It's in the restoration shop right now. The engine has to come out, since all the gaskets and seals need to be replaced(those things dry-rot quickly), plus it will probably be a good idea to go ahead and put in a new timing belt, since I've experienced first-hand what happens when THAT sucker breaks on you! Nothing like a bit of preventive maintainance, if you ask me. The wires to the oil pressure sensor and temperature sensor need to be replaced, as does the cable to the speedometer, and believe me, it's VERY easy to find yourself going, oh.....90 mph in this thing, and not even feel like you're moving that fast! I've never had anything with over four cylinders before, and this is a 428-cubic inch, 375 hp big block V-8! The AC compressor needs coolant(no big deal), and the turn signal seqencer has to be replaced, along with the electric window motors(already got those)and the driver seat motor. I'm going to put new weather stripping around the windows and windshields. I am going to have to find one of those hidden stereo systems, so I can show the car, and they will detract points for modern stuff like that IF it's visable; the only exception is safety stuff, like an air bag or shoulder belts. I've already got somebody lined up to paint it, and touch up the chrome using electroplating, and I've got a new vinyl roof lined up. My goal is that when all is said and done, the car will look just like it did when it rolled off the assembly line in Michigan. It sounds like a lot to do, but mostly it's little stuff, the sort of things that are really more or less maintainance. Other than the seals and stuff needing replacing and the timing belt, the engine is in great shape, as is the transmission and seats, and the body is very solid. Those are the "biggies' of car restoration. The most expensive part will be the painting/re-chroming, which will be around $1600.00, but even that's less than I thought it would be. It is gonna be one awesome-looking machine when it's all done!
pitbulllady
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