226/1000 Mild Restoration Build

[bobbybdemented]

First off, my name is Robert. I have been a fan of the GVR4 since I was a kid.
I have owned 226/1000 for a few years now, working on it from time to time when I am not working on my other projects. The car has been sitting for awhile because it developed a coolant leak and the Original Owner parked it. The car is a One Owner.

Things I have done so far:

Replaced pretty much the whole cooling system and freeze plugs
Rebuilt injectors and cleaned fuel system
Installed new intake and throttle body gaskets
Some cleaning and detailing

So the plan is/was to go through the car and "fix whats broken" (there's not much broken) and resale it. So as you can see from the Pictures I have started tearing down the car to rebuild the brakes and front end. Also going to get the AC working too. Just basic stuff.

 

[bobbybdemented]

 

[bobbybdemented]

Oem Parts I have been collecting and some that the previous owner had stored in the trunk. I try to use oem parts when they are available.

 

[bobdole]

Thanks for sharing. Looks good

 

[bobbybdemented]

Still waiting on a lot of parts. Got the suspension painted and the wheel wells undercoated. Also disassembled the brake calibers and painted them.

 

[bobbybdemented]

So today I vacuumed down the AC system to check for leaks and it looks like there is a small leak from the valve on the compressor. I have complete O ring kit for the AC system I will tear apart the system and clean it, replace the dryer and oil it. I also did some more detailing in the engine bay.









Keeping with the " If it Ain't broke don't fix it" plan. I checked the rack and pinion for leaks and did not see any so I installed the tie rods and put new bellows on it. The original owner took very good care of this car.



I also replaced the outer cover on the driver side CV axle.

 

[bobbybdemented]

Been busy with other things but I got the brakes rebuilt and disassembled the struts and springs. The struts were definitely blown, as you can tell from the picture. I also dropped the gas tank.

 

[bobbybdemented]

So I decided to pull the head to take a look inside to see if the head needed to be rebuilt. To my surprise it looks like the head had been recently rebuilt. They also used stainless steal valves which are nice. Looks like a local speed shop named F.I.S.T Racing Rebuilt the head since they in craved there name on it.

 

[bobbybdemented]

Got the head cleaned and put back together. I also put a new exhaust manifold on it because the other one was cracked. And I order some 3G Revised Lifters.

While the head was off I cleaned all the AC lines and installed new O rings. I also installed a New AC Compressor. Looks like it would have been a bitch to do with intake in the way.

 

[bobbybdemented]

While I wait for the lifters to come in the mail, I started putting the rear suspension and brakes back together.

 

[bobbybdemented]

Got the front and rear struts assembled with new bushings and bearings. I used all KYB Excel-G Factory Spec Struts.

 

[bobbybdemented]

Got the 3G lifters installed and the timing belt on. I also installed a new timing cover and bolts.

 

[slugsgomoo]

Factory black timing cover? Nice!

 

[bobbybdemented]

Yep, factory black timing cover. You really have to do some digging to find factory parts for this car.

 

[bobbybdemented]

Been putting around and got all the engine pretty much put back together. I have the New front suspension together but not torqued down yet. I also starting fitting the new Head Unit. Looks like I am going to have to put a trim ring around it.

 

[bobbybdemented]

More pics of the front suspension

 

[bobbybdemented]

Front suspension all torqued down and brakes installed.

 

[bobdole]

Looks real good. Thanks for sharing the progress.

 

[bobbybdemented]

So I am starting to see the finish line on this project and pretty excited to drive it.
Today, I replaced the expansion valve on the evaporator and vacuumed down the AC system and checked for leaks. I also installed a aftermarket EVO 3 aluminum radiator, OEM hoses and a Spal Fan. I wanted to upgraded the cooling system because of this SE Texas Heat!

 

[bobbybdemented]

Finally got it on the ground and took it for a test drive. Runs Great and the AC blows nice and cold. Just got a few more things to do before she goes up for sale.