11.17.2002-The First Step

Today is Chela's Birthday and perhaps fittingly the little car she named "Shakespeare" begins a rebirth of her own.  She was driven in to the garage to begin a thorough restoration.  It is winter and to me there are few better ways to spend an evening than out in the shop restoring a vintage car or motorcycle.  We expect this project will take quite a long time but we're shooting for Summer of 2004 as a completion date.  There is a lot that needs to be attended to on this car, but the process should be an educational one.  I do believe it's a noble endeavor to restore an old machine and preserve it for future generations.  Perhaps that's how I justify the huge cost of time and money, but in the end it's also rewarding.  When it comes down to it, it's also just plain fun.

The car was driven in to the right side bay of our two car garage and parked next to the CS coupe.  We've got a lot packed in there so working in her will be a little bit challenging but at least our most precious cars are inside for the wet winter ahead.   She has quite a bit of Italian exotica around her as the 916 and Monster are parked beside and in front.

I put the car up on to jackstands and began by removing the battery.  I then drained the fuel tank, engine oil, coolant, and differential.  Then I removed the radiator and its metal fan shroud along with the fan itself.  One of the blades was sheared off so that will get replaced when engine rebuild time comes. The next step was to begin removing the fuel lines and taking the carbs off.  The engine bay is pretty ugly.  It will be so satisfying to repaint it and polish the various engine components.  These engines are like little jewels to me, and this one is definitely very much "in the rough".

I began this first day of work fairly late so that's as far as I got.  I haven't even scratched the surface of course.  The next step will be to remove the wheels, exhaust system, and driveshaft in preparation for engine removal. 

Ciao!

TJ