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Welcome to At-Speed!
05-06-2012 SONEAT Updates
Finally, I'm putting the Sonett back together after last summer's issues!
- The gearbox has been rebuilt with a Sonett ring & pinion and a Spec 1 SS&R gearset. It is bolted up to the bellhousing, has drivers installed, and is ready to go into the car.
- The engine has been rebuilt and is ready to go into the car with new stuff:
- Bottom ball seat lifters
- Tubular pushrods
- Heads clearanced for the longer pushrods
- Narrower diameter and stiffer valve springs
- The left front wheel bearing has been replaced (with new).
- New VDO tachometer is installed.
- Pertronix rev limiter is hooked up.
02-06-2012 Sandblasting the Lambretta
On Sunday the 5th, sandblasting of the Lambretta commenced on the frame. I finished it up on the 6th.
First, a couple of issues have shown up. Best to find them now!
↑ ↓ These cracks are where the middle floorboard bracket is welded to the main tube. I'll stop the crack and weld it back good as new.
↓ I didn't do the blasting inside.
I did it in the driveway where I could properly annoy the neighbors.
Apart from the welding, this is ready for primer.
V4 & two-stroke gear ratios and speed in gear
For a full explanation of the available SAAB V4 and two-stroke gear ratios and speed-in-gear, see this spreadsheet that my Dad and I have put together.
01-29-2012 Stripping the paint from the Lambretta
This is a nasty byt necessary process. All the paint has to come off now.
I bought a gallon of paint stripper from our local shop (Kayfield Automotive Paints) and started with the frame and front fender.
The fumes from this stuff are pretty bad, even in open air on a windy day (it was windy). So I wear a gas mask. Also, the chemical will burn your skin, even through lightweight blue surgical-style rubber gloves. So I wear heavy rubber-coated cotton gloves, three layers of long sleeves (it was cold), safety glasses and a hat. Oh, and my old torn up steel-toe boots.
There's a pile left to do.
The frame is ready for sandblasting.
I discovered some old damage and bodywork. Once the bondo is removed I'll see if I can straighten it with a bit of hammer & dolly work. We'll go "all steel" if at all possible.
01-19-2012 No parts left on the frame
Yup. All the parts I need to get off the frame are now off the frame. The next and last thing to come off isn't a part, its the paint! I am going to pick up some chemical paint stripper today.
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