Wiring upgrades and stereo install next...

I spent the weekend re-wiring the car. They are known to have Bulkhead issues at the firewall with the small pin connectors. Mine started with flickering lights then didn't charge. After researching and tracing wires through the harness it turned out to be at the firewall. I ran a brand new wire from the alternator to the Ammeter as well as a new one from the Ammeter back out to the starter relay. This fixed the problem and will make the old Mopar way more reliable since I eliminated the pin connectors at the firewall. I also replaced the Temp guage and gas guage with new technology ones that look original but are way more reliable. I bought the new guages from Year One and they fit and work perfect. No more guessing how much gas I have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmX_xilladI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmX_xilladI

Engine is completely installed. Exhaust next.

I had to fabricate this throttle bracket and kick down lever.  The new intake is different so the old one wouldn't fit.  Makes things very interesting when you start fabricating from plate steel.  I used my bender, a mini grinder with cutting wheel and drill.  After drawing the rough shape on the metal with a Sharpie - I had to grind it all smooth with the bench grinder - fit, grint then fit again.  Once painted black it looks like an original OEM piece and works great.  Goes to show you - if you can't find a part - you can always make one.

This weekend I managed to install the new engine.  I still have to hook up the exhaust and wire it but its well on its way to being ready to start.

Engine Bay has been prepped for the new engine.  Now I need to fabricate the alternator bracket and source some exhaust manifiolds or headers.  Should be able to drop in the engine soon.

Here is the new engine I had professionally built by Nova Automotive.  I will be installing the Carb, Headers, Coil, Distributor etc...  I will also be fabricating a new bracket for the alternator to fit the new engine.

My dad bought me a engine stand for the project.  Thanks Dad.

Engine time

Pulled the engine today.  Next - rebuild time.  Stay tuned.

Engine time

Hi folks,

I received a lot of great feedback on my Blog but it has been awhile since I updated it.  The car looks amazing and I will add new pictures soon but I wanted to report to everyone that I have decided to remove the engine and have it professionally overhauled.  This will be the icing on the cake for me and will really finish off the project.  I will be sending the original 318 Poly engine to the professionals at Nova Automotive in Dartmouth NS.  As I go through the process of removing and re-installing the engine I will add photos and updates on here.

Spring 2010 - the first ride today

Two years and it is seeing the sun again today. All that is left now is cleaning and finishing touches on the interior. The old car started up and drove like a dream.

A few more shots I took

It now needs to be cleaned bad. I have a small residue of compound on it giving it a haze look. I am looking forward to cleaning and waxing it.

Bumper

The bumpers are installed - I just need to pick up three more bolts this week. They will be re-chromed next year. For now I painted them - not too bad for paint hey?

Trim time

The trim has been installed and all glass, mirror, and emblems are also installed now. I also bought and installed new trunk seal as well as new door seals. Almost done. Next - complete the door handles then just a few interior pieces.

I think it will officially be done before the new year.

Calling to be driven.

Starting to see her all finished with the top down driving down Lawrencetown beach. Worth the wait for sure.

She is starting to look good.

One more go around with the polishing wheel and the trim and door handles can be installed. Now I want to drive it. Looking forward to that first spring run.

The Houndstooth mat for the trunk.

I was laying it out to flatten it. It was shipped in a roll and is a heavy rubber material. It is custom fit for the trunk.

Carpet goes in.

The new carpet had to be cut to fit. Now I will install the seat belts, side panels and seats. First the door panels will be recovered and the side panels in the rear will be painted green and black to match the car.

Wheels and tires - "Craigers"

I installed the chrome wheels. These really set off that green paint and look great.

Color Sand and Buff

The drivers side has been wet sanded with 1500 grit then buffed to a high shine with 3M compound and buffing wheel. Next I will move to the passengers side and follow the same procedure. The hood was removed to be repainted as the orange peel would not come out. Painting it while vertical like the body of the car should work better and lay down a better coat. It too will then be color sanded with 1500 and buffed out.