S50 track car / Touring not so track car

[steve_k]

It was definitely on my 'wanted to do' list of things, as I remember this job being an utter c***, but my mate came over today to help out and he was convinced it wasn't that hard, so, they were duly removed. As I'd remembered, it was the refitting that is the terrible part of this job. While this was happening it was noticed that the UJ boots were well and truly F'd, Sooo that then lead to removing the drive shafts and swapping them over. Funny how what you imagine as a few hours work, turns into two weeks work

Sad to say but diff swaps are never an easy job, I'm glad I did mine while the back end was out.

As for a few hours work turning into 2 weeks worth? I spent that time searching for an oil leak which turned out to be a hairline crack in the back of the sump,

[rix313]

Nice work man. I fitted studs to my diff. Can't see me removing it again but for what it costs it's a worthwhile thing to do. Maybe next time

[MrBenn]

I've managed to get 4 or 5 hours work in on the car almost every day this week. Unfortunately I'm apparently now useless at taking pictures.

Fitted the new Spal Fan and swapped over the wiring from the old unit.

I'd refitted the oil cooler and before tightening the lines to the oil filter housing, filled it with oil. The next day I came back to find a big puddle of oil..... 10 years of doing nothing and the braided lines had completely disintegrated internally. Many hours of driving, lots of money in parts, and a few hours frustration putting these oil lines together again and the oil system was leak free again.

Loads of small jobs done this week. gear linkage, gearbox support, prop on, prop off.

I was trying to put off the inevitable of swapping the rear subframe. In hindsight a lot of the work we did this time last week, was really a bit stupid. But we live and learn.
It was decided, that, as the handbrake cable, bushes, pretty much everything was new on the other subframe it was the quickest way of sorting this problem out.
So.....remove the exhaust heat shielding, the prop from both ends, remove two e30 subframes, fight with rusted in handbrake cables on the touring that wanted to rip the whole tubes out...subframe bushes that totally disintergrate when you lower the beam...Learn about how the touring has a totally different rear setup for taking out the rear shock absorbers, Rusted brake lines,.Swap diffs and drive shafts again!....Find rust above the rear beam.....

What a fun day it was! My helper deserves a special mention here. Thank you Nick!!

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[steve_k]

Its all fun & games with these old turds/sheds,

What you think will be a simple, quick job soon turns into a 3 day nightmare, case in point being the handbrake cables,

But once these little annoyances are dealt with & out the way it all becomes worth it.

I'm surprised by the braided oil cooler lines breaking down internally, never seen that before.

[MrBenn]

Small update. Got the solid rear brake lines remade today.

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(excuse my grubby fingers)

Also got the suspension sorted. Rich (Rix313) sorted me out some Dampers which arrived in super quick time. Thank you mate!

New top mounts front and rear. Few hours of taking things apart, putting them back together, rust treating etc and they look......hmmm well.... slightly better.

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Just need to fit the suspension tomorrow. Bleed the brakes and clutch. 2 new tyres and she is ready for a MOT. I said pretty much the same thing 9 years ago. Anyone placing bets if it'll happen this time

[MrBenn]

Somehow another week slipped away, although I did have two wisdom teeth removed quite urgently.

It was Mot'd yesterday

A few bits and bobs to sort out still.

Thank you Dan. Sorry for all the questions towards the end but I am very grateful.

Heres a short vid



(If anyone knows what is making all the rattling noises please tell me!)

[rix313]

Proper cool motor. Well done bud!