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Where do I start, 1 new master cylinder and 4 new calipers later, I have brakes. As I stated before the engine also runs ok. I installed a new set of Diamondback redline tires for safety. After removing all the racecar nitrous fuel lines and redundant electrical components, re-wired as needed, it was time for its first drive since 1999. Well, it was interesting to say the least. First off, the shifter would not engage reverse, other gears function. No problem, I’ll just push it out of the garage. I take off down the street transmission shifts fine other than no reverse, but the clutch engagement is wonky, then hardtop starts rattling and both front latches come loose! Fortunately the top didn’t come off but I found both front latch adjustment screws were loose. Easy fix. Now on too the steering, the previous owner did say the car handles poorly. I found there was no front sway bar installed, installed a factory sway bar, links and brackets. Then what I found after returning to the garage, were the top of the steering box bolts were loose but the gear lash screw was adjusted tightly to try and remove the slop. Well that mission was accomplished but it also ment wherever the steering wheel was positioned, that’s where it stayed, no return to center and very hard to steer. Another concern was the throttle would not return to idle but stay about 1500 rpm. Not sure why it didn’t do the when running before but I found the way he positioned the throttle return spring it was hanging up on the idle set screw. My test drive lasted less than a mile, a very interesting mile at that. Back in the garage and I found something else I hadn’t discovered before, the drivers door suffers from the dreaded 67’ drivers door wouldn’t open from the inside, why should I be surprised, well at this point, I really wasn’t. The no reverse problem seems to be no bushing and only an old bent cotter pin holding the reverse rod on the shifter. Every time you try and put the transmission in reverse the shift rod tries to pull out of the shifter so not enough arm travel. I’ll order a shifter bushing repair kit tomorrow. Once I get the shifter problem corrected and now that the steering box is adjusted somewhat correctly, get a new throttle return spring bracket and I’ll try again in a few days. Hey at least I have good brakes and nice new tires and it didn’t try to kill me…..yet….lol. These cars can definitely keep one humble.
Until the next update,
Chris
Steering box adjustment is critical, hope you did it to the manual. Sounds like the alignment may be off if the steering wheel won't return to center, that may also eat the new tires.
You are getting there. Have FUN.
When you tightened the steering box cap down you may have jammed the sector adjustment screw which will bind everything up, especially around center. Try backing it out and readjusting it.
Now on too the steering, the previous owner did say the car handles poorly. I found there was no front sway bar installed, installed a factory sway bar, links and brackets. Then what I found after returning to the garage, were the top of the steering box bolts were loose but the gear lash screw was adjusted tightly to try and remove the slop. Well that mission was accomplished but it also ment wherever the steering wheel was positioned, that’s where it stayed, no return to center and very hard to steer.
The steering not wanting to return to center can also be improper caster setting. Once your steering box is in good repair, a front end alignment would be in order.
Nice to see you're making good progress. Look forward to seeing the car one of these days at the Jackson C & C.
I guess I miss stated why the steering wouldn’t return to center. It was due to the sector adjustment screw being “WAY” too tight. The steering box has been chromed, when it was reassembled, they had know idea what they we’re doing. I did adjust according to the service manual, after I tightened the sector cover. I’m hopping it will be better but I haven’t driven it since the adjustment. I have other things to fix before I can evaluate my work. I’ll keep everyone posted. I also have a rebuilt steering box ready to go to replace the chrome one. It was done by Gary R. Here on the forum.
If I had a box that was built by Gary R sitting on a shelf, and one in the car that was... suspect, at best... I'd swap places with the two without hesitation. Then maybe send the chromed one to Gary to work his magic on it to keep as a spare or to sell to someone who needs it.
If I had a box that was built by Gary R sitting on a shelf, and one in the car that was... suspect, at best... I'd swap places with the two without hesitation. Then maybe send the chromed one to Gary to work his magic on it to keep as a spare or to sell to someone who needs it.
Live well,
SJW
SJW,
I totally agree with your assessment. At this stage I’m just trying to get it running and driving under its own steam. The engine/transmission in the car now were used for his racing adventures. They operate fine for my needed assessment of the car’s condition. The original engine/transmission is in the garage waiting to be rebuilt and reinstalled. Once I sell the components currently in the car, I plan on installing Gary’s box, along with a host of original and needed replacement items. I figured I’d get more $$$, if the future new owners of the engine and transmission can see everything is functional, even if it’s only a temporary situation for me.
Chris
Railroadman,
I guess, with all the issues I’ve discovered with this car, the person I really feel sorry for is the previous owner. He was an enthusiast with a check book that several alleged “Experts” really never delivered what was promised. I really can’t believe he drag raced this car and it didn’t kill him. Most of the dangerous things I’ve found and replaced or repaired should be in the “Bubba” hall of fame. Lots of rain here in the foothills now, but I hope to get back on the car this weekend, and try driving it again next week. And of course there will be new pictures for all your viewing pleasure.
Chris
Ok, fixed most items on my first test drive list. I installed the new bushings and adjusted the shifter. I now have reverse as well as all forward moving gears. Made a custom throttle return spring bracket to reposition the return spring and now have safe throttle operation and the car returns to idle as it should. In order to access the shifter rods I removed the transmission mount and bracket. In doing so I discovered the transmission mount was torn and collapsed. Replaced the mount and the shift linkage now has sufficient clearance to operate correctly. The steering adjustment I performed on the steering box is much closer to what I would call safe operation but not perfect by any means. Possibly a 4 wheel alignment will make the steering acceptable. We shall see as it’s on the still to do list. I re adjusted all the hard top latch’s and the top stays put, thankfully. The next item I didn’t notice before but needing attention was the pinion bracket. The two bolts that hold the bracket to the differential were loose, why not right. Pulled the cotter pins and tighten both bolts. The amount of loose items on the car is just mind boggling. Also cleaned up the Chrome scatter shield and polished transmission. These items will be for sale along with the engine and transmission in the near future. I finally figured out the engine is a L98 from a late model Corvette. Still not sure on the transmission. Here are some new pictures of my progress as promised.
I almost forgot….here’s a picture of the car as it sits now… This was taken on my test drive. I’m parked in front of the house where the last owner stored the car since 1999. It’s less than 2 miles from my house.
Oop’s part 3 the first Drive
