Project XTC - The Rehabilitation! (Page 34/47)
Frizlefrak MAY 09, 02:24 PM
Pat....your crappiest welds look better than my best.
katatak MAY 09, 05:14 PM
So this morning I got an early start - 6:00 am and I was laying under the XTC. Had a lot of little things left to finish up. I dropped the exhaust so I could weld it up. Still not sure what's wrong with my little Welder but I had a heck of a time getting a good weld. I did manage to get it done. As it was cooling off, I installed the e brake cables only to find that I had them in backwards - so I did it twice. Then when I though it was done, I dsicovered that I had the main cable on the wrong side of the rad hose and it was pinching it almost closed - took it back apart at the adjuster and rerouted the cable. We hooked up the trans cooler, torqued the axle nuts, tied up som hoses and wires, installed a new exhaust doghnut and reintalled the exhaust. It fit better with the new doughnut! Go figure? I did get the passenger side muffler back about an inch farther than the drivers side and probably no one will notice but it bugs me. Maybe I'll fix that later. After getting the rear tires and and sat on the ground, I fired it up - time to see if the tranny works. Reverse - no problem - backed it out of the garage, into the street. Now Drive - yep she moved forward!

Had the boy jump in the passenger seat and off we went. Been driving it around the neighborhood for acouple hours now. No real issues. She runs smooth and has a ton of torque - what a difference 100+ HP will make! She never went over 200* so I think that part is sorted out. I am very happy to have it moving again. A huge sense of relief and accomplishment! I'd do it all over again starting tomorrow. There are a few things left to sort out but nothing that I have not done before. Here's my punch list for project completion!

Gas Gauge and OP Gauge is still goofy - although the gas gage is now moving around some - maybe I jarred it loose cruising around today.
Put the Deck Lid back on.
Finish the AC - just needs to run some lines and charge it.
Install engine oil cooler - got everything, just need to decide where and how to mount it.

It does not sound like much of a list and I am just glad that it moves under it's own power.

Exhaust out for weld up:


Welded up and ready to go back in:


Another satisified customer!


His first drive with an extra 100 ponies!


Just to the ennd of the block and back!


Sounds as good as it looks now!


Checking it for leaks and burnt wires!


All that work just to turn it around in the garage!


Pat
Frizlefrak MAY 09, 05:40 PM
Congrats Pat.....the first drive is always the best. You & CJ did a great job and it shows.
josef644 MAY 09, 05:56 PM
Congratulations Pat I am just behind you by a bit. I am gonna get back on mine tomorrow.

How about a clip of the exhaust so we all can hear how it sounds?

Joe
katatak MAY 09, 10:55 PM
Thanks Dan, Thanks Joe!

I would have preffered to take a little more time and detail some things better but I was under pressure to get this one done quick. It could be better - maybe next time around I would detail the engine compartment and spend a lot more time "sanitizing" the wiring and hoses. Just need this one to be functional. I think it will be a great car for the boy to drive back and forth to school and work - if he can keep out of trouble with it???? I mean afterall - it's half Caddy now. My Mom has a 92 with over 200K - she's had it since new, regular service and all - she has only had a few major problems - power steering pump and a water pump at 160K. It's been a geat car.

He and I do have an understanding - he has 0 chances - one mistake and he loses the car! That's one deal with him that I will keep! I'm pretty sure he will work hard to stay out of trouble - he loves the car too much! It was a lot of fun building it with him - he has a lot of ownership in the car and he has learned a lot of lessons over the course of the last 3 months. He fully understands the importance of being organized and knowing what and where he threw things as he was tearing it apart. All those little bolts and springs and clips - add up when you have to start scrounging and buying them. I am really glad we had the chance to do this together. When I was his age, I had a lot of car/truck projects - at one time I had 5 50 thru 55 Chevy trucks - and my Dad was right there for all of them. I would not trade that for anything. Now that the garage is clear, it is time to get my 70 Monte back together. Last year's bonus finally hit the bank so I have a green light to finish the car. It will be simple and easy compared to what I just went through - looking forward to something less complicated.

I did do some more work on the XTC this afternoon. Got the deck lid back on, air cleaner figured out and tied up some more wires. The E Brake light was stuck on so I cleaned up the contacts at the brake lever. Drove the car around some more - nothing but smiles when I drive it. Turned out way better than I was expecting. I was worried about the axles but all the worries are gone - I took it over to the high school and ran it through it's paces - passed all speed bump tests with flying colors. No clunks, grinds or funny noises. There is a little occaisional "chirp" It does not sound like the belt. I'm thinking it is the rear brakes - new pads and really rusty rotors!

More later!

Pat
Hulki U. My-BFF MAY 11, 06:23 PM
Awww man, the XTC is on the road again! WOOOHOOO!!!! I bet your boy is just itching to get out there and drive it. BTW, those wheels are a perfect match for that body, it really sets it off. I'll come down and give you a hand and we'll do a dash swap for him.
katatak MAY 11, 08:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by Hulki U. My-BFF:

Awww man, the XTC is on the road again! WOOOHOOO!!!! I bet your boy is just itching to get out there and drive it. BTW, those wheels are a perfect match for that body, it really sets it off. I'll come down and give you a hand and we'll do a dash swap for him.



Thanks Andy. Funny you should mention a dash swap - that's the next project for the XTC (at least one that I will do) - an interior makeover - all new custom stuff! Come on down and enjoy the hot weather..... We can both sit in the lawn chairs in the shade and bark orders at him!

Pat
Tony Kania MAY 12, 11:12 AM
Just awesome! That car could have not found it's way into a better home. I caught the thread where you thanked the gang that helped out in the heart transplant. You ARE one standup guy Pat.

The run that you took through tthe New Mexico mountains with the Corvettes must have been like a dream run. I am more than willing to bet that the most of the Vette guys couldn't shake you. It is nice to be able to enjoy our little mid engined monsters.
Rick 88 MAY 12, 05:20 PM
Three of those Vette owners also have a Fiero or two at home also
katatak MAY 12, 06:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by Tony Kania:

Just awesome! That car could have not found it's way into a better home. I caught the thread where you thanked the gang that helped out in the heart transplant. You ARE one standup guy Pat.

The run that you took through tthe New Mexico mountains with the Corvettes must have been like a dream run. I am more than willing to bet that the most of the Vette guys couldn't shake you. It is nice to be able to enjoy our little mid engined monsters.



Thanks Tony! It was a good project and I'd do it again in a minute. Chasing the Vettes through the mountains was a lot of fun. I had no chance when it came to power but the Old Fiero does an amazing job in the twisties. Rick 88 was there! He will tell you that it was a great ride. He and I had to slow down for the Mrs's so they could take in the scenery on the way back but it was still fun - we did not waste any time. Between the 2 other guys, Rick and I, there are 8 Fiero's - I am pretty sure they love driving thier Fiero's as much as thier Vettes. There is nothing like a line of cars - regardless of make - chasing each other through the twisties!

Pat