Macca

John. Great work mate. You did it!!

P.S. Your picture answered a question long un answered for me. After receiving my car back from a prolonged engine out episode back in 2010 (cam change etc car was in pieces for weeks) I was disappointed to find some pressure dents on the rear passenger side fender). I was confused to how this could happen. Dean paid to have the dent removal guy sort it out (he's expensive but made it look like it never happened). Looking at your picture I now suspect the air con compressor may have sat there for a while in some padding and dented it. Make sure you have to ones of padding under that thing as its damn heavy :-)

John McM

Donna's yoga mat just keeps on giving i think it is well protected there.

Overall a feeling of great satisfaction. A few ah f&$k moments, but no damage done (I hope). Warwick's reaction was a laugh when we finally had it out, he had an urge to start cleaning it.

Thanks for the support and time this morning guys, Neil came in first up, then Pete and Warwick. Ups to the latter two who stayed on longer than expected as we problem solved to the end goal. The success of this was very dependent on that. Now to separate the transmission.

CS Mende

Awesome John! Must feel great.

John McM

The engine and gearbox. Warwick looking for the Q tips.

John McM

Feels like I can tackle anything given the time. A few nervous moments when you realise that muscle power is useless with 320kg of engine and box to move.

pcarplayer

Haha. nice one. It was a great experience having that great big lump come out. I felt like a proud uncle I can only imagine how it was for the proud father

Its inspired me to bigger and better DIY on m own car

Moody blue

Well observed and explains the same phenomenon on my car ...had wondered since I got the car and know the engine was out for some time at Giltraps so quite possible happened in exactly the same way.

964X33

Top effort John and support staff. What's ETR and a return to duty date?

CS Mende

I'd love to know who did the work or who in general is recommended to go to for fixing things like that.

Stateside there are dedicated "painless dent repair" outfits who run around and quite simply work magic with a set of lights, hot glue and specialist tools.

Maybe it's just wrapped into larger offerings here but my googling has been inconclusive.

John McM

Jason, it really depends on what I find while I'm in there.

First up is sending the box to Dan to repair the 2nd/3rd synchro graunching. I'll also get the planetary gear checked to see how the weld in as handled 16,000km of spirited driving, a lot of it on track.

After that I have the following on my list:
1. Install engine pad
2. Repair crank sensor connector
3. Repack inboard rear CV
4. 20,000 km service, including valve adjust etc.
5. Replace front control arm bushes.
6. Strengthen engine gusset
7. Fit WB O2 sensor (for ECU tuning)
8. Gut CAT
9. Fit exhaust cut out
10. Look at fitting new carpet
11. Repair door pocket support
12. Isolate source of engine oil leaks
13. Repair hole under rear of bumper
14. Fix right hand side sill fittings.

Realistically, I think we're talking months. With a month away in Australia I think this will be an October/November return to duty. When it does go back on the road it will be my DD, track car etc and has to be sorted like a new car.

Pel

I've used Dent Magician a few times (Brett 027 275 8833) he's based in Takapuna though.

Macca

List looks about right John. Check RMS (rear seal), maybe look at cam cover housing gaskets (both as clue to oil leak), if you are doing the gusset you'll be having it painted after so add the engine surround tray tinware. Not sure if the ignition leads have ever been replaced but good time to check them over properly with a multi meter during 20K service. Not sure if air conditioning was ever functional in your car but now might be a good time to put it right so check clutch and bearings in compressor housing. Its a nice thing to have for a DD in summer and good to say you have it working.Other areas worth considering is RS heater bypass pipe install (easy to do the wiring fake while you have it all easy to access). Might be good time to remove and clean the ISV (although I recall you may have done this last year). Nice time to check all vacuum lines and T junctions while you have easy access, remove and have chemically cleaned and replated bright-ware and bolts etc. Dissi belt and rotor arm check and replace. Check bearing. These were some of the items on my list in 2010/11 & 12 looking back at my old notes, some/much of which would be cheap to get done if you do the leg work while the engine is out. Good time to check clutch, fork, shifter mech etc too.

Macca

Thats the one Chris, we have the same magicians here. I will dig out the one CCS use when Im next in NZ. Hes very good and did work twice for me. Amazing job.

kiwi 911

JMc - are you planning to open the Alk franchise of Europacific??

..................(with Dean??)

peterC2S

^^^ ok you've had your fun Paul - now change that avatar.... Please?!