YES!

The first box contained the sound deadner insulation mats that go under the carpet.


The second little larger box contained the brand new custom molded one piece interior carpet in black to match the rest of the interior.


The final box was the largest.
It contained the custom molded black plastic dash overlay.

No more ugly interior.
It will even smell new.



That'* it for now.
Next week I'm gonna hafta win big at the Black Jack tables at Vegas. :P
:pimp:

Got the intake manifold and valve covers off now and boy is it grungy inside.

Took off the water pump and WHOA, what'* this I notice down below.

No harmonic balancer or timing pointer. Damn

How did this engine ever run!!!!!!!!

More parts to order.......

I just want you to know it'* great fun to read along as you progress with this 'Bird. Keep posting!

I like reading this too. Take lots of pics!

With only an hour after work to pick away at it until it gets dark, the progress has slowed down.
Today I removed the rockers and pushrods and carefully placed them in numbered order into a box.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found out that the dealer can actually provide a new timing indicator for $19. and the local parts dealer found a new stock harmonic balancer for only $90.

I ordered a new performance distributor complete with HO coil, adjustable vacuum and mechanical advance. Also have a new Edelbrock aluminum performer intake manifold on the way.
The original cast iron manifold weighs 60 lbs. The aluminum unit weighs 30 lbs.

The heads are next to come off. I can't wait to see what the cylinder walls look like. :?
It would be nice to go with the Edelbrock aluminum heads but they are not in my budget.
:(
I will probably replace the cam with a slightly more aggressive unit but because I don't plan on changing the rearend gears, will select one for tow and go torque limited to 5000 rpm max.

I'll try and remember to take some pics tomorrow before it gets dark.

Progress Pics.
Heads are next to come off......or maybe the harmonic balancer and front cover.......or maybe the oil pan.
What do you guys think I should do next ??

heads, oil pan harmonic.

stock pushrods and rockers, or aftermarket?

Looks like the pushrods and rockers are stock 1.6 ratio stamped steel units.

One of the rocker posts had been replaced with a different style.

Three of the rocker bolts were very loose.

They are the stock, non adjustable type.
I painted the new harmonic balancer tonight. Strange that it is a solid piece.....not a two piece unit with a rubber ring, like the stock one is. :?
Made in Korea.......baaaaahhhh
Well, what do you want for $90.

Heads will come off tomorrow after I pick up the new intake manifold, water pump and distributor. If I don't get enough time before dark, they will be off by the weekend for sure.

I brought that piece of garbage harmonic balancer back to the store today and got full credit. They balked a little since I had already painted it but heh, it was a quality paint job.
Ordered a proper one with a rubber dampener......cost at bit more $200. :(

Loosened all the head bolts tonight just as it got dark, so I'm saving the surprise of discovering what'* inside until tomorrow........I can hardly wait....the anticipation is killing me.

I'm still debating how far to go with rebuilding/modding this engine. The old saying, "in for a penny, in for a pound" certainly applies.
I'm afraid to add up all the bills so far.

Suppose I still have a good 15 years to play with it before Hydrogen fueled autos take over.