"Pixel" (Improbcat)
01/28/2019 at 13:24 • Filed to: Project Colony Ship
3
7|
"Pixel" (Improbcat)
01/28/2019 at 13:24 • Filed to: Project Colony Ship | 3
| 7 |
Finally had a day that was slightly above freezing and not wet, so I could do some work on Project Colony Park. I can’t work on the big project of fixing the rust until it is warm enough to paint, so I’m trying to fix lots of fiddly problems.
First was replacing the shocks. All four were shot and would just stay compressed and not open again. So now there are shiny new gas-charged shocks among the sea of rust.
Next I changed the bulbs in the front cornering lamps. One was broken and rusty, the other looked like it had a cataract.
With those in, the turn signal flasher went from “slow” to “one flash every two minutes.” So i bought a new heavy duty flasher and plugged it in. You know you have a POS when the flasher unit is worn out.
While under the right fender, i noticed the rubber line to the charcoal canister was dry rotted and trashed. I cut off the end so i could take it to the store to get the right size. While at the store i discovered the cut off piece had a dead spider inside.
Replacing that line i realized every other emissions and vacuum line was similarly rotted and cracking. So now i need to go back and get a bunch of every size they carry and some connectors and replace the lot of it.
Lastly i picked up a class 3 hitch for $45. It needed some minor grinding and painting of rust, but saved me $100. However despite being the correct hitch for the car, it doesn’t line up worth a damn. I am currently trying to decide between modifying the frame holes or the hitch for proper fit.
Why am i doing all this work in the cold on a $500 station wagon? Quite simply, i have fallen in love with my 32 year old heap. I bought it half as a joke, but it is my first choice to drive if it isn’t raining or snowing. And it is excellent for the 2 hour round trip to a partner’s house.
Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
> Pixel
01/28/2019 at 13:30 |
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New shocks work wonders. I installed new shocks on the rear of the Focus, and it greatly improved the ride. No more skipping to the left when hitting a bump or pot hole, of which there are many.
Urambo Tauro
> Pixel
01/28/2019 at 13:34 |
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despite being the correct hitch for the car, it do esn’t line up
How? Bent frame ? Bent r eceiver ?
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Pixel
> Urambo Tauro
01/28/2019 at 13:44 |
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Looks like it is a case of trying to get it to fit too many years/models. I suspect the early wagon frame is different than the later panther sedans.
Basucally i need to slot the holes in the frame or hitch as they are about an inch width off. I also am going to have to add a spacer when i drill the rear hole as the frame doesn't match the angle of the hitch front to rear.
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Pixel
> Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
01/28/2019 at 13:52 |
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Yeah, unfortunately every suspension bushing is also shot, so i don't have high hopes for the same improvement you had.
wafflesnfalafel
> Pixel
01/28/2019 at 14:25 |
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warn out flasher unit... I can just see a prior owner driving around with one blinker on all the time.
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Pixel
> wafflesnfalafel
01/28/2019 at 15:15 |
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Well it was owned from 1990-2010 by an elderly woman who put under 5k miles a year on it, so that is entirely possible. :)
shop-teacher
> Pixel
01/28/2019 at 19:23 |
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She’s coming along :)
Man, I really miss my Roadmaster now!