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zdillinger

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zdillinger last won the day on February 11

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About zdillinger

  • Birthday 10/31/1983

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  1. I did use stainless steel staples on the chicken wire and the foam. For the top I used galvanized tacks, driven about halfway in so that I can easily rework any wrinkles, etc. Thanks for the tip on the aluminum roof moldings!
  2. I've been enjoying the car more and more, including an inaugural trip to the gas station. It is behaving quite nicely, so I figured I'd jump to some more of the "nice to have done" projects. To that end, I've started installing the top. I first put tar paper down over the wood bows to prevent the chicken wire from squeaking. The wire was then stretched taut and stapled into the framing. After that, I put a layer of 1/4" closed cell upholstery foam from Sail Rite. The only tricky part here was getting the front corners to lay down so that the cover vinyl would be nice and smooth. A little judicious trimming with an utility knife and mission accomplished. Next goes the vinyl. The typical "cobra" grain top material is only available in 64 1/2" width, as far as I can tell, and that wouldn't leave me with much margin for error. Instead I chose a more subdued grain vinyl, also from Sail Rite, that was available in 77" width. It will leave me with more waste but it's worth it for my peace of mind. The install, so far, is going well. I'll report back with more photos when the top is done, sealed, and the trim has been installed. I will be reusing the original gutters but will have to make something go on the front and possibly the rear (I may be able to save the original aluminum trim but I'm not sure yet).
  3. No, you didn't miss me. Some family stuff came up and I wasn't able to be there. That's the first Museum show I've missed in a long time and I was pretty bummed but nothing I could do about it.
  4. I've put about 20 miles on the car, in ever-expanding circles on the country roads around my house. The gearbox is a bit noisy but everything is running strong (knock on wood). Oil pressure shows middle of the gauge (about 15) when hot. No boil overs thus far. Brakes grab strong and stop the car pretty darn well. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic.
  5. Moder base clear looks awful on early cars in my opinion. Completely anachronistic.
  6. I believe I see the rear radius rods on the left, and the front axle wishbone on the right, meaning that the "front" should be the right side.
  7. Thanks Dan! I put the retro plate on my oldies even though I detest winter and hate that the plate even says that word. See you at the Olds show in a couple weeks?
  8. Plate is affixed. I took off for a short ride, made it two miles and ran it out of gas. The car is officially mine now because I have done that on pretty much every old car "first drive". Even wrote a chapter about it in my third book. I blame the ADHD. Wife April to the rescue with the gas can and all is well once again. Car ran strong while it still had gas in it that is...
  9. Yesterday was a productive day! Headlights are done and working. Tail light is done and working. Stop light and stop light switch are installed and working. This morning, the car is officially insured and I'll be stopping at the DMV shortly to get a plate. So we should be in business for a few legal trial runs.
  10. Stupid question, but the keys aren't hitting the dash or jangling by chance are they?
  11. Would love to have it but I would be hard pressed to justify anything over about 8-10 given what has to be done to put it right.
  12. The ol' Pontiac lives and moves once again! Thanks to some new friends in the Chevrolet community, I was able to find an axle that works (I also got a couple of spares just in case...). Got it installed and all is well once again. With the new clutch disc, etc., the car drives better than ever. While waiting for the axles I installed a generic chrome headlight switch since the Pontiac OEM switch is broken/seized beyond repair. There was already a hole drilled in the dash that was perfect for the switch. I'll keep looking for a useable OEM switch but, in the mean time, this will do the job. I made no permanent modifications to my new wiring harness, so it can all be put back to stock if/when the part is found. It's the same story with the OEM taillight. The lens is beyond repair and every socket needs to be replaced, so while I hunt for a better one this Model A unit is similar enough to serve. I installed a Gano filter as well. Currently running Evaporust in there as coolant and, as you can see, it's pretty brown so it's just about time to change it out. Expensive but effective. Finally, I installed a battery cutoff switch on the floor just above the steering column. Out of the way of my feet but still easily reachable. I still need to finish the headlight and tail light wiring (and figure out how to hook up a stop light switch) and then I will get tags and insurance while finishing up the top and interior. My goal was to have this car ready for the R.E. Olds Museum show which is on July 29.... it should be close assuming I have enough time for a few shakedown cruises before jetting off on a 40 mile round trip in what would otherwise be an unproven car (which isn't my style). Thanks, as always, for following along and to all of you who have offered advice and support. It is much appreciated.
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