Arise From Thine Ashes!

"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword) 10/22/2020 at 18:32 • Filed to: None

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A longer successful test ride.

A pheonix in it’s natural habitat

Positives:

Trans fluid level is good

Didn’t overheat in 70 degree weather

Runs good warm

Shifts good

New shocks reduced diving

Nothing exploded this time

Negatives

Still smells like burnt waffles

Powersteering on last legs

Choke only somewhat working

Shudder in steering, either a rusty spot on rotor or bad wheel bearings. Gets worse under braking.

Speedo is way off, reads 5mph at 0 mph

I have never been more scared in my entire life.

New shocks finished bu the way! Look at this old garbage:

Sitting much better in the rear now. No scraping.

Simple job, but frustrating much like everything on this car.

Not much left to do but putt around. Next spring will be front suspension and brakes, and an attempt at inspection. Think Im going to call it this year.

Time for a beer, I think.

lone_liberal > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 18:43

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How are the Gas-a-just shocks? Do they help stiffen the compression? I’m thinking of getting some to see if they help reduce the number of times my front fenders and tires meet.

pip bip - choose Corrour > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 18:48

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well done. 

My bird IS the word > lone_liberal 10/22/2020 at 18:50

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Comparing the m by hand? The difference is dramatic. On the car? Less dramatic, but still noticeable.

boredalways > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 18:53

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Time for a beer?  Time for a 6-pk!!! You deserve it.

lone_liberal > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 18:59

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I might just give  them a try since they’re not that expensive. I put some OEM replacement KYBs on (I think the ones on there might have been original!) and it seems to dive quite a bit. I think the offset on the wheels is too negative but that will have to be addressed when the wife acceptance factor goes up again.

facw > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 19:00

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Looking pretty good anyway.

My bird IS the word > boredalways 10/22/2020 at 19:05

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Time for a 12 % abv stout

Nom De Plume > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 19:16

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That bit about punching through the floor boards was unfortunate.  Glad you got past that.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 19:37

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Nice job!!!

vondon302 > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 19:48

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Cheers!

boredalways > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 20:30

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Paired with a big fat juicy burger!

f86sabre > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 21:21

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Well done!

shop-teacher > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 21:28

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Well done!

arl > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 22:07

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Nice! 

EngineerWithTools > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 22:33

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I’ve been meaning to ask... what is the back story on your TA?

I learned to drive in a ‘78 (manual), with the Pontiac 6.6, so I have a real soft spot for them. But, but, but I’m an engineer, so when I think about getting one, I think of the design and  the list of things I would want to do gets very long and very expensive. Subframe, maybe rear suspension, fuel injection, hydraulic clutch, 6 speed, good brakes...

Merkin Muffley > My bird IS the word 10/22/2020 at 22:53

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Waffles with the screaming chicken on the hood?

My bird IS the word > EngineerWithTools 10/23/2020 at 07:46

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79', bought in Ohio for a gent that bailed on the restoration. Supposedly his son was getting married, wanted the money instead. Successfully driven home to PA. Bought with the intention of being a “work a little, drive a little” type project but due to certain things like the exhaust manifold bolts snapping the engine had to come out and I got it rebuilt with some actual compression and a cam. Plans for it are a full retoration, 4 wheel disc conversion, fuel injection, and possibly a conversion to a 5 speed since it is an auto car. Personally I wouldn’t bother updating the suspension. It would just make more sense to get a modern car. Plus, it rides fine for street use. A classic should look and feel classic. The rest isn’t so bad, and I am still on the fence about the transmission.

My bird IS the word > Merkin Muffley 10/23/2020 at 08:04

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Nothing chicken left of this one I'm pleased to tell.

EngineerWithTools > My bird IS the word 10/23/2020 at 11:39

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Thank you for the background!

You’re certainly right on the suspension, and about a classic being a classic. If the body is sound - so the rear isn’t coming through into the trunk! - it’s a fine setup for the car. I suppose there are also plenty of upgrade choices without going the full-send $10 k IRS.

Are you thinking of a roll-your-own injection setup, either homemade or Megasquirt, or out-of-the-box product ? With the SBC, obviously you have lots of options. With a Pontiac motor, the choices would be limited or at least more complicated.

Also, I assume you would go with a hydraulic clutch and not the OEM mechanical?

Anyway, thanks again for the info - good oppo! Oh, and the engine from that 78 I learned to drive lives on in this, my dad’s hobby car (that gets driven about 10 miles / year)...