I guess its time for an update. Over the past 2 weeks, I’ve covered the rear end in aluminum, assembled the suspension, and started painting the rear end. I have no pictures of the bare aluminum, because I forgot. This is after the 4th coat of paint:
As with my last paint job, I’m doing the “$50 Paint Job” method, which requires 6-10 super thin coats of Tremclad. I’m on my 8th or 9th now, and will be doing another 1 or 2 this weekend.
To align my suspension, I used a square and a straight edge. This worked great on the original suspension (car never wondered, and always tracked straight), so I did the same thing this time. This is what I did:
1) I started by clamping a 2x4 to the bottom of the front of my car. This 2x4 was centered (passenger side to drivers side) and ran perpendicular to the centerline. There were markings on the 2x4 to match the distance between the spindle face and the centerline of the car. This is my reference.
2) I connected the bottom a-arm to the spindle, and then adjusted the top A-arm to ‘hold’ the top pivot point in place while I took a measurement. I placed a straight edge against the spindle face, and observed where the straight edge rested on the 2x4. I then adjusted the lower A-arm, so that the straight edge lined up with the 2x4 marking.
3) After completing the toe alignment, I secured the lower A-arm, with all the bolts and spacers required.
4) Next, I ran a straight edge across the bottom of the car (perpendicular to the centerline), and rested a square against the straight edge. I then adjusted the top A-arm, so that the face of the spindle would be flush with the straight edge.
NOTE: This setup was for 0 toe and 0 camber.
Final alignment done (other than the nut on the top bolt):
Random pic of my massive ¾” ratchet:
I was determined to hear my engine this weekend, so I ran the gas lines to the gas tank, and hooked up the wiring to the fuel pump. Man! It was good to hear the engine roar to life again, after being so quiet for the last few months! But, I noticed a problem! Out of the driver’s side exhaust, there was a very light stream of white smoke. After doing some investigating, I’ve found that oil is coming out of my exhaust, on both sides.
Now, I know how engines work, but I am very new to diagnosing/ fixing/ modifying engines. So, the investigation begins! I did a compression check (first time doing that) today, and all the cylinders are reading close to 150PSI, so there are no problems there. I will be doing more research on the topic, because I honestly know nothing about what causes oil to burn in your car, beyond what I’ve learned in this video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQiqdKYarxM .
That's it for now.
_________________
"The decision to build a car is not one reached through a rational mindset. It is a decision that is made because we have to do it! It makes no sense, but neither does love, children and taxes" -Sam Buchanan
My Build Log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3054