With the engine removed, salvageable parts can be removed for refurbishment and cleaning. Various specialized tools can be used to remove rust and grime from parts and prepare them for reinstallation later in the project. Work can also begin cleaning and servicing the engine block itself. Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgraded kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Cleaning Engine and Parts Materials: Air-powered wrench
Standard automotive tools (socket wrenches, screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc.)
Parts washer
Parts tumbler
Blast cabinet
Pressure washer
Chassis primer
Chassis spray-paint
High-heat paint
- A parts tumbler enables the removal of rust from smaller parts by placing them in a plastic granulated cleaning medium. The tumbler's gentle agitating action causes the particles to clean away rust from the surface of the parts. As a demonstration, we placed a rusted chain in the parts tumbler. After a couple of hours, the chain emerged looking like new (figure A).
- A more sophisticated cleaning apparatus is the blast cabinet (figure B), which is driven by an air compressor to send a powerful stream of abrasive particle-media through a hand-held gun. The best media for cleaning rusted metal parts is aluminum oxide, which gently abrades the metal and opens up the pores for optimum paint adhesion.
- As a demonstration, we removed the rusted lower-radiator shroud from the '62 Corvette (figure C).
- The blasting gun is used to remove rust and old paint from the metal surface (figure D) a little at a time.
- Once the surface has been abraded down to the bare metal (figure E), it's important that the piece be repainted quickly since the open pores in the metal will allow moisture and humidity to get in, quickly causing new rust.
- We sprayed the newly cleaned surface with a self-etching primer, then applied a coat of chassis paint. The result is a part that looks like new, and will be sealed and protected for years (figure F).
- The blast cabinet and parts tumbler are suitable for removing rust, but not grease and engine grime. For that, a parts-washer is the best tool. The parts washer features a basin and re-circulating pump that circulates cleaning solution onto dirty parts. A drain in the bottom of the cleaner allows the solution to be changed. A filter removes particulate matter from the solution, and must be changed periodically. Using the cleaner in conjunction with stiff brushes, engine parts like the flywheel can be effectively cleaned (figure G) before they are reinstalled.
- Finally, a pressure washer can be used to clean a number of parts, including the engine block itself (figure H).
- Once the engine has been given a preliminary cleaning, breakdown of the engine continues with the removal of the carburetor (figure I).
- Valve-covers are removed next (figure J). These covers are in good shape, but will be cleaned up in the blast cabinet.
- Next, the intake manifold can be unbolted and removed (figure K). The bolts will be cleaned in the parts washer and tumbler.
- Bag and label all bolts as you disassemble the engine components.
- The intake manifold is removed (figure L), and will be carefully cleaned in the blast cabinet.
- The valve-rocker assembly is unbolted, and the rockers are removed and collected in labeled zip-lock bags. The push-rods are removed as well, and taped together to keep track of them.
- The old valve-cover and intake-manifold gaskets are removed.
- The exhaust manifold is removed (figure M). These will be cleaned in the blast cabinet and sprayed with a high-heat paint.
- After removing all of the push-rods and head bolts, the cylinder heads are carefully lifted off (figure N). The cylinder heads will be sent to a machine shop to be rebuilt.
- The starter-motor assembly is removed next (figure O). This part is in good shape, but the faulty starter-solenoid will be replaced.
- The fuel pump is removed (figure P). It will later be replaced with a new one.
- Once the parts are removed, a number of them can be individually cleaned using a pressure washer (figure Q).
- Once the engine block has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it is sprayed with a paint-prep solution, then given a new coat of engine paint (figure R). The deck and other areas that must remain free of paint were masked off with masking tape.
In the episode that follows, the Corvette's body trim is disassembled.
RESOURCES :
Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick
Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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