Re: 1971 Vega LS1 Project
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:38 amWas out on the first real test drive yesterday. Of course I have some issues to take care of but overall I had a blast!
Attaching some pictures of the car almost completed. I still have some details to assemble, some interior items, wipers, the rear spoiler etc.
Since I have not been updating the assembly process at all here is a small summary. If anyone is interested in seeing pictures of something specific just let me know.
Interior:
Painted the tan panels black for now, I am still looking for nice factory black interior panels. Made new door panels since the old ones would not clear the cage. Covered the whole floor and cargo with carpet, had to sew the carpet at the back seat area to make it fit. Also had to cut the kick panels in 2 pieces to mount them..
Glass:
I was lucky to find NOS side windows and a NOS back window without defroster wires. Also installed a new windshield.
Flush mounted windshield and back window with urethane and a ¾” universal rubber seal. The fitment had to be spot on for the ¾” seal to cover the gap. For anyone interested in trying this I would recommend using a wider seal.. Also need to figure out how to cover the gap on the inside since the windows are further away from the pinch weld frame.
Details:
All bolts, brackets etc are new or zink plated. Even zink plated the whole door latches which turned out great. Painted the backup lights red and rewired for 4 taillights. Used the -73 vega emblem in the back.
Chassis:
I have some work to do here. Did an alignment but the adjustment possibilities are too small to get the camber and caster how I want it. The best I could do was 1 degree caster and ¼ degree camber.. Strongly considering replacing the upper control arms.
Need to figure out a good way to mount a rear sway bar.
The steering ratio is fast but not as extreme as I expected with the Appleton 3.0 and shorter steering arms. I believe the steering feel will be excellent ones I have the alignment corrected.
Attaching some pictures of the car almost completed. I still have some details to assemble, some interior items, wipers, the rear spoiler etc.
Since I have not been updating the assembly process at all here is a small summary. If anyone is interested in seeing pictures of something specific just let me know.
Interior:
Painted the tan panels black for now, I am still looking for nice factory black interior panels. Made new door panels since the old ones would not clear the cage. Covered the whole floor and cargo with carpet, had to sew the carpet at the back seat area to make it fit. Also had to cut the kick panels in 2 pieces to mount them..
Glass:
I was lucky to find NOS side windows and a NOS back window without defroster wires. Also installed a new windshield.
Flush mounted windshield and back window with urethane and a ¾” universal rubber seal. The fitment had to be spot on for the ¾” seal to cover the gap. For anyone interested in trying this I would recommend using a wider seal.. Also need to figure out how to cover the gap on the inside since the windows are further away from the pinch weld frame.
Details:
All bolts, brackets etc are new or zink plated. Even zink plated the whole door latches which turned out great. Painted the backup lights red and rewired for 4 taillights. Used the -73 vega emblem in the back.
Chassis:
I have some work to do here. Did an alignment but the adjustment possibilities are too small to get the camber and caster how I want it. The best I could do was 1 degree caster and ¼ degree camber.. Strongly considering replacing the upper control arms.
Need to figure out a good way to mount a rear sway bar.
The steering ratio is fast but not as extreme as I expected with the Appleton 3.0 and shorter steering arms. I believe the steering feel will be excellent ones I have the alignment corrected.
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