Olympic Blue / Silver metallic 1972 US Import 1.7L

[LMR]

I have had other parcels delivered this week, one of which was brake disks. I think I have made an error with the front discs.......



So, have I ordered early or late discs?

[Darren C]

Take the plastic off please so we can see better and advise

[LMR]

Darren

I have just re-read your thread. I have bought the late version, and my discs are the early type - I think They do have the large wheel retaining collar. I am trying to avoid unwrapping them as I will be returning them - unless someone is after a brand new late set of discs?

[LMR]

I will need to wait until tomorrow for more photos - it's 5 miles to the workshop!

[Darren C]

No problem, that's what I was looking for. Wheel locating collar around bearing cap = later type disc. No collar = early.
Hope you get it sorted.
When I was having issues with mine the earlier discs were cheaper???? So you might be in for a refund.

[LMR]

Yep, early ones are cheaper - but probably offset by additional round of postage, and having to return the other ones. Who said car restoration was easy!

Thanks for your help (again)

[LMR]

Not much progress this weekend. I spent yesterday messing around with my friend's 944

Today I only put a bit of time in. I had intended to fit the rear suspension. I started well, and fitted new bolts and spring washers to the bearing carrier, and then torqued them up. I also fitted the hub. I then realised I had ordered the wrong M14 nuts, so put them back in the cupboard and turned my attention to the front. I was annoyed, because I am so close to getting these on the car.



So, I started by adding a few more parts to the steering rack. New bolts, and the correct locking plates for reassembling the steering coupling



I also replaced the bearing on the steering shaft. The photo shows the old one was past its best.



I didn't take may photos today, but the rack went together easily enough, and with everything torqued up, I thought I might as well see how it fitted to the car. So, I mounted it onto the powder coated carrier, then onto the car





I will be taking it back off to fit the tie rods.

I am sure I would be progressing more quickly if I was so nervous about working around the fresh paint!

[LMR]

I booked a day off work today. The last couple of parts I was waiting for have turned up, so without any more excuses, I had to fit some parts.

So, I laid the parts out



And after very little drama



So, as I was on a roll, I turned to the front suspension. A few more shiny bits



And after lots of puffing and panting





And my favourite photo is this. There is something about taking original parts, cleaning them up and getting them plated that makes this effort worthwhile

[Canarydelia]

Looking good! Coincidently I've just ordered Bilsteins all round and springs for mine today. If you are working on the car on Saturday I may pop over and take a look at progress...

[LMR]

Bren

Planning to be there on Sat, so pop in. Bring your sunglasses

[LMR]

Carried on with the suspension today. Front brake discs and bearing fitted. I had a hunch I had fitted the back plates the wrong round, turns out I was right. Corrected that and discs now turn.



Also fitted the rears. I am leaving the backplate off until the brake callipers return.



I also cracked on with making new brake pipes. I did consider getting pre made ones, but why do something the simple way......



Making brake pipes requires patience. I am getting there.

[Mr Pharmacist]

Everything you do looks fantastic! When do you think you'll get it on the road?

[Canarydelia]

I had the pleasure of seeing LMR and this car yesterday. I can confirm that none of the images in this thread have been Photoshopped- great job indeed!

[LMR]

Stuart

No idea on an end date. Which given I am trained as a Project Manager is a true sign I do not take my work home with me

I will finish brakes and suspension this month.
April, build an engine
May, wiring and other systems
June, bodywork
July, reassembly

But, looking back to Christmas I thought Stanford Hall might be a possibility. Looking at my rough list above, Silverstone classic should be a reasonable aim. However, there are a few factors to consider;

I didn't think I would be going this far with the car.
My workshop is 5 miles from home. I get little done in the week, and only get 10 or 12 hours each weekend to work on the car (unlike Darren I need to sleep occasionally!)
I may end up waiting for parts (I am trying to plan ahead, but I get caught out sometimes)
I have a life as well!!

So, as I said at the start, no idea

[LMR]

Only a short update today. I carried on making up brake pipes. And I took the car off the rotisserie. Its amazing how much effort went into to achieve what was described in those two short sentences



The wheels have been very kindly loaned by Zuffenhaus. Mine ones have very knackered tyres which do not hold air. I will get them refurbished and new tyres shortly.