Figured I'd start up a build thread even though I've been too lazy to do it for the past while. Some of you may know me, the name's Matt from Asheville NC. I picked this FD up back in '05 while in the military and it sat in storage due to title issues for a long time, then after moving to Asheville decided to rip it all apart and rebuild it, even though it was running fine, haha. Anyways, even though it may not end up with a rotary back inside, if that's the case I'll move the thread into one of the engine conversion forums, but untill then thought it might fit well in this forum.

Here's some pictures I've taken randomly along the way for the last couple years, they're not great quality but you'll get the idea. I'll provide some general information on them and try to keep them in progression. From now on though I'll try to get better pictures and more information.

Chemical stripping:





Sandblasting:





Repainting with epoxy:




New bushings and coilovers, hubs, etc:






I've got majority of the rear done, I'm currently grinding away all the underbody coating and respraying that before I reinstall the rear end, I'll take more pictures and add them soon. Any questions I'll be glad to answer.

 

Cleaned up the brakes:




Sway bar + Maval steering rack




Took a few more pictures with a nicer camera, the engine probably isnt going back in, but atleast cleaned it up for sale. Rear end ready to go back in as soon as I finish cleaning the underbody.

 

Looks very good. I am pretty much on the same step in my rebuild/overhaul, although I am unsure if I want to remove the rear subframe. Was it a pain to get it out? I know the bolts are way up there

 

Naw, wasn't bad at all, if my memory serves right there's about 6 bolts holding it in. If you have the diff out and the suspension arms and swaybar out already, it's pretty easy. The only concern is the brake lines. If you disconnect the one tube nut that comes from the big long line under the car into the 'T', it all comes out with the subframe.

 

At the moment my diff and swaybars are unbolted. The axles and spindles are still attached aswell. The one thing I wont do with this car is screw with the brakes, I leave that to the professionals. If you have to disconnect them to get it out, it will stay.

 

Some progress, decided to go with the 8.8 rear end. Just need some new axle nuts as well as the rear control links to finish up the rear suspension, then brakes are next.

 

 

Very nice work! What is your long term goal with the car?

 

Wow, nice stuff dude

 

nice man keep us updated.

 

Very nice job, keep it up.

 

I'm most likely going to be putting a LY6 into it, which is a GM 6.0l iron block truck motor from 2007+ GMC and Chevy pickups that features variable timing. I want to do this not because I don't like rotaries, but I feel it suits my goals better. I can put an engine in there with a cam and minor work and easily meet my power goals rather than having to reach into the danger zone of easy to maintain reliability of a rotary.

My whole 'objective' with the car is to make it more simple to work on (I've removed ABS, power steering, airbags, AC, and all the associated wiring will be going with it), more mechanical in nature, more reliable, and fun to drive.

I've been on a bit of a break on working on the car due to lack of funds, but almost done with the brake lines. I should have all the lines in and functional brakes by the end of the weekend.

 

Good lord this is amazing I've always wanted to do this but the cost is got to be up there not to mention skill level. Great build! Subscribed

 

Haha, thanks. Yeah the car's been stripped down on jack stands for about a year and a half now, trying to do a little bit here and there at a time. I've replaced or cleaned up just about everything that's being put back on it.

As far as skill level, it just takes more time and patience than anything. Willing to learn what needs to be done before doing it.

Definitely takes some $$ though, no doubt about that. I could be further along but I did the whole Ford 8.8 rear end. I figured if I'm gonna do it might as well try and do it not just right, but better.

 

I love your high standards!
Initially I just wanted to restore an FD back to stock (sort of) then I started looking at the rollers and realized I've got no business messing around with all those bolts haha I'm sure when I've got it all back together I'll be missing something!

 

Haha, no worries. I'm pretty sure everything I've ever done mechanically (engine rebuilds, etc) I've had left over bolts, lol.

 

929 MC, SJM linelock, Wilwood clutch MC and proportioning valve in!

 

Had to replace the passenger side front caliper, it was leaking between the bridge. Other than that, ordered LSx subframe and 22 gallon ATL fuel cell. Chopped the trunk out to get ready for the cell.

 

Fuel cell came in today:



Now waiting to weld up a cradle for it and drop it in!