My 1970 restoration project

[70spider]

Update: electrical problem solved. Thanks Csaba and SoFlaFiat.

[SoFlaFiat]

Glad to hear it Pesto!!

[70spider]

Just thought I would update some stuff. I finished with the engine compartment (for the time being) new intake, carburetor, radiator, water pump and gear reduction starter.

I have pretty much 90% of all the engine components for the 1608 that is going to replace the 1438 and will have all the suspension parts bought, waiting to get the new springs, so my winter will be full. Also, I made new dash inserts out of Birdseye Maple



The other wood turned nearly black on me from sun exposer, besides the Maple will go better when I get the seats covered in tan.

[juvius]

Lookin good.

[SoFlaFiat]

nice Birdseye Pesto!!! And not vinyl like mine!!
So the Paduak didn't work out? wonder what made it change color?
Anyway, love the Birdseye!!!

[70spider]

Well Padauk will naturally get darker over time, apparently from what I can determine the exposer to direct sunlight and heat excelerated the darkening effect. I need to get a metric set of fostner bits to make it easier on me, lots of sanding. In the future I may go back to the stock center section, but at the moment I have my hands full (financially) rebuilding the 1608. Who would have thunk that rebuilding an Italian 4 banger would be twice as much as a Ford 302?

[SoFlaFiat]

Supply and demand my friend!

[70spider]

Yea, I know. I guess I was a little optimistic on my rebuild costs , $1,500 to $2,000. So the rebuild will have to be put on hold till the spring. No worries the 1438 is running good, a little blow-bye, all in all he gets me to where I need to go. In hind sight I should have gotten a rebuilt 1800. Live and learn .

[70spider]

Center console inserts

[RRoller123]

Birdseye friggin maple, beautiful! It will darken very nicely over the years, especially with sun exposure.

[70spider]

Thanks, it took a long time to get all the pieces cut and finished. Now I tackle the heater core tommorrow , the old valve is leaking coolant.

[70spider]

Interior Update.
I fixed the heater core/valve issue and drove him for a few hundred miles without any leaks so I figured I could finish the interior and the weather cooperated last week. I put in some cool-tec heat insulation and cut my own carpet. I tried to do as well as I could. I had to cut my own pattern, the car didn't have any carpet when I got it, and then cut and trim the carpet. I am not real happy with my abilities, so as soon as I get the suspension and head done I'll get the good stuff from AR. The sound quality inside the car is amazing now. I put some finishing touches on the consol and added a cup holder . Here are some pics, enjoy .






Thanks for all the help everyone and thanks for looking Slowly I am making progress.

[Exit98]

nice work.

[vandor]

Beautiful!

[btoran]

i trimmed my console in wood too (mohagony) to match my dash and steering wheel and get many complements on it (as i'm sure you will). yours came out great. nice touch on the heating control knobs. i didn't think to do that on mine. how difficult was that part?