This is the latest COVID-19 status for our general area.
COVID-19 UPDATE…
COVID-19 update…
The shit just gets worse.
COVID-19 Update…
This pandemic doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and we are now heading into the colder winter months when cold and flu is the normal.
impala front brakes
I installed the new drivers side front brake cylinder and rubber hose. Using that brake “pliers” makes the job freakin’ a breeze. I had no idea how to use the bottom section of the tool and did a little youtube research. It’s the most important function of them all! Removing the upper springs from the pivot bolt has always been one of those watch out for the flying springs moments. This tool makes it a breeze.
I took the 64′ Hard Top out for a test drive and stomped on the brake pedal. No more hard pulling to the right. The old cylinder was so rusted and frozen solid I literally only had 3 brakes working driving back from Waterford, CA. when I first purchased it.
There is a slight soft pedal action and I will do a full bleed again once I have someone I can snag for an hour or so. It’s a pain in the ass gravity bleeding a brake system.
1964 Impala SS…
Well, I’ve been looking at this 1964 Impala SS for a few weeks now. If everything turns out right I’ll be getting it next week sometime. This is a Canadian built GM Impala that is pretty much stock as can be.
This ride is unmolested in regards to being all chopped up sheetmetal wise or frame notched. If the deal works out it will come with a brand new air ride system. The air ride will be a 5 gallon tank, two Viair compressors, mono block assembly and all the other supporting hardware.
1964 Impala Front Brakes…
Picked up the driver side brake cylinder on the way home from work.
UPDATE: picked up the passenger side cylinder and rubber brake hose. I figured I may as well replace both sides since the drums are already off each side.
I also grabbed the rubber hose that connects to the rear of the brake cylinder. I took a gamble and bought the longer of the two hoses available at my local parts store and it turned out to be too long, about 8mm. I’ll pick up the shorter hose tomorrow and use the longer hose on the passenger side where it probably belongs.
1964 impala brake cylinder
When applying extra pressure to the brake pedal the Impala will veer hard right. By applying normal pressure the car will stop with a slight pull. It would seem the drivers side front brakes is not working properly and the passenger side is doing most of the work.
The rubber hose was visibly intact but no telling how it functioned with brake fluid and pressure applied. I’ll be replacing the hose as a maintenance precaution. I need to research the hose length. It turns out there are two different sizes but not by much. I went and ordered the longer part. It’s approximately 8mm longer. I’d rather have to much hose then not enough.
The driver side brake cylinder was completely seized and rusted out. The official service manual specifies a piston to cylinder gap between 0.003 to 0.006. This part was so crusted with rust you couldn’t slide any gauge in between. I ordered a new part, there is a left and right replacement part.
I may have to replace the passenger side brake cylinder if I’m unable to crack open the bleeder valve. My first attempt on the passenger side to see if it would break free was unsuccessful.
pandemic 2020 update…
Here’s the update for our local area.
Sons Acura TL ballast…
Spent Saturday morning getting the shop ready for my sons ballast removal on his 2006 Acura TL. What a freakin’ bitch it is to get to the actual part. You literally have to remove the entire front bumper assembly along with supporting brackets and covers. Not to mention the battery has to removed too.
I don’t know what a shop would charge but accessing the lower bumper screws and fasteners is difficult because of the low stance.
Once the bumper and supporting hardware is removed you’re able to remove the actual headlamp which has the ballast attached to it on the underside.
It turned out that the left blinker lamp wasn’t working so a quick trip to the auto parts store was needed.
1964 IMPALA KICK PANELS…
Trying to salvage these set of kick panels for awhile. Decide to paint them since were both caked with glue from a previous carpet installation.
I checked another 1964 Impala SS and the kick panels are carpeted. It was a coincidence that the interior of the SS was the same fawn factory color.