Re: IML: Dummies books

[David Whitney <hazegreen66@xxxxxxxxx>]

Laurie, there are two excellent books in addition to the indispensable FSM.

 

How to Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines by Don Taylor -- Long on diagnostics so you waste less time and has lots of good photos.

 

Big Block 'B-RB' Engines -- Mopar Performance p/n P4876825 -- Long on theory and explanations with part numbers for ordering.

 

The most important thing to have if you are a newbie is a friend who is not a newbie.  Try getting in touch with your local Mopar club.  At the very least someone there can point you in the right direction.  There are lots of old farts and some young ones who enjoy doing this kind of work to help keep head-turning cars on the road.  Also find out from the club who in your area is a reliable and knowledgeable Mopar repair/machine shop.  Some stuff you can't do yourself, so you need someone to take it to.

 

I don't know how long your engine has sat or how far gone it is.  Please do not start taking parts off until you get the Don Taylor book so you can get an idea of how much needs to be rebuilt based on the diagnostics in the book.

 

In addition to the information in the above books, you will likely need to replace and/or clean all your wiring harnesses/connectors and a good chunk of wiring.  Anything that is rubber should be replaced, not just hoses and belts but suspension bushings and hood/trunk/door seals, etc.  The exception to the rubber rule is for weatherstripping only -- if you can bring it back with Leatherique or similar rehydration so it is springy and makes a good seal.  If the weatherstripping has already started to crumble, it's too late.

 

Unless you need date-matching parts and frivolous expense of that nature, count on replacing all bolt-on engine accessories -- alternator, carburetor, starter, power steering pump, water pump, oil pump, fuel pump.  Radiator must be cleaned and pressure tested if not replaced, and the gas tank must be removed and cleaned.  You will need penetrating oil and paint.  Lots of paint.  And tools you didn't even know existed.

 

At some point you will shake the grit out of your hair, look at the grime under your nails and your depleted bank balance and wonder if it's all worth it.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The more you dawdle the more time you'll spend in the tunnel.

 

Not trying to put you off your project.  The car belongs on the road.  But first it needs to be roadworthy or you will stop loving it as much as you love it now.

 

Happy motoring,

David

'91 K-Imperial driver
'66 Crown Coupe project
'66 LeBaron dual air and every option known to
 man

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