Brake caliper, new pistons and seals.

Received new pistons and seals from Transatlantic Raceparts for overhauling the brake calipers. Jim at Eagle fuel cells called and said the 2 fuel cells are finished. Thats fast. Should have them in a week or so

Shocks have returned.

Just got the shocks back from Archie at R & A Manufacturing, Nice work with a quick turn-around. Got this contact from Chip. Getting another batch together for plating, prepping can save a few bucks

Gear Box, Shocks and Plating

The gear box is in Indiana, the shocks are in Washington State the fuel cells are in Wisconsin and the suspension parts are in Pittsburgh for plating. Rebuilding the brake calipers. Used a porta-power to remove the pistons, after 30 odd years sitting they weren't ready to fall out. A couple of C clamps and a lot of rags. This setup worked perfect. (the idea came from my A&P)You know your in trouble when the guy who's going to be rebuilding your gearbox calls, and ask if your sitting down. Overall the box was in very good condition, but 30 years without any use has left surface rust on many internal parts. Oh well, I was hoping for better news. The fuel bladders are my next problem. The pickups must be moved off the corners about a 1" or more. That means existing holes in the tub must be modified, still work on this issue. But good news, my Armstrong shocks have been rebuilt and should have them back next week.

The New Year

Ah..the New Year. Hmmm...5 months left. Still stripping paint and polishing the tub. Also spending a lot of time inspecting for cracks(Magnaflux). Still hoping to have the car ready for the first event at Road America in July.

Tub polishing and paint removal

Brought the tub back out. Starting to remove paint and also started to polish. Wow, this is going to take a long time

Cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning

Spent most of the month, cleaning, blasting and inspecting

Front and rear uprights

Working on the front and rear uprights,inspecting bearings and suspension parts.

Hewland Gear Box

Did find a gear box # DG300-59 stamped on the main housing. If this is a factory Hewland number then it does not match the Lola/Hewland serial number list, they where much higher starting with the T190's. Also roll bar # 19840, talked to SCCA about the roll bar # they didn't keep records until the 1980's. The rear suspension has been removed with no surprises. Inspected the gearbox, was expecting to find no gears because only 1 nut was securing the case. But to my surprise, it was complete. Next the uprights and half shafts are on the list.

Tub Stripped

That's it for the tub. The brake lines, gas, brake and clutch pedals and been removed. Will place it to the side for now. Next is the dismantling of the rear suspension.

Front Suspension

Removed front suspension, uprights and steering rack. Finding many parts are stamped with mounting location. As RF,LR and there in the proper location. Just the brake lines and pedals to remove next, and that should be it for the tub.

Fuel Cells & Mark Waco

Continued to remove hardware and also have removed all 3 fuel cells. So far no surprises, the tub still looks straight and no obvious repairs. Did find in magic marker on the underside of the nose support "WACO" who was the driver in 1973. Now if I could just find 1971 or 1972 evidence, that would be great.

No numbers.

Removed the other side impact structure form the right side of the car. No old numbers or paint under that panel that would be beneficial in tracing it's history. Removed a bit of wiring,tubes, fire bottle which still reads pressure,gauges and the left fuel cell. The cell looks to be in good shape after 36 years. When the other 2 are removed from the right side, off they go to be inspected. The reuse of the cells would be a great savings, but I know 36 years is a long time.

The start

Finally started the disassemble today, separated the rear suspension and the Hewland from the tub and noted missing the slave cylinder for the clutch. Removed the side impact structure form the left side of the car. I was hoping what there might be some old numbers or paint under the panels what would help in tracing it's history pre-1973, but no luck. Still have the right side to remove, I'll keep my fingers crossed.