Sun Prairie '72 update

[njoconnor]

My last post had the images messed up, and the past 2 weekends have finally seen some tolerable temps here in WI. So...trime to show the progress!

Interior with EZ Cool installed:

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Since this was taken, I've added the two thin layers of white hobby foam (from Michaels) recommended by RRoller.

New soft dash:

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Dash from A/R, new wood from Chris Obert, chrome insert from VIcks. Dash and new console still sitting in the basement waiting for the carpeting and some other prep work to be finished.

I decided to reinstall the heater box before the capreting, but found out the PO had broken the right side snap clip "ears" off of the top half of the heater box. I posted about that, and Juvious came through with a replacment upper box. Here's the reinstalled results:

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Thanks, Steve!!!

Finally, this past weekend's work: installed the new exhaust from A/R (their performance version) as well as a new downpipe from them. The fit (and sound!) are fantastic; highly recommend anyone looking for exhaust replacements take a serious look at this one. Also installed the first functional emergency brake system this car;'s had in about 25 years!!

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Also installed the first functional emergency brake system this car;'s had in about 25 years!!

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Next week is routing the various under carpet wires, speaker wires, and new antenna wire; with luck and warm weather, maybe the carpet as well!!

[SoFlaFiat]

Nice work!!
Steve is just 1 step away from being the top vender for used parts around here!!

[narfire]

Looking great. Was the exhaust a 2 inch system?
Also, don't forget to put the lower transmission cover plate back on

[njoconnor]

Uh, yeah on the cover plate. This was the first time I'd *really* been under the car and I noticed that. Looks like I'll be emailing Steve again!

[njoconnor]

Sorry...forgot to answer the exhaust question. Yes, it's the 2 inch performance set from A/R. The PO's mechanic had installed a generic set of pipes and a flat muffler, using some rather unique mounting and hanging devices. I didn't think to take a "before" photo. During one of our longer pre-restore rides, the old system began banging on the underside during a deceleration. Spouse turned and simply said "Replace that whole exhaust system".

The new one went in flawlessly. It's in all the correct positions, doesn't touch any other part of the car, and is tight. All of the nasal tone to the stock and generic systems is gone, replaced by a nice low rumble. It's also quiet enough that, standing next to the driver door, I can hear all the neat engine mechanical sounds clearly, while the exhaust rumbles out the back. I'm very happy with the set up; like I said, recommended highly if you need a replacement.

A word on vendors: I've been very happy with all of the one's I've used so far: A/R, Vick's, Chris Obert, Convertible Top Guys, Seat Belt Planet (and, of course, Juvius!!!). There was only one issue with some carpet pieces, and Csaba had that squared away very quickly. All have been excellent not only with parts, but commentaries and questions when asked. Thanks, all!

[njoconnor]

I was remiss this morning in not acknowledging Mark Allison for his help as well. He literally saved the car a year ago with a fast shipment of fuel lines and clamps when I discovered a dripping fuel leak one morning. And....his Pininfarina badges are my wife's favorite part of the car! Thanks, Mark!

[njoconnor]

Finally got the time....and determination.... to tackle the carpeting today. I spent yesterday evening poring over the wiring diagrams to make sure I didn't inadvertently bury something. Good night's sleep, woke to a glass half full this morning (Badgers lost, Brewers won in 11, AND swept the series today... ) and out to the garage.

ID'd the (now unused) seatbelt warning wires, the PO's funky radio lead, freshened and attached the e-brake signal light wire, re-installed the heater controls, and then broke out the carpet pieces and spray adhesive (also planted three small nine-bark shrubs for spouse). 4 hours later:

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Then added Pat's favorite symbol:

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Very happy with the results, and it feels like a major milestone past today. For those interested, carpet kit is from A/R, Pininfarina floormats from Vicks.

Next task is cleaning up the top, and reattaching it so the car can get over to the top shop next month. Dash and console after that, then seats, seatbelts.....and we're rolling again!

Neil

[RRoller123]

Nice! (Except for the Red Sox getting swept)

[njoconnor]

Yeah, I'll admit that was the SECOND best part of the weekend...the carpets came in first!

Neil