The Tunebuggery list

[drooartz]

So here's my (rough) project list for the Tunebug. I've got a week off in April, so I'm going to try and work through as much of it as possible. I'd love any comments on any of these projects, so that I can be as prepared as possible.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Rebuild rear hubs</span>
This is almost done, just need to tap in the bearings and install them on the car -- not that I know exactly how to do this...

<span style="font-weight: bold">Install newly rebuilt front suspension/disc brakes</span>
I've got rebuilt A-arms, calipers, new brake disks and pads, and need to yank the old stuff and install the new stuff. Attached to this project is new tie rod ends, which I have in hand.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Run new brake lines</span>
I've got the hard lines and soft lines in hand, and a bending tool. The master cylinder was rebored for the disc brakes, so that needs to go in as well.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Run new fuel lines and an electric fuel pump</span>
Switch to a 1275 needs an electric fuel pump, so we'll do that as well as run new lines. I've not done this before, so not sure what I'll need to engineer. I also need to decide between the original (slightly grubby) fuel tank and the new replacement tank I have on hand.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Fix parking brake</span>
This is due to the swap to the later style rear brakes. The rods will need to be lengthened, and I'll probably need to have that done by someone else as I don't have metal fab tools. Not a huge priority, just something that needs to be done.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Refurbish transmission</span>
I've got 2 rib case transmissions to choose from. Both were listed as in good working order, but I've not checked either one. No parts on hand for these.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Install rebuilt engine</span>
I've got my ACME Speedshop motor all ready to go into the car, just need the car and transmission ready for the engine.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Final bits</span>
This includes radiator, carbs (already rebuilt by Hap), exhaust (headers need to be coated), etc. The final stuff to wrap it all up.

Realistically, I'm hoping to have the car back on its wheels by the end of the week of work. This would mean getting the rear hubs done, the front suspension/brakes swapped in, and the brake lines and master cylinder in. If there was still time I would work on the fuel lines. It would be really nice to have the car back on its wheels, and getting even this set of projects done would free up a bunch of garage space.

 

[mccalebr]

Hey, Drew, I love it when a plan comes together.

As a suggestion, you might want to go through your "to do" list thinking about predecessors, priorities, and time requirements.

For example...what needs to be done in the way of plumbing and wiring BEFORE the engine is fitted, and what cannot be accomplished until AFTER.

What MUST be done before you take that first ride (motivation to complete) and what can wait until later.

And (important one), what tasks require a block of time that you may not normally have in your schedule? I'm thinking maybe engine installation as an example. Let's say you allocate (for round numbers) a day. How often do you have a "spare" day? What if there is a time overrun? Maybe this should be a Monday or Tuesday task instead of a Friday or Saturday task.

Good luck, let us know how it goes,

Ray

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Drew,

Since my business is Project Management I'd look at two things.

1) What has the longest lead times - probably tranny rebuild / no parts / but we assume both trannys are good.

2) Getting headers coated will likely have some lead time and you can't fire up the engine without headers. So if these need to be sent out for coating, get that started now before your week off.

3) Goal is to get car on wheels to free up space and make things easier for rest of rebuild. Here is my priotity in order.
a)Complete rebuild of rear hubs since you're almost complete there and you can get one end of the car done first
b)Replace front suspension. You'll need a pickle fork to separate ball joints. If you don't have one get the needed tools and parts on order now prior to your work week.
c) Run new brake and fuel lines while engine is out of the car. I replaced mine along with clutch lines on Bugsy and they were a PITA to fit around the engine. Fuel pump is fairly simple, there was a post with pics on here in the last few days on a fuel pump install.
d)Select tranny and mate to engine. I'll assume you've got new clutch and throwout bearing on hand already. If not get the parts order done and on hand with all bits and pieces.
e) Install engine - how about new motor mounts and tranny mounts- got those on hand? If you can get this far and working by yourself you've done great in a week's time.
f) Final bits, radiator, headers, carbs, wiring and fire that baby up.

Review in you mind all of the steps needed to reinstall the hubs and parts / tools needed. Before the start of work week I'd lay out a detail step by step plan using Excel and include things like dependencies. This needs to come /happen before this thing can be done. Visualize tools and parts needed to reinstall each subassembly. Add a separate column linked to each step for parts and tools needed. Do you have each and every tool or part needed so they can be lined up in advance? Don't spend part of your valuable time out chasing parts as I know there aren't that many folks selling LBC Parts and pieces close to you.

Reassembly detail needs to go farther than - reinstall front suspension. It needs to include all of the nuts and bolts needed and step by step what needs to be done. Put it on paper as you'll be surprised as you go through it in your mind you'll figure out stuff you need or don't have. You've got a limited amount of time to get a lot accomplished so build a project plan, assign estimated times to each part of the work and you'll know in advance with best effort, with the labor I have available, and assuming no unforseen gotchas just exactly what you can expect to get done during the course of the week. You've got a good start, now break it down further into a step by step process. And put it on paper, that will give you a better way of tracking process day by day.

Hope this helps.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks for the advice. I'm working on my project details right now.