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Finally preparing for a complete rebuild and here is the list of things I'm gonna get before starting:
- washing cabinet
- sandblasting cabinet
- baggies (nuts & bolts)
- boxes (bigger parts)
- digital camera (can't have enough pictures)
- complete set of tools
- Haynes manual
- Factory assembly manual
- beer
- patience
Fortunatly I already have most of that...will have the 2 cabinets this week. Question is, did I miss something? I'm trying to make this project as easy as possible...maybe doing a bit more work but making it more simple when I put it back up. So here is what I'm gonna do:
- Determine sections
- take pictures of the section. (esp. each bolt)
- uninstall parts of that section
- take pictures of dismantled parts
- wash parts
- sandblast parts
- put small parts in baggy
- put big parts in a box with the associated baggy
- proceed to next section
If anyone has any hints/tricks to make the project less frustrating, please tell me.
Re: Did I miss something (rebuild project)? (Lohkay)
I cant tell you how important the pictures are. I've been into a complete resto for 11 months now and I have literally hundreds of digital pictures.
Also, as far as the baggies go, use the ones with the "Zipper" and an area to label the bag. The zipper really works well when you've got greasy hands. Another thing, probably the most important, Put a fridge in the garage that way your wife wont freak everytime you tromp into the house covered in "car stuff" to get a cold one :lol:
Re: Did I miss something (rebuild project)? (Lohkay)
Yeah, air rachet and impact wrench are almost a necessity. Also, I like the Helms manual better than Haynes, but it costs a bunch more and you can get by with Haynes....
Re: Did I miss something (rebuild project)? (Lohkay)
Suggest you record/document order of disassembly, and any "tricks" or special tools used in the disassembly process that you may want to recall when it comes time for re-assmembly.
Also strongly suggest you buy a couple of cans of "PB Blaster", it's great stuff for breaking loose the rusted bolts and parts, if you apply and let it soak for a while.
May want to keep a log of new nuts, bolts and washers needed, or replace with new in each baggy, as you 'box each section up', no sense cleaning up bad nuts/bolts etc. which will be replaced with new. If originality and strength are not a factor, may want to consider using stainless steel to prevent future rusting.
Thx for the replies....I needed the confirmation. And yep forgot to add the air tools which I already have and the torch....can't live w/o it. The zipper with label baggies is a good addition...thanx. Making a list of parts to replace as I go is another good idea....I just hope the paper will stay readable with all the grease on it tho. lol. The fridge is already in the garage so that ain't an issue...just need to talk my girlfriend into keeping it full. :cheers: I might try to keep a webpage updated with all the pictures I'll take....might help someone one day. :D
Re: Did I miss something (rebuild project)? (Lohkay)
Just a comment about labeling the bag-o-parts. If the bolts, washers, nuts, etc are different, make a note of which bolt went where. I've learned the hard way a couple of times that the extra time spent here will save a lot of time the weeks/months down the road when you reassemble.
Also if you're pulling the engine, when disconnecting the wires and hoses label these with masking tape as well.
I guess the common theme is document as much as possible. I wish I had a digital camera when I rebuilt my engine. Even though I did take some regular pictures, it wasn't until later that I realized that some did not come out as well as I would have liked. It just made putting some things back together a little harder because you had to refer to the assemble manual/shop manual and trial and error.
What about an engine stand?
I agree with the previous comment about not cleaning the parts immediately. There might be some parts you replace and it just makes things easier to clean and paint all the bolts, etc at one time. Assuming you can keep them straight.
Re: Did I miss something (rebuild project)? (Lohkay)
I don't know about most guys, but I always have as many Chevy High Performance mag's that have the How-To's for what ever project that I'm doing. Those guys are great.
I would add a Eastwood powder coat gun (the cheap one works well and powder can be had very cheaply at powdercoat.com) and a cheapo oven to that list. Doin your own powder coat will save time and money and let you do what you want how you want it.