groudhog day

[Milo]

I have spl311-11864 running at a smoth idle after sitting outside for 26 years. No copmression test yet, but in the next couple of days I'll get around to it. I'm guessing it's probably pretty good she sure sounds good all considered. Lots and lots left to do, but I'm on my way.

[DatsunBucky]

Welcome to the Forum!

Ask all the questions you want. Among the members here you'll find a veritable wealth of knowledge. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask because you think it'll sound stupid.

[nking79]

Just out of curiousity, why did you title this thread 'Groundhog Day'?

I grew up in Punxsutawney, PA where groundhog day takes place and have a lot of family there...

[S Allen]

My guess is you are referring to your cars first attempt at running in a few years. Outside for 26 huh? And it still has a frame under it? That is a keeper. Keep us posted on your progress but it sounds like you have a good start. By the way-how are the hydraulics? I would be amazed if you still had fluid after all those years. Good luck with your project and welcome.

Steve

[Milo]

First attempt at running in a few years, and a moment of truth as well, it was late and the title seemed appropriate at the time. Here in Idaho we don't get much rain, technically Boise is a desert, but we irrigate to keep it green. There really isn't much rust only the usual kickpannels and whatnot. Frame is fine. I think a tarp was kept over the car at least, but it sure wasn't garaged. Compression tested between 150 and 160 psi on all four with five compressions earch. Which was much better than I had dared hope for.
Hydrolics are empty. That's next. I need to remove and inspect master cylinder and calapers to see if they're suitable for rebuild or not. Might consider a Volvo conversion as I'm not made of money and will be relying on my expirience as a sheetmetal worker and shadetree mechanic to get most of the work done. My Dad had two of these cars. His 67 1600 was stolen and crashed into the clearwater river in Lewiston ID both the wouldbe thief the the car didn't recover from that one. Later he baught a 67.5 2000 from the owner of a datsun dealership in Spokane who had been racing the car. Dad didn't know how rare it was until I recently told him. Wonder who has it now or if it's still on the road? Anyway this was all before my birth in 77, but I heard alot of stories and jumped on this one when I got the chance. Great to have found this forum

[dbrick]

Isn't that a great noise? I fired mine up in a cement one car garage with an open header...An intense experience. Compression sounds good. How does the gas tank look? Mine was SCARY after maybe 6 or 8 years sitting with gas in it, and all the rubber lines were toast.

Before you do a brake conversion, price it all out with stock or stainless sleeved stock from a place like Apple Hydraulics...It's not that big a savings sometimes. What year is yours?

[Milo]

67.5 1600. My gas tank isn't too bad really some of the hoses are OK, but I'll be replacing them all anyway. I actually used the radiator overflow tank as an auxilary gas tank just to see if the thing would run. I'll be giving the gass tank a good cleaning and a coat of paint before I put it back up and I was impatient. Really it's all got to come apart again to get it fixed up half decent. I've got rust on the inner fender walls that I wont be able to fix without pulling the motor the interior is trashed. Just wanted to see if it'd still run. It does.
Got into the brake master and I can't even get it apart. I did manage to beat the piston further into it's cylinder after soaking it in liquid wrench for a few minuites. I think it's toast. I like the idea of keeping the car basicly stock, but as long as I don't do anything I can't undo I think anything goes. Even new master cylinders cost twice what it seems they should. Luckily the front end appears to be in real good shape. Seals, bushing, and grease is all she'll need. I've got to get a real clear picture of what the whole brake situation really is, then I'll weigh (price) my options. It's not on the road if it can't stop and it won't unless I can afford it.

[dbrick]

You are looking at the big picture on the brakes, so you'll get it right. On the master cyl, did you remove the little bolts on the bottom to get the piston out? Be careful, they strip real easilly.

[Milo]

Oh I got it. Thanks, maybe it's rebuildable afterall.