The Restoration of VIN 4363

[dmc6960]

Wow, what is the engine history here? I'd be very concerned if this engine was running recently, as those heads have absolutely no oil in them! There should be *something*.

That weld looks like it was a repair from a broken exhaust stud that was drilled out improperly. Assuming the repair was done well, its probably ok.

The freeze plug can probably be repaired assuming no major aluminum corrosion on the inside. Even then, perhaps a good machine shop can come up with something.

[DMage]

Wow, what is the engine history here? I'd be very concerned if this engine was running recently, as those heads have absolutely no oil in them! There should be *something*.

Engine hasn't run since last July, been drained of oil and sitting on a stand for more than 6 months.

[Morpheus]

Doesn't sound like his 10k bought much.

With all the tear down into the engine, are you going to upgrade the engine, or are you just cleaning and going stock?

My original intent was to tear it down and do cams & exhaust, but financial constraints may force me to alter my plans. It may all depend on what needs replacing.

At this point, it's starting to look like new heads at the very least. I'm hoping the block is in good shape.

[Morpheus]

For those who haven't been following this thread from the start, I have fixed all the earlier links from page 1 onward. Now you can all look back and remember what this car looked like in the very beginning!

[82DMC12]

Morpheus, I'm going to be doing a frame-off this summer. How did the chemical dip work out? What exactly was the process? I am going to have to get that done to mine. How did it all turn out? Pics??

Andy

[Morpheus]

Short answer: It's still going on.

The shop has had it for almost a month, and I'm getting antsy. Spoke to the guy today, and he anticipates it will be finished and ready to pick up the middle of next week. Rest assured, I will be taking lots of pics and posting a full write up.

[Morpheus]

Today, after a month of waiting, I was able to go pick up my frame from the "strip joint". I was quite impressed with what awaited me:






I'm amazed with how clean everything came out., i'm even more amazed at how few rust holes I found. Those nasty welds up front are in fact worse than they looked before. I'm fairly confident that I could have done a better job, and I haven't welded since shop class in high school.




The insides of the engine cradle look like swiss cheese...





Tomorrow, I take this mess of naked steel to my metal shop guy. Hopefully he can work some magic and I can get this thing galvanized before DCS!

[jawn101]

Wow, really cool. Never seen a frame naked like that. Too bad about the holes and the weld, but you'll get it fixed up

[pezzonovante88]

Well, looks great. A few patches and welds plus the galvanization and voila! It will be nice to know you have a virtually new/better than new frame under your car!

[DMage]

I can't believe that front frame held attached to the rest of the car!

Frames looking mighty clean. Amazing how that engine cradle looks after the dip. Get your metal shop guy working overtime on patching that thing up!