New 87 GN (Topic merged with "It's On!" post)

[SuperSix]

Yep. I was at Autozone yesterday, and forgot to get some rust primer. I have some of that brush-on rust converter.. Don't care for it though.

[SuperSix]

Finally got the suspension parts done.

I cant see putting back in the stock 135k/25 year old front springs, or reusing the questionable shocks or front brake calipers - ordered replacements last night (Shit, just remembered I didn't order bearings. ) - should be able to get it all bolted back up next weekend. I have some more paint on the way too - I need to decrud the front frame rails, and paint the inner fenders. I even cleaned and painted the brake shields, I want to mouth kiss whoever invented flap wheel sanding discs. I was going to use undercoating spray for these parts, but I did a test spray on some trash parts, and didn't like the color. So, they parts are all primed with 2 coats of rusty metal primer (after very thorough cleaning) and then 2 coats of low gloss engine enamel.

What a PITA - but I got it done, returned the rental tool - what a great resource for the DIY mechanic.

Uppers and lowers done, ready to install (I will touch up the paint when I get more, I ran out)












turns out the grease boots for the lower ball joints mount to the ball joint body via a friction fit.
I found this out AFTER I returned the rental kit that had the right sized sleeve I needed to whack the grease boots into position. I saw an old brake caliper and had an idea.. Basically, I used shop air to pop out the piston, drilled a 3/4" hole in it, and used it, plus a socket over the ball joint stud to whack the grease boot on. :hullah:



Spindles ready to go in:


Disc brake shields:

[Steve Wood]

Looks nice...be too nice to drive

[SuperSix]

That's the thing. I won't be entering any car shows, and an not really concerned about how it looks. BUT..  It's the "while I'm in there" mentality, I can't see putting back together greasy, nasty parts. I will admit, I do go a bit overboard on the prep and paint. (Even though I nicked up the paint on most of the parts handling them after being painted.)

[phil_long]

looks really nice!

[SuperSix]

Spent another long day finishing up the front suspension Saturday.. All of this work is on the left-hand side, I got the right-hand side cleaned, prepped and primed - will finish that side soon.

Last night I took apart, cleaned, and re-greased the front wheel bearings. I was going to replace them, but only ordered outer bearings, and said fuck it, I didn't want to wait (or pay) for the outers, the old ones looked fine, I also didn't want to fsck with replacing the bearing races.

Assembled the spindles, mounted the new brake calipers to check fitment:






Then I started prepping the frame and fender wells for paint. I didn't really have to paint the plastic fender wells, but they were rough, and I had extra paint. . I made sure to spray the plastic bits with a few coats of adhesion promoter too.

After degreasing/cleaning:






After a few coats of rusty-metal primer:









After a few coats of my favorite low-gloss black:








Pic from inside engine compartment after left control arms installed:


Right side - I touched up the paint in the engine compartment as well


Height comparison of stock 135k springs vs brand new ones (I probably didn't need to buy new ones. Oh well)




Spindle mostly assembled and mounted:

[Steve Wood]

Looks really nice!

[SuperSix]

I am toying with the idea of restoring/flipping cars when i get older, so this is kind of practice.

[Steve Wood]

which brings to mind the question I have everytime I watch Wheeler Dealers.

Why doesn't Edd clean up the engine compartment when he is pulling stuff off to replace it?  Why not paint that rusty pulley when changing a water pump?  Seems like a little time spent detailing stuff might add to the sales price?

[SuperSix]

I have thought that often as well. There has to be a line between what he does, and me going bonkers with silly shit.

[Steve Wood]

has had some really interesting cars on there lately

[Pyro6]

You're doing a helluva job Mark. Don't worry about the static spring height, the spring steel quality is what wears out and doesn't necessarily affect it without a load. With the extensive work you are doing, it would be hard to verify ride height due to spring exchange anyway.

[SuperSix]

You're doing a helluva job Mark. Don't worry about the static spring height, the spring steel quality is what wears out and doesn't necessarily affect it without a load. With the extensive work you are doing, it would be hard to verify ride height due to spring exchange anyway.

Thanks!

Thanks for the confirmation on the springs, I thought about the wear/fatigue aspect too.

I found two new brake lines in the trunk when I bought the car (Attached to the calipers in the pics) - I thought "Score"! Well, turns out they were the wrong ones, I have to order new ones anyway. Hehe.

[phil_long]

wish my car was touched by your grace!! suspension looks great, paint looks great. im a long way from that point but at least I see what hard work looks like!!

[SuperSix]

wish my car was touched by your grace!! suspension looks great, paint looks great. im a long way from that point but at least I see what hard work looks like!!

Thanks Phil.

Take a lot of wasted time, paint, and sweat - add a dash of stupidity, you too can have a good looking suspension like mine.