You must be logged in to rate content!
3 minute(s) of a 40 minute read
6-8-2017
I see that it's been a while since I updated this. The STX had been sitting outside for quite awhile, rudely booted out by the upstart 406 Coupe (which, come to think of it, I should start a build thread for as well). About two weeks ago I drove it (yes, even with the interior torn apart) to Cayley and made room for it in the shop there. I need to rearrange a few things before I put it on stands and really get to work. I now have two sets of really good blue leather seats, two almost-perfect blue dashboards, and almost everything else I need to do the interior swap.
So, to reiterate, this is the plan for Phase 1:
1. Remove and replace entire interior with the best stuff I've got.
2. Completely rebuild the shifter, modifying it to improve feel, shorten throws in both planes, and reduce the reach to the shifter. I want to move the whole thing toward the rear of the car about an inch so it's not so hard to reach from my preferred arms-out driving position.
3. Finish fitting the body kit (thanks Rabin!) and then have it professionally stripped and painted the OEM Peugeot blue to match the admittedly badly faded body colour. Repainting the rest of the body will happen in Phase 2 along with the engine and suspension mods. For the time being it's not going to match well, but I'm going to use some sort of cut polish on the paint and try to bring back some lustre to the existing paint. I'll also touch up the few little chips where the paint is missing, as those may rust if not protected in spite of Alberta's dry climate.
4. Verify that all ball joints and bushings in the front and rear are good. In Phase 2 I'll replace and/or upgrade most of the bushings, but for now I'll just change what's worn. I'll get an alignment done as well.
5. Repack all four wheel bearings and inspect brakes and brake lines.
6. Remove valve covers, set valve clearances. Paint valve covers and reinstall.
7. Tidy up the under-hood layout by rearranging and re-routing various hoses and wires. This will also involve wiring in dual electric fans to replace the engine-driven viscous fan. The goal here is to be able to actually see the engine when the hood is opened.
8. Get the tachometer to work. Really irritating to not have that functioning.
9. Add a few custom touches (different steering wheel, shift knob...that sort of thing). Nothing too crazy. I have an aftermarket stereo to fit to this car and I'll replace the speakers with new ones. I also have a European-style roof-mount antenna that I'll install.
10. Replace oil in engine, transmission, and differential. Drain, flush and refill cooling system.
11. Get the Out-of-Province Inspection done and start enjoying this great car!
