I'm also replacing the alternator, although I could do that any time. I think I might order a new ignition wiring harness - most of the wires are looking like 35 year old wires . I've ordered a new positive battery cable, transmission tunnel insulation, new headers (replacing the existing side mounts with Jet-Hot coated side mounts), and a bunch of new bolts. Oh, and a new fan shroud seal kit.

 

I'm going to start cleaning the engine bay - I probably won't get it show car clean, but I'll at least get it looking better. I'm going to repaint the parts of the engine bay I can easily get to. I'm also going to sand/paint the power steering booster and master cylinder. I have a can of Por15 and I'm going to prep the areas of the frame that have some surface rust with that, as well as the radiator support.

 

Any other suggestions on something that should really be replaced while the engine is out? I think I have my stop line drawn - or else this will turn into a body-on restore and I definitely don't have the funds for that...

 

 

 

 

Be prepared for "While I'm Here" syndrome.  It's quite expensive.  This took me from a straight up engine rebuild to a complete front rebuild.

 

I'm 3/4 of the way through the same thing.   After the engine was out, I used a power washer (cover any open equipment) hooked up to a hot water source & a good degreaser to clean the entire engine bay.  Be careful when reaching up into the fender wells, some of the bonding glue

is sharp as a razor (found that out the hard way).

 

It may also be a good idea to remove the splash shields for access to certain areas.

 

From there, I replaced or rebuilt practically everything in the engine bay.    The steering box & P/S stuff were rebuilt w/ new hoses.  It is also a good time to replace the rag joint.  Have the tranny looked at, it's not to expensive for an inspection, especially when you carry it in.

 

I had my radiator pressure checked (needed a re-core) and I had the A/C evaporator & condensor rebuilt.  The heater core can be done at a different time, it is mostly done from inside of the car.  All hoses, vacuum hoses, actuators & harnesses were replaced. 

 

I went a little nuts in that I rebuilt everything in the engine bay including the brake booster & master cylinder.  As for the engine, all brackets & pulleys were blasted & painted. 

 

Then I figured that "while I''m here" I had the front suspension & brakes rebuilt.

 

Bottom line, it can get a little crazy.  You will have access to areas you never could before.  Be sure to bag & tag all bolts & take a lot of pics.  Use a lot of penetrating lube (especially on the battery cable stud bolts) & put the car up on jack stands on all four corners for ease of access.

 

Be patient & use your head & you will be satisfied with the results.

 

Good luck,

 

Anthony

Definitely engine harness - mine was soooo bad.

 

Mine also started like you - then ended up being a frame on resto......the busted horn problem wound up costing  me 15 K in parts...

 

Be careful of the battery cable, you can easily break off the body fastening  studs ( corroded beyond recognition ), it's really hard riveting the new ones back on....

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce - thanks for the tip about the battery cable. I'll be extra careful!