93 Z28, project: cheap thrills

[Joe 1320]

And for the latest update on Project 93 Cheap thrills........

I finally got around to replacing the windshield wiper motor. first I removed the old one and found that it was working, so I put it all back together only to have it fail in 3 minutes. Oh well. I picked up a used motor at the local boneyard and installed it. I later realized that neither the old motor or the new one had the proper rubber isolaters to keep the motor firm and vibration free in the cowl. So apart it comes for the 3rd time. I was going to order the rubber isolators but realized I had an old broken torque arm mount, so I carved up part of the rubber mount and fashioned my own isolators. Total cost of the motor was $35, cost of the rubber isolaters was $0. Now the wipers work great! Oh yeah, I also replaced a tail light bulb. I already had a spare one so I don't even want to bother with the cost.

That's now a grand total of $2313, total out of pocket $913.

I gotta say, this car performs exceptional. According to my beltronics Vector, best 0-60 time on street radials is 5.3 seconds with a 2.12 60'. I still haven't tried a full quarter mile run, but she pulls hard up to the 85 mph that I've run it. I can't go WOT in first or it blows away the tires, 2nd gear pulls nice once I go WOT and 3rd feels just as strong. This is one great running used f-body!

Now for the bad part of the whole thing.........

The rear main seal still leaks just a bit. For now, It's not bad enough for me to tear it apart just yet. Next is going to be the issue of the bad bodywork on the passenger side quarter panel. According to the carfax report, it was involved in a mild accident that is evident by the bad bodywork. The police report stated "contact with a tree". Evidently the owner got the car sideways and crunched the quarter. I could leave it, but the car deserves better as the rest of it is in decent shape. I'm going to take out the previous filler and do it right. The cost on that won't be much, the paint is something that I will farm out and have done correctly. Best guess is $300 to have someone shoot the color and clear. I'll post the followup once it's done. for now, It's an enjoyable driving car.

[Rhode Island Red]

not bad, not bad at all ... oh word of advice.. the "back to black" stuff eats and pits the windshield wiper arms (thier plastic base) , so keep that stuff away from them. glad you got it fixed

[alenstein]

While back I wanted to replace my wiper motor, how did you go about disconnecting the linkeges from the motor, I had a hard time with that?

[Joe 1320]

While back I wanted to replace my wiper motor, how did you go about disconnecting the linkeges from the motor, I had a hard time with that?

it's actually simple. once you get the arms off and the cowl cover off, unbolt
the driver's side arm moount and pull foreward. Use a LARGE, flat head screwdriver and insert it between the transmission arm and the wiper mount, twist the screwdriver so the blade can pry the two apart. The ball stud literally is pressed into the plastic arm retainer and will pop out with enough prying. move the arm out of the way, unbolt the motor and slide it toward you. The passenger transmission arm will follow as it is still attached. Once the motor is pull as far forward as possible, use the LARGE, flat head screwdriver and insert it again between the arm and the stud on the motor and pry. They will seperate. To reinstall, place the arm on the ball stud and press. It won't totally seat but it will put it into position so that vicegrips can press the arm on the ball stud with medium force. Remember, you're dealing with plastic/vinyl so don't clamp on it like a Gorilla. It's also a good idea to lube the ball stud with white lithium grease. Once the arm is on the motor, slide the motor back into position and bolt it down. Next attach the driver's transmission arm to the driver's side arm mount and using the same proceedure as above, press the arm onto the ball stud. Bolt down the arm mount, button everything back up and you're good to go.

[Joe 1320]

Another update for project 93. There is still one last annoying oil leak, after alot of thought, I don't think it's the rear main seal. The oil left on the driveway is not a single spot in the center, it appears to be two spots on either side of the center. I've put the car up in the air and given it a really close inspection, I really think it's the oil pan gasket and not the rear main seal. I purchased the correct Felpro #OS34500R rubber gasket and I'm going to do the install. It's a lot less involved as pulling the transmission.... the only thing that I'll have to pull is the Y pipe and starter. The oil pan doesn't have to come out, it just has to be dropped down on the K member for the gasket swap. I'll post the results when I'm done.

[Z Ya Later]

And see, this is why I wonder if its the oil pan gasket on mine and not the rear main. There's no oil spots or anything left, the rear of the pan is just soaked. Hmmmmmm.

By the way, have you tried that chip yet? Notice any difference (besides not needing a fan switch anymore lol )?

[Joe 1320]

With great regrets........

http://www.f-body.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14774

[TraceZ]

My folks were headed through your area today. By the time I saw this and called my dad they were already in GA. Too bad.

[Z Ya Later]

Her sister is tearing up out there . I hope she goes to a good home.

[Joe 1320]

Nevermind..... I came to my senses. Project 93 stays.

[TraceZ]

Emotional rollercoaster Joe? That time of the month?

I'm glad you were able to justify retaining it.

[Joe 1320]

Emotional rollercoaster Joe? That time of the month?

I'm glad you were able to justify retaining it.

I want to see the project through and get some use out of it before it sees a new home.

[Z Ya Later]

Yes, same here...I'll go tell her sister right now lol

[Joe 1320]

Found another glitch this morning. No heat. Here I was venturing out in the cold..... well, it's cold for Florida.......expecting the heat to start rising as the temps rise and it never happened. Probably just something simple. Runs great in the cool air though.

[Z Ya Later]

Found another glitch this morning. No heat. Here I was venturing out in the cold..... well, it's cold for Florida.......expecting the heat to start rising as the temps rise and it never happened. Probably just something simple. Runs great in the cool air though.

Ya know, mine has the same problem. Plus, when I have it off but the temp selector on heat, I'll get heat on my feet. I think I've got something wrong with the HVAC unit. Just something to check for