Doyle, the 16V.

[Reaper1]

So, after almost a MONTH of waiting to get her, she FINALLY arrived on July 4!! I won't get into the shipping story here (I will write another thread), but suffice it to say that was a hard fought independence!

 

I knew the car wasn't perfect, but I also knew it had a LOT of potential. Low miles, straight, no rust.

 

Outside:

It has been repainted, but it's a good job. I had to look in a known spot to be able to tell. It's an older job, and it shows its age, but I think a little PDR on 2 little bumps in the hood, a paint correction, and a ceramic coat and she will be good enough for shows! It's got a few little things here and there to make right again, but nothing major as far as trim and such.

Inside:

The seats are in remarkable condition. Not perfect, but not beat to hell like most. I do need to take them out and get the tracks all fixed up as well as get the driver's control panel back in place. Typical TC stuff. The cargo deck is sun faded, again, typical. It does seem to have a leak as the floor is damp and I am suspecting this is the root cause of some other things. The dash is in good shape as it has a cover on it. Center console lid needs to have the mount fixed, and of course the ash tray lid is a separate "optional" part! LOL

Electrical:

I am still working through this, but everything seems to be getting power and "works", but not as well as it should. Again, probably from just sitting. The antenna mast decided to chew its teeth yesterday (oh yay) and the speakers might as well be mud. All typical. It seems to have a power drain, though, and I am pretty sure that the damp carpet is the root cause.

Mechanical:

So, the most important part: it RUNS! I need to replace the valve cover gasket (guess I'll be giving Joel more of my money! LOL). From what I can see it appears the car was actually taken care of in this department. The only major thing is shifting to 3rd and 4th. I have to check the bushings and all, but OMG does it grind if you don't give it a second to get the gear! I have a spare transmission and such, so, hopefully it doesn't get to that. The left front brake is giving me crap (have another thread on that). All of the dampers are factory and SHOT! It's a shame because they have the factory part numbers and such on them. They will be getting replaced, obviously. I think it has a bad fuel pressure regulator. It sets a code 13, but the Baro and MAP have both been swapped for known good units. I cleaned the Baro electrical connector and checked for vacuum leaks. I saw a TINY bit of wet fuel in the line, and after I blew it out, it seemed to work better. Turn the engine off...let it sit for a couple of minutes, restart...problem returns. The interesting part to me is that I can't really blow through the vacuum line, but I can suck through it (from the MAP side). There shouldn't be a check valve in the MAP line, so that just seems strange to me. I have to replace the fuel hoses anyway, so I will have to take a better look anyway. The A/C was "converted" but you can smell the 134 leaking out of it. It kicked on for 1 cycle, then nadda. I am 99.99% sure the lines need to be rebuilt, which is actually OK because I have another set I need to get rebuilt, too. 

 

That's about as far as I have gotten on Rosso thus far. I'd like to be able to drive her to a meet that hopefully will still happen at the end of this month, so I at least will be working on the reliability aspects of her.

 

 

[Hemi Dude]

I’m overwhelmed just reading this. I need to take a break.

[Reaper1]

I finally got her running correctly and stopping correctly...today, she got her tags!

[Hemi Dude]

Congratulations!

[16v_guru]

Congrats Chris!!

[Reaper1]

So, I shared this on Facebook, but not everyone is on that and I feel that it's important enough to share here as well. This is a bit of history of the car and my experience in taking "official" ownership.

 

I bought this car from a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace add (can't remember which) from the suggestion of a friend who found it listed incorrectly. The man selling it was not the person on the title, who he informed me had passed away. The man who sold me the car kinda seemed like he was "done" with it.

 

Here's the thing...when I got the title I looked at the name, and of course made sure it was signed, etc. Always curious, I looked up the address on Google Maps, and actually found a street view where I *think* you can see the car under a cover in  a carport. OK, so far, no big deal. Up until I went to go get the title transferred and make it legal to drive.

 

As I looked at the man's signature, I couldn't help but envision him. I don't know this man. I have never met him. But his signature...it told me a story. I don't know if it's true, but this is the story it told me: he was an elderly man who came across a neat little red Maserati convertible that looked like a fun little ride. He bought the car and enjoyed it for a time, until it started to need more work from sitting. Then, I could tell he probably had Parkinson's as his writing was shaky, so he probably couldn't drive it anymore and had to sell it. It looked painful for him to sign...to let go. Like I said, I have no clue if that is really the case, but I truly hope that part of Doyle is riding in the car and enjoying it with me.

 

And at the suggestion of my mom, I have decided to name the car after him. I typically would never name a car after a male, but in this case, it just seems fitting. So, Doyle it is!

[Hemi Dude]

A very nice story. Doyle certainly is far better than ‘Christine’.

[Reaper1]

Took Doyle out again yesterday on a slightly longer cruise. Did really well. I decided to do a short pull on the highway in 4th from about 40mph. I was doing 80 in short order and it was effortless! I had to let out! I did find that the Getrag absolutely does NOT like to be rough-housed. I thought I messed up and fragged it when I went to shift to 5th...and it wasn't there! Well, more accurately, I overshot the gate and tried to engage a ghost gear! LOL I am used to the New Process transmissions that have a hard stop and you CAN'T overshoot 5th. After I calmed down, 5th was still right where I left it! LOL

 

I was going to possibly go to a car meet in Eastern Washington this weekend, but I am not feeling confident enough to drive myself 4 hours 1 way across a mountain pass quite yet, so, I am staying home.

[Nile]

Hey Reaper. -  I'm wondering if your shift cable connections are tight enough and/or adjusted properly as my Getrag handles my ham-handed high rev gear changes with aplomb. https://vimeo.com/440180904 and https://vimeo.com/440180182 .  Another advantage of the 16v is the sound!  -  Nile

[Reaper1]

On 7/24/2020 at 2:52 PM, Nile said:

Hey Reaper. -  I'm wondering if your shift cable connections are tight enough and/or adjusted properly as my Getrag handles my ham-handed high rev gear changes with aplomb. https://vimeo.com/440180904 and https://vimeo.com/440180182 .  Another advantage of the 16v is the sound!  -  Nile

I'll have to take a look, but it certainly acts like the synchro is just DONE. I can double clutch it and it makes a *little* bit of difference, but it STILL won't go in either 3rd or 4th smoothly. And I have also missed 5th simply because I am used to a hard stop to the side whereas this doesn't seem like there is one.

[Reaper1]

BTW, nice driving! Did you win again this year?

[Nile]

Thanks for your kind comment.  Got 4th.

[Reaper1]

Well, I have been driving Doyle around quite a bit. My truck has a transmission issue that is going to require a re-build, so for the moment the TC is my daily driver! Not what I intended, but OK.

 

This morning on my way in to work I had a WRX that wanted to play. I REALLY wanted to, but my "maturity" and the nagging feeling that something might go wrong prevented me. I would have been SMOKED, but it would have been fun.

 

I'd like to take it to the drag strip just to see what it does stock.

[Nile]

For BOTH reasons (maturity & end result) you made the right call.  If it was a regular WRX he would have known you were there.  If it was an STI, maybe not even that.  The AWD systems in those cars allow them to use all their power all the time making them very quick off the line.

 

50 years ago when maturity was not a factor I was waiting at a light in my 69 'cuda 340 when a white Challenger pulled up next to me.  I was in the left lane and the road curved slightly to the left after the light.  I knew I had two advantages, weight and geography.  The light changed and we both nailed it.  I took him off the line and into the curve.  Just as I grabbed 2nd he blew by me. I looked over and saw 4  2  6 .  It wasn't Kowalski.

[Reaper1]

Yeah, it had an exhaust on it, so I'm sure it had a tune as well, at least. I KNEW I didn't have a chance.

[Hemi Dude]

On 8/28/2020 at 1:04 PM, Nile said:

 It wasn't Kowalski.

Vanishing Point, one of my favorite movies with an almost ALL MOPAR cast. I picked up that 1970 B/W Plymouth police car that rolled while chasing Kowalski through that small town.

All I have left now are the 2 BELVEDERE name plates from the front fenders.

[Nile]

Absolutely one of my all-time favorites, and not just because of the Mopar connection.  

 

Question - I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen the movie (if you haven't, make the effort to see it, just make sure you get the original, not the later, somewhat lame remake), but it looks to me like the back half of a 69 Camaro in a certain scene - what do you think?

[Hemi Dude]

1 hour ago, Nile said:

Absolutely one of my all-time favorites, and not just because of the Mopar connection.  

 

Question - I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen the movie (if you haven't, make the effort to see it, just make sure you get the original, not the later, somewhat lame remake), but it looks to me like the back half of a 69 Camaro in a certain scene - what do you think?

You mean in the end part of the movie. Yes, it has been said that it was a Cameron, I think this ORIGINAL movie was largely made as a commercial for and introduction to the new 1970 Dodge Challenger. It certainly was very effective in displaying the performance of the 440 6 Pack throughout the film. I believe 6 or 7 Challengers were used in making this film. I have watched the movie several times and never tire of viewing it again.  
How times have changed, except the image of the Challenger which lives on in the new models.

[Reaper1]

3 hours ago, Nile said:

Absolutely one of my all-time favorites, and not just because of the Mopar connection.  

 

Question - I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen the movie (if you haven't, make the effort to see it, just make sure you get the original, not the later, somewhat lame remake), but it looks to me like the back half of a 69 Camaro in a certain scene - what do you think?

I am fairly certain that "rumor" was proved out to be *true*...it was NOT a Challenger they blew up at the gas station (and apparently you can see the stunt car rolling through the back of the fireball if you look). Funny enough I saw they era of Challenger on the road not too long ago and it was pretty difficult to be 100% certain it was a Challenger and not a Camaro from anything more than 5 cars behind it from the rear.

[wild bill]

Years ago Reaper1 I was playing with a Ferrari going to work. He slowed and I didn't at a known speed trap. Driver training class taken. I might be older Reaper1 but not as mature. 

[Reaper1]

On 9/6/2020 at 1:36 PM, wild bill said:

Years ago Reaper1 I was playing with a Ferrari going to work. He slowed and I didn't at a known speed trap. Driver training class taken. I might be older Reaper1 but not as mature. 

 Oh, don't get me wrong...if I feel safe I will scratch the itch! LOL It's just the time and place at that point was a big "nope" from me.

[Reaper1]

I need to know the current PPG paint code for the red. Apparently the code on the sticker under the hood is not a current code.

 

I don't want to get into it, but bopped the nose of the TC last week. Only real damage is the grill and hood. Body shop wants to blend in over the fender, so I am going to need the pinstripe. Not exactly happy about this. I have considered just finding a good hood as I'd rather not muck with the paint. I guess one way to look at it is, either way, the biggest paint flaw on the whole car is going to be fixed one way or another now!

[Hemi Dude]

18662, AY98HR2

[pesd]

How much pinstripe do you need? I think I have a small roll in the garage.

[Reaper1]

On 9/27/2020 at 9:36 AM, pesd said:

How much pinstripe do you need? I think I have a small roll in the garage.

Probably enough to do 1 fender, possibly both.

 

I am exploring another option, too. I wanted to possibly do this for my other TC, but because I actually *need* the part, I am considering just making one for this car, too...I am seriously considering making a carbon hood. It wouldn't be a "race car" part...not made for extreme lightness, but it would be a nice "bolt-on" part. More details as I get them...

[pesd]

Is it the same? I probably have a couple yards of it, its yours if you want it.

[Reaper1]

17 hours ago, pesd said:

Is it the same? I probably have a couple yards of it, its yours if you want it.

Thank you! Please check your PM's

[Reaper1]

Well, it's been a minute since I've updated. I had a new experience with the TC last night...snow. Ughh...I hate snow...and this was thick, slushy stuff that you couldn't see through and stuck to everything. It's all gone today, though! LOL 

 

I've been having to drive it because my truck's transmission finally died. I am hoping to get it back together by this weekend. 

[Reaper1]

Time for another update! As some may know, I recently relocated to the St. Louis area from the Seattle area. Doyle got driven the entire way, but he threw a fit in the middle of the trip by eating the timing belt tensioner. Luckily I had a spare on a different engine and we were able to replace it within about 45 minutes and keep going. 

 

I actually have been driving him around here and there, but I decided this weekend it was time to address some more of the smaller issues he's had. 

 

First up was removing the passenger's side door trim. The adhesive tape had started to fail and it caused the trim to grab the fender, which was no good. Since it started doing that I hadn't opened that door. I used fishing line and two plastic picks like a "saw" of sorts to cut through the old tape. It worked very well. If anyone else does this, be careful as the trim itself is only foam and the line can cut into it. I straightened out the little section that had gotten tweaked and now I just have to clean all of the old tape off and reinstall it.

 

Next I addressed the passenger's side door latch. It had given me trouble in the past, and I thought I'd fixed it, but apparently not. It kept getting stuck not allowing me to open the door. So, I removed the latch from the door after I got the door open and cleaned it all up, lubed it and I *think* I got it working this time. 

 

Then I took the seats and carpet out. I was happy to find no accumulation of water under the carpet, only a little bit of moisture, but the insulation and such was GARBAGE! Totally soaked and not worth putting back in the car. I will be replacing that stuff with newer dual density insulation.

 

Next I replaced both inner tie rods as the poor car would shake terribly at speed if the wheel was on-center and no load was on the tires. I found each of those things had a good 1/16-1/8" of play! Surprisingly the tires aren't feathered at all. If none of you have ever used an inner tie rod tool to do that job...WOW! It makes it SUPER easy! The hardest thing to do was putting the boots back on because I didn't have the right clamps, so I modified some hose clamps and that worked well. 

 

Lastly I pressure washed and vacuumed the carpet and the floor mats. 

 

I'll be doing more work tomorrow, too, but that's all for the last 2 days. 

[Reaper1]

Did some deep cleaning of the leather today. It took Purple Power and steam with a LOT of scrubbing, but I got it to come around. I got the rear and the passenger door done. Letting the Leatherique do its job overnight. I will do the driver door, center console, and center stack tomorrow. 

[Plumbinguy]

Want to do mine when you're done by chance. I'd pay for that degree of detailing!!!

[Reaper1]

It is HARD work! It also can't be done in 1 day. I take the seats out to make it easier to do the job, which is something I suggest to anyone going to these lengths. I have no idea how much a professional would charge for this, but it would certainly be well over $400, just based on current shop prices and all. I actually just ordered the GALLON set of Leatherique Rejuvinator and Pristene Clean because I was almost out! Being as there is SO much leather in a TC, and I have 2 of the things, I can bet I will run right through the stuff! LOL

 

1 thing I found out by accident: the curtesy light bezels on the doors aren't coated on the inside, but on the outside. The Purple Power took the "chrome" right off! Oops. No biggie, I have a plan!   

[Plumbinguy]

I went to a tac shop for there best cleaner, and best conditioner, wasn't impressed...

[Reaper1]

30 minutes ago, Plumbinguy said:

I went to a tac shop for there best cleaner, and best conditioner, wasn't impressed...

So, mine was so dirty that even using Leatherique per the instructions didn't really do anything. I had to resort to the Purple Power and steam with a hard bristle brush attachment. At first I was afraid it was going to mess something up, but the more I used it, the more confident I got and the results came in shorter time. No other "over the counter" type of cleaner/conditioner even comes close to what this combo does. I will say that Purple Power is some STRONG stuff, and if it gets on anything that has dye or paint that is "iffy", it WILL take it off! To avoid this, you can dilute it and it will still work, but you still need to be careful. Of course right after everything is dry, I slather the Leatherique Rejuvinator on it. I will say this, I have tried quite a few leather conditioners and such and NONE work as well as this stuff! I used it on my Viper seats (I only own the seats, not the entire car! LOL) and even though they were in good condition and fairly well taken care of, this stuff made them soft and pliable unlike anything else I'd used. Beyond the magic it had already worked on the TC, that REALLY made me a believer. I just ordered the gallon kit today! Also, that steam cleaner is AMAZING! Mine is just the cheapy one from Harbor Freight, but it works well enough. I know more expensive ones might work a little better, but they are easily 3x the cost! 

 

As for the work on the TC I did today, I got the driver's door done and I started working on replacing the wiper bushings because I know one of them is toast for the passenger's side. Even though I used the correct removal tool, the poor X-mas tree fasteners were not long for this world and disintegrated on me.  Guess I'll be replacing those. 

[MERRILL]

While you have it apart make sure that you replace the nylon bushing on the centre crank arm. I got mine from NAPA, less than $ 5.00 Canadian.

Merrill

[Reaper1]

Welp, I took the wiper linkage out and found somebody had been in there before. They tried to fix it, but it wasn't great. It was, in fact, the center bushing that was messed up. I got it all done and now it works nice again. 

 

I finished the last little bit of leather on the driver's door. Now waiting on my Leatherique order to do the seats and dash. The dash is in good shape as it's had a cover on it.

 

I'm also looking into re-dying the rear cargo area carpet as it is SUPER faded. I've been suggested RID, and I've seen some other dye products. If anyone has experience/suggestions, I'm ears.

[Reaper1]

Did more cleaning today! Took me several HOURS to do 1 seat, even with it out of the car! It is done now, and is soaking up the Leatherique as I type. Going to to the other one tomorrow. 

[Reaper1]

Oh, I forgot! I also got a pinstripe remover wheel to get the remainder of the side trim adhesive tape off of the car and the trim. Worked like a champ on both! Gotta clean it all up and reinstall it next. My poor little M12 Milwaukee drill took almost 3 batteries to get it done! I didn't feel like busting out the 1/2" DeWalt wrist breaker.  

[mensanguy]

Since you have the seats out NOW is the time to grease the tracks and particularly the screws that run the seats forward and back, etc.

You will see a difference when you re-install and operate the power seats.  Much smoother.

[Reaper1]

1 hour ago, mensanguy said:

Since you have the seats out NOW is the time to grease the tracks and particularly the screws that run the seats forward and back, etc.

You will see a difference when you re-install and operate the power seats.  Much smoother.

Yes sir! I already planned to do that. You are very correct. It makes a HUGE difference in their operation. I already did it to my other one. I also take the opportunity to clean any rust and put a bit of paint on them as well. You can only really see the inside ones next to the center console, but it still makes a nice difference. It's those little details...