07/29/2010

Today started by removing the front grill to gain access to the bolts for the hood and then removing the hood. The hinge on the hood is in the front and so it was just too much in the way and needed to go. From there, off came the air box which was actually kind of a pain since there is a lot of stuff bolted to the bottom of it. At this point I decided to drain the oil some of the other fluids before they became an issue.

I had the oil catch pan in one had and was removing the drain bolt with the other as it crossed my mind that if some of the antifreeze had gotten into the crank case there might be a lot of fluid... too late. The drain bolt come off suddenly followed by a fast stream of grayish fluid that overshot the catch pan and made a mess before I could adjust the pan. It was under a lot more pressure than normal and I quickly realized that the pan was not going to be enough. I managed to get the bolt back in long enough to grab the second oil pan before continuing to drain. There look to be nearly two gallons of oil/antifreeze mix in the bottom of the engine – good thing I never tried to crank the engine!



With most of oil and antifreeze out of the way I proceeded to disconnect the fuel line and throttle cable from the carburetor. I removed the spark plug wires, top side of the radiator hose, heater connection, and a few of the vacuum hoses before discovering that there were many more than I had assumed. After that it seemed like a good stopping point for the night so that I could get some tags before disconnecting all of the vacuum lines. The last thing I want is to not be able to figure out how it goes back together!



More tomorrow!

07/27/2010

Got started on some prep work yesterday, and picked up a few tools that I was missing. I put the front end up on jack stands for stability and to get it a little higher off the ground. Checked the battery and it looks like it might have actually regained almost all of its capacity, at least that is what the battery tender was indicating. We will see if it keeps the charge over the next few days.

Today the goal was to get the air box, carbs, wiring, and guards out of the way so that I can get access to the top end. However, a long day at work and other things came up so it looks like that will have to be started tomorrow. The gasket set is due in tomorrow and so maybe I can get that going over the next few days.

I did notice that the outboard drivers side CV boot was split but it looks like it has not gone dry so hopefully only the boot needs replacing, those are only $45 or so. More to come soon...

07/24/2010

Pulled from under a tree and off to her new home.


I am told the head gasket is blown and it does seem like that is likely the case. Oil has oozed down around most of the engine and the radiator is mostly empty. The car sat too long with a poorly wired stereo so the battery is now about dead. At some point someone had tried to break into the passenger side door but only succeeded in bending the metal and busting the key slot out. The handle still functions fine but it needs a new locking mechanism and some body work. There are some minor areas of surface rust here and there but nothing that has eaten through.

Amazing all of the chrome trim is still good and there are only a few of the plastic trim pieces that will need replacing. The interior is alright and all of the original parts are there minus the back seat dash. Most of the upholstery is in need of repair or replacing but the carpet is pretty decent. Somehow all of the glass is also in good shape with no significant chips and no cracks at all. It has all of its original wheels and is only missing one of the chrome rings from the rim walls.

I believe that it was coated with some kind of rust protection (almost like a rhino lining) along the whole underside and even inside the trunk. This must have been done at the factory as some kind of option or maybe a special order – I had no idea they did that back then. Regardless, it was done properly and it has saved many parts from being rusted away.



Tucked away inside the garage we can begin the process! First things first, out with the battery and get it on a changer to hopefully save what little life it might have.



I would be surprised if it really comes back to life but it should work for the first few starts and test drives.

The head gasket set is not due in until later in the week and I need to pick up some jack stands and Simple Green cleaner before I can go much further. Here are the before pictures:

Grubby engine


Dumb thief




Some of the worst rust






Wheels look good overall


I guess I closed the door too hard


Let the fun begin!!