1981 Restoration

124JOE · Post by **124JOE** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:04 am

best of luck to ya

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:35 pm

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1870.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1869.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1868.jpg

Pictures of my new door panels. Still need to add some black trim between the pieces and a black pull strap to close the door. The dash has all the holes cut now just needs sanding and paint. The tranny is waiting new gaskets which should be here soon.

Lots o Fun

124JOE · Post by **124JOE** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:08 pm

man thats going to be a fun car when your done

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:17 pm

Joe...I am supposed to drive it! Thought it was just to work on

124JOE · Post by **124JOE** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 11:39 pm

yes i feel the same
275 miles in 2011 postfoum
8 miles in 2010 preforum
0 miles in 2009
see what i mean

dmwhiteoak · Post by **dmwhiteoak** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 10:05 am

Hey Joe, Lets see if we can increase your mileage in 2012. Im taking mine off the road in January for some repairs and
suspension rebuild. I have put over 5000 miles on the car since I brought it home in July. It is now time for more
work but it is hard staying out of it. Guess I"ll have to tear it down and then wait for funding.

124JOE · Post by **124JOE** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 4:46 pm

yes good plan ill try more mileage in 2012
like its the end of time itself

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:42 pm

Santa came early.....new clutch, throwout bearing, rear seal, shifter stuff, tranny gaskets. WooHoo! And...wait for it......new gear reduction starter!

Fiat88 · Post by **Fiat88** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:40 pm

Divers wrote:Santa came early.....new clutch, throwout bearing, rear seal, shifter stuff, tranny gaskets. WooHoo! And...wait for it......new gear reduction starter!

Both you and the car is gonna like that! Smaller,lighter, and faster crank.

dmwhiteoak · Post by **dmwhiteoak** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 12:48 am

You lucky dog

, congradulations.

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 8:52 am

I am at a cross roads....having repaired or replaced nearly everything on the car...I originally had no intention of doing anything to the engine! But, the tranny is removed and I am looking at the back of the engine (to remove rear bearing and seal). Engineremoval I can handle, but rebuilding is maybe a little much for me. The engine has 110,000 miles on it. Should I just pull it? Pros and cons? Would probably have to send it out. Other options without pulling to "refresh" it. Just dont want a problem waiting to happen when the rest of the car is great. Looking for input.

Fi8spider · Post by **Fi8spider** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:19 am

Hi divers, I’ve just read this whole thread from the beginning and apart from being a good little read you've done a fabulous job so far, the car is a keeper and you’re really going to great lengths to make sure you’re doing it right.

Regarding the "engine freshen up", I think you've answered your own question considering it has over 110,000 miles (160,000km's) on it.

Divers wrote:Other options without pulling to "refresh" it. Just don’t want a problem waiting to happen when the rest of the car is great. Looking for input.

By the sounds of it you've got a good head of steam on this project which would make it an ideal time to do the motor so it will last you a lifetime of weekends.

If you can take the engine out yourself like you've mentioned and remove most of the auxiliary gear before presenting it to your engine man, it will definitely save you money.

You'll be able to tend to any engine issues the car may be hiding and at 110,000 miles as you will find some components that need looking at or changing. You may even consider some go faster bits while it’s open??

Engine removal options you asked?

In saying all this it is possible (with cross member removed) ((pity you've already had the bottom control arms off as that would have been 1/2 the job done)) to check bottom end condition with the engine in the car, big ends, bore etc., which apart from this is the only real reason you'd need to remove the whole motor. A borescope camera down the spark plug hole can also help save lots of $$ with diagnosing condition too.

Hope this helps and good luck with the rest of the build.

Edit: Whats the engine compression like? Does it consume/burn oil? Does it use water? These sorts of things can also help you make a decission

124JOE · Post by **124JOE** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:35 am

if the motor needs a new seal
you might as well put in berrings too
and since your in there MIGHT AS WELL do the whole thing

its better than geting it all together and have something bad happen

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 4:23 pm

Some update pictures...
1. Painted truck with bedliner
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1933.jpg
2. 9 coats of paint on new dash...need to wait 5 days, then a few coats of clear.
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1937.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1936.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1935.jpg
3. Hood removed....to pull or not to pull...that is the question...

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1930.jpg
4. Is this a crack?
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1932.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1931.jpg
5. First attempt at restoring a rim.....
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz31 ... NY1934.jpg

Divers · Post by **Divers** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:49 pm

Well...removal has started...this should be fun

radiator is out and moving ahead.

1981 Restoration

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