TearDown
November 11 - 15, 2008 - Teardown is
complete!!! Removed final frame bolt (the only one that
required use of a saw) and pulled the transmission, partial
disassembly of engine (for weight purposes), then removal of
engine. PHOTO NOTE: The bulkhead is off, but sitting
mid-body for convenience.
November 1 - 10, 2008 - ONE BOLT LEFT!!!
Only one more bolt before I've completely removed the body from
the frame. As you can see from the picture, the hood
(bonnet) is on ground bottom-left, rear section is on right
(hung from beam for support), and bulkhead is still present, due
to one bolt that I'm still working on removing. Three
hours and counting on that last bolt.
October 20 - 31, 2008 - Continued to remove
various bits and pieces of the body. Removing frame bolts
with wrenches often turns to power drills, as I don't own an
angle grinder and am not adept with a chisel. Everything
from the steering wheel back is now off the frame.
NOTE: The rear body is big and heavy, you'll hurt yourself
picking it up...like I did.
October 15-19, 2008 - Continued to remove
various bits and pieces of the body, including rocker
panels. Rear of car is free of all but 3 bolts (rusted
solid). Removed heater, carb, freed manifolds from head,
and removed brake and clutch master cylinders. All carpet
finally yanked out (except under seat belt bolts) and all dirt,
dust, and rust vacuumed from car. Also loosened various
nuts and bolts in preparation for next stage.
October 14, 2008 - Removed rear bumper and side
pieces. Discovered that the "bumper" is really
just a piece of bent sheet metal. It's amazing that any of
these cars survived. Also removed tunnel cover
(transmission cover) and am working through identifying where
the various body panels are attached.
October 10-13, 2008 - Removed top, passenger
door, and various other bits and pieces. Did have to
invest in a set of bolt extractors (reverse drill bits) as many
of the nuts and bolts have joined to become one.
October 7, 2008 - Brought Shop-Vac over and
vacuumed up quite a few pounds of dust, rust, dirt, feathers,
animal droppings, etc. In the 33 years since this car has
been on the road, it's been home to many animals, apparently.
October 6, 2008 - Removed the windshield and
rear side windows. Rear windshield was loose when I bought
it. The glass is the least impacted part of this 40+ year
old car.
October 5, 2008 - Removed driver's door,
driver's seat and trunk lid
October 4, 2008 - Car on trailer after arrival
at its temporary home at a storage lot. Will be
disassembling car to the frame while sitting on the
trailer. The location is convenient to my home.
October 3, 2008 - The Herald before being
trailered for 3 hour ride back to Houston...and a few other
complications, including a flat on my truck while towing,
jack-knifing the trailer in the middle of a residential street,
et al.
