Intro from Montana: '73 2.0L rustoration thread Options

[mepstein]

I did it by hand with a needle and thread. I used the old pressboard strips since they already had holes from the previous stitches. I clamped each end to the counter to build in some stretch. My thought was if I didn’t pre stretch it, the middle would stretch more than the ends when I pulled it down onto the hooks. At worst, the end clamps held everything straight while I sewed.

That's some good thinking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif) I wish I'd have done it that way. I did use Weldwood contact adhesive on that instead of 3M because I knew it needed to be a strong bond to compensate for not being sewn.

I'm using weldwood for everything. A pint is $8 and it seems like a lot of upholstery guys use it. I bought a bag of little foam brushes and they work well.

I purchased some seat heaters on ebay for $40 and a door wedge for lumber adjustment - credit Garland

[bbrock]

Here's a little update of progress during the week.

With the pedal cluster in, I was able to install the 914Rubber master cylinder. First I had to replace the brake reservoir lines. To say that is a PITA is a huge understatement. @#$% I hate those things. Finally figure out the magic was to clamp the barbed fittings that go in the MC in a vice, then heat them pretty hot with a heat gone, and only then force those stubborn plastic tubes on. Of course, I figured this out only after doing the first hose the hard way. My hands are still sore. It is quite the juggling match to get the MC and steering rack in by one person, but I managed. Starting to look like a car again.



The fuel compartment cleaned up pretty nice.







I also spruced up the cig lighter and tested it with a battery charger.





Of course, while I was putting the lighter in the dash, I dropped the spring retainer. Heard the distinctive sounds of metal clinking against metal and new right where to look. Oh crap.



The price paid for not having proper storage space for parts. Fished it out with a magnet.

Finally, I spiffed up the brake regulator with a PMB rebuild kit. Here it is looking good as new.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-20845-1544403944_thumb.jpg)

Oh wait, that's Satan's rectum again. Here we go. First, zinc plating on the valve body and spring housing.



Then this.



I couldn't resist seeing it in place. It will have to come out to adjust the spring pressure.

[BPic]

VERY NICE!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap.gif)

[altitude411]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) what the hell is going on with your crooked e-brake bellows Mister??... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad2.gif) ...other than that your doing one hellava great job Mr Brent

[bbrock]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) what the hell is going on with your crooked e-brake bellows Mister??... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad2.gif) ...other than that your doing one hellava great job Mr Brent

Good Lord! I hope that can be fixed. Would hate to have to throw out the car at this point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[altitude411]

I have complete confidence that you will have it sorted just like everything else. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[BPic]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) It's ruined!! Call Garold I'm sure he can cut it up and salvage some parts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[euro911]

Here's a little update of progress during the week.

Clean (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

Looks like your steering rack is a little crooked (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ... should line up OK when you install the cross bar though?

[bbrock]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) It's ruined!! Call Garold I'm sure he can cut it up and salvage some parts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

Good idea. I'll call him right away. Anyone need parts? I guess we're done here folks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Here's a little update of progress during the week.

Clean (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

Looks like your steering rack is a little crooked (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ... should line up OK when you install the cross bar though?

Good eye. Yes, the rack is just semi-hanging there by the steering shaft. I have the left tie rod end zip tied to the chassis to make sure it doesn't go anywhere which makes it hang at a bit higher on that side. Until I get the cross member in there, there is nothing to bolt the rack to so it shall just dangle for a bit.

Forgot to mention that I later yellow-tagged the MC to remind me to install fresh copper seals on the banjo fittings before I tighten down the brake lines there.

I'm just now realizing I should make a final decision on fuel pump and fuel line routing PDQ. I'd much rather get that buttoned up before the car comes off the spinnie thing.

[bbrock]

Good News! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rocking nana.gif)

I called in a team of engineers who figured out a plan to correct the horrible bellows alignment problem. Specialized equipment was called in. Sorry for the out of focus shot. They made me turn the lights real low to reduce the number of photons hitting the part and possibly knocking it out of alignment.



And the bellows aligned within design tolerances.



Crikey! That was Close! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/new_shocked.gif)

[KELTY360]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) what the hell is going on with your crooked e-brake bellows Mister??... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad2.gif) ...other than that your doing one hellava great job Mr Brent

About time somebody called out the fraud for what it is. Did you know he goes to the zoo for all those ‘wildlife’ pics?

[altitude411]

Nice work Brent. I knew you would get it sorted... now turn the mold seam towards the firewall and it will be just like OE factory NOS. Can't believe your whole team missed that... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) Maybe turn the lights on?

[bbrock]

Nice work Brent. I knew you would get it sorted... now turn the mold seam towards the firewall and it will be just like OE factory NOS. Can't believe your whole team missed that... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

You're pushin' my buttons! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif)

[bbrock]

[KELTY360]

Obvious photoshop, moose weren’t even invented in 2004.

[bbrock]

A lot of work and little to show. About 10 days ago, I plated my brake caliper fasteners with a black chromate finish. Since these are hardened steel, they got a 4 hour bake right after plating.





I'd like to plate the calipers but I don't think my power supply has enough oomph.

After many monotonous hours at the blasting cabinet, I was finally able to get this done today.



Can't say I'm looking forward to installing the bushings, but it will be exciting when I do.

This was kind of boring so let's see.... have we had any photoshopped pronghorn yet?



Hey, count yourself lucky. I was really tempted to post a pic from my colonscopy last Monday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[tygaboy]

Brent - Your car is looking fan-f-ing-TASTIC! You must be (and should be) proud of your progress.
That's it, no funny or clever comments for you today, sorry.

[Tdskip]

Even accounting for the obviously fake moose ( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ), outstanding work.

[euro911]

...
After many monotonous hours at the blasting cabinet, I was finally able to get this done today.

What did you do with those parts? ... paint, powder-coat? ... ?

All looking good (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

[bbrock]

What did you do with those parts? ... paint, powder-coat? ... ?

All looking good (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

They got media blasted, then Ospho treatment inside and out, then wiped down with dewaxer. Finally, I took a tip from Perry and used VHT Roll Bar & Chassis Paint. They call it a one-step epoxy. I don't know what that means but I've been impressed by the quality of the paint. ~$8/can at the FLAPS.

The parts are no where near perfect but not because of the paint. Visible rust pitting and battle scars in spots but they look 99% better than when they came off the car. The rear bushing carrier on the A-arm was so fused to the cross member that I didn't even realize they were separate pieces until watching Ian's bushing installation video. It took some convincing to get them apart.