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@RTK you have started on some very good work, keep the restoration work coming inch by inch and that car will be fantastic. The 86.5 is a worthy car for your time and love. Keep the updates coming.
Thanks Guys! She's still a work in progress, but she's getting there slowly! I'll have to think about the AC here soon, and I'm thinking of going with the Griffith kit and Keuhl compressor. (My original is damaged beyond repair.)
Things are coming along slowly (but surely). So glad that there is a source for parts (including some of the site sponsors) as I'm ordering parts like they're going out of style! That said, the advice on the forum is great! i was able to adjust my throttle and transmission bowden cables (in that order) which helped tremendously with drivability. I was able to get the car smogged and registered after making sure all vacuum leaks were taken care of. (A smoke machine here helped tremendously!)
The car idles well, has a slight stumble on tip in of throttle but pulls cleanly to redline. From what I'm reading, the 722.3 transmission upshifting from 1st to 2nd at 4,500 rpm is normal? 2nd gear will run up to redline (I think - I ran out of space on the freeway on/off ramp before it wanted to shift) but it pulled cleanly up to the point I let off the throttle.
One thing I'm trying to figure out is this slight "chugging" when in gear like the engine is running up against the torque converter and causes a rumble (almost like a lopey cam might make.) I put the car into neutral and it idles fine around 800-900 rpm. In gear, it drops RPM a little and i get that rumble. Anyone experience that before?
Lastly - we raised the suspension a little - but I think it needs another 1/2" lift as that precious front lip spoiler is contacting parking blocks (not a good feeling!)
So.... I'm sure NONE of us had to deal with any scope creep when working on our cars, right?
It's been hot enough in SoCal that I've wanted AC. So the job of installing the Griffith's kit (using a Keuhl compressor) went very well. I loved that the kit came with its own AC brackets. And despite warnings, we had to buy some tools on Amazon to replace the expansion valve (I thought my tools would suffice. They did not!) More tools is never a bad thing, right?
And of course, after charging the AC, no cool air. The comb filter was not moving, and of course the external temperature sensor was missing. So after getting new diaphragms from Roger, a length of HVAC tubing for the alternator to OAT sensor, a new heater control valve, a vacuum check valve, and this amazing forum, we finally got 3 of the 4 diaphragms replaced. Of course a brand new check valve got eaten by the shark (i.e. I fumbled it and it got lost somewhere in the engine compartment because... it would be WAY too easy if it fell through the open space directly to the floor. Sigh.) After testing, and not having messed with the footwell diaphragm, all is holding vacuum. Yay! And a quick cycle test confirms that the comb flap now opens.
But of course, now that I've got everything torn apart (center console, gauge pod), I should change all the bulbs to LED, right? So there were multiple orders to SuperbrightLEDs (of course the three 194 wedge bulbs were forgotten), Adjusting of the contacts on the LED from posts from this forum, and testing installation to ensure they all illuminuated. So THAT is now done. Of course the automatic shifter assembly got mangled on disassembly (or I can blame the prior owner), so an order to Mark at 928 International for a used replacement was made.
And of course, I had to fix the odometer and trip meter, so an order to Pelican Parts for the gear was made. And I polished and De-Ox'd my illumination rheostat in hopes that it will once again function. Maybe.
And while I had the airbox out, I finally "fixed" the problem with the lower airbox's missing fingers to attach the rubber retaining straps. I get it's a backwoods solution to the problem, but those straps are not falling off anymore!!! (The bolts and holes in the box were treated with silicone gasket maker to keep it air tight, and multiple washers allow the straps to move a bit as needed.) No interference with the air filter and, as another benefit, I should not be able to install the air filter upside down now.
Remember, all I wanted was cool air as I drove the car and worked out the mechanical issues. It's no wonder that these repairs take all sorts of time. My wife keeps asking why the car is "so broken" and that I never drive it. Hopefully we're closer now to actually driving the car.
Next week - rear pinch bolt check, raising the suspension, alignment, and (maybe) replacing all windshield and headlight washer lines and check valves. Holding vacuum! Yay! All LED bulbs arranged properly in gauge cluster and switches for the gauge pod Polished and De-Ox'd rheostate for the gauge brightness dimmer Putting bolts through the airbox to retain straps Backside of airbox with bolts retaining straps that hold down the air box lid
Now-a-days, I just get my passenger to run out front and tell me when I'm about to touch the parking curb. My spoiler has seen better days, but at least it's mostly intact. I really don't want to damage it any more than it already is!
Two steps forward, one step back... it seems that's always the case when I work on this car! (Or as Rainman Ray of YouTube fame says, "I love my job so much, I do it twice...")
Got the fuel pressure dampeners and regulators installed. I should have changed the heater control valve while I was there, but of course I didn't. But I changed that (and took out the airbox yet again) as part of chasing down my HVAC vacuum leak.
I installed LED bulbs into my gauges and gauge pod buttons, as well as installed a replacement odometer gear. Pleased with the results, but noticed I dislodged the temp gauge needle after I put everything back together. I guess I'll be taking the gauge pod out... again.
Fuel pressure regulator, dampener and fuel line from Roger Front fuel pressure dampener (also from Roger) LED bulbs installed in dash pad and buttons... but noticed temp needle dislodged (red box)
06-12-2023, 07:01 PM
