Thanks to JRD for giving me access (again) to the machine shop.  A quick application of the lathe to my rear shock bushings allows the M12 bolt to fit properly.  Of course the fronts weren’t so easy.  The ackermans were mounted reversed when returned to me, but I never through to check.  Until after I connected the control arms and tie-rods.

“Why is the toe so fscked … oh CRAP!”

So I go to remove the LCAs and tie-rods twice.  Oh joy.  Could have been worse … they came off after a few attempts.

• install new AKG subframe bushings
• install new AKG rear trailing arm bushings
• remove VSR center pipe w/ cats and Borla muffler (it will go onto the street car)
• install rear sway bar reinforcements (bolt through), new sway bar and Powerflex bushings
• remove ST adjustable sway and save for the street car

We ended up using the torch a bit and Mick’s trick setup to press things out.  And we did this all under the car.  It would have been nice to remove the subframe and paint it. Since it’ll probably come out again for camber/caster tabs that is also now on The List.

Thanks again, Andy.  Next time I promise we’ll stop working long enough to eat something.

After loosening the dash and lifting things up I gave up on the idea of removing the a/c components in the single HVAC unit.  I think the long-term goal will be to replace the entire HVAC with some AN fittings and a small oil cooler as a “heater core” to run a defroster.  More for The List.

Taking a step back and realizing I need to start checking things off the list I was determined to start crossing things off.  Unfortunately just about every task generates 3-4 more bits for The List which roughly looks like:

• remove dash in order to:
  • get access to more sound deadening [DONE]
  • remove a/c bits in the cabin [DONE]
• remove sunroof, headliner, panel cards
  • remove radio antennae [DONE]
  • install permanent GPS and 2-way radio antennae
  • remove warning panel [DONE]
  • remove sunroof wiring [DONE]
  • remove sunroof panel and motor [DONE]
  • remove sunroof cartridge / delaminate remaining roof panel
  • deal with door cards (replace w/ aluminum?)
• contemplate scraping the underside of the car [DONE]
• remove fender liners
• add a SPAL fan to replace the two fans I removed [DONE]
  • install relay [DONE]
  • add toggle switch into cabin for direct on/off of fan
  • add warning light for water temperature from stock sensor
  • add auto-relay when warning light goes to activate fan
• remove tweeters, speaker wire, misc hardware
• wrap wiring harness w/ new tape
  • wrap horn lines wiring [DONE]
  • wrap headlight wiring [DONE]
  • wrap fog lights wiring
  • repair/wrap front side markers
  • repair/wrap rear side markers
  • wrap under dash cabling
  • remove cruise control stalk / wiring [DONE]
  • remove cruise control brain
• replace front LCA bushings
• get a new diff?
• replace diff cover w/ M-cover
• install AKG diff bushing [DONE]
• repack front wheel bearings w/ Red Line wheel grease [DONE]
• replace spark plug bracket w/ Gustave setup [DONE]
• Install VSR racing pipes and muffler
• Fix windshield wiper motor
• Fix windshield washer pump
• Install catch can
• Install mesh protection for radiator and oil cooler
• Install brake ducting
• Contemplate stock brakes and selling my awesome (barely used) Massive BBK