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.
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!
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!
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.
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| Ragtop mechanism being assembled |
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| I finished the rear querters |
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| Little zinc galvanization |
This past weekend, I made some headway on tackling the bug! I focused on a few smaller jobs to get things rolling. First, I installed new engine bay seals and added soundproofing to the doors and quarter panels. I even experimented with some DIY galvanization (fun fact: stay tuned for a future post on that!).
The ragtop mechanism is also getting some TLC. I've already started the refurbishment process, but I needed to order some parts to finish the job. Even though it's not pictured yet, I'm happy to report that it's already functional.
Looking ahead, next week's agenda is jam-packed! We'll be removing the body, installing the new seals and soundproofing throughout, replacing the front axle parts, and then finally, putting the body back on for good.
I installed the shifter and emergency brake this weekend. They were previously just sitting on the workbench painted. I also put the Waso shift lock back in its spot. The pan definitely needs a good cleaning, but I'll tackle that when we permanently attach the chassis to the pan.
The garage is still cold as balls, so I haven't been able to spend much time working on the car since last November. That doesn't mean I've been sitting around though! I've been collecting parts, and I even managed to assemble the taillights and a few other bits and pieces.
While this might not be directly related to the bug, I wanted to share about some recent trips that gave me the chance to visit some incredible car museums. Last fall, I explored the Porsche and Mercedes museums in Stuttgart, Germany. Then, just a few days ago, I returned from Riga, Latvia, where I spent some time at the Riga Motor Museum. Here are some pictures from my adventures!
Porsche Museum, Stuttgart
