So I completed a major task today (well, the first half of the major task, i.e. removal of old parts) and here's where I'm at.
Last month the car was finally (I thought) ready to run. One bad cylinder (#6, probably a burnt exhaust valve) but capable of moving under its own power, if a little roughly. Front and rear suspension 100% rebuilt with new bushings/springs/shocks/etc., new power front disc brakes and rebuilt rear drum brakes and parking brake, steering column rebuilt and new turn signal light switch and horn, new headlight switch and brake lights fixed, new complete windshield wiper system, dashboard rebuilt and painted, rebuilt starter, new fuel pump, carburetor rebuilt, new distributor cap and rotor and spark plug wires, custom wheels and tire fitted, whew!
Drove it one block and ***pffft*** out of gas. Yes there was plenty in the tank, about 5 gallons. Towed it home with the truck, back in the garage, diagnosis: must be a problem further back in the fuel system.
Earlier this month I started a consulting job, I got coaxed back out of retirement for some 'real' work however as a consequence I have had less time available to work on the car, but today I finally drained and pulled the gas tank and removed the fuel pickup and not surprisingly, they are pretty nasty inside. The tank seems in pretty good shape (not rusted badly) so I am going to have it boiled out and brought back to as-new by the local guy here.
I have ordered a new stainless steel (larger diameter to prepare for the big V8 later on) fuel pickup:
so hopefully within a week or so, depending on how much "time off" I can get from the consulting job I'll have it back together and will try the road test once again.
More to come, Dave
-- Edited by davelacourse on Thursday 24th of September 2009 06:40:21 AM
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Welcome back to the world of working. This summer has really sucked for car show been working 7days a week and every long weekend. But I'm not going to cry about it. Just think more money for car parts
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1957 Pathfinder deluxe 4 door wagon 1961 Pontiac Parisienne bubble top Traded for a Harley sorry guys.
You may want to consider epoxy lining the tank. I was told by the guy who cleaned mine out that todays fuels with ethanol will pull the moisture out of the fuel and it sits on the inside of the tank and causes corrosion. I figured regardless of whether that's true or not I had it done. The tank should last longer than me!
You may want to consider epoxy lining the tank. I was told by the guy who cleaned mine out that todays fuels with ethanol will pull the moisture out of the fuel and it sits on the inside of the tank and causes corrosion. I figured regardless of whether that's true or not I had it done. The tank should last longer than me!
Todd
Amen to that.
Here's a peek at the inside of mine.........purple epoxy.
The outside is coated with a synthetic rubber compund.
Have you considered the fact that some of us over 50 are trying to read your posts!!!! Man, when it gets to be evening I can hardly read font that size!!!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Have you considered the fact that some of us over 50 are trying to read your posts!!!! Man, when it gets to be evening I can hardly read font that size!!!
Dunno what I did wrong first time, but I fixed it now
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
however as a consequence I have had less time available to work on the car, but today I finally drained and pulled the gas tank and removed the fuel pickup and not surprisingly, they are pretty nasty inside. The tank seems in pretty good shape (not rusted badly) so I am going to have it boiled out and brought back to as-new by the local guy here. 
1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
. Just think more money for car parts
