Quote:
1. Brakes - the brakes had been gone through, but clearly needed that again after 20 years of sitting.
2. Clutch - I believe was replaced
So after watching the episodes, I realized that there are a number of things that I think should be looked at and it seems like now would be the right time to do it (before any body work).
1. Front engine mount - check/replace
2. timing chain - check/replace - to the best of my knowledge, the car has about 85,000 miles on it.
3. Timing cover seal - check/replace
4. cooling system - back flush radiator and block
5. cooling system - thermostat
6. center steering crank bearing
That get’s me to my questions:
1. Do you agree that the items I listed make sense to do now or should I focus on getting the car at least running first and then remove the clip and do the items above? If were to focus on getting the car running first, I still need to back flush the radiator and clean the fuel tank first.
2. If/when I do remove the front clip, are there any other items I should take a look at while the clip is off? I know some will say the answer to this is “everything”. That’s not what I’m looking for. I will likely add a timing pointer and timing marks on the vibration dampener.
3. For the steering system, I do have a lot of play in the steering wheel. The videos had a great section on this, so I think I can tackle a couple of things like the steering gear box adjustment and center bearing replacement. But, what gear oil should be used in the steering gear box?
I would love any and all thoughts on all of this. If I do remove the clip, I’m going to need to get the list of items done pretty quickly as I just don’t have the storage space for the clip. I’ll need to be able to get the clip back on as quickly as possible. I would like to keep the time with the clip off to just a few weeks.
Don, this is amazing - if you look at my two project blogs, I have done a ton of this work myself, in a disjointed fashion, over the last 12 years.
Here are my general opinions, in a somewhat logical order. Others have much more experience than me.
1. On the brakes - do the factory service manual major adjustment, then bleed. I just did that, and it is incredible the difference.
2. Before driving a substantial amount, adjust the clutch. Again, per the book. 30 minute job, huge difference.
My overall thought, based on the work you've done:
- Finish the brakes.
- Adjust the clutch.
- Pull and clean fuel tank
- Change fluids and try to drive the sucker! Consider it a moral victory, even
if when more work is needed.
If you decide to pull the front clip, it is easy. Gather parts in advance and do the following:
1. Pull water distribution tube and inpsect. (no parts)
2. Flush engine with oxalic acid or evaporust.
3. Do the timing chain, and throw a new front motor mount on (can be done with front clip on, but easier with it off).
Nothing else on your list needs the front clip pulled.
For steering, jack up the car and inspect the center steering bearing, tie rod ends, king pins, wheel bearing, drag link, and steering box. I would expect the center steering bearing to be shot. Can be replaced with two bearings from Napa, etc. - details on my 120 blog. Pulling front clip is not required.
Steering box adjustment is easy, if you follow the factory book. It takes 90W mineral oil, just like the transmission, and your 1 gallon from Napa will be plenty for both. Can also get the seal locally from any parts store - again, details in my 120 blog.
Your list in general makes sense to me. I say, buy a fire extinguisher (cheap insurance), get it running and driving for the initial victory, then dive into small side projects. I have been sorting my running and driving 120 that purchased as a running, driving car in 2015 in fits and spurts since then, and still working on it. I enjoy the journey! Best of luck, and see you at Hershey!
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