The New 71 - Vesper

[seabeelt]

Thought I would revive this thread and move some of the info over from the old post, just so "I" can see where I have been and what I have accomplished. The list seems daunting at times.

So from the previous post
"Ok, so here is what I have done so far, and I'm way behind schedule for getting her on the road.

New KYBs front and rear
BEEK rebuilt the head
Replaced the oil sending unit
Replaced the fuel sending unit
New tensioner bearing
New soft dash from AR
New dash panels made by me - solid mahogany
New 95 amp alt from Mark Allison
Cleaned gauge glass - removed cleaned and reinstalled
New 5watt bulbs for gauge lights
New timing belt
Oil Change
New coolant
Headlight relay kit
Heated seats - seats still at the upholstery shop for a makeover
Replaced heater core valve - tested core for leaks
Replaced cracked plastic defrost plenum
Replaced center console with better condition - non cracked spare
Replaced shift boot
New chrome gauge trim rings
Replaced cooling system hoses
Sand blasted and painted some of the engine parts - exhaust manifold, coolant tee, cam, aux and crank sprockets, aux shaft cover and valve covers, rad fan mounting bracket, brake fluid mounting bracket, intake manifold,
Reprinted radiator solid parts
New thermostat
New fan switch
New temp sensors - gauge and overheat switch
New plugs and wires.
Checked brake pads and rotors - like new
New door lugs
New negative battery cable
New positive battery cable post clamp

Stuff still to do

Immediate
Newer carpet - nice set from the 78
Repair/replace passenger side window cable - likes to roll itself down when going over bumps
Replace Intermediate console???
New top

Some of these may have to wait until the fall, except for the carpet, which may come back out to install some ez cool

Next winter/spring
Control arm bushings
Ball joints - just because I already have new ones
Tie rod ends and center link
Trailing arms, short and long
Paint springs
Repair / replace rockers

Seems like I had not done much until I started writing all of this stuff down"

Still haven't done the passenger side window winder,
Scrapped the 78 carpet idea and went with new industrial carpet from a carpet store. Did the trunk too.
Replaced the top - check
Replaced the intermediate console - check

The to do list was two years ago and still needs to be done. This winter
Recently
Replaced all door, hood, trunk and window weatherstripping
Replaced 95 amp alt due to failure
Installed dual IDFs
Installed Computronics ignition
Replaced gas tank and hoses
Replaced front brake hoses - still need to do the rear
Replaced brake master cylinder
Replaced back seat plastic side panels and installed new speakers
Installed fuel pressure gauge and regulator

I would say that the interior of the car is pretty much done. Everything has been repaired, refurbished or replaced.

Now it's time for the suspension and body work

Yup baby steps.....

[124JOE]

That sounds like you have done quite a bit.
Good job so far, keep going

[seabeelt]

Thanks Joe. I will have to upload some of the photos to make it more interesting than just the list.
R/

[njoconnor]

Wow, Mike. Way ahead of me on the work accomplished list! But your list sure reads familiar. I'm closing in on "all but tweaking" level:

Resolve R front lower c-arm bolt/stud issue
Install new gear reduction starter
Install new H4 headlamps with Smith relay kit
Wire up the "city lamps" in the headlamps
Replace POs cobbled up crankcase vent hose
Replace interior mirror
Replace shoulder harness guides with steel set from A/R
Install the low amp power receptacles (went out this AM and picked up the relay, ordered the new fuse block...Thanks!!).
Install grille surround gasket, and while I'm in there...
Fasten my FCoA grille badge to the grille!

And maybe...if I get real industrious....I'll clean the sides of the engine compartment!

Keep at it, Mike.

Neil

[seabeelt]

Thanks Neil. Got another small project off the list this past weekend. Replaced the pinion seal and found that half of the bolts fastening the drive shaft to the rear end were loose and the other half not much better. Also found that there is not much left of the center carrier bearing, so that is next. Center section of the exhaust has a hole in it, so that needs replacing also. Alas I have a used spare off of our 78 still in good condition. Inspection is due this month, so it sure does pay to crawl around under there once in a while.

[njoconnor]

Best wishes with the inspection! That's one thing I don't have to worry about here in WI.

As I mentioned in the suspension thread, I crossed "starter motor" and "correct control arm bolt" off the list this past Monday. Couple of car shows this weekend, some time spent on the neglected yard, and then ion to new fuel pump and replacing the missing carb spacer. After that, installing the H-4s with Greg's kit, and finishing off the CV vent connection to the air cleaner.

Keep at it, but remember there will always be "something", which I still believe is why we mess with these great little cars!

Neil

[seabeelt]

Thanks, Rhode Island has funny laws regarding antique cars. If I get antique plates, no inspection, but it limits my driving and insurance allowable liabilities. If I get regular plates and an inspection (no smog required-just safety) then I can drive all I want within the limitations of Hargerty's policy. $35 is a small price to be able to go for a top down drive anytime you want. Plus I then have a second set of eyes on any of my safety items(like I don't watch them enough as it is)

[seabeelt]

Some over the weekend work:
First a photo of the leaking pinion seal, now fixed:


Why am I fixing the drive shaft?????


and


cleaned, painted with three coats of Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black, ready for assembly


now assembled


and small trailing arms