Margaret C's Journal

Well, a lot has been done and yet nothing has happened since the last entry because of "redo" work. The restoration anthem.

When Molly went into the shop it became apparent that the suspension was woefully out of adjustment and the brake system was a mess. So, the last several months were spent "redoing" the foundation. I wanted a driver so I needed to refocus on dependability.

My initial plan was to couple my fresh 1275 engine with a rib case transmission. However, with my renewed focus on dependability I found a 1978 Datsun B 210 with a five speed transmission for a donor car. (I will have a rib case transmission and a Datsun with a nice strong engine for sale.) I indulged in a Quaife A Series LSD when exploring the old 3.9 and finding the ring and pinion was chewed up. My excuse at least. Too bad such pretty engineering is hidden away in the dark.

The after market brake setup was a mess. One rotor was designed for a wire wheel and the other for a steel wheel. Needless to say the calipers were way out of center. I ended up removing all the brake lines which were crimped and unsupported. The master cylinder had been jammed into the frame. And, the suspension had to be torn apart and reassembled so the car would track straight. But, the bright side to all this re-work is that it gave me an opportunity to do some personal upgrades for hard brake lines, install Tilton reservoirs, make new caliper mounting brackets and suspend some Tilton brake/clutch pedals which make for much easier driving.

The rest of the details will take care of themselves as the final adjustments are made on the brake, transmission and suspension.

I have my wood kit ready but need to get all the lift work squared away first. I am ordering all my gasket/window material from Cob's Morri Stuff in New Zealand. Gilbert Roberts has done a great job of tracking down parts. Anyone who needs a parts detective he's great.

Car was purchased June 2012 to make a driver. Car was stripped, dipped, all rust removed and body reinforced. Found an English sardine can tack welded to frame (special hiding place?) Replaced engine with a 1275 and rib case transmission. Install alternator, ignition, SU's finished. Moved to Phoenix.
New wood kit is being varnished. New leather seats are prepared; need to find matching carpet and interior liner material.

Working with local garage: August - September goal. After market disc brake system will be replaced and upgraded; drop down brake pedals installed. Suspension will be upgraded. Finish final varnish coats.
Next - Finish ignition/exhaust/instruments to allow for AC.


Future 2016 work:
Cleaning all the old glass
Install wood kit and seat belts.
Complete suspension work.
Finish new wiring harness and connections. Clean and Install trafficators and lights.