[Smartin]

There are still quite a few parts that I pulled off and tossed on the shelf, but I am using those parts to keep me busy when I get tired of working on all the body rust. So, hopefully, I will be in good shape when they're all ready to go back on the car!

Speaking of.......this should look good bolted back on the firewall.

[Smartin]

Since it's not supposed to rain this week (for once), I kicked the 71 out of the garage and moved the chassis into the open spot. Time to start stripping it!





I pulled the exhaust manifolds off this evening, and all the bolts came out like I just installed them yesterday.....funny, considering all the other bolts on this car have been just the opposite. I had wondered why there was an extra passenger side manifold included with the car when I bought it, but I know why, now. One of the downpipe stud bosses is missing, and the one on the car was cobbled together with a big ball of weld. It just fell apart when I tried to remove it.

I cut the exhaust apart and tossed it aside.

I decided not to reinstall the majority of the the air poise equipment on the frame, mostly due to the horrid condition of those parts and lines. The steel air lines running to the back were just about completely rusted away, and just fell apart when I was pulling them off. I had to sweep them off the floor, they were that bad. I did manage to save a couple pieces, and will be listing them on ebay tonight.

Yesterday, I detailed the air conditioning evaporator box....too many bolts on this thing!!! Also, I'm not going to try to make the foamy coating on the box look any better, because I think I'll just ruin it trying....so it stays a little beat up.

[Wildcat65]

Smartin's work clothing...
Like working in a "clean room"



Got to keep those cars clean to work in this outfit

[Smartin]

Ahhh....Ted's a joker! Must be jealous..

I won the halloween contest with that uber-douchebag look! I even beat the naughty cinderella and "balloon boy!"

[dei]

Adam, Glad to see you back in the saddle on the Limited. I truly admire your efforts and ability. Keep us posted please.
As to your air box, when I pulled mine and cleaned off the flaking covering I found a spray on "under coating" after two coats, while a bit thinner, had enough of a textured finish to come close to what was the original look. It took black paint well too. Just a thought for your consideration.

[Smartin]

...and the fun continues!

Looking for a buddy with an engine hoist to pull the engine so I can get the frame to the blaster.

[dei]

Adam,
Parts are looking good. I`m sure when you start to put this car back together you will thank yourself for having picked off the shelf clean new looking parts ready for assembly!
A piece of advice I experienced, noticing your shift / transmission linkage that bolts to the firewall. When I bought my Limited it was up on blocks because the guy had the trans rebuilt and his buddies put back it in the car. OK, the problem they could not figure out was that it jumped into reverse as soon as it started and the owner thought that something was put back together wrong in the transmission (not `too`mechanical a guy). Well, I closed the deal knowing I had a stable of 58`s and some parts and would be able to figure it out. The problem turned out to be the firewall linkage somehow was bolted on upside down and changed the shift pattern backwards. With the position showing Park it was indeed in reverse and because the safety neutral switch was in the correct place on the column it started and indeed wanted to go in reverse.
So... take note of the correct position of the pivoting linkage when you put her back together. At least make sure you have your foot hard on the brake just in case. Found it by comparing my parts car that was still together then, Doug.

[Smartin]

Doug, I took several photographs of the throttle and trans linkage before it was removed, since I knew it would be a bear to reinstall without some sort of guide. I'm floored by how many pieces there are to it! I've never seen such a complicated mess of hinges and rods.

[Smartin]

I started pulling suspension parts off this evening...beginning with the front left wheel. It felt like it was loose, like a bearing was going bad. Everything looks good there, though. I think the castle nut was a bit loose, though.

I found a pretty ugly sight with the shoes and drums, though. Looks like someone never bothered to "mic" the drums and the lining disappeared...digging into the shoes as well. I think the other side is the same way, it has a grinding sound to it when I spin the wheel freely.






I did manage to clean a few things up before I gave up for the night, though.




Is there a market for a full set of original shocks?? I'd hate to throw them away if they're worth something as a core.




I about had a heart attack when I pulled the rear shock mounts. I found that the rear end was hanging on the shocks themselves, and it made quite a racket when I zipped off the last bolt! I had no idea the springs had that much of a load on them.

I'll need to get a spring compressor for the front springs, though. The engine doesn't weigh enough for me to be able to use the jack under the lower control arm. All it does is jack the entire frame up.

[Bill Stoneberg]

As opposed to a spring compressor, I have used bags of concrete to put weight on the front end. Just another idea if you have some of those around.