EK Wagon project - Total rebuild

[Blacky]

While you are at it you better order a set of shackle rubbers too Finny , they are knackered

[Finny]

HR springs are longer won't fit

That is very disappointing.
Now I'll have to look at my parts wagon.

[Finny]

Yes Blacky I probably should see where I can get some from.

You may have a good point Greg, I tried to compare it to my sedan, but it's got some really unique setup with sway bars, etc.
The wagon has the same 2nd spring shape on both sides.

Certainly has more than enough clearance, way too much.....


Even with both bump stops still in.
PS: I thought the EK ones unbolted at the top, but no bolts are showing.
Cant see how either of them come off.

The Sedan has a few extras.



I'll have to see if I can get under my other wagon, and maybe swap the spring off it.
My father told me he had the springs on his original EK wagon increased so he could load it up more.

[Trev]

Those EK bump stops do unbolt.
They have 2 bolts holding them on, one to the front and one to the rear.
Get a screw driver in there and chip away the dirt that's covering them .

[Craig Allardyce]

They're a 5/16" bolt with 1/2" hex head.

[Finny]

My mistake, I didn't look underneath that carefully, I thought they bolted from the top.
I was looking for them on the inside of the car.

[Finny]

Now down to 77 days left and still not ready to paint the body.
The days are really going far to quick.
Was hoping to get it done this weekend, but sons 21st and Bathurst will slow it right down.

Got rid of the rust from the lower sill, but haven't patched it up yet.
Also little things like needing to fill these holes in the doors.





I'm thinking they were from door handles, but front doors have 4 holes each and rear only have 2.
I even seem to recall this handle on the shed door may have been a Holden item?
Probably Nasco, so I'll have to put it on EBay as a $5,000 NASCO multi-use door handle.

[WayneXG95]

Nah, tell em it's a clock winder and ask for 10

[Finny]

Nah, tell em it's a clock winder and ask for 10

I don't want to get over-run with offers,

[Finny]

Almost forgot this one.
Saw someone else mention air flow in an EK, and it made me go looking under the dash.
Never had it working on my original EK, and the current one also looked like it was sealed up.
Couldn't get the cable to move.



Pulled it out, lubed it up and removed the extra sealant.
Now I will have air flow when the summer temperature start to soar.



The original seal doesn't look too good. Anyone know how of a replacement or repair option?

[Finny]

That should be it for stage one body work.
No more welding, grinding, welding grinding.
Amazing how the more you look the more little things you see.






A little hole lets a lot of dirt in.
Started digging at the front corner, which had previously been welded, but just over the top of the rust hole and only welded down on one side?
The more I dug the more dirt kept coming out. Out with the cutting wheel, new metal plate, hammer and dolly into shape, welded back on all around.
I think I'm getting better at welding, shame that happens after you have finished all the welding you need to do.
Also welded the bottom sill up but then didn't quite get the filler to level it out.
Did a 2nd thin layer and just need to sand it back.

Hopefully I may get the rest sanded, masked and all prepared for paint over the w/e.

[EK JAY]

really starting to take shape now mate keep at it

[Finny]

My father tell me "It's fine, you're too fussy". He is partially blind but sometimes I wonder it he has a point.
Finished sanding back the filler then fired up the compressor and hit the low spots with some primer/filler, and did some more on the guards also.



Had to wait a few hours for it all to dry, so I started putting the bumpers back together. Looks Good.
Also discovered that I can't find all the right bolts, so I'll be back to the parts wagon, or the hardware store.





Didn't get to the final sanding, something for another day.

[FeeBee]

I think its better to be fussy. I know I will be with mine, so when it comes to show time the standards will be high

[Finny]

The weather is not been looking that great and I'm very aware of my time goal.
Looks like Monday is the only day predicted to be OK for painting over the coming week.
But I don't often trust the weather forecast so I'll check it each day.
53 days remaining to completion goal.