Some pictures and an update

The B has been sharing time with studying for the CPA exam for awhile but I've made it a point to get in the garage for a few hours each week to make sure the project continues to move forward.

The big news since my last post is that it is insured and registered. I'll have new tires by this weekend and hope to take if for its first drive since the TO bearing failure back in 2006. Things that need to be done before the first drive:

• bleed the brakes
• check clutch travel and re-bleed if necessary
• drain and replace the differential oil
• grease the front suspension and the driveshaft u-joint

I finished mounting the top a couple weeks ago. My top came without the hardware mounted so I had to do that myself. I managed to hide the hardware on the driver's side but the passenger side was a little more stubborn. After I had it all the way I wanted it, the female portion of the Lift-the-Dot connectors tore free from the inner canvas on the passenger side. Without a better solution, I just went all the way through the vinyl. I don't think it looks too bad and it shouldn't cause any problems, but it bothers me that it doesn't match the driver's side. I don't anticipate having the top up much anyway, so it will rarely be noticeable.



Here are a few pictures.

Notice the missing grille? My bonnet release cable is stuck. I've left the grille out so I can operate the lever manually. I'll be adding an alternate release cable in the front driver's side wheel well so I can install the grille.

I've also spent some time on the interior. I completely rebuilt the seats. I cleaned and painted the frames and replaced the webbing, foam, and covers. I also have new carpet and panels all around. I'm still missing the passenger side door panel because I'm rebuilding the vent window. I've also not mounted the door caps or door pulls on either side.

You'll notice some missing buttons and extra hole in my center console from a PO. I'm contemplating what to do about that. I need a hazard flasher switch but I don't anticipate ever needing the lighter. There's also a map light that's missing. I'm not sure how I'm going to resolve the console situation yet. I want it to look better than it does, but still somewhat original. I'm also going without the transmission tunnel armrest. It's old and brittle and I like this look better anyway.

I have the door seals but I've not installed them yet. I'm having trouble figuring out how they are supposed to stay in place. I might have to resort to using an adhesive.

Here's a partial list of things I will want/need in the future roughly sorted by priority:

• radiator welded and recored
• new fuel tank
• front suspension rebuild
• distributor rebuild
• boot carpet kit
• alternator upgrade
• tonneau cover