1972 Convertible resto mod

[California 72]

The day just disappeared for work on the car garage, but it was productive for the car none the less. Package from CandyRcode with the replacement strut rods and a timing chain cover/water pump backing plate arrived.

Along with that, the AMK package arrived. I started cleaning all the fasteners and after the first 30 ricochets out of the housing of the wire wheel on the bench grinder and the fact that some reduced in both thread and wrench/socket size because of the rust... It was really seeing a couple of the gang posting their completed work made me realize the new product would really look much better and was the overall correct choice to make. To be very honest, the pics above from tpj71mach sold me on the new fasteners.

The one thing for certain with the decision to purchase the Master kit over the piece by piece was made very simple. Even though I ended up with some duplicates as far as what comes with the new parts, it was much less expensive to just purchase the master kits. I'm going to also go with th fact they are most likely a better grade of fastener than some of those that are with the parts.

Unfortunately, didn't get things wrapped up as planned. Ran out of steam about 2 hours after dinner but at least there's now a somewhat cleaner path around the front and passenger side of the car.

 

[California 72]

Been out for a while with other projects. A neighbor installed a pool and they had the resulting dirt from the hole delivered to us since we were in need of some. By some I mean a massive sum, like 300 yards and now we’re a third of the way there. It rained thrice this week, ending a 6 week drought but that also made the soil, which hadn’t been compacted yet, unworkable.
Anyhow, enough of that and back to the car.
The crank is ready after being polished, we did learn that it was 0.010 undersized but nothing too severe to overcome.
The block is at the shop and work progresses there too. Going with the original connecting rods and decided on free floaters for the piston pins.
As far as bore goes, whatever the clean up needs it will be at its bare minimum but the same for all 8.
I’m so very lucky that I’ve been offered the chance to have the ne pistons forged at that size.

So the parts paint process starts. These were just touched up today, waiting the commensurate 48 hours between the last coat and next since my day ended with 4 total for the start. These should be cured enough Sunday I can wrap and store.

The new ClassicTube stainless fuel and brake lines arrived today. Still contemplating on the vapor return line but will probably replace it as well.
Heads will be ready in another week or two with new bronze guides and some very nice seat work too. I have the new valves and hopefully soon I can get the remaining parts ordered to start reassembly of the motor.
It’s gotten a bit chilly here so trying to figure out how to use a spare air handler we replaced because the tonnage was grossly undersized. Planning on just using the heat coils to do temperature control for paint.
Otherwise, we keep moving forward. Lots of bare metal to use after blast in as well as primers. I am planning more media blasting but need a full couple days with no interruptions. Unfortunately that will be after thanksgiving so, more updates to follow as they happen.