Re: Old School Meets New - Supercharged LSA into Grand Natio
Been slowly cleaning up the engine compartment so I can start test-fitting the engine and suspension. Also removed the steering shaft tonight and cut the rag joint so I could remove it from the shaft. I'm going to fit it with new Flaming River u-joints to connect up to 670 steering box by the same folks.
I'm d@mned if I'm going to get all the new parts filthy by getting them anywhere near the bay the way it was:
After a lot of elbow grease and scraping with various putty knives:
I'm not going for sterile now, just paintable. The bad news was at least 5lbs. of greasy, oily dirt and grunge. The good news was the frame was completely protected by this crap so there is not a spot of rust anywhere I have uncovered to date, and the car is already lighter!
I still need to remove the harness, take it apart and get rid of the stuff I won't need. I'll replace the wire looms where I can and clean where I can't - I doubt that OE oval stuff is available for prices less than insane. Anyone know a source?
This weekend I am planning to test-fit the front suspension and brakes, then try to have time to test the placement of the motor (with no blower or accessories on it) with the solid mounts on the frame side and the Dirty Dingo adjustables on the motor side.
If that goes well I will do last cleaning and a wipe with acetone then prime. Then spray with Eastwood Chassis Black, the matte (more like a satin than a flat).
The future holds a frame-off build, but right now I need to get this together before the state of CA gets upset about how long it's taking to pass smog. One cool thing was the GM dealer offered to write a letter explaining what I bought and when, to help show progress and plans.
The test-fitting of the suspension will be auto p*rn for sure, cuz it's all the good stuff I'm been working for and buying for the last year and a half. Just ordered the last piece - the coilovers. More on that when they arrive.
Stay tuned.
Jim