It started with a gascap - Project Arntz Restoration

[Aussie Mike]

Diff porn.

[750hp]

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

Diff porn.

Proof that you don't need a 9" to be in porn.

[boxhead]

Love the detail.

[leroy17]

Just some pics to round out the week. The more I get stuck into this project (and you could say that at this stage of quick freshen up, I am committed), the more I enjoy it. Anyone who is contemplating the re-build of an existing car, based on my experience so far, do it.

This is my first go at lock wiring bolts. These are for the bearing carriers which also double as the caliper mount bracket and the handbrake spot caliper bracket. I figured that these are best kept from loosening. The other is securing the bolts that mount to the housing and support the diff plate. There will be more at whatever point I feel needed. Also, I may make the wire lock that goes over the gascap, I have seen it on CC before, if someone can link to it that would be great.

Dana Spicer unis fitted to half shafts and stub axles, just waiting on rotors and this can be assembled and mounted.

Not everything on this mild freshen up is mechanical. The gaskets in the lucas front indicator and rear lights were dried out, deformed and did not seal. So replacements corrected this, can't see them but it's my way of covering all aspects of the rebuild.

I have never used a wooden wheel before but I thought that it would be right at home on this Arntz. Located a lightly used Moto Lita with fine scratches and signs of wear which should make a nice fit. Diameter selected is 14inch for two reasons, additional room and also as the Arntz column is mounted so high on the dash, visually it should be better balanced rather than a bigger one.

And finally, rear hubs after flash coat. These are what started the rear end re-build. The pin drive wheels I got had a ford pattern, the hubs were jag. So new wilwood studs were acquired and the hubs drilled and threaded to suit the new pattern. Also to ensure the adapters were hub-centric, the hubs were machined so the adapter fits perfect and centered.

[leroy17]

I have a thing for steering wheels, so there is good change that the Moto Lita may get replaced with a leather one, or a Momo retro, or a Nardi, or something else. At this stage, Moto Lita is it.

[albanycobra]

love your lockwire skills.........I can never get mine looking like that. I know what you are saying about steering wheels.....

[leroy17]

Originally Posted by albanycobra

love your lockwire skills.........I can never get mine looking like that. I know what you are saying about steering wheels.....

Thanks, I appreciate the comment. I am using .041 stainless aircraft wire, if I was using the thinner .032 I am sure I could get it tighter and neater around the bolt, but in theory , the thicker wire should be better.

[leroy17]

After being on stands all this year, was nice to get it back on its feet and to see if my suspension measurements were correct.

Motivation for this is its going to Williams Race Services this week for the front UCA mounts and shock mounts to be completed. Look back through previous pics and you can see the shock mount is a washer with a spot weld, and the new UCA's have a wider mount spacing and were 3/4 inch longer. WRS set up my previous Harrison and it was night and day once they had finished, so I will draw on their knowledge for this old Arntz.

Pics below are comparison of the old and new rear disks. Factory Jag to match up with the Willwood rears. I cant figure why with the previous disk's one is so much thinner than the other, anyway, no amount of machining will correct the many years of deterioration. Calipers are not fitted yet as this is still just push around at this stage and I will get to these with the next part of the plan.

When it came to fitting the diff, I figured it easier to have it on something that basically puts in the the right spot rather than lifting and maneuvering. A milk crate solved this with a timber slider this went into place and was bolted up easily.

With the front end and now the rear all restored, it disturbs me that the chassis and ... well everything else underneath is so so aged and weathered. Once I get all the other little things completed that require mounts and brackets etc, the chassis may be in for a treat.

A quick pic of the partial assembled rear with the bronze bushings, much simpler than the complex original assembly. Once the diff was mounted the half shafts, hubs and shocks are easily fitted.

And finally a pic outside, suspension height is nearly right as I have done no adjustments at all and just pushed it out of the garage.

[cobrakiwi]

Great attention to detail, looks great. The cars ride height looks spot on as well.

[albanycobra]

Yep that's the stance. Going to be a sweet car to drive with nice tight bushes and new brakes. Can't wait to see it all together.

[spookypt]

Parking inspectors got ya with his chalk already!

[renovationinnov]

all that nice paint work on all your under car bits & a dirty old chassis no cans for it paint ]
rob heheheh

[leroy17]

Originally Posted by renovationinnov

all that nice paint work on all your under car bits & a dirty old chassis no cans for it paint ]
rob heheheh

I got plenty more planned Rob, plenty more.

[750hp]

Mate, looking at how you've improved the stance of the car, it almost looks like the profile of the rear quarter has changed completely (for the better).
Oh, and the new wheels look a million times better!

Now:

Originally Posted by leroy17

Previously:


The photo without the windscreen in place make me wonder how it would look with a cut down screen and static cling decals..!

[leroy17]

No much to report here compared to some other build progress's, however the first 1/2 of next year should be a good one with some interesting things finalized (more later).

Anyway, a recent trip to the USA had a few of the remaining items which I was seeking.

IPSCO spot calipers (handbrake) were custom made to suit my disk thickness. These are the same calipers used on brake upgrade for Vipers, Panteras as well as on the Pace 427. Thanks to Craig at AP for providing me the contact. From my original call to order, confirmation of disk thickness and delivery at hotel, there was a total of 5 days. Fantastic service.

Lokar handbrake and surround will round out this setup with custom cable to suit the calipers. Also a Lokar throttle cable will replace the linkage set up currently used. I am changing all the pedal set up and prefer the opportunity of a smooth operating cable set up.

A set of SW gauges will suit nicely with a re-done dash with new switches. Its a shame to replace the patina of the current gauges, however I just don't like the current gauge surrounds and style. Many an Arntz has used this SW style in the past, so its kind of fitting.

Finally a roll of DEI titanium exhaust wrap for the sidepipes.

There were a few more things as well, however I will show these at another stage.

[albanycobra]

I love coming home and finding boxes of parts that have turned up.....like Christmas all over again...looking forward to seeing them fitted up. Can you link me to handbrake calipers? I have the old Wilwood design on my 40 and they drive me nuts....

Don't worry found them....Cheers

[120mm]

Originally Posted by leroy17

During this time whilst searching ebay etc, I came across a gascap. I have always been a fan of the non roller gascap so I thought, why not get it to add to the garage for 'art'.

<snip>

Anyway, I will use this thread do document my Project Arntz restoration, lets just see if I keep on track or get carried away.

It started with a gascap.

My someday build has started already as well. I've had a fake Nardi Cobra steering wheel hanging in my shed since 1982....

Great rescue of a cool car!

[leroy17]

Heart surgery day, yup engine out.

After the past weekends QLD Cobra club breakfast, a deadset champion mate lent his engine crane and his ability to remove the existing SBC and M22 to make way for something else.

Usually I have the camera with me and I take pics of the progress of things. However in the excitement of it all, (or just making sure that I don't balls anything up), only took a few pics of the finished removal and empty engine bay.

Job now ahead of me if to tidy up the wiring and ......... well everything else in preparation for replacement engine and box.

Engine out.


Such a professional work area.


Empty bay.


Creative work ahead of me.


Plenty of room for something a little bigger.




A Contemporary looking on waiting for the soon to be member of the red big block cobra club.

[spookypt]

Leroy I know where you can get a stout 4 speed that'll handle the BIG Blocks mighty power..... :-)

[Aussie Mike]

Any details on what's going in there or are you keeping us in suspense?