2023 Project Log - Lose Ends

[Camtron]

That’s a bummer.
is that your weld or the fabricators weld? That looks pretty rough.

 

[Duke5A]

That’s a bummer.
is that your weld or the fabricators weld? That looks pretty rough.

Fabricators. I can't weld aluminum yet. Got access to the equipment now, but no time to learn it.

 

[jasperjacko]

guess he never heard of pressure testing?

 

[Camtron]

Fabricators. I can't weld aluminum yet. Got access to the equipment now, but no time to learn it.

I haven’t TIG welded in 13-14 years since I finished school; would have to find my rhythm and touch again. If you have a pulsed MIG welder with a spool gun or a Alumpro push/pull gun, it’s about as easy as point, shoot and push the puddle. You’ll get it pretty quick; probably be better than your FAB guys weld.

 

[Duke5A]

Finally! It's installed and no leaks. Been driving it around and I think it's time for a 1.25" FF front sway bar and Viking shocks.

 

[Mikes5thAve]

Looks and sounds awesome!

 

[Lightning II]

Sounds so gooooood!

 

[jasperjacko]

Never heard those sounds from a 5th ave. Love it!

 

[AMC Diplomat]

Finally! It's installed and no leaks. Been driving it around and I think it's time for a 1.25" FF front sway bar and Viking shocks.

Nice

 

[Duke5A]

Shocks are here. 1.25" sway bar is about 8 weeks out.

 

[jasperjacko]

Are those a special order? Tell us more about them, thanks.

 

[jasperjacko]

Can double as drag and handling shocks?

 

[Duke5A]

Are those a special order? Tell us more about them, thanks.

I ordered direct from Viking for $230 a piece. Part number B2001. They're made to order, but got to my door in about nine days.

 

[Duke5A]

Can double as drag and handling shocks?

Yup. 19 way adjustable in both rebound and compression. Looking forward to installing these in the next couple of days.

 

[80mirada]

I really want a set of those, but the budget is a bit too tight right now

 

[Duke5A]

Passenger side is in. What a pain in the ass. Not the shocks fault.

The FF upper arms bump stop placement was incorrect from design. Found them to be destroyed because of it after being in the car for ten years. My dad made me a new with the right fitment and I put them in at the dame time. These arms don't allow for enough downward travel to remove the shocks though. Didn't want to split the ball joints, so I pulled the lower control arm bolt and dropped that instead.

What a pain. Custom parts. Lol. Jacked up right knee isn't helping.

 

[M_Body_Coupe]

Ohhh...man, I feel your pain!!!

Look at the bright side though: your dad helped (which is a huge plus having someone that can lend you a hand, or even do some brain-storming with), and you did get through this install.

One more off the list buddy...give yourself a pat on the back!

 

[Duke5A]

Well, if any one you were waiting for impression regarding these shocks all I can say is holy shit. The car glides over bumps now. The difference is night and day. I initially set them at the top end of the recommended comfort settings: 7 compression and 9 rebound. Has just a tad more float in the front end than before. I'll probably go up another turn or two on each and see what it does. Can't wait for the 1.25" bar to get here.

I've got some things to tidy up and a remote oil filter to install still, but the big shit is over. Time to just drive and enjoy it.

 

[jasperjacko]

I might just get these for Modoba to replace the rock hard kyb's

 

[Duke5A]

I might just get these for Modoba to replace the rock hard kyb's

You won't regret it. It's nuts the difference they make. My Dad just put an order in today for his Diplomat coupe after going for a ride in my car and I'm contemplating get a pair for the back end.