Hi folks, and happy Easter.
Been working on the car this weekend:
Test fitting the wheels
Luckily, my BMW 540i has the same size tyres that I want to fit to the 164. So I saved a scrap tyre from the BM and had it mounted on a rim for test fitting. I love how it looks; exactly what I wanted! (Personally, I don't think an ultra-low profile tyre suits an old car, hence I went for 17s with a 45 profile tyre).
I cut the lip from the wheel arch on both sides. The left was good condition, little rust. The right one was nasty, new metal welded over rust.
Left
Right
The moment of truth... and the wheel almost fits!
This is "worst-case" scenario with unadjusted Panhard rod fitted. On the right side of the car, the wheel will sit about 10mm further into the arch when I have modified the rod.
Full bump (so far, with original bump-stops still fitted. I will check clearance and if possible get some more wheel travel by moving thing out of the way of the axle and shortening the bump stop).
My ride height will be something like this.
Looking straight at the wheel from the side, it catches at about the 10 o'clock position. So I will do the modification suggested by
towerymt [thanks!]. When fitting new arches and spare wheel wells, I'll detach the outer skin and pull the lower rear edge of the wheelarch outwards by 20-25mm. This will give me the clearance I need whilst (pretty much) keeping the appearance of stock bodywork.
I was prepared to fit wheel arch extensions if necessary. I had in mind these, cut down to fit and painted body-colour with a thin black beading at the join:
However, I am glad to be able to keep to my first choice; the OE look but with well packed wheelarches.
Now I just need to find a way to refurb the chrome trims, which have a few dents. Can anyone help with advice on that?
And sorry to Steve... (he wanted us to do the arch extensions!)
Engine bay
I am working through the engine bay parts refurbishing and detailing. Here are the PAS pump, reservoir, pulleys and brackets being worked on.
Can anyone tell me a source for these stickers? If possible, I'd like to fit new ones.
Interior
Dull stuff going on here; it can't all be exciting work! Installing wiring for rear speakers, rear fog lamp and rear alarm sensors... rustproofing... refitting floor components... fitting sound insulation
Engine
The block degreased prior to going to the engineering workshop for acid dip, rebore, crank regrind, etc.
In the past, there has been a coolant leak. You can see that it took paint off the block (and the bodywork); is that normal?
The sump in etch primer
Well, I think that's all just now. But before I go, just to prove that not all cool bricks are Volvos, look at this awesome early 70's racing Merc 300 6.8
Imagine Volvo had done this with the 164; then built a road legal version for homologation. That's the look I am aiming for!
Cheers
John & Steve