New Journal: Rhubarb

[mnbrennan]

Morning. Yes I dropped the lot on jacks.

The calipers came off as I'm getting the right z3m ones (previously M3). I am also changing the lines to SS

[mnbrennan]

After getting the car apart I set to cleaning up any of the rust on the inner sills, subframe, diff and boot floor. I then used the POR degreaser to remove clean the parts. Then I used the metal prep, which stabilises any remaining rust and etches clean metal. Then I gave everything 2 coats of POR 15. Whilst not exactly OEM, the main purpose is not to make the car concours but to protect it from the elements and make it last for another 20 years (hopefully in my ownership :) )

20170227_164005 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170227_164105 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170227_164217 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170227_164744 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170227_164817 by mnbrennan, on Flickr



Subframe before:

20170225_155545 by mnbrennan, on Flickr


I popped round to the ZedShed to have the bushes pressed and new bushes pressed in. I went for powerflex for the subframe and OEM for the diff bush. Both the subframe and the diff bushes were totally shot ( and I imagine they have been there since 1998), The core of one of the subframe bushes separated from the rest (a first in over 20 rebuilds apparently) Pictures:

20170228_193909 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170228_194204_zpsvilivq7l by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170301_095749_zpszjelxt3n by mnbrennan, on Flickr

[mnbrennan]

Some new parts turned up:

20170301_000852 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

[mnbrennan]

Today was mainly about getting the subframe and diff back into the car.


Assembled the Diff, trailing arms and subframe:

20170301_105226 by mnbrennan, on Flickr


Balancing on a trolley jack:

20170301_105805 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

Finally in place:

20170301_122042 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170301_125931 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

20170301_125942 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

I also put the sills back on, and the interior sills:

20170301_170312 by mnbrennan, on Flickr

[c_w]

The OE discs do look nicely made don't they with the random machine marks.

How much are the subframe end plates? I think I might replace mine too.

How did you remove the subframe and wishbone bushes? The job I'm not looking forward to!

[mnbrennan]

Tomorrow I'll be fitting these:

20170301_193146 by mnbrennan, on Flickr


I'm having a bit of a nightmare with the brakes. I'm struggling to get the handbrake cables out, and the SS lines may not be delivered until after the weekend. I had ordered SS braiding but have had to go with a set which have black lines (still SS underneath a black cover)

[mnbrennan]

Originally Posted by c_w

The OE discs do look nicely made don't they with the random machine marks.

How much are the subframe end plates? I think I might replace mine too.

How did you remove the subframe and wishbone bushes? The job I'm not looking forward to!

The end plates were £24.11 each plus VAT (expensive, I know!!)

I removed the subframe bushes with the aid of a friend. Heat the ends of the subframe to soften the rubber, and then press out

The press makes the job unbelievably easy. 10 mins and they were out. I'd recommend this over the old burn 'em out!!

[Dave P]

Originally Posted by mnbrennan

I'm having a bit of a nightmare with the brakes. I'm struggling to get the handbrake cables out, and the SS lines may not be delivered until after the weekend. I had ordered SS braiding but have had to go with a set which have black lines (still SS underneath a black cover)

I did this a few months back and just kept pulling on them and the stopping and re pulling and after a while they came free, it may be worth trying to get some wd40 or similar into the join and leave over night?

[mnbrennan]

Originally Posted by Dave P

I did this a few months back and just kept pulling on them and the stopping and re pulling and after a while they came free, it may be worth trying to get some wd40 or similar into the join and leave over night?

Tomorrow IS the day Dave. Haven't got the new cables yet do haven't been putting too much effort into it

[c_w]

You look very smartly dressed for handling a blow torch

Sounds like your brake lines are the same as mine, I got the Goodridge black braided lines. I like the stock look of them.