Mechanical Restoration 2017

Restoration Gets Real

If you've been following my progress on Connie you know I've been working to get everything cleaned and working, mostly interior systems. I've spent many hours cleaning and polishing over the last couple of years while enjoying frequent trips around town.

My wife and I were quite busy with family activities early in 2017 but the calendar began to clear a bit towards the end of April. We agreed I would begin drive-train restoration on Mothers Day weekend and the planning began. I downloaded my electronic service and parts manuals to a spare tablet computer so I always had them with me to research a part or procedure. I began studying the engine removal sequence and began prepping the car on May 13. I removed the engine and transmission on May 14 and I've been too busy to update the website since (writing today on June 24)

Prep for Engine Removal

The first thing off was the hood. I do most of the work myself so I setup a couple of ladders with a cross bar and rigging to get the hood off. I removed the following: defrost blower, ducting and heater core. Brake booster, A/C compressor, drive belts, fan and radiator. Generator wires, starter motor and heater hoses. Power steering pump, ignition wires and throttle linkage. Exhaust headers, transmission linkage and torque converter bolts.

Engine Out!

The next day started with a run to rental shop for an engine hoist. The engine was attached by just two remaining bolts. This was my first extraction of a large V-8 engine and the process required most of the day. Once the engine was out, I used a come-along to pull the car back into the garage. I lowered the engine and built a pallet for transport to the engine rebuilder. Getting the palleted engine into the bed of my truck and secured went smoothly, though it might move more quickly with two people instead of one.

More that needs restoration

With the engine in the shop it was time to get the fuel tank, heater cores, radiator and transmission ready for rebuild.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I've been quite busy working on Connie - too busy to keep her website up-to-date though I'm taking lots of photos keeping parts organized as I go. The engine is almost complete at Joe's Engine Shop and I've gotten the radiator, heater cores, fuel tank and transmission back - some still need paint. I've spent many hours cleaning and painting the front suspension and steering components and today began tackling the engine compartment and fender wells.

• The Good - transmission was in good shape and came home all-new for less than estimated.

• The Bad - engine crankshaft had three cracks. It took me a week but I got lucky and found a good crank at Lincoln Land in Florida.

• The Ugly - there a lot of dirt, sand and grease caked inside the engine compartment but I'm making progess!