Hello everyone
Not an update just yet just a number of questions
1. What is the best way to store a radiator?
I have found that the best way to store a radiator is to cut some plywood or MDF slightly wider than the radiator, and put bolts through either side. This will protect the core from damage. also find some short lengths of radiator hose and fit a welsh plug to one end with a hose clamp to hold it in place, the other end is screwed onto the the radiator. Fill with coolant and fit the cap. This will prevent any muck in the radiator from drying out and turning into virtual concrete. When reinstalling the radiator, give it a good flush, the coolant will help clean it and it will be good to go even years later.
2. What is the trick to installing the dust seals on the front end. I have ruined a set of covers due to catching then trying to install outer upper and lower on the front end. I did it quite a while ago and now the other dust seals in the inner arms have started to perish so I want to redo them all!
Can you just buy the dust seals???
Take your time with the dust seals,when installing them. Also take your time to ensure that the upper and lower inner pivot pins are lined up with the control arms when you screw them in. I am not aware of being able to purchase the rubbers on their own, but I am willing to be corrected.
3. I want to clean up the outside of the gearbox and put a protective coat on it. Not sure what product to use but also want to get all seals etc replaced and the inners checked out as a precaution.
What have others done and in what order. I could easily wirebrush the outside but then what should I do to give it a nice protected surface? If I send it to a gearbox place would that dip it /clean it up
If you were to send it to a gearbox place they will disassemble the gearbox, put it in a hot wash to remove all dirt and oil, replace gaskets and bearings. If you were going to store it for any length of time, advise the gearbox place and when they reassemble it they should use a protective coating that will ensure that when you use the gearbox it will be as good as new
4. The same said about the engine. It's got a little leak of oil coming from the front of the engine since its been hanging off the engine hoist. So I thought that I would send it to the mechanics to give it the once over and maybe istall a better cam shaft. Then paint it up. How do you strip the outside of the engine??
Again, if you are going to send it to get rebuilt, leave it as is and it will be all cleaned up. If you clean it up and don't send it off for some time, and it has got water into the internals it may cost you much more to have any damage repaired.
When an engine is rebuilt it is normally put in an acid bath or "pickle". When this is done this ensures that all crud is removed from water and oil galleries and leaves a clean surface in which to commence the rebuild.
5. What are the headers like that are advertised on ebay??? Has anyone used them and why were the Jack Meyers headers soo good.
I have a set of extractors and just wondering if its worth the money to "upgrade"
The Jack Meyer headers really enabled the old grey to breathe, something that held them back with the standard manifold. Extractors also work, but may not breathe as well (depending on priomary size) and will increase the heat under the bonnet
6. There is also a firestreak twin carby manifold for sale on ebay??? for about 300 bucks. Is it worth that???
Lastly i'm thinking of ceramic coating whatever I choose to run. cos it looks nice. Does it perform any other function other that cosmetic?
Other twin carb manifolds will come up and will be generally cheaper, It really depends on whether you want a particular brand or whether you are just after any twin carb manifold. The more complete the manifold is, the more that you will pay. I am of the opinion that this is too dear for just a manifold. I would think that for that price you should be able to pick up a manifold with carbs and linkages that require an overhaul. Ceramic coating looks great, assists in the flow of intake and exhaust gases and helps to keep the engine bay cooler