BUILD THREAD 86 MCSS - Rejuvenation Project

[ed1948]

So, after rebuilding the starter and distributor, removing the carb but not rebuilding it, cleaning/gapping spark plugs and correctly routing ign wires, installing a mild shift kit, changing diff and engine oil, rehabbing the inst panel and repairing broken plastic, fixing various wiring damages and cleaning grounds, gutting and cleaning interior and restuffing seats, reparing console, fixing minor rust issues, new door hinge pins and striker rehab, checking and rerouting emission hoses, updating brake hoses, servicing brakes and front bearings, sealing windshield and wiper cowl, and hooking up the battery...lo and behold - it started after 5 seconds of cranking. I aint done yet.

 

[clean8485]

What's left on the "to do" list Ed?

 

[ed1948]

To Do List: rear bumper, front clip, interior trim pieces, polish &paint wheels, adjust carb and timing, recheck emission parts, source cause of high speed vibration, and lot's of small stuff...I should be done, say... November 2017, when its time to put it away for the winter.

 

[ed1948]

This is probably overkill but now that the car is on all four wheels, I levelled it left to right, so I can retorque all new body mounts in preparation for door adjustment and fender install and adjustment.

 

[ed1948]

Does it seem reasonable that replacing all body bushings, driver's side hinge rebuild, pass door adjustment(hinges were tight but door fit was poor) that the fender shim positions were not placed as the original build? Could it be that replacing the mounts and adjusting door fit causes all body panels ahead of the doors to line up different? I'm happy with the result - but man O' man, the hours of work to get it this far.
-a few observations: pass door is 1/16" shorter, the pass door lead edge profile does not match the fender in gap and contour - in the 80's there were less computerized manufacturing tolerances and consistencies in dimensions( in the era of Pong - a computer tennis game)

PS: If anyone needs a hand in adjusting panel fit - please don't call. I can give my advice, though🙂

 

[motorheadmike]

1/8" is close enough for construction and G-body build tolerances - don't sweat it. I almost lost it trying to get the wagon "better" - and it still isn't.

 

[Texas82GP]

Gaps look good Ed!

 

[clean8485]

Looks good Ed!

 

[ed1948]

Looks good Ed!

Thanks Jeff, Mike and Jared.
GM's 80's panel gaps were +/- a whole lot. I tried for +/- barely.

 

[ed1948]

Hood and header panel are installed. Much time spent 'getting it right'. Removing the interior door panels for washing. Next winter I'll rebuild the guts of the doors.Pics pending.
Funny thought - I spent hundreds of hours on the car and it still looks the same to the casual observer.