I was thinking about freshening up the suspension!

[jlenownnab]

I wanted to upgrade my bushings,struts, springs, etc.... This is what my car liiks a few short days later. I'm pretty decent at tearing things apart.... I don't always remember exactly how they go back together. I need to clean all parts and I am going to use a self ething primer, 2 or 3 coats of black semi gloss and then clear coat everything. I really want this car to turn out nice. I am upgrading to a 5 spd, I had blue tooth installed and my a/c blows ice cold. After spending this summer trying to maintain a Triumph, 2 Datsuns and a race car I think I just want one nice classic car with some modern day upgrades. (Maybe the Spitfire helped me get to this point, it left me stranded 4 times this year). I am trying to replace belts, hoses, clutch, slave, master, brake lines, exhaust, mounts and more. I have noticed quite a few parts are no longer available, cross that bridge when I get there. Any advice or thoughts before I start reassembling. I sold the Spitfire December 31st, It's going to be a good year!!

[Jaymanbikes]

I  essentially did what you are doing about 6 months ago.  Looking back I wish I would have had everything powder coated.  The finish looks better and will last longer.  I am seeing some surface rust peak out here and there, then again I live in a coastal area so...

[jlenownnab]

Did you do clear coat too? I'm hoping that keeps me looking good I don't know that the suspension will ever be wet again.

[Jaymanbikes]

No I didn't clear coat and that might be the ticket. I just have had really good luck with Powder coating and it's very affordable at the shop near me.


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[jlenownnab]

I agree 100% powder coating is the way to go. I am really trying to see this project through doing as much as I can at my shop. Worked on it today for 5 or 6 hours... heres my progress so far. I'm pretty excited how it looks so far and to help the momentum continue, my wife text me 2 or 3 times today saying I have packages piling up on the front porch. On the flip side, my shop is destroyed from taking the car apart, media blasting everything, burning out the bushings and now OVERSPRAY! I have started cleaning up the mess in between each coat of paint. Can anyone tell me if the oil pan and diff cover gets high temp paint or regular? 

Thanks

[Jaymanbikes]

Nice work, after doing mine I had about $1,000 in chiropractic bills. 

[jlenownnab]

Got a nice day in of painting on Friday, so far this is what I have accomplished. I am very happy with the results, The clear is really making the job look well finished. I still have a lot of painting to do..... I'm wondering how far to take this project at this point, I will drive this car alot on nice weather days to run errands for work and I will drive it somewhat hard. I want to clean the engine up but I have zero interest in chrome and bling. Is there a good middle ground? When it comes to the starter, coil, radiator housing, air filter box and other items in the engine compartment, do those items get cleaned or is it common to paint them as well? Any recomendations for maintnance while it's torn apart? I'm doing gaskets and most seals. 

thanks, 

[jlenownnab]

Can I get a little help on what to do about radiator housing, starter, distributor base, etc?????? Can those parts be painted the same or do they need special paint or prep or what ever???? 

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Way to go, you should be very proud of your effort. Just take your time and enjoy the process.  Try to make a list of things you feel you absolutely must do and things you just would like to do, and then a list of things that would be nice, but you do not need to do.  Keep in mind how the car will be used?  Be honest and enjoy the project.  Do not let the 'while I am here' get out of control.

[jlenownnab]

Thank you Zedyone, It's hard not to feel like everything needs to be touched on and gone through. My frugal side of me helps keep that part of the project in tact.

A little more cleaning and painting tomorrow and Thursday I am hoping to start assembeling the rear of the car.

[Zed Head]

Have you thought the struts/shocks?  And ride height?  My car had the original strut/shock mechanistic, still full of old fish oil.  There are good inexpensive replacements out there.

[jlenownnab]

Zed, I went with Vogtland lowering springs and KYB struts. I have Eibach with the KYB on my 70. I really like the look and feel of my 70 with 15" wheels. I think they will lower it an inch and a quarter if I'm not mistaken. If I were to not use my whole poly bushing kit and try for i little softer ride with good handleing which bushings would you go back with rubber? I drive on a lot of worn out side streets.