Shifter bushings & internal boot

After suffering from a loose shifter since I purchased the car, I decided to replace the nylon bushings. After pulling the shifter out, I discovered the bushings were almost disintegrated. The new boot went on easily & now we won't be able to see the road while driving

Front sway bar links

Tonight I started replacing the rubber sway bar bushings and after 40 years they definitely needed it!  Luckily this is a zero cost fix as I had a handful of extra rubber from a former sway-bar job that my dad and I did on my '98 Civic.  Check out the size difference of the new & old below.

Valve Lash Adjustment

After a very poor compression test when I purchased the car, I decided to teach myself how to adjust the valve lash.  Adjusting the valves consists of removing the valve cover, using a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the cam lobe / rocker and then adjusting the gap.  It appeared that all of the valves were somewhat open, thus the low results of the initial compression test.

This initial valve lash adjustment was done on a cold engine, I will need to perform it again once the engine is warm.

Compression on a new L24 engine back in 1972 was 185 lb/sq-in.  I typically perform a dry compression test on a warm engine, all plugs out, with the choke open and the throttle open.   Following the adjustment I'm pretty happy with the results considering its 40 years old!

Interested in what a compression test is?  Check out:  http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repairqa/engine/ques056_1.html

Initial Photo Shoot

I finally got around to taking my initial car photo's.  Below are a couple of the good ones, click on a picture to view a larger version.

Not rust, just the original paint worn off from the brutal Texas heat

Driver side rust

 Passenger side rust

Recaro racing seats, beat up pretty bad

Tires

So the driver front tire was loosing air through the valve stem. I was happy to hear that Discount Tire offered to replace the valve stem for free. That is until I brought it in & they said the tire was at least 10-15 years old & they're not allowed to perform any repairs on it.

So needless to say I ended up negotiating the cheapest set of tires for only $45 each! Should work for now Until the car is finished & I want to get some nice alloys.

Front brake hoses

Tonight the front brake hoses were replaced making the car a little more road worthy. These were definitely the originals as I had to use a torch to break some of the connection joints.

Note to self:  When replacing lines and introducing a lot of air to the system, make sure the Master Cylinder is bled before trying to bleed each individual wheel!

Electronic Ignition

Last night I installed a Pertronix electronic ignition and flamethrower coil.  After setting the timing (again) the engine runs much better now!  I still need to adjust the valves as I'm concerned about the low compression on 2,3,4,&5.

We got it!

Well the Z made it home safe & sound.  So the car does run, but very rough.  Now the real fun begins!

12 hours & counting

After tracking santa on radar (well my car on the road) its finally at the Markim transit center. Received a call saying the Z would be dropped off between 6am & 9am on Tuesday!!

In transit

DAS just updated that the car is now in transit to Mesquite TX.  At least its moving in the right direction (north).  I'm starting to think of that song "I've been everywhere" with all of the cities listed.