22nd February 2008

After the little disaster with the engine I decided it needed a stand to rest on and move around more easily.

After three days of cutting, drilling, bolting and a little spray paint we have this custom Chevy engine and gearbox stand.

Even managed to get Nicolas car in the garage, so all is well.

I now need to clear up my garage and sort out the inside of the Dax.

The engine will need new valve covers and at least four new spark plus. A bit of paint wouldn't go amiss either. At least there's some positives coming out of this.

19th February 2008

Disaster struck today as I was removing the engine and gearbox. Having very carefully edged the lump over the front of the car the large hoist was holding the engine and gearbox whilst standing on some additional board to keep a level with the garage floor.

Unfortunately the wheels of the hoist finally decided now was a good time to move freely and the whole thing started rolling slowly down the drive towards the L200. Also to get the hoist over the engine it was at its longest reach and I hadn't had a chance to lower the engine.


The resulting noise not only brought Nicola outside but broke a drive stone.

I had left the L200 'in the way' in case the hoist decided to walk off on it's own and the toppling hoist narrowly hit it.

Not only did we have oil and water pouring over the drive, a pot of red gearbox oil had been knocked over.

Not only did we have oil and water pouring over the drive, a pot of red gearbox oil had been knocked over. So, four more spark plugs are required, some new engine and gearbox oil and a bit of touch up paint.

18th February 2008

Started bleeding the brakes. Why is it that the most inaccessible joint is the one that leaks. Brake fluid all over the floor!!

Hoist has been purchased and assembled. Engine and gearbox are now ready to be removed bar a couple of bolts to be undone when the crane is taking the load. Pictures will follow.

Andi.

13th February 2008

Oh no! the engine and gearbox have to come out. I have finally accepted it will be a lot less hassle. Huge engine hoist is required.

11th February 2008

This is the first bit I have made work remotely, having added some clutch/brake fluid and pumped some through the clutch system, sealed off a small leak and hey! presto the clutch arm moves. Next comes the brakes but you can't see those move so well.

8th February 2008

Now the back axle is in place I can get on with the most troublesome brake pipe, this one should, I thnk, go down the inside of the frame but due to the engine being in the way it's gone across the top. It's been a real trial, drilling pilot holes, 6mm holes and making sure the chaff doesn't get anywhere serious.

One of the worst things was getting to the offside rear brake calliper to attach the pipe. Whilst feeling for the bolt hole I found the end of the lock wire - quite sharp! No room either to get a spanner in so doing it was one flat at a time.

Finally with all pipes in place the brake pads are going in. Just the rears to do which I'm sure will be a problem due to lack of space but then we'll be onto brake fluid. At least now I know the front brake pistons move ;-)

Getting close to some expensive bits - exhausts, instruments and maybe some wheels. The next job though is the fuel tank and pipe, for which I am ready.