Calipers
Finally! Calipers are in!
I painted them, and installed them with shiny new brake pads, brake hoses, and cross over lines.
The brake drums in the rear are in good shape, and the brake shoes weren't run down enough to warrant replacing. WIN WIN WIN I just needed to clean them up and paint them as well.
We were also able to get under the middle of the car and run the rear brake lines from the front. With rust falling in my eyes, safety glasses are now high on the purchase list.
I had an ambitious day ahead! Hook up the front brake lines and hoses to the calipers, to complete the front brake setup.
I needed to remove the calipers in order to install the new brake pads. Once I found the bolts and had the right sockets, I found myself laying on the ground in the driveway wishing the car was jacked up a little higher. A lift would definitely be handy. After some seriously struggling, I was looking around for a longer socket wrench to get more leverage. I wasn't strong enough to undo the bolts with the wrench and laying on the ground.
My cousin came out of the house after about an hour, and said, "You don't have those off, yet?" I said, "I need a longer wrench to get them off"
He then walked over to the jack, pulled the handle off, and slid the pipe handle over the wrench and pushed down to loosen the bolt. As he walked back in the house he said, "Work smarter, not harder" I KNOW PHYSICS! I knew a longer handle would give me more leverage, what I didn't know was that the jack handle was a hollow pipe. UGH!
Now the calipers were off, and I removed the hoses for replacement. My cousin was cleaning up the calipers and testing them. Both had a frozen piston. No Good! New calipers will have to be ordered.
I spent the rest of the time today cleaning up the rotors and wheel wells. Incredibly frustrating to get nowhere fast today. Found the new calipers that can be shipped in a few days.
So here we are, day 1! Car was all hosed off and wiped down by my 6 year old godson. He's a huge gear head. From what I thought was rust and grossness from the previous pictures, just happened to be caked on WD-40 that my dad has soaked the car in to prevent rusting. Genius! But after the bath, the paint still shines pretty well, thought it will be stripped and redone.
We did notice some rotting areas in the lower side panels and fender that will be patched later. Also, small areas of the trunk and hood have small rusted holes. It has been noted.
After taking a look inside, everything seems to be in good shape to keep. So fingers crossed that the interior will not see much work.
For safety sake, I'll be replacing the entire set of brake lines and hoses. Though it looks like creatures are living in the calipers, my cousin says they are in decent shape and the rotors are also very good. I will be ordering tie rods, brake lines, brake pads, and brake shoes. (This car came standard with front disc brakes and rear drums)
So, brakes is what we will tackle first. This also means replacing the master cylinder. My dad had purchased a new one, so this old one will be replaced. A good thing too, since you can definitely see the goo left behind when we removed it, and some is even in the brake booster connection.
I learned a lot today about what everything is in the engine bay. Engine, where the oil goes, the transmission fluid, what's a brake booster?, the radiator...so many things.
I know today was only assessment day, but to feel a little more accomplished, I had to remove the master cylinder, and head to Advanced Auto. Advanced Auto comes highly recommended from dad for service and quality, and their discount program. The only thing in stock at the store today was a new engine filter, and some Mechanix Gloves. I felt much better with progress after I installed the new filter. Doesn't it look great?!
Also, the Mechanix Gloves were a must have! A lot of close spaces in there, and I was already getting scrapes and cuts on my hands. (My hands are my money makers!) I did avoid the bright pink ones at Advanced Auto, so as to be taken seriously. Even though, as I ordered parts, I was asked twice, "are you sure?".
Overall, an exciting day, and looking forward to getting started!
