71 rebuild

[craigh]

Looks fantastic Brad.

[wabco40]

Thanks Jethro, Craig.

I have started to do some work on the electric headlight conversion. The Mazda motors are fitted to a bracket that then bolts in place of the vacuum actuator.
From what I have read on US forums this tends to flex quite a bit. I decided to use what some of the members suggested and use two brackets per motor.
I made up two 1 7/8" long spacers and bolted it all together with a 4" 1/4x20 bolts and nylocs.
The brackets bolt to the four existing holes from the vacuum actuator. The link rod and heim joints then fit to the existing actuator linkage pin.
I will run the main power from the alternator to a relay and get the trigger from a wire run to the dimmer switch.

While I am at it I will fit another two relays for the low and high beams. This way I will get full power to the lights. The existing low/high beam wiring will be used to trigger the relays.

I am still looking at ways to convert the wiper door to electric. One way I have been thinking about is using a small 50mm stroke linear actuator and making a bracket that fits where the existing vacuum actuator is. I am still working on this 

[Jethro]

Brad when you get a fix for the wiper door put a patent on it son 

[wabco40]

 

Brad when you get a fix for the wiper door put a patent on it son 

I think it will be a combination of ideas sourced from US forums Jethro

[wabco40]

Pouring with rain here today so decided it was time to start pulling the engine.

I only managed to drain the fluids, remove the starter and few other pieces. I am going away for work for a few days so hopefully get some more done on the weekend!!!!

Also I had some parts arrive in Fremantle last week so went down this morning and picked them up. Got Custom Image Corvette 2" flared rear fenders and two Torque Thrust 18 x 11 rims.
I had the rims made up with a 4.75" backspace. My current 18 x 9.5 rims have a 5.25" backspace. This will take the new rims another 2" out, hence the 2" flares.

I will get the new engine/gearbox and changed diff ratio sorted out before cutting out the original fenders and respraying the car.

 

[Jethro]

Love those rear wheels Brad 

Jethro

[69VETTE]

Brad,

That is one sweet ride you have there my friend... its just incredible the hard work that's gone into it, and it shows... allot of Luuuuuve tooo !   

Just out of curiosity, im sure someone has asked, but where did you get the floor tiles.. there awesome ... i wouldn't mind something like that over my ugly floor.

[wabco40]

Love those rear wheels Brad 

Jethro

Thanks Jethro,
I just wanted to go a slight flare on the rear, so that's why I went with the 2" (instead of the usual 4"). The rims with a 305 or 315/40 tyre should fill the rear end in nicely.
Brad

[wabco40]

Brad,

That is one sweet ride you have there my friend... its just incredible the hard work that's gone into it, and it shows... allot of Luuuuuve tooo !   

Just out of curiosity, im sure someone has asked, but where did you get the floor tiles.. there awesome ... i wouldn't mind something like that over my ugly floor.

Thanks. I imported it in 2004 and spent over 8 years doing a chassis off rebuild. Just when I think its finished I am still changing things

I got the PVC tiles from a company called Carpet Tiles 1 in Sydney. $27.00 per square meter, a place here in Perth wanted 54 bucks a meter. I ended using about 76 meters as I didn't do the area where the hoist is.
Brad

[69VETTE]

Thanks Brad, i will go check it out . , much appreciated buddy.

[bfit]

Hi Brad
Are those flares  by custom image

Bfit

[wabco40]

Hi Brad
Are those flares  by custom image

Bfit

Hi Bob,

Yeah there Custom Image flared fenders.
I like the idea of replacing the complete fender using the existing bonding strips then blending a flare onto the original fender.

[bfit]

I like those as well I have them on my bucket list
Bfit

[craigh]

Hi Brad

Those floor tiles look like good value.

From the video it looks like they re soft not hard pvc.

How would they stand up to trolley jacks etc.

Craig

[wabco40]

Hi Brad

Those floor tiles look like good value.

From the video it looks like they re soft not hard pvc.

How would they stand up to trolley jacks etc.

Craig

Hi Craig,

There quite a hard PVC about 4mm thick. They have a coin pattern so it's not as easy as bare concrete but still no problems moving a floor jack and engine stand. I am not sure how they would stand up to direct sunlight on a hot day though, I think thermal expansion would be a problem.
I've had them down in the shed for about 2 months now with no problems. There are some good tips on YouTube on how to lay them.
Brad

[wabco40]

I made a bit more progress today.

Stripped most of the gear off the engine, just need to undo the headers, mounts and bellhousing bolts and its ready to lift out. I am off to work again tomorrow, so that's it for another week

I will hide as much of the wiring as possible while the engine is out and get rid of the vacuum hoses. This should clean up the engine bay quite a bit.

I mocked up the accessories on the new engine to made sure everything fits ok. I found some old school rocker cover T bolts in my spare parts bin that where left over from the 80's. I am not sure if I like the look of them or not

[Jethro]

Brad I've got a WOODIE

[craigh]

Drool Brad.....your blue valve covers are much nicer in my view

[Jethro]

Drool Brad.....your blue valve covers are much nicer in my view

I do agree with Craig's comment Brad , need some colour to break it up and those blue valve covers would do it    But then again Craig, if we keep quite enough Bard will be sell those blue valve covers soon and we could pick em up 


Jethro

[sirfixalot]

Wouldn't mind collecting the garbage