1968 Florida 1600 Restoration Project

[abrokenframe]

At first I was kind of put off by the new throwback black plates because I thought they would kill the vibe of original black plates. But after owning '02 with modern plates, I'd be interested to see how your black plate turns out. I've only seen one example on a 2015 vette of all things and the spacing is noticeably different from the originals.

The modern white plates are such an eye sore on these old cars. My plates should technically be blue, but this is the next best thing.

[phreshkid]

Cleaner engine bay






Mostly stripped interior. Awaiting an Esty carpet and new front and rear seats.






Then I changed a bunch more things on the m3. Brake pads, motor and tranny mounts, entire steering system, etc.

Pads:


Small pile is growing:





Overall a very productive day. I think I'm going to the canyons tomorrow. The car feels good.

[phreshkid]

I think it's a good idea as people who don't understand it will be baffled! It's a cool touch!

True. I think it will fit the car.







The SF car goes in for bodywork on Monday, so today's agenda included removing the front bumper, pulling the damaged part of the nose out a bit more (for tire clearance), and washing the engine bay.

I managed to remove the bent bumper, but when I was undoing a bolt, I was unaware of how much stress the bumper was under. Just as the bolt was being removed, the bumper swung and punch me right above the left eye. The pain was so intense and I thought for sure I was bleeding. It reminded me of the time I was hit in the head with a copper pipe by my brother. We were probably 9-10 at the time and we were swatting bees but one of those swings caught me straight in the head. I thought for sure I was never going to recover from that one.

But the bumper is off, I pulled the fender and nose out a little more. Before the pulling, I wasn't able to utilize the full turning radius because the wheel was coming into contact with part of the nose that was pushed in. I fixed it now and have the clearance I need. I drove the car around for the first time and it was sublime. Driving a completely stock 2002 is something really special. Too bad I hot-rod nearly every car I've ever owned. I don't think this one will be an exception.



And I also steam cleaned the engine bay a little bit. Here is a sneak peak after I already cleaned part of the valve cover. The engine bay is much cleaner now.






And here is a photo of the back seat area. Nothing to see but here it is anyways.

[AdOz]

I think it's a good idea as people who don't understand it will be baffled! It's a cool touch!

[phreshkid]

Glad to see you found another solid car. I will be watching

Thank you.







I put the final carpet piece in. This is what the interior looks like so far. Hard to tell, but the front seat vinyl looks a bit lighter than the door cards.







And I also ordered this California Legacy Plate for the Florida Green 1600:




Still not sure if it was a good idea, but it's mine now. I've never had a legacy/vanity plate before.

[jhaurimn]

Glad to see you found another solid car. I will be watching

[efficient]

Thanks

[phreshkid]

If you don't mind me asking.
What did you use to get the wrinkle effect? Thanks

This stuff: http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/wrinkleplus/


Can be found at most auto-parts stores.

[efficient]

If you don't mind me asking.
What did you use to get the wrinkle effect? Thanks

[phreshkid]

You can't delete me from real life brah. You should think twice before you make a mistake like that again.

Tattoos are forever. I know this.

[ST1G]

This valve cover is almost complete. I already screwed it up around the emblem, but I don't think I want to redo it. It will bug me every time I see it, but this isn't a perfect car. If you see the car in person and point out this specific imperfection, I will delete you from all my social media accounts. I don't need you pointing out my flaws.

Call the cops, IDGAF.

You can't delete me from real life brah. You should think twice before you make a mistake like that again.

[phreshkid]

This valve cover is almost complete. I already screwed it up around the emblem, but I don't think I want to redo it. It will bug me every time I see it, but this isn't a perfect car. If you see the car in person and point out this specific imperfection, I will delete you from all my social media accounts. I don't need you pointing out my flaws.

Call the cops, IDGAF.

[phreshkid]

looks a lot like the knob on my '68 912... Interior is looking great.

[ATTACH]99514[/ATTACH]

That is a pretty knob. I actually prefer driving the 912 to the 911 of the same vintage. They are so much more toss-able.

Now to decide if I should run the Petri steering wheel in this car or the next. Maybe this one for now.


I'm going to take the wheels tomorrow and see a man about getting them widened

[abrokenframe]

looks a lot like the knob on my '68 912... Interior is looking great.

[phreshkid]

Also, I cleaned up some stuff and nearly finished the new carpet install. Thanks Esty.


PATINA SO HARD RIGHT NOW




and some interior:







I am down to an old Iphone 5 with a broken camera lens, since my DSLR got destroyed in the blue car's accident. I think I'm going to buy a new Sony A7r II, but I'm going to wait for the new iphone that should come out in the next month and a half. Until then, I'm going to be posting the worst photos ever.