission fluid and final drive
- reconnect and fill radiator
- pressure test cooling system
- install new engine/transmission mounting bolts when they arrive
- run new fuel lines and install new accumulator when it arrives

After this, I think I'm ready to merge the body and the frame.

--buddy

[sean]

Moving right along! How is the engine/transmission in the frame without the mounting bolst?

[nullset]

Moving right along! How is the engine/transmission in the frame without the mounting bolts?

The engine mount is there and bolted to the frame. The engine is sitting on it's mount, just not bolted in.The transmission is supported by a floor jack (bad, i know). I have one or two bolts in the tranmission as well. The hoist is also still there just in case, but it's not bearing any weight.

--buddy