Project Chim Refurb log

[ProjectChimaera]

A few pics from the nearly naked chassis and a pile of parts for refurb and paint.
Could I have a few recomendations on paint manufacturers for items like hubs, diff and the like please? Ideally something that I can both brush and spray which will stand up to the normal environments of dirt/heat etc.Also any pics of colours that complement the white chassis and suspension arms to help me decide?
Ordered a huge pile of bits today, upper and lower arms, bushes, drop links etc. will be like xmas when they turn up!
Cheers Adi

[ProjectChimaera]

Sure is Longbaz, there is light at the end of tunnel though. Replacement chassis being refurbed and soon to be built with lots of new bits. Hopefully!

[ProjectChimaera]

Thanks Rich will research product.

[ProjectChimaera]

Thanks Paulathome, my chassis has had it! Tapped loads of holes and very thin in places so not worth the effort. I have another excellent one being refurbed a little after some excellent help on here locating one. I'm replacing all of the arms too as they are very poor.

[ProjectChimaera]

Thanks Gregor, the welding on the new chassis will be very nice!

[ProjectChimaera]

A bit more done today, gearbox,diff and various bits degreased ready for further action.
Inlet manifold and heads removed, camshaft and followers look in decent nick. Suspect that the engine has had some previous work, head gaskets/inlet manifold were composite material. Normal for 98 or were they tin type?
Bores are in good condition, no lips or scores and only a little movement.
Will have the sump off (leaking anyway)tomorrow and crack off a main and big end and if they look ok will leave alone I think.The water pump feels a bit rough so will replace it whilst I'm there.

[ProjectChimaera]

Thanks classic, it's certainly a labour of love this one! Interior apart from carpets and some seat rebuilding is recoverable I think, but I darent even give it serious thought until I've got a decent rolling chassis again.
Decided to replace big end and main bearing shells after inspecting today, not awful but seems to make sense having come this far. Camshaft is ok.
I've got new ball joints and rear driveshaft gaiters as they are rubbish. Both rear wheel bearings to replace but fronts are ok.
All new calipers and brake discs. Chassis will be brilliant, hope I can get the rest of it to a decent standard!

[ProjectChimaera]

First heap of bits off to the bliasters and powder coaters today.
Top work from Engineer1949 who dropped off my nicely fettled replacement chassis today, pics to follow.A little bit to do and it's off to be blasted and finished too.

[ProjectChimaera]

Chassis repaired, off to be blasted and finished on Monday! Repairs courtesy Engineer1949, nice job!

[ProjectChimaera]

[ProjectChimaera]

One precat removed, one to go. Stubborn little blighters aren't they!!!

A few pics above of bits being prepped and painted whilst I await the chassis return from the refinished.

Engine back together with new shells, water pump, thermostat, head and valley gaskets.

It's getting a little more satisfying now as I move closer to putting some bits back together.

[ProjectChimaera]

CHIMV8 said:

What equipment did you use,people have used all sorts

Lots of drilling with a very long thin masonry bit on hammer to start with. I found that if I made a dent with the pointy end of a pry bar first you could position and start the drill well. Drill lots and lots of holes before you try and remove any.

I used a couple of pry bars and a curved body shop panel chisel which allowed me to free the upper edge.

Lots of hammering and levering to make a decent hole all the way through at the bottom and then work around the edge until I could free the last decent size bit in one piece.

No easy way I guess but the second one was definitely easier than the first with lots of holes drilled.

A very long masonry sds bit over a foot long but small diameter lets you bend it a bit to get right through.

[ProjectChimaera]

Chassis back from powder coaters, now the fun starts!

[ProjectChimaera]

Engineer1949 said:

that looks better good work all round


john

And a lot of it your good work John, thanks for your help.Much appreciated.

Adi

[ProjectChimaera]

A few bits added to the front end of the refurbed chassis. Nice to see some shiny new bits being added for the first time.
Moving on to the back end next although I have a problem with the thread in the new NSR lower arm adjustment sleeve. The weld seems to have penetrated through and damaged the tread, The offside winds in with fingers, no chance with the near side. Important that these move freely for geometry later so the supplier is looking at replacement for me. Hope it's quick I want it rolling soon!
Spent some time earlier in the week relocating the fusebox, wires all unwound and it's plenty long enough to mount behind the passenger seat.Need to fabricate a mounting board and decide if it faces up or forward. Still thinking about putting an oddessy in the boot(still not convinced about mounting near fuel tank?)or modifying the Ecu and battery security/storage in the footwell.

[ProjectChimaera]

D-Day tomorrow with the body and chassis being reunited.
Hopefully I've remembered everything and it will go well, seems like another significant milestone.
Chassis ready and engine bay prepared with new heat proofing,paint and heater hoses etc.