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| 09.05.2006: Car on jack stands |
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The front end on jack stands. Suspension work begins. The hood shocks
don't work, so I'm using a broom as a prop rod. The wheels and the axle
nuts come off first.
|
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| 09.05.2006: Ball joint separator |
|
This is a proper ball joint and tie-rod end separator. It's fast
and clean, and it doesn't damage the boots like the fork-type separators do.
|
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| 09.05.2006: Disconnected |
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Everything is disconnected: the ABS sensor, the tie-rod end and the
brake line (the car will get stainless braided lines).
|
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| 09.05.2006: Strut down |
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The struts removed. I have a pair of rebuilt struts to replace these,
together with the new style suspension arms. The bottle is there to catch
the brake fluid dripping from the disconnected line.
|
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| 13.05.2006: Soft top raised |
|
The rear shock tops on the convertible are very hard to reach. You need
to partially raise the top. I suspended it to the upped deck in the garage.
|
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| 13.05.2006: Rear shock nut |
|
With both top and tonneau cover raised, lift the trim near the trunk lid
corners and reach down through three layers of fabric to access the
shock tower tops.
|
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| 13.05.2006: Rear axle |
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When the shocks are disconnected from the car, the rear axle will swing
down. Support it with something so it doesn't strain the brake lines and
parking brake cable.
|
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| 13.05.2006: Rear suspension |
|
The rear axle on the ground, with springs and shocks detached. The shocks
were incredibly rusty and weak. I had to destroy one of the dust covers
to grab the rod while unbolting it.
|
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| 15.05.2006: Engine support |
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Engine support bar installed. It takes the weight of the rear engine mount
and allows to disconnect it from the subframe.
|
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| 15.05.2006: Front subframe |
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Subframe with the front anti-roll bar attached.
|
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| 28.06.2006: Clamp and brace |
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A steering rack
clamp and brace kit
from Taliaferro.
|
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| 28.06.2006: Driver side |
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Further stiffening the steering with a polyurethane bushing on the
driver side.
|
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| 02.07.2006: Rear axle |
|
Refinished rear axle with a 22 mm anti-roll bar and polyurethane
bushings.
|
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| 02.07.2006: Front subframe |
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Front subframe with a full set of polyurethane bushings for control arms
and anti-roll bar. Plus a Taliaferro six-point brace, still in the original
wrapping.
|
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| 16.07.2006: Front suspension |
|
Front suspension and brakes transferred from the old project car. Featuring
Bilstein strut inserts, Intrax springs, Goodridge brake lines and a full
set of poly bushings.
|
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| 16.07.2006: Rear suspension |
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Rear suspension installed. Again, Bilstein shocks, Intrax springs,
Goodridge lines and a new handbrake cable.
|
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| 16.07.2006: Subframe brace |
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Taliaferro six-point front subframe brace. Must have for a convertible.
|
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| 17.07.2006: Wheels |
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Wheels mounted, the car is on the ground.
|
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| 14.10.2006: Intrax vs Eibach |
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Couple of months later, it became apparent that Intrax rear springs are
not suited well for the car, so they got replaced with Eibachs.
|
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| 11.05.2007: Front Eibach Spring |
|
After a while, a pair of front Eibach springs made for 9-3 was
fitted
to match the rears.
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