|
| The chassis is going to need some work. Most of the suspension pieces will be replaced and upgraded to improve on the weak factory components. |
|
 |
|
| The front suspension looks like it's never been touched. The cutting tool will come in handy taking this apart. |
|
 |
|
| The rear suspension is also original. We recently scored a tubular panhard bar with greaseable poly bushings and some Lakewood LCA's to beef things up a little. |
|
 |
|
| The front coil springs is ready to come out. I removed the strut first so a jack was needed under the lower control arm to keep it together. |
|
 |
|
| A heavy chain was wrapped around the spring to keep it from taking my head off should it come flying out. The spring compressors worked just well enough to let the spring pop out with a little persuasion. |
|
 |
|
| This view shows what a lifetime in the Northeast will do to a vehicle. The torque arm looks toasted and the driveshaft will require some work. |
|
 |
|
| With the front hubs out it's clear that the rotors will need to be replaced. They're too far gone to turn. Some new backing plates were purchased as the price was so low it's not worth the time to clean these up. The calipers will also need to be rebuilt as safety is a big factor in this low budget re-build. |
|
 |
|
| The first step in the spindle restoration was to clean off the flaky rust with a wire brush and then clean it with Lacquer thinner. |
|
 |
|
| Next it was treated with Eastwood's Rust Converter. This product is purple when first applied. |
|
 |
|
| When the Rust Converter dries, it leaves a clear coating on the treated area. The rust will turn black. |
|
 |
|
| Next it was coated with Eastwood's Rust Encapsulator. This dries to a flat black. This part is looking good! |
|
 |
|
| Here's the new K-member that we found from a listing on thirdgen.org. It was free, which is our favorite price. It looks to be in decent shape and will be cleaned and painted for installation once the motor is removed. |
|
 |
|
| After a few hours with the wire wheel and some sandpaper, the K-member is looking ready for paint. It will be coated with Rust Encapsulator first. |
|
