| 09.05.2006 Car on jack stands
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.
| | 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
Everything is disconnected: the ABS sensor, the tie-rod end and the
brake line (the car will get stainless braided lines).
| | 09.05.2006 Strut down
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.
| | 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
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.
| | 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
Engine support bar installed. It takes the weight of the rear engine mount
and allows to disconnect it from the subframe.
| | 15.05.2006 Front subframe
Subframe with the front anti-roll bar attached.
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| 28.06.2006 Clamp and brace
A steering rack
clamp and brace kit
from Taliaferro.
| | 28.06.2006 Driver side
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.
| | 02.07.2006 Front subframe
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.
| | 16.07.2006 Rear suspension
Rear suspension installed. Again, Bilstein shocks, Intrax springs,
Goodridge lines and a new handbrake cable.
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| 16.07.2006 Subframe brace
Taliaferro six-point front subframe brace. Must have for a convertible.
| | 17.07.2006 Wheels
Wheels mounted, the car is on the ground.
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| 14.10.2006 Intrax vs Eibach
Couple of months later, it became apparent that Intrax rear springs are
not suited well for the car, so they got replaced with Eibachs.
| | 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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