Builds My 1978 Nut and Bolt Frame Off Restoration (18 Viewers)

[MScruiser]

Heater duct

 

[MScruiser]

Brake master cylinder restore:
(If you are now reading this, I eventually replaced this unit with a new Aisin unit).

 

[MScruiser]

Started pulling apart the front axle.

Wire wheeled and ready for blasting:

I'll leave the 3rd member in place while I blast. After blasting, I'll disassemble, clean, then inspect. At this point, I will switch third members from the front axle to the rear, and rear to the front. This will help ensure even gear wear between the differentials. The front diff should look almost new.

After that comes paint, and I'll use new zinc and cad hardware, new bearings, felts, seals, races, etc.

Speaking of races; think these needed to be replaced? Lol.

 

[MScruiser]

Blasted the front axle this morning. Switched out third members with the rear and will blast again. Then comes paint.

I've got new pinion seals, and new seal flanges (deflector) from SOR.

Oh, and good news: the front diff oil was actually still oil and not sludge. A very good sign!

 

[MScruiser]

While I was blasting the front axle, I figured I'd also take the opportunity to blast the headers too.

Decided to paint the headers with VHT ceramic header paint, which was very well reviewed, and supposedly withstands temps up to 1200 degrees.

 

[velillen]

Looks great! Take lots of pics on the pinon seal. I need to do one of mine. Doesnt seem hard but more pictures are always nice

I also have the same craftsmen wrenches as you!

 

[MScruiser]

Switched pumpkins. Man, that sounds a lot easier than it actually is. What a pain taking both diffs apart...

Switched

Switched to the rear axle, and Prepping the cover for OE FIPG.

 

[MScruiser]

Blasted and prepped knuckles for paint.

Bought a can of Rustoleum Professional semi-gloss black, and painted the front axle. This paint is awesome. I thin it down with a bit of acetone, and then spray it with my HVLP gun.

And before anyone says something about me painting the flanges: yes, that was intentional. I'll be disassembling them in the future and replacing the seals, along with shiny new OE deflectors (already purchased).

New stainless steel hardware too.

Finished painting the knuckles and associated parts. (Still need to blast and paint disk brake shields).

 

[MScruiser]

Blasted and painted

 

[MScruiser]

Started rebuilding the axles today. Went well after I studied up on how to do it.

Felt and half-moons installed:

 

[MScruiser]

Passenger side hub assembly done.

Used Landtank's method for setting up the wheel bearings.

 

[MScruiser]

Tires are on.

 

[MScruiser]

Rear axle is almost done.

 

[MScruiser]

Installed bellhousing, and moving onto clutch installation. Used new hardware, and also used red locktite on the threads and FIPG on the heads.

New clutch fork boot and inspection cover from Beno.

 

[MScruiser]

Beno also got me a new set of clutch housing bolts, as he informed me that they were one-time-use. Locktite'd and torqued to 14ft/lbs.

New Koyo throw-out bearing. And newly cad-plated clutch fork ball pivot. Also new clips that hold the fork to the throw out bearing carrier; purchased from, and recommended by Beno.

Clutch is in!

 

[MScruiser]

Installed pedestal from Georg (orangefj45), and the PS bracket. Also took apart the gear reduction starter, cleaned it up, blasted, and painted a few parts, rebuilt, cleaned up the wiring and installed new marine grade shrink tubing, and installed.

 

[MScruiser]

I'm now going to start redoing the tranny and transfer case. Lots of bolts to be installed, lots of nooks and crannies to be cleaned and blasted, new boots, bushings, etc. I think it'll take some time to do. I think the finished product will be beautiful though.

 

[Rigger]

Great Thread! Keep the pics coming!

 

[Bear]

MS,

It's sure nice to see the amount of effort you're putting in to make a lot of the "unseen" parts restored to perfection. Keep up the good work !

 

[MScruiser]

Thanks @Bear and @Rigger . Rebuilding speedo housing, as mine was leaking diff oil. New seals from Beno.

Finished product. New zinc chromate hardware too. All blasted and painted of course.

Yup, I used an old engine mount to knock the seal in.