Anyway, the plan is to get the car running enough so I can drive it from Corona to Glendale, where I will keep the car while I finish the restoration (which I expect to take QUITE a while). When it is in Glendale, I'll find a reliable mechanic (I hope that's not an oxymoron!) to assess the mechanical needs of the car. Then I'll decide just what to do next.
We have so far managed to replace all of the hoses, and the general prognosis seems to be very optimistic; There's no water in the oil, no oil in the water. The radiator is holding water, the electrical system seems to work (including the trafficators!), but we're having a problem with the fuel pump. We installed an in-line fuel filter, and when we try to start it up we can see that absolutely no gas is getting through to the carburetor. Apparently we need a new diaphragm in the fuel pump, but I haven't a clue as to what kind to get, or where to get it. Can someone help me out with this?
I have other needs as well, and while they are somewhat less critical, they are equally puzzling. There is an oil filter element that I don't know how to find, and a duct that runs from the oil filter to the carburetor. At one end the duct is about 2 1/8 inches in diameter, and the other about 2 1/4, and should either contain a 90 degree angle, or be appropriately curved. None of the ordinary stores (Pep Boys, Chief) have anything that is really appropriate, and we've made do with a telescoping duct that seems not all that sturdy.
There also is a problem with the fan belt. We just couldn't get a V-shaped belt onto the car! The clearance at the bottom was simply inadequate, probably because the engine mounts are old and the car have shifted ever so slightly. At present we've installed an emergency belt, but I certainly plan to get the real thing before too long. Anyone have any thoughts about this one.
While there have been a few problems, I'm really very optimistic about the whole project! The paint may be awful, but the body looks really good, and I hope to have it running by this time next week. We're currently re-packing the wheel bearings, while waiting for the new tires to arrive (on Friday), and then we'll get to check out the brakes, clutch, tranny and rear end. Nothing we've seen so far seems to point at unusual problems with the car. I am not seeing any rust, except for rust spots in the paint. However, there seems to be a complete absence of structural rust, and it looks like I'll just be able to sand off the body rust and paint over it. The really heavy duty thing will be the upholstery, which is really shot.
In the not too distant future I hope to host a little get-together, similar to the one that Jarrid had, so everyone can take a look at my little find, and perhaps make suggestions, snicker or whatever :) In the meantime, I really need that diaphragm. Where can I get one (or should I just replace the fuel pump, and if so, where can I get a suitable replacement?)
Thanks,
Irv Kostal