Cuda Capers 9-3-07 // Engine is IN !
After a string of busy weekends where I got nothing done I finally dropped that lump between the fenderwells this afternoon. After an exasperating morning of hunting down a slide hammer to pop out the old pilot bearing, it was smooooooth sailing from there on in.
Saturday I cleaned and painted the transmission and crossmember. So far it's been a pleasure bolting this car together. Cleaning everything up and having all the hardware ready saves time and aggravation.
SEARS sells an Epoxy appliance paint that's really tough. I sprayed my K frame and suspension parts 4 years ago with it and it has held up pretty good. I cleaned the crossmember in a hot tank, then prepped it with some brake-clean, dried it, and sprayed it on. It looks good for a rattle can detailing....
Here's Brother Cesar, who plays guitar in my band, bolting on the engine mounts for me. Cesar, who's a technician for Lexus, owned a couple of Darts when he lived in Los Angeles and is all too eager to help with the project when he can, even if it's just loaning me his van so I can buy more junk for it.... He's also EXTREMELY dangerous with a Les Paul or his Iceman. Dude plays like a cross between Dimebag and Tom Morello. Awesome player....
Open up and say "AHHHHHH"...
I can't believe there's an engine in it again! It's only been 2 years...
Engine and transmission: INSTALLED!
Here's a little teaser shot of what's yet to come.
The only down-side was that my neighbor was having a yard party and the music he was blasting sounded like a cross between a bowling ball being dropped down a flight of stairs (for over an hour....) and singing that sounded like it was painful. Good thing I was able to fight back with some Slipknot and Tool.....
Next stop: Install the old exhaust system, sump the fuel tank, and plumb this sucker so I can fire it UP!!!!!!!! Once it's broken in and I got the jetting and timing right I'll install the ceramic TTI's system.
After a string of busy weekends where I got nothing done I finally dropped that lump between the fenderwells this afternoon. After an exasperating morning of hunting down a slide hammer to pop out the old pilot bearing, it was smooooooth sailing from there on in.
Saturday I cleaned and painted the transmission and crossmember. So far it's been a pleasure bolting this car together. Cleaning everything up and having all the hardware ready saves time and aggravation.
SEARS sells an Epoxy appliance paint that's really tough. I sprayed my K frame and suspension parts 4 years ago with it and it has held up pretty good. I cleaned the crossmember in a hot tank, then prepped it with some brake-clean, dried it, and sprayed it on. It looks good for a rattle can detailing....
Here's Brother Cesar, who plays guitar in my band, bolting on the engine mounts for me. Cesar, who's a technician for Lexus, owned a couple of Darts when he lived in Los Angeles and is all too eager to help with the project when he can, even if it's just loaning me his van so I can buy more junk for it.... He's also EXTREMELY dangerous with a Les Paul or his Iceman. Dude plays like a cross between Dimebag and Tom Morello. Awesome player....
Open up and say "AHHHHHH"...
I can't believe there's an engine in it again! It's only been 2 years...
Engine and transmission: INSTALLED!
Here's a little teaser shot of what's yet to come.
The only down-side was that my neighbor was having a yard party and the music he was blasting sounded like a cross between a bowling ball being dropped down a flight of stairs (for over an hour....) and singing that sounded like it was painful. Good thing I was able to fight back with some Slipknot and Tool.....
Next stop: Install the old exhaust system, sump the fuel tank, and plumb this sucker so I can fire it UP!!!!!!!! Once it's broken in and I got the jetting and timing right I'll install the ceramic TTI's system.