1971 Stroppe Baja Restoration

[Baja71]

Keep it real man. One of a few..... tho we did have fun hashing out/measuring brackets?

We did! And at least we have a good amateur schematic. That's another thing, I still haven't found someone who can fab up 16ga. steel and bend it that tightly. Then there's the welding onto the crossmember thing....Dunno...

 

[BajaBronco]

I met someone who can bend up metal tightly, a customer of mine with her '08 Saab.....into a dumpster!! Some nice 90+ degree bends.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Crack the engine / tranny apart for easier handling.

OR - call around, and see if you can find a mobile steam cleaner to come by. Roll the chassis out, let him blast it in the driveway, and you're golden. Google up 'Power Washers' and ask if they have steaming capability. Just cover all the openings in the engine, cover the dizzy, and you're OK. You're rebuilding the tranny anyhow, so just try to keep most of the water out, but if a little gets in, it's no big deal.

For the sheetmetal stuff, I've got some folks that can do it. They build electrical enclosures for me. Gimme a call when you're closer to ready, and I'll get you in touch with them.

 

[Baja71]

I met someone who can bend up metal tightly, a customer of mine with her '08 Saab.....into a dumpster!! Some nice 90+ degree bends.

Well, just cut away anything on the Saab that doesn't look like a Baja tranny cooler bracket and send what's left to me!

 

[Baja71]

Day 13 (7/12/08)

- Wheel swap
- Wash the chassis

(Approx 2hrs.)

Not going to spend any real time on her today. Anniversary weekend...but I did sneak in a bath...for the Bronco too!

Rolled out on the driveway for a GUNK shampoo....

 

[Baja71]

All slathered up in engine degreaser gives a hint of the beauty to come....

 

[Baja71]

Got some serious work to do...the garden hose ain't gunna cut it!

 

[Baja71]

Much better, but a pressure washer would have been MUCH more effective.

 

[Rumpfy]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this thread.

 

[Slick]

is that an OLD Triumph or a new version of them???

Also... I found by accodent that GFS sells a GREAT degreaser to use on yer trany etc, it's called "Array" Heavy Duty Grease Realease.

IT's what they use on pizza ovens etc to get off the baked on TAR style grease, and it worked well for me when I did my 1st resto and I use it on everything from clothing to transmitions etc... I don't recall if it eats the finish on bright fasteners or not tho... so ya may want to watch that... otherwise that stuff is the Shizzel!!!

 

[Baja71]

Oh, oh! Slick's in my build thread! ;D

That's a new Triumph. I'm a sportbike guy, but I've always had a soft spot for the old Nortons, Triumphs, etc. and thought someday I might own one, although they were leaky and had typical elect. issues. When Triumph came out with this a couple of years ago, I had to have one! Much better build quality and I could drive it anywhere.

Thanks for the degreaser tip. I'll look around for it. The Gunk was OK but it could use another treatment and a pressure washer. I may have to find a way to trailer stuff around.

 

[Louie]

"My God, Bones...what have I done?"

Pretty funny!! Man...I give you guys some serious credit for taking on a frame off Especially like this one that looks like Tom will have done it all within a few months....in his garage in his spare time!!! I couldn't do it...but wish I could

 

[Baja71]

Pretty funny!! Man...I give you guys some serious credit for taking on a frame off Especially like this one that looks like Tom will have done it all within a few months....in his garage in his spare time!!! I couldn't do it...but wish I could

Yes, but you have a knack for finding some that are pretty fine specimens to begin with! Ok, this one was in great shape too, and had it been the correct colors, I'd have left it alone. I just put on some mental blinders and take a deep breath. If you start thinking about it, the insanity of the project comes out in hot flashes and cold sweats! ;D

 

[Bronco]

looking good. some day i want to tackle a project like this.

 

[NGABronco]

Hey 71 FWIW, I picked up a little trailer from HF for a couple hundred bucks,
built a wood frame for the tub and I am now hauling my second project around. I can load it with my shop crane and take it where it needs to go.;D ;D

 

[DirtDonk]

My little photog!

...who will always remember this project! And you never know, she may even turn out to be a big photog someday. Just because she had so much fun(?) taking pics of dad underneath his (hers?) Bronco and scraping crud down into his face and hair.

The stuff memories are made of! Enjoy


Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Don't get too aggressive with the cleaning. Looks like the pool's close enough to catch some of the run-off!
Hmm, pool... Hey! A full-size dipping tank right there!
What was that about an anniversary present?

Paul

 

[Baja71]

Funny, DD! Thanks for the sugg. NGA. I don't really have the room to store a trailer, full time. Even the folding ones. I'll probably rent or borrow on the days I need it.

 

[bigjhoov]

I've always had a soft spot for the old Nortons, Triumphs, etc.

Be sure to ask about the '73 Bonneville project when you come by.

 

[Baja71]

Day 14 (7-15-08)

(Approx 4 hrs)

Remove main gas tank
Drain leftover gas
Remove main (front to rear) wiring harness
Remove main set of shocks 4
Remove main fuel line (plastic) and 3 way valve
Remove drum brake 4way distribution block and master cylinder as assy.
Remove long brake line (metal)
Remove clutch pivot assy.
Remove bell housing bolts

Used my $.99 siphon, but it gave out, so I used my trusty 100mph tape to seal the siphon pump. Worked well enough to get all the precious go juice out of the tank. Note the fuel filter inline on the gas can.