"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
05/10/2020 at 16:04 • Filed to: None
1
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"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
05/10/2020 at 16:04 • Filed to: None | 1
| 9 |
Lots of small parts today
Replacement windshield washer sprayer. Turns out these things are supposed to be tack welded on to their clips, which is how I lost the original. More wasted money!
New hood release cable, and a replacement clip.
Fixed my loose headlight connector. 2nd time is the charm apparently.
Also, silicone to secure my center caps!
So trans ams use these center caps. These are accurate gm authorized reproductions, so I wondered why they didnt fit/ retain well. Turns out, they never fit well from the factory! The best versions they make have these metal clips, but they dont add much in the way of retention, considering they aren’t even secure in the cap. The solution is apparently to put a bead of silicone around the lip to essentially glue/shim them to the wheel. Gotta make sure to use 100% silicone that is metal safe, otherwise apparantly it can corrode the aluminum.
Nice and clean. Now they will align with the spokes as well!
Look how crummy my rally wheels look without trim rings. Yuck.
As far as inspection, I can detect a small amount of play in my ball joints. I really don’t think they are unsafe yet, but I am doubtful they will pass. I have an order I want to put things on, notably I want to install my subframe connector s before my exhaust so I have room to drill the holes. Where this comes to a screeching halt is that pro touring f body sent me two of the same side connector... Back in 2018. And I just now noticed. And I think they are closed for covid. Fuck.
Pypes sends these u-clamp crush type exhaust clamps. I have heard that taking the pipe apart after using these and re fitting is very difficult.
For any oppos with experience, s hould I spend the money for band-syle clamps?
Sovande
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 16:08 |
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Weld it or use the band clamps. The band clamps will usually work well if they are correctly sized.
MM54
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 17:22 |
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The crush-y u-bolt clamps will work but consider them permanent, requires major hacking to separate the pipe again once smashed together. Band clamps are pricey but will let you take it apart much easier and are lower profile.
jimz
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 19:34 |
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So trans ams use these center caps. These are accurate gm authorized reproductions, so I wondered why they didnt fit/ retain w ell. Turns out, they never fit well from the factory!
I’m guessing this whole exercise is giving you tons of insight into what utter garbage was being built back then.
when some old guy says “they don’t build ‘em like they used to!” the only response to that should be “and thank God!”
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My bird IS the word
> jimz
05/10/2020 at 19:49 |
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I literally just broke a door handle due to poor design/ metallurgy. GM really did not build these to last. I think the only reason these cars are still around is due to how simple they are.
You don’t even want to know how bad those rally wheels are painted. I can’t believe a customer would have accepted delivery of that, let alone a dealership accepting it.
Old-Busted-Hotness
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 19:57 |
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Band clamps are 100% worth it if you even think you might have to R&R exhaust. Crush clamps clamp harder, but the pipes are ruined.
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jimz
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 20:00 |
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I feel you. my first car was an ‘87 Plymouth Turismo, and the outer door handles were made of the same shit. usually called “pot metal,” it was some zinc-aluminum alloy. total garbage. I think in the few years I had that car I had to replace both door handles because they eventually snapped.
just think about it- most cars built in the 2000s have plastic outer door handles, and those practically never break.
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My bird IS the word
> jimz
05/10/2020 at 20:11 |
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Its crazy that I miss my porsche 944's trigger-style door handles. How can I miss a handle? Then something like this happens. They feel terrible anyways.
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My bird IS the word
> Old-Busted-Hotness
05/10/2020 at 20:12 |
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I just know that everything is going to have to come apart a zillion more times. The question is do I want to spend like another 100$ just on clamps...
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Old-Busted-Hotness
> My bird IS the word
05/10/2020 at 22:02 |
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Up to you, but you’re buying new pipes otherwise.