Aaron's 76 Type LT Project

5 minute(s) of a 383 minute read

I knocked some more items off the list and opened the door to do some more "fun" tasks. Monday I spent time getting the front bumper mounts modified for the tucked bumper mod and then I sent it all to the powdercoater. Tuesday I buffed the rear/lower quarter panels so I could begin installing pieces that were in the area. Today I worked on installing the rear spoiler (which was a result of Tuesday's work) and getting the gauges loosely installed. I won't install the gauges all the way until I test them thoroughly but they are all hooked up, minus the turn signal lights, high beam and check-engine light.



Please ignore the finger prints all over the spoiler pieces.

3-28-2017

Here's a sneak preview at the gauges. At least the lights work so that's a start!

4-1-2017

I got my parts back from the powdercoater so I installed the air intake. It turned out pretty good. I need to buff the A-pillars so I can install the window trim and then the weatherseals....and then the window glass.  

4-3-2017

I got the driver side window trim installed, which I had powdercoated in black (of course). I can now install the upper weatherseal. I'll buff the passenger side A-pillar and get the trim installed this week.

I am also going to tackle the outstanding engine related items, particularly getting the MAF sensor wired up and installed. After that I need to do a final check of all the bolts, hoses, etc and then try and turn the engine over.

A few photos of the trim, which is doesn't really stand out but that's OK.

4-21-2017

I got the tires mounted and loosely stuck them on just to get a peek. The wheels are Vintage Wheel Works V45 and the tires are Falken Azenis RT615K

Tonight I am going to get the bumper hardware loosely installed so I can get those on soon. Tomorrow I need to swap out the cooling fans and then get my plan together for starting the motor. The glass will get installed May 19. Those items are the major things on the list now.

5-1-2017

I got my battery tested and it was fine so I guess my charger was malfunctioning. So I re-installed it in the 76 and decided to test the turn signals and discovered they didn't work.....super. The hazards worked and the side markers/parking lights/tail lights turned on with the headlights so that was good at least. That told me it wasn't likely a ground issue.

After trying various troubleshooting ideas I discovered the turn signal switch was not getting power from the turn signal flasher on the fuse block. I am not sure how that would happen unless I accidentally snipped the wire somehow or it got pinched during installation, but I will try and trace the wire from the connector back to the flasher to find the break in the circuit. I suppose I can remove the fuse block and tie into the wire coming from the flasher. It just means more work I wasn't expecting to do.

At the very worst I can steal the power from the hazard flasher to power the turn signal switch. I think having turn signals is a little more important than having working hazards.  But that is more of a last resort.

5-7-2017

So I either miswired something or the Painless kit has some gremlins because the dedicated gauge switched 12V power wire is dead. This comes after the turn signal power wire is dead. I can deal with it but I can't believe I'd be that incompetent at plug & play wiring.

I borrowed switched power from an open accessory port and all gauges appear to work. I turned the motor over (not going to start it yet) to get oil pressure and it got to 30 psi during starting which is good. Hell, the motor just turning over is a great sign! I was nervous as hell before I tried to turn it over.

Maybe I'll try to start it tonight...stay tuned.