I had high hopes of documenting step by step the restoration of my 72 but life got in the way.  I am going to post on this thread going forward and turn back the clock a few months.  Car was a good clean California car almost rust free car but needed love just about everywhere.  Paint is driver quality so my plan is to do what I can to make it a nice driver with intentions to paint later.  

 

 

A few more from along the way.  Hope to have the engine fired in another 3-4 weeks.

Balance tube shaved and intake cleaned up, things slowly going back together.  Just when I think I have everything I discover a missing gasket, bolt etc.  

 Installed the new heater valve and hoses, yesterday, boy was that fun, I think I lost 5 pounds doing that.  Exhaust going on tomorrow.

MSA exhaust system went on today, fits like a glove.  Headlight covers now going on.

Tried my hand at metal dolly work.  My project car evidently had been driven over a parking block or something.  I got it reasonably straight 

That looks pretty good

Wouldn't notice it if I weren't looking, at least not from that point of view. Nice job

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6 hours ago, lordkarma88 said:

Wouldn't notice it if I weren't looking, at least not from that point of view. Nice job

Sent from my OP 3T using Classic Zcar Club mobile
 

Thanks, I was a little concerned with the stretch but watched a video on how to address.  The other side of the car in the exact same spot is damaged as well but not as bad.   That’s why I think it was a parking block...

Slowly reassembling the engine, just about all parts have made it to me. 

Jaymanbikes, for your exhaust upgrade, it looks like you've got a stock exhaust manifold.  Is that an E30?  I'm looking to replace my current old exhaust (header has holes) and was looking at replacing it using a stock exhaust manifold and new exhaust system from MSA as well.  Did you use the MSA Premium Exhaust System (for stock manifold)?  If so, any tips or advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

That OE yellow plating looks great, what shop did you use?  I've got some parts that I would love to get re-plated.

I'm jumping in blind but the MSA ceramic header and 2.5" premium exhaust is fantastic for the price. I have it on both mine but needed a resonator n my 280. Local guy did it for $50 if I remember right. Very sweet sound. Plus the ceramic header cuts the heat way down around the fuel side. That big ole cast iron oe manifold holds heat causing hot restarts problems in my expirences. 

25 minutes ago, 240Znomad said:

Jaymanbikes, for your exhaust upgrade, it looks like you've got a stock exhaust manifold.  Is that an E30?  I'm looking to replace my current old exhaust (header has holes) and was looking at replacing it using a stock exhaust manifold and new exhaust system from MSA as well.  Did you use the MSA Premium Exhaust System (for stock manifold)?  If so, any tips or advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

That OE yellow plating looks great, what shop did you use?  I've got some parts that I would love to get re-plated.

Yes it’s a stock E-30 and yes I used the MSA premium exhaust.  It’s pretty straight forward, just get everything hung loose and then tighten it up.  I plan on having the flanges welded up at an exhaust shop since they tend to leak.  I have another car I used the system on and they leaked. I purchased the plated items from a number of sources.  I have a bunch of things I need plated and am looking for a good source to do this in Florida