1972 Squareback Restoration

[tristessa]

If you haven't done so already, REPLACE ALL THE FUEL HOSES, I DON'T CARE HOW "GOOD" THEY LOOK. Even those short ones on the injectors. Now.

Leaks from the injector body are pretty rare, and I'd be shocked if it happened to you twice...

[hambone]

Replace the hoses and try again? Ok I can handle that. Tomorrow.
1 step forward, 12 steps back.
I did fill the IN side of the injectors with GumoutTM for a couple days, maybe that caused problems.

[ruckman101]

I think I remember the hose popping off at the injector years ago on a fastback my girlfriend's daughter had bought. Glad it didn't catch fire.


neal

[hambone]

What a crazy crazy day.
Started bright and early at 9 AM. "I'm gonna git this thing running right". It would start, but ran horribly. Pulled the points to see they were carboned again. OK, filed them clean and re-installed. Ran well for about 5 minutes, then started missing again and running like crap. Carboned points. OK, could the condenser be bad? Yes. Replaced, and a new cap (because the locator block underneath was 1/2 missing) and it finally ran well. Still a slight surge at idle, so I replaced the obvious vacuum lines but no help. I am missing something, very frustrating. But the car does run nicely, with seemingly lots of power. There is a weird wet smell from the engine as 14 years of barn stank burns off, almost like a leaky radiator.
I was able to drive the car back and forth 10 ft., for the first time since 1997. It gave me a big smile.
Of course I see a ton of brake fluid on a back wheel, so my brake work is not yet done. But the fronts appear to stop well.
OK the damn thing runs and sort of stops, let's get that oil press. light working. Replaced a bad bulb, but no dice. I spend hours tracing lines, checking continuity etc. but I can't get it to illuminate. Something is wrong. I pull apart the front end wiring harness to find some of the wires melted together, very nice. But I still can't discover where the break in the line is. But ho-boy the wiring diagrams show a blue/green wire going to the press. switch, and I see a white one attached instead. Yep, there is a very subtle broken blue/green wire dangling deep. Still no lite. Crap. Ground out the wire and the dash light illuminates! Bad pressure switch. And now after hours of frustration I have a working oil pressure light. And I would like to kick someone in the back of the head who thinks those B&W wiring diagrams are useful.
This car is trying my patience. Seriously.

[tristessa]

Talk to Bentley about the B&W wiring diagrams -- my old-school copy has color diagrams, and IIRC they only went to B&W in the most recent printing.

[hambone]

Today, the rust is gone. I changed the title!
Used a whole quart of POR-15. Looks very nice, almost ready for paint. It is a good solid car now. I am tired after a long day in the September sun & black horrible dripping fumes but it sure does last forever.
I could really use a hand with getting that door changed if someone has time this week.

[steve74baywin]

I could really use a hand with getting that door changed if someone has time this week.

I have time, but you live too far away.
Good luck with that fuel injection system.
My gf bought a square back project car a while back but our efforts have been in keeping the daily drivers running.

[Sylvester]

My gf bought a square back project car a while back but our efforts have been in keeping the daily drivers running.

Yabba dabba doo, what is wrong with the squareback Steve?

[steve74baywin]

Yabba dabba doo, what is wrong with the squareback Steve?

The engine was out of the vehicle and being stored in a garage with all the FI parts, so it probably needs work in that area. Floor pans gone, rust around engine lid, front windshield and a few other areas. As far as other mechanical stuff, probably the usual stuff for a vehicle that's been sitting for 5+ years.
Compared to northern vehicles exposed to salt it is probably pretty good.

I don't want Hambone's message to get lost..

I could really use a hand with getting that door changed if someone has time this week.

[hambone]

Nah too many slackers around here that don't read the type3 section. I will have to harass someone in person. I did get the screws loosened with an impact driver so it's just a matter of swapping.
(Fixed the battery tray yesterday with fiberglass mat and resin! Permanent.)
That car does look decent. How bad are the pans? Might get by with the fiberglass repair.

[steve74baywin]

That car does look decent. How bad are the pans? Might get by with the fiberglass repair.

I haven't looked at the floors in ages. Years ago Jill picked up a pair of fiberglass floor pans someone was selling for a good price, against my advice, mainly becuase I figured the pans would sit for years unused and we had too much stuff and other things to do first. A prophesy that has come true.

[hambone]

Battery installed properly for the first time in God-knows-when! Beautiful and very strong.
Got tires yesterday, need to paint the wheels. Am tackling the rear brakes today. Had a tough time getting a rear drum off, it was stuck to the hub. But I am good at whacking.
I am starting to run out of time for painting this thing this season...I may have to find a budget local painter. Anyone have any leads? I wonder if schools still do that.

[Amskeptic]

Anyone have any leads?

Hi. Your Administrator is pleased to report a visit to this thread. OK, everything looks good, bye.
Colin
(I like painting, but I could not do it to Public Sale level of quality ... I could however, promise you no overspray evidence)

[hambone]

It is looking like my brother is very interested in the car. It would be perfect for his family of 4.
He's itching to get into the VW scene, the sap. He also needs a car that can go places his stupid Toyota can't. So, I am leaning towards a garage paint job, assuming the rain ever stops again.
I also have to figure out why it won't run, and get the basics of Djet troubleshooting, I really wanna know I do. Colin, can ya fit me into your brief Portland week? I really need your help.

Until then, I must assume that it will run (again...) and finish the bodywork. Shouldn't take but a few more days.
Of course I find the ancient grease encrusted CVs are coming unbolted, yes very nice. But at least the damn brakes are done I crabs ya.

[ruckman101]

Wrench on!


neal