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Front End
The front end is now
complete from rim to rim. Both tires went on without a problem
and spin nicely. The steering components are all in place and
the shocks are installed. The alignment of the tires cannot be
done until the weight of the car is fully on the suspension.
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Rear End
Both rear tires are
on - complete with brake components but no brake lines attached
yet. I had some real problems seating the rear right wheel bearing,
but eventually it went and the wheels turn nicely. I'll hook
up all the brake lines a bit later, there's still a few small
parts I need to complete that part of the car.
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The Engine
The next step in my
reconstruction will be to rebuild the engine. I am told it was
recently rebuilt, but I'd like to take a look inside and judge
that for myself. I've been storing the engine under a tarp in
the driveway, which of course was under about 2 feet of snow.
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Making Room
With the chassis 'trapped'
in the shop with me, space is going to be tight. The car is now
free rolling on its new tires, so moving it isn't a big deal.
I have shoved it into a corner which gives me enough room to
bring the engine in and work on it with reasonable comfort.
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Wow!
I've been getting
emails from all over the world asking me about the bug's progress.
Apparently the little beetle in my shop has made it onto the
big search engines. Now THE WHOLE WORLD is watching my progress.
No pressure here.
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Clutch Plate
Once the engine thawed
out, the first thing I did was to remove the clutch disc and
pressure plate. There seems to be lots of life left on the disc
- hope the rest of the engine is the same! The flywheel and crank
shaft turn very easily - a good sign that the engine isn't siezed.
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Mounting Bracket
The engine stand I
use mounts through the transmission holes on the engine block.
Although it's hard to imagine, all the weight of the engine can
easily be managed by this bracket.
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On the Stand
With help from my
neighbour Tim, the engine was lifted onto the stand where it
can easily be worked on. While on the stand, the engine can be
spun 360 degrees which makes working on it a snap. The stand
is on wheels and can easily be pushed around the shop.
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Draining the Old Oil
The first thing I
did once the engine was safely in the air was to drain the old
oil from the crank case. The old oil was still pretty clean and
there was no sign of metal filing in it or on the drain plug.
This is another encouraging sign that the engine will be workable.
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