I thought it was about time I gave an update on the Y10 project. The 'free' bit in the title is now a bit of a misnomer as quite a bit has been spent on parts!
The engine runs very sweetly, its had new oil & filter, cam & auxiliary belt, plus bearing. The radiator fan sensor that came with the car has been fitted along with new antifreeze, just as well, it went down to -11C here the other week. I've replaced the inner driveshaft gaiters, drained and replaced the gearbox oil.
The main area of work has been on the brakes, considering it's been off the road for 6 years and safety is a priority for a teenagers first car. The front flexi hoses were changed along with new discs, pads and rebuilt front calipers. At the back its had new drums, shoes and wheel cylinders. I don't think the rear flexi hose has ever been changed in 37 years. It's a horrible job because the hose goes through the rear suspension mount, so the suspension has to be dropped to get at the unions. While I was doing this it seemed prudent to replace the rear brake pipes as there were signs of corrosion where the pipes were clipped to the rear axle. The new damper bushes have also been fitted along with new wiper blades.
The wheels had a lot of surface corrosion on them, so this was sanded back, treated, primed and painted. Then new tyres were fitted all round, I've gone for 155/70s mainly because they were cheaper than the original 135/80s. So the car is now back on the ground.
I've got to collect a good S/H drivers door from Frank, but I am still looking for a rust free passenger door.
The 'to do' list includes checking a few non-working bulbs and a tiny bit of corrosion on the N/S sill, but we are not that far from being ready for the MOT. Hopefully it will be back on the road in the New Year.
