More progress today. All hoses hooked up, Most the wiring is done. Clutch Slave hooked up, shift mech and cables hooked up. Carb installed with thottle cable. PVC and vac hoses done. Just need to hook up the wiring on the starter and wire in the electric pump, prime the oil pump one more time and set the Dizzy. Fill with coolant, install the battery and hopefully, by tomorrow afternoon, I will have a running V8 Coupe once again!
More tomorrow!
Pat
Wahoo..... Page 15 ownage!
Edit to add - yes I know the wiring is fugly! Once the motor is running and the cam is "broke in", I will start the "wiring" rehab. My goal is to "hide" as much of the wiring as possible after I eliminate as much as possible. While the wiring is being cleaned up, the Headers will be removed and sent off for Ceramic coating and I'll clean up the suspension parts.
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-11-2011).]
OK...... No Pics..... But we managed to get all the wiring finished - water pump hooked up and working, filled with coolant and burped. Primed the Oil Pump - got pressure! Cranked the motor over with the starter - starter meshes great. Set her up on TDC and stuffed the Dizzy. Fuel line hooked up - got fuel going to the carb! Finished up al the odds and ends and called it a night. Just have to string the plug wires and fire her off. Tomorrow for sure!
It's Alive! Trying to upload some video now. Keeps bombing on me. I'll get it! Stay tuned! All is good - just need to adjust the starter alignnment a little.
Looks like Frankenstien! Don't worry, I'll clean up all the wires and make it look pretty! This was just a cam break in run. Sounds kinda ratty out of the shorty headers!
More later!
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-14-2011).]
I would suggest doing some additional work on the harness. It is a carbed SBC so it doesn't need many wires at all, but has really thick harness running right over the topside of the engine. The majority of the wires in the looms can be removed to clean it up and make the loom much thinner. If you have to keep the harness on the top side of the engine, then running it along the front valve cover looks better than running it along the rear one.
Thanks for replies guys. I am really relieved that it runs. It has been a long time since I hand built a motor so I was worried I may have "missed" something.
I agree Guru, That's my plan now that I know it runs. I want the wiring to be nearly invisible. I knew the harness worked with the other motor so I decided to leave it be to break the new motor in. Now I can tear it a apart and clean it up. I also need to spend some quality time with the starter. The PO drilled an alignement pin but for some reason, it does not like the position. Not sure if something is slightly differnt with the adapter plate mounted to this different motor or what but it seems to be askew! I'll have to take it off and pull the spring roll pin and then adjust it some. All seemed good when I had it out of the car?
Rick,
Hoping to have exhaust done this Saturday. All depends on how busy work is this week. I have to go to Alpine for a few days!
Tony, The ard part is I have to spend this week out of town - I could get so much done if I could tinker an hour or 2 each night. Hope to drive it over to the muffler shop on Saturday! If I can sneak over there with it uncorked!
Got up early to get a good start on the Coupe. My plan was to get the suspension tightened up and the brakes, etc. installed. As I was getting the calipers ready to go back on, I noticed that the slider pins were siezed up. I spent some time getting them out of the calipers. I figured that I would have to order some caliper rebuild kits and was feeling "dissapointed" thinking I was going to have to wait another week to get anything done. As I was cleaning up the suspension parts and tightening down all the bolts, I remembered that I had some left over brake parts in the shed from the first Bus rehab. I made a mad dash to the shed. Rummaged around a bit and bingo - found a box with 8 new slider o rings and 4 slider bolt boots. Plus 2 new inner pad clips (the Coupe had none when I took it apart). Alos had 2 ebrake actuator seal kits! The only thing I was missing were the piston seals. I spent a couple hours cleaning and rehabing the calipers and then got it all together. I was unable to finish the ebrake cables as I can not find the cable clip that ties the passenger side cable to the main cable! I'll go to the Mega Pull in the am and pick one up!
The Bus and it's new owner stopped by around 3 - we worked on a head light motor - I made it worse - and adjusted the shifter but it will need some more work.
Found these in the shed! Back in the early days of the Bus, I ordered some caliper rebuild kits. After tearing them apart, I found that I needed new pisonts for the rears so I bought a set from the Fiero Store. These also cames with rebuild parts so I saved them. SOmetimes it pays to hang on to parts!
Removed the ebrake arm so I could compress the piston and install the new seals:
Sliders cleaned and lubed, new orings and a new pad clip installed:
Pad clipped in:
Driver side done:
And the reasons why I did not get anything done all week!
Tomorrow I am going to get the starter aligned and pick up a new battery. After that I need to clean up the wiring and finish up the inner wheel wells.
Work has been keeping me busy but I managed to carve out a little time this afternoon to work on the starter. The PO had set the starter up and then drilled a small hole for a "pin" to make it easier for alignment. Problem is, it was set in the wrong place. The gear on the starter was not sitting "deep" enough in the ring gear. In addition, the adapter block that bolts to the starter was cocked and was not allowing the bendix gear to line up square with the ring gear. I pulled the starter off the motor and squared up the adapter block. I also had to replace the rubber gromet/seal that goes between the solenoid and the stater motor - that was a treat to find but I got lucky and a friend of mine that does a lot of racing had one that we trimmed to fit. I got the starter installed and adjusted. Now I get full gear contact both in mesh and depth. No binding of the bendix. Now when I carnk it, it spins nice and does not sound like the starter is eating the ring gear. One more little issue to clear off the list.
The plan is to build the exhaust this weekend but while I was under the car working on the starter, I turned/twisted the wrong way and now I can hardly stand up! Guess I'll have to go get a "Massage" this evening!!!!!!
Careful Pat. We are not as young as we used to be. Glad you got the starter fixed. Hope you back feels better. This is my long weekend. Let me know if you are up to doing anything.
Careful Pat. We are not as young as we used to be. Glad you got the starter fixed. Hope you back feels better. This is my long weekend. Let me know if you are up to doing anything.
I put the old battery on the charger overnight. This afternoon, I cranked her over - she made about 3 revolutions and fired right off - the starter realignment made a huge difference. I tinkered with the timing and adjusted the carb some. Then I installed the tail lights so I can take it over to the exhaust shop in the AM. SHould be driving it tomorrow afternoon! Here's a little clip to hear the "before" exhaust.
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-25-2011).]
Well I could not take it! I went back out to the garage and cleaned all the crap off the top of the car. I installed the back tires, set her on the gorund and took her for a little spin around the neighborhood. All I can say is HOLY C^%&! She runs pretty good! I hope to get the exhuast done tomorrow!
What do you think of the rear wheels?
Now I got to clean the garage! I wonder what I'm going to put in there for the next project?
I'm truly sick - this one is not done and I'm thinking about the next one! I need some drugs or an intervention!
Did not get much done on the Coupe yesterday. Went over to the Muffler shop and they were too busy to squease me in. I'll take it over on Wednesday and borrow a lift - build the exhaust myself. It's nice to have access to a shop with all the pieces parts and tools! The only drawback is having to work - on thier schedule. Not complaining just wishing I had a fully equipped shop of my own. I did get the front wheels on and I like the wheels a lot but the tires are a little too tall - the car sits a little high but I think it has an old school muscle car look to it. I'l fry these tires to nothing then get some 50 0r 45 series tires to lower her down a bit. Also changed an O2 sensor on Jeff's Vette! Man that car sits low. 90%of the job was getting high enough to get under it. Only took about 5 minutes to change the )2 sensor and about 2 hours jacking it up and then setting it back down.
I'm going to get the rear bumper back on today and then I have some AC parts that I need to remove from the front end. I may work on the wringing osme too! Lot's to do still.
Pat the wheels look great. I believe the stock tire size on the SE was a 215/60/14. Based on a tire comparator, a 235/45/16 is only 4mm taller than stock, and 9.3 in. wide on a 7 in wheel, vs 8.5 in wide on the stock 14. This would get you very close on the speedo also.
After watching a marathon of auctions on HD Theatre last night and most the morning today, I finally dragged my butt out in the garage and got to work on the Coupe. 12 hours of Mechams Auctions, RM Auctions and Chasing Classic Cars got my car jucies going. I have a refershed spark to get busy on all these projects.
Plan for the day was to get the back bumper back on and the inner fenderwells back in. Sounds easy huh? Well I had a few problems. First off, I installed the pan that bolts to the bumper and then the facia fastens to it - upside down! Flipped it over then went to slip the facia on and it would not slip into place! After fiddling with it for an hour I thought maybe I had the steel bumper on upside down - nope - it was on right. Turns out that where the rear reflectors fit into the crush part of the bumper was hanging up and I could not see it. I finally shoved my hand up in there and using several chioce words - and a couple new ones, I got the facia on. Put the tail lights back in after cleaning the bulbs and replacing 2. Installed the side markers. Then I had to scrub and clean the inner fenderwells. Got them installed then used some plastic paint in flat black to clean them up. I know it does not sound like much work but I had a solid 4 hours into it today. I also worked on some of the wiring and now have a pretty solid plan in place to clean it up.
This week, I need to pull all the AC stuff from up front out of the car. This car has no heater/AC now so I will yank the heater/AC unit out of the firewall and build a "block off" plate for the firewall. Every pound I can take out will help go a little faster! I think this will be a fun car when it's all done. I also need to do some more intieror work - my last headliner job is sagging already! I must have not removed all the old crap off the board. I think this time I will give the inner surface a coat of resin to give the glue something solid to adhere to.
I also need to remove the center console so I can run some more wiring. I am going to install 2 cut off switches for the water pump and the fuel pump. I'd like to be able to turn the fuel pump and water pump off should I need to have the key on/engine off. I also need to install a new set of dew wipes and do some boby panel work / rocker work (plastic rivets are broke). The driver side window is tinted and it's old so I will strip it off - service the widow mechs while I have it torn apart. Still a lot to do but I need to get it done as soon as possible so I can get some other projects in and out before it starts getting hot.
Rick, you listening? Your Mera suspension is next! I have the car to the point where I can move it in and out of the garage so your next 3 day weekend we need to get your front suspnesion work done. I also have a set of door locks and a trunk lock to install in the Bus and new rotors and pads for the XTC.
Back in the garage and up in the air after I spent a few hours cleaning the garage out - amazing - all my tools are back in their proper place!
First time in months I have seen the rop of this bench!
Can anyone see a problem in this pic? The silver pan is upside down!
Cleaned up the inner fenderwells a bit.
Bulbs and wiring cleaned up - everything is working and ready for install:
Looking like I got it ready for the Facia right - wrong - got to flip that pan over!
Had the bumper on and off a dozen times trying to get it to fit - first was the pan - second was the crush thingy for the bumper was hangin up on the reflector housing in the Facia. I fought this dirty rotten no good ---- for a long time!
Bumper Done!
Fenderwells Done!
Rear wheels back on - I need to find some center caps to fit these wheels!
Looking great, Pat. I'm loving those wheels. Just my opinion, but I would keep larger tires in the back when the time comes to replace your tires. Those rims with the larger tires have a wicked old-school muscle look to them (even without center caps ) particularly on a notchback.
Pat, I don't recall what the factory center cap looks like for those wheels. I do like the exposed lug nut look. Maybe there is a small center cap you can put on that will allow the lug nuts to show. What year Beretta are the wheels from? I can research the caps for you here at the dealership.
The weekend of the 18th is my next 3 day. This week I am off Thursday.
Looking great, Pat. I'm loving those wheels. Just my opinion, but I would keep larger tires in the back when the time comes to replace your tires. Those rims with the larger tires have a wicked old-school muscle look to them (even without center caps ) particularly on a notchback.
Hey Tim,
I'm liking the stance of the car - it will most likely stay this way it is for awhile. I put the back wheels on with the stock Fiero lugs and plastic caps. I was thinking of "blacking" out the inset/lug area?
Pat, I don't recall what the factory center cap looks like for those wheels. I do like the exposed lug nut look. Maybe there is a small center cap you can put on that will allow the lug nuts to show. What year Beretta are the wheels from? I can research the caps for you here at the dealership.
The weekend of the 18th is my next 3 day. This week I am off Thursday.
Hey Rick,
They are off a 94 - 95 - 96 Baretta. I found some online - there are acouple available - I just need to decide which ones are the right ones. One is lsted at 6.5". I'm not sure where they measure them from - across the face of the one I have is about 6". Across the back is about 5.5". They also list a ^' and a 5.5"? See what you can find at the dealership. Here's a pic:
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-28-2011).]
My goal this afternoon was to remove the AC condensor and the heater/AC box in the firewall. It is an aftermarket unit and the condensor was mounted with the rad removed - the screws were through the back side! Removal woud require the removal of the rad! I got out my trusty cut off saw and cut the screws off from the front side. Condensor out!. Then I decided to start on the heater/AC unit. It was installed in a shady way but I managed to get it out. As I was crawling around under the front end and all over the top, I found that several critters had been living in the car.
Way back when I did the interior, I found a few mice nests under the seats and then when I pulled the back end off, I found another nest between the tail lights. Why should the front be any different. I found where they had been living under the headlights - looks like the living room was on the driver side and the bathroom was on the passenger side. When I pulled the haeter / AC unit, there was another nest in the fan area (must have been a 4 bedroom unit). I have a big mess to clean up. On a brighter note, I was having a ground issue with the drivers front turn signal - found where the critters had been chewing on the wiring harness so I am pretty sure I found the problem.
I decided to pull the hood and the front bumper off to aid in the clean out!
The nice mess under the headlights:
The aftermarket AC Unit:
Another mice bedroom!
Unit out!
In order to get the rest of the heater/duct work unit out, I have to remove the firewall electrical connector - it's held in place to the heater / duct box with 2 - 7mm screws that must be a foor long. I just can't seem to reach the top one to get it out. Going to have to have my 17 year old crawl up under the dash and get it out.
More later!
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-28-2011).]
Here's what I was thinking with the center caps. I will cut a whole in the center the correct size for a Fiero center cap to snap into the Baretta center cap. If it fits too loose, I can epoxy it in place.
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 02-28-2011).]
Got a little more done this afternoon. I wrestled with the AC/haeter box till I was ready to give up. But victory was mine! I also removed the headlights and started to clean up the critter mess! Hoping to drag it over to the muffler shop tomorrow.
I think I shaved about 75 pounds off the car:
Now I have a big hole to cover - I'll check on a nice piece of aluminum plate or I'll just make a cover out of fiberglass?
Done for the night!
More later!
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 03-02-2011).]
I apologize for displaying the Blue Ford in a Fiero thread - I was not thinking! It's my oldest boy's car. I bought it for him last year as a "deal" to keep him in college. He ended up quiting college and is now working for the CN railroad out of Chicago - at least he is working! So for now, I am the caretaker of his car!
You deserve this car Pat. A lot of hard work, patience, and more hard work went into her by you. :d Good stuff man.
) particularly on a notchback.
