The Restoration of VIN 4363

[Morpheus]

Been offline since the end of last week, but can I say I'm surprised? Well, just a little, but congrats Brandon! Glad you got a D again. Let me know if I can help, or lend an extra hand, or something.

Oh, don't worry... I'll be having a body/frame separation party sometime soon and you'll certainly be invited!

[Morpheus]

I wanted to update the thread with some more pictures of the work done so far...

Here are some shots taken with the fuel tank and cover plate removed. You can see that the undercoating has been somehow sprayed inside this area. I never knew that the fuel tank and cover plate was removed to undercoat the frame, perhaps this is a special case.

Straight on:


The right side, where the fuel lines meet the frame:


Down the center of the frame:



Left side of fuel tank area, showing a rusty brake booster:


The fuel accumulator, hanging carelessly by it's rotting fuel hoses rather than a proper bracket.


The area where the fuel filter should be, but isn't. Notice how the hard fuel line is bent away from where it normally lines up with the bracket mount holes. PO strikes again.


Right tranny mount:


...and the left side. I'm not sure what to say about it.


Rusty engine cradle:


Right TAB:


Left TAB:


Bent left side LCA:


New-ish looking clutch master and PLASTIC line. WTF would you replace the CM and keep the plastic line?


Bent right side LCA:


Hacked up wiring harness:

[Morpheus]

Work done in preparation for body separation:

Most coolant drained, must remove cat to access block drain on left side.
Oil drained
Gear Oil drained

Not necessary for body separation, but done anyway:
Fuel tank & cover plate removed
Coolant pipes removed

To do for body removal:
Disconnect brake lines/clutch line at MC
Disconnect speedo cable
Disconnect fuel line @ filter
Disconnect battery cables from frame
Disconnect engine harnesses from body
Disconnect body bolts

What else am I missing?

[sean]

Did you disconnect/remove the heater hoses, from the picture it looks like they are still connected? They are up near the fuel pump. Also the emergency brake cables need to be disconnected. The A/C Accumulator is attached to the body and plumbing for it attaches to the frame and the condenser, so a disconnect needs to be made around there too. Dont forget the steering linkage too. Im sure Im forgetting something but that is what comes to mind.

[opethmike]

That fuel accumulator is SCARY! And maybe I missed it, but is there even a fuel filter on the car?!

[Chris Burns]

I bet you're ready to choke the PO.

[Evildeli]

What are your plans for the frame? Sand, por-15 paint back to original greyish or touch up and keep black? I'd also be concerned with that brake booster (actually the brake master). It still looks wet from one pic.

[Morpheus]

That fuel accumulator is SCARY! And maybe I missed it, but is there even a fuel filter on the car?!

Yes, there is. I really have no clue as to why the PO did this, but...



there it is, wedged behind the motor against the firewall, and not secured to anything.

Speaking of PO gripes, consider these pics:
I had to pull these out of the way because they were interfering with the throttle linkage.



Here's a bunch that are just dangling in the engine bay:



Now you know why I have to completely replace the wiring in this car.

[Morpheus]

I bet you're ready to choke the PO.

Seriously, if I ever got a chance to meet him, I would have to restrain myself. Most of all, I just want to ask him "Why?"

What are your plans for the frame? Sand, por-15 paint back to original greyish or touch up and keep black? I'd also be concerned with that brake booster (actually the brake master). It still looks wet from one pic.

Frame-off restoration. I'm taking everything off the frame and having it blasted and powdercoated. There are way too many spots on this frame that are suspect, and I feel like the peace of mind is worth it.

[opethmike]

Your car makes my head hurt - holy smokes! I wish you the best of luck, this is going to be a tricky endeavor!