"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
05/03/2020 at 16:12 • Filed to: None
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"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
05/03/2020 at 16:12 • Filed to: None | 1
| 13 |
My brakes were rusty from sitting for 4+ years. I was concerned that I would need to replace them immediately for inspection. Lets see what the damage is:
Before:
After
still some slightly pitted spots, but this was just after a short spin around the block.
Will have to see how some more driving clears things up, and it may not have eliminated my desire to replace the front calipers and assembly, but it has knocked that several slots down my list. I almost want to save the money in case I need to fix anything on the front suspension.
Priorities are installing my subframe connectors and exhaust system. Open headers are going to get me into trouble fast. Followed by replacing my U-joints and changing differential fluid for the first time in probably forever.
If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 16:30 |
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My car did that overnight once the day after a tropical storm. It was crazy.
ApolloX75
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 16:32 |
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Those old rotors are made of tough stuff. My Apollo’s are original to the car, I have spares for when the wheel bearings eventually fail and that’s the only reason.
Calipers are so dirt cheap for these cars, it’s almost comical.
sn4cktimes
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 16:33 |
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My Eagle’s brakes went unused for 3-4 years. They were scarily soft after sitting for so long. I worked over the rear drums a bit, mostly the adjuster, and unstuck the shoes . Took it around the neighbourhood after hours and gave it some good brake stomps until it started to get it’s mojo back. Might’ve been the brake booster even. I’m not sure. I’d like to buy a Willwood kit and swap the rear drums for rear callipers.
Sovande
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 16:38 |
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I just replaced the calipers on my El Camino. They were about $2 9 each.
How new/old is the suspension? I replaced everything except the idler arm, control arms and front springs in a day on jack stands. I had the shop install the front springs and do an alignment. The shop ended up having to replace the upper ball joints as well. The end result was something approaching okay handling. I suppose I could spend a couple grand and really dial it in with coil overs and all that.
Do you have any body bracing? I assume it has a rear sway bar? My El Camino did not and it was a hugely positive addition, obviously.
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My bird IS the word
> Sovande
05/03/2020 at 17:02 |
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Suspension is mostly original, alot of the bushings are in real bad shape but it looks like the tie rods and some other more critical parts have been replaced in the past, and the rubber is still ok. Mostly my concern is the (original) ball joints, although I can’t detect any play in the suspension, but I am no expert.
It has a rear sway bar. I have some subframe connectors to install and that should significantly improve the body rigidity.
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My bird IS the word
> sn4cktimes
05/03/2020 at 17:05 |
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My t/a has a rebuilt booster, all new lines, hoses, and rear drum components. The front calipers/pads have been on for god knows how long, but they seem in decently functioning order. I would love to convert to rear discs.
PyramidHat
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 17:06 |
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Yeah, the rotors on the BMW were rusted from sitting for a few years. A couple of trips around the block cleared that off. I finally replaced them as it needed it but I was able to get by for a while.
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My bird IS the word
> ApolloX75
05/03/2020 at 17:07 |
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Yeah, I kinda want to replace all the junk at once though just for sanity’s sake. I don’t mess around when it comes to brakes. Full front kit is about 250$, and you cant beat that piece of mind. Going to do the front wheel bearings at the same time.
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My bird IS the word
> If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
05/03/2020 at 17:09 |
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Its one of my major annoyances with car ownership. These were getting a little flaky though.
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Sovande
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 19:20 |
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Once I priced everything I figured it was cheaper and easier just to do it all. I ended up putting a big aftermarket rear sway bar and tubular rear control arms from UMI along with stiffer springs and need to find some stiffer front shocks. It handles much better than it did when I got it, but there is still plenty more to do. I want to have it drive and feel like a more modern car. It will never be a true classic and there are a million around, so I don’t feel bad moving way away from stock.
Have you considered fuel injection? I just did it recently and it is pretty cool.
I'll stop tell you what to do with your beautiful car now, you certainly have it all well in hand. It looks amazing and that blue is great. And now I want one even more.
Nom De Plume
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 20:12 |
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Open headers are going to get me into trouble fast.
The only way for that car to be reborn was this!
I’d make exhaust a priority before doing much more driving in populated areas too. Perfect car to be pulling this off in if I’m honest though.
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My bird IS the word
> Sovande
05/03/2020 at 21:42 |
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Fuel injection is very high on list of wants. Carbs are for chumps. The new options from holley amd edelbrock will fit with the shaker too, I think.
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Sovande
> My bird IS the word
05/03/2020 at 21:48 |
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The holley system is nice. Took a day to install and makes it so much nicer to drive. I used a returnless sender/fuel pump combo from Holley which really simplifies things too.
Good luck!