Just Married

Getting ready for a big day! I've been putting in some serious time on the weekends and after work to get the pan ready for its "marriage" to the body.

It's been a busy few weeks. I adjusted and bled the brakes, fixed the accelerator pedal and wiring, and with a little help, I even got the engine started and tuned. I also gave the pan a much-needed cleaning.

Last Saturday was a huge milestone. We officially mounted the body onto the pan for good and I connected the steering. It's so good to finally see them back together!

Next, I'll be fine-tuning some of the details, like adjusting the M10 bolts for a good gap around the doors, tightening everything down, and tackling the rewiring with a JBugs wireloom. I'm hoping to take it out for a test ride with my dad by the end of September. Wish us luck!

Preliminary check of a front fender

Verkehrszentrum München

 Over the Easter weekend, I visited the Verkehrszentrum in Munich. Here are a few photos I took while I was there.

Brake, steering and clutch week

After a long wait, I was finally able to dedicate an entire week to my project. I made significant progress on the steering system, installing new tie rod ends and refurbishing the steering box. I also galvanized and painted the steering components for a clean, rust-free finish. To complete the braking system, I bent and screwed in new brake lines and finished the accelerator pedal with a new cable. I also replaced the clutch with a new set. The next steps involve an oil change, brake fluid refill, and engine tuning. I'm planning an assembly weekend with some friends to help out and hopefully take it for a spin!

Yokohama - Flat 4 tour

Eight years ago we visited Flat4 in Tokyo. Back then, their HQ was still in the city, along with a bodyshop and garage. That trip was a total game-changer for me, and I've been dying to go back ever since. Well, this year, I finally made it back to Japan, and I had to stop by Flat4 again. They've moved to Yokohama now, but it was totally worth it. I even did some shopping and left a little memory on their Instagram page.

Preparation for the marriage

Over the weekend, I put up the body seal with little help of Sika glue, adjusted the clutch pedal, and installed the starter. The pan's all set to meet the body! I also gave the engine a good cleaning and tune-up so we can start the marriage with it.
A few quick fixes left: I need to replace the clutch and rear shocks. The parts are on their ways, so that shouldn't take long. Can't wait to take this thing for a spin with my dad!

Insulation and brake updates

Alright, so I ripped out the main brake cylinder, pedals, steering rods, and those pesky brake tubes from the front end. It was time to prep the pan for some serious upgrades. Over the weekend, I slapped on an insulation mat. Not only does it look badass, but it's a game-changer for noise and heat. Next up, I dropped in the new dual circuit master cylinder and some shiny chrome pedals. Still gotta sort out the brakes, steering, and clutch before I can drop in the engine and reunite the body. Can't wait!

Body is off again

Over the weekend, we removed the body from the pan. I cleaned up the chassis and took off the single-circuit brake cylinder, steering, and pedals. I did some touch-ups on the paint and started getting ready for the double-circuit setup.

Ragtop mechanism being assembled

I finished the rear querters

Little zinc galvanization