Wow has it really been 11 months since I wrenched on my project? Can't but this timeline doesn't lie. Well I've worked on this skylark for 3 days and have a lot hooked up now. The engine is bolted to the tranny, a lot of brackets are cleaned , painted and bolted on, Torque converter bolted in, motor mounts bolted in. Fitting and finding the right bolts is a little fun. Even though you mark everything well, at least I thought I did, I realize I could do a better job of this. It's a giant puzzle and I can't wait to drive this car. I have to admit the biggest challenge not working on this car was the rheumatoid arthritis I've been dealing with. With the physical job I have it takes everything I've got just to do that and there hasn't been much left for projects. Enough whine ing. I will try to post some new pics today. I have a bench seat for the car but I think I'm going to use some non Buick buckets because they are sitting in an old 4 door that's not ever going to roll again. We'll see. I have some sheet metal work to do, namely the passenger front floor. Would like to put a center counsel in this car. Oh well time to get my hands dirty.
Minimal effort today, fit the alternator, wire wheeled some parts and checked out my radiator core support. Have the fix for the battery side but looks like I need the other side as well. Things to do: drop the gas tank and glean it out. Cut the passenger floor out and start fitting a new floor. Figure out what seats to use.
Okay, dropped the fuel tank yesterday afternoon and took it up to my radiator guy to boil it out. He said to take it to a do it yourself car wash and use a degreaser and rinse. Mostly the whole underside of the car has a coating including the bottom of the tank. I want to clean the stuff off the tank and will reuse it. Straps look great, they came off easy. Just need to wire wheel the black paint off them and reuse those as well. I glanced at the trunk pan from underneath and it's all shinny metal.... Pretty lucky if I don't have to replace this....inside the trunk is some dirt and peeling black paint everywhere.
Looking good! I like how the frame and engine bay turned out. You said you were using a wire wheel.. So does that mean you caught a hundred or so wire slivers in your pant legs? Those hurt!
Yeah there is a lot of that stuff flying but I'm pretty good about keeping the eyes covered. Thanks for the encouragement . I pressure washed the gas tank and I want to clean all the black paint off the tank so that may take awhile. I also vacuumed the trunk out to remove all the crud. Black paint was a popular choice for the previous owner and it's all peeling up in the trunk and it's removing the factory spatter coating and going down to the factory black primer. No major rust holes in the trunk, maybe some pin holes but we will see when I start sanding the rust out.
Okay, today did a lot of cleaning .... Wire wheeling mostly..... Rad support, did some minor weld metal repair .... Then painted it. Cleaned and painted the radiator cover..... And the hood latch support. Had a question about the latch..... I see a lot of gold ones on cars.... Is that painted gold? I have the original gas tank in great shape.... Pulled it out and someone brush painted black on it.... I'm removing that.... I was going to paint it ? Clear coat? Or silver paint. Having fun.
So I had a couple days to work on my car. Finished taking most of the paint off the gas tank. Painted it a silvery metallic to try and resemble galvanized steel. Looks ok. Cleaned the straps and replaced the rubber gas lines all 4 short pieces on the tank. Got the tank back under the car and looks good. While I was under the car I see the rear end has been slinging some grease.... Have to get into that I'm sure. Installed the water pump and fuel pump. When I removed the fenders I also took off the inner fenders still attached. When reassembling , what is the best way? Inner fenders attached to fenders or inner fenders first , then fenders? Was wondering.
I have been focused on the trunk.... Wire wheeled most of the rust and black paint .... Still have a bit more to do. Have a few pin holes to deal with. I bought some por-15 and will be using that in some areas that have some surface rust. I haven't been able to devote much time this last month.... My lawn business is winding down but the leaves are keeping me busy. I'm in the middle of hunting season but I always think I'm just about ready to have a day to work on it , then bam.....doesn't happen. I have a heater for the garage this winter.
Mark, you are right, the typical balance of funds verses time has got me pretty good lately . I walk past my car every day . I'm thinking June will see some movement . Thanks for the interest. BTW your car turned out nice . Paul
So I've been able to work on this project. Wire wheeled both front fender wells. Driver side is in great shape.... Passenger side has holes under the battery tray.... I'm sure there is some aftermarket metal fix for this because I think I saw someone do that recently. I'll look for that. Feels good to work on it. Painted both of them ....
So this weekend was really productive considering I haven't done much for awhile. both fenders on and tied into the core support. And yes both doors open and close. Drivers door lined up better than passenger..... I also wire wheeled and por15. A good frame for the next project.
