Olivia

Olivia
Originally uploaded by solarstance.

As predicted, a baby seems to take up much of your time....especially time to work on a Firebird that is 10 miles away. Unfortunately, it sits again, working it's way into the earth.

The good news is, we had a wonderful baby girl on March 28, 2006. It's no coinsidence that it's been that long since I've worked on the car. Someday....someday soon I hope.

Carb rebuild

Well, it was running a bit rough, and then when it started leaking gas, I decided to rebuild it. I pulled it, brought it home and started ordering parts. Picked up a holley rebuild kit, an electric choke, and a throttle plate (after realizing my secondaries were COMPLETELY seized). This was my first rebuild and honestly it was very intimidating when I opened the kit.

Turned out it really wasn't too bad. I took my time disassembling the carb in sections, and cleaning parts along the way. The kit didn't really have instructions, so leftover parts was a bit unnerving. Anyway, I installed it and it seems to run better than before.

I drove it up and down the street a few times. It was still a bit rough and I found a cracked vacuum hose...so I ordered another. I also noticed an (unrelated) power steering fluid leak so I ordered another hose from Ames. If it still runs rough, I'm thinking about upgrading to hei. We'll see.

Pesky mice

Took the door panel off an found a nice (empty) mouse nest. I've found them under the seats and a HUGE one in the trunk, but beats me how they got in the door panel. I guess throught a tear in the bottom of the door skin.

Notice where they got their materials...my convertible top pads!

Bastards.

Flywheel cover, door locks, etc.

Replaced frozen door locks with new ones from Ames. Used a big 3/4" open-end wrench from the inside to remove/install the clips. Much better than tearing up the hands.

Installed a new flyerwheel cover. Last one disappeared years ago at a friends garage.

Windshild wipers were not working. Removed the motor, cleaned up the leads, reinstalled with new grommets and screws. Works now but needs to be adjusted...doesn't stop at the bottom.

Removed a couple of interior trim parts to clean up. Surprisingly, they look great.

Hood hinges

Picked up some GM hood hinges off ebay and a hood release rod from Ames. Installed them today and for the first time since I've owned it (1985), I can actually open the hood with ease.

Electrical problems

Worked on a few things...changed the oil and filter, installed a hood release rod (never had one), and mini gauges (oil pressure, engine temp, and amps).

Gauges went in fine but now I have an electrical issue...The lights under the dash stay on all the time. I disconnected the gauges and still have the problem. I also noticed that the dash lights, top motor and the wipers don't work. Motors could be mechanical, but something tells me there is a ground or corrosion issue somewhere.

What to do...

I replace the disintegrated battery tray and ordered a few small parts. I'm moving in slow motion...the car pretty much needs everything so it's hard to get started. I don't have a garage and it's at a friends house which makes it more difficult.

Here's the plan:
1. Get the car road-worthy.
Tune up, check breaks, check hoses, fix leaks, check and repair headlight and brake lights
Update rear suspension. It sits really low and it rides like a boat. Install new shocks, leaf springs, bushings and hardware.
Fix exhaust. There is a leak at the manifold (or near) as a hole worn down by the rear axle. Headers?
Front suspension...?
Replace tire.

2. Bodywork (including top)
Ugh. Too much to think about

3. Interior
Same...so much to do. So expensive.
At this point it should drive nice and look good. I can slow down and order parts when I have the $$.