Just a 'Lil WCA Wrenchfest

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The task was put in front of us and with a little beer and a spot in the Royal Botkin's Tiger Motors shop in Redmond, we were up for it.

We had heard the stories about member Amber Engen's cool '66 rag, that had been sitting in a state of cocoon status for a year and a half. It was time to figure out how we could get this rig back prowlin' the streets, and ultimately to Tiger Run.

The to do list is long, but with the help of J.P., Reed Racing, Mark D., & Royal Bob Botkin; we are taking it on.

Day one was a trip out to Issaquah to evaluate what was ahead. To our surprise Amber had taken the car out from hibernation, cleaned the 1/4" coat of dust off and got it started. Things were looking better already.

Our first discovery was the noise she reported a year and a half ago when it was parked. Turned out to be some loose converter bolts. No problem!

Then the new 4 core radiator she installed last summer needed to be secured. If we could only locate the upper hold down bracket. Marc Neary, to the rescue - and we are back in business. Actually the part was right in front of us, well maybe not right in front of us, but it was discovered a few days later when it fell out from under the car and was retreived. Funny how parts can find places to hide.

Now the car was able to make the run to Tigers Motors, USA location where the serious work could begin.

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Day Two: Well the story goes, awhile back she had taken the car to a "reputable" shop and got some bad news. The car needed a new mechanical fuel pump installed. So they tried to sell her that the engine would need to be pulled to perform this task would set her back more than a few large. Well, she knew better than to fall into that one and they agreed to install an electric fuel pump for about 10% of what they wanted for the mechanical pump replacement.

Well as we find out, they must have wired it incorrectly as she has had to get the thing replaced over 10 times or so as she lost count. It probably burned out with a lack of fuse and/or too much voltage.

The puzzle began when the car's original 6 cylinder was replaced with a 326 V-8. The fuel hard line coming from the tank is on the opposite sides for each. So we had to figure out how to get the line from the passenger side over to a new mechanical pump, and can the electric job. yes, we could have just ordered up a new hard line and rerouted the lines. But I was feeling creative and needed to express myself. So, a very functional set of brackets were set in place and we were in business.

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Here, the old electric pump is removed by Mark D. A true test of dedication was evident as he took home battle scars and blood from the conflict.

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The King of the Creeper, Mark D, does a little visual inspection before going down below.

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Reed Racing is shown here in his 'advisory role" position sporting his favorite beverage.

Yes, the Judge is almost back in session. Kevin is waiting for his date coded hose clamps from Scott Tiemann to arrive.

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We then retired for the evening, with some major accomplishments under our belts. Amber could now drive the car without the horrendous noise and without the feeling that the fuel pump might leave her stranded....again.

May the old electric pump R.I.P


So, with that done Mark D proclaimed it was time to "Break Bread" and we headed next door to the little mexican restaurant.

It was here that we discoved was every beer loving human has always searched for.

THE PERFECT POUR

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Day Three:

It was time to move along down the list and get busy. First up was to install the inspection cover to protect the flexplate from debris. Well we were going to do that on day two but discovered Marc Neary was playing a joke on us and sent a Chevy cover.

After the right part came, we were in business.

The lower rad hose was replaced, worn power steering belt replaced, fan shroud & fan guard installed.

Oil & filter replaced

Air filter replaced

Full tune-up performed with Amber spec-ing the plugs to the proper .035 gap. The new cap, points, condenser, and rotor installed.

Well a little hickup here as we discovered later one of the coil wires had come loose, which explains why there was little/ no spark and extreme flooding conditions.

Reed Racing performed his duty and removed the old and tacky under hood alarm system. He also managed to cut the ignition which made it rather difficult to start the car. That was fixed in no time but we are still experiencing a lack of some power accessories such as lights for the gauges and blower motor. But he assures us it can be tackled in the next session.

So we were off to pizza next door and called it another evening.

Stay tuned for more adventures.

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Here, Royal Bob Botkin is performing....................

Well we still haven't figured out what he was doing here.

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Kevin, again the advisory position.

Management............................

[LonnieS]

Right on guys, you are true Legends. Very generous of your time.

[ViolentBird]

Friends Indeed.

[ambere]

Thanks to everyone for helping me out! Although the task is great, y'all have taken it on and I sincerely appreciate it...to the "management" on down - THANKS!

I have to add that we also bled the hydrolic line for the electric top (no pics - thank goodness)- which was absolutely critical last Sunday when I had to drive all the way from Issaquah to my furthest galpal's house in Renton just to find the perfect coffee shop to park in front of...what a day. :wink:

There is definately some more work ahead of us, but the car is solidly on the path to recovery and if all goes well she'll be at the meeting on Saturday - TOP DOWN - even if I cannot tell how fast I am going (no dash lights) I am fairly certain I could logically explain to any officer that it seemed like the right speed, ya know what I mean!

Thanks again guys - you have not only helped the car - you have restored the ear to ear grin on my face...and that my friends - priceless as Mastercard would say.

[THOR]

Glad to hear that the car is running much smoother !
That was a long list of things that needed wrenching too, and who better to help get that tasty Pontiac running smoothly than the Legends !!

Good work all and I look forward to seeing that ragtop on the road with the top down 8)

[theJUDGE]

It indeed was an enjoyable Wrenchfest.

Amber has a fantastic convertible LeMans & we are glad is is back in action on the streets. 8)

[REED_RACING]

Word! :roll:

[URHONOR]

You guys are totally unbeliveable !!!!!! Talk about unselfish, and caring for others needs. :D Ambere, we are looking forward to seeing your ride. Lookout Tiger Run here we come!!!!!!!!!!

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Well the list is getting shorter and shorter as we get close to Tiger Run launch. Real progress has been made since the last posts:

The headlights now work properly (highs & lows.......together now!!)

The car now has functional backup lamps so she can see when backing up (Thanks Stef)

Special thanks to Denny Deal for putting togther the Car clinic day where these two tasks were performed)

Horn works

Heater blower works

New OEM Pontiac floormats are in

Exhaust pipe fixed (one rear one was rotted out leaving only one tip and tailpipe. Now two new tips and new section put in.)

Rumor has it she is going to upgrade to Flowmasters!!! An appointment has been scheduled. She's been riding in many GTO's equipped with the trademark sound and she has to have it for her own!!!

New spare tire mounted /secured in trunk with the proper "J" hook instead of that old battery holding it down.

Front brakes checked and bearing regreased, rear brakes shoes needed replacing and all adjusted.

Gauge cluster lighting all works now.

Sound system redone. Deck was stolen a few years ago and left in a mess. Good Guys - Bellevue to the rescue. They did an awesome job at a reasonable price: installed a new deck, CD changer and hooked all the speakers and Sub back up. The drive down to Bend will be stellar top down and tunes.........

Only stuff left is the details. Gonna buff the paint and detail the engine bay before Tiger Run.

I think we're going to make it.......