The new life of the formula fastback

[Fierofool]

If that's the case, then I'd check the two small hoses and replace the one that has the kink in it with one of a longer length.    When you disconnect it, remove the filler cap and put some low pressure air back into the metal line to see if it gurgles.  If it does, that's the one coming back from the fuel pressure regulator.  It's routed to the bottom of the tank.  If you don't remove the filler cap, pressure could blow gasoline back on you.  The vapor canister metal line is terminated on the bottom of the sending unit flange and isn't submerged so it can vent vapors.  It may be that we hooked the rubber hoses to the wrong metal line.  As I related earlier, TFS switched places with the metal lines going into the sending unit flange. 

If the pump is pulling such a vacuum that the tank pops when the vacuum is released, it may be stressing the tank. 

[GTRS Fiero]

What else is it stressing?  11 liquid gallons of vacuum.  Obviously liquid and gas are different, but there was insufficient collapse of the tank for that.  Hopefully, only a few gallons of fuel were burned, but there was clearly a high amount of vacuum.  Apparently fuel pressure was still enough to run.

[Fierofool]

Zach, did you get a chance to try out any of the instrument pieces?  Also, did you get everything situated in the front end?

[NoMad]

Been a bit crazy as of late so no movement on testing the gauges. The front end went together fine and was driving great. As of today the rear end is all rebuilt and the brake work is 98% complete for the swap to cross-drilled and slotted corvette 12 rotors. Also done is a tear down and rebuild of all four calipers with new pads, bleeders, paint, and as much clean/grease/TLC as possible without parts readily available. I also redid the vent line off the tank to remove a kink and am hoping that will solve the fuel tank vacuum issues.

Tomorrow morning before work should see the brakes finished and bleed and the car ready for its alignment at Mike's.

[GTRS Fiero]

Was the kink in a hard line or a flexible line?

[Fierofool]

It was in a rubber line.  When we installed the fresh tank, pump and sender, we replaced a line that was too short for the way TFS directed the metal line.  We used Ethanol resistant hose but cut it too short.  We finally got it connected with a minor kink, thinking that the line was still open enough to flow vapor.  Maybe it wasn't. 

[GTRS Fiero]

Out of curiosity, why not just cut a longer piece?

[Fierofool]

I replaced the line and attached it to the body end.  It's up between two sections of the firewall.  Very hard to get to.  Then we installed the tank and had the fill and vent hose attached.  I kept working at but was having trouble with my neck, and couldn't get my hands up in the area.  John managed to get it slipped onto the sending unit metal line and we all felt it would be OK.  It may be the cause of the problem.  Certainly hope so.  NoMad's correction will tell us. 

While searching my storage shed today, I found a number of OEM gas caps if anyone should ever need a replacement. 

[NoMad]

Well the majority off work is all done on the brakes and suspension.

The car feels amazing and the steering effort at slow speed is hugely reduced. The new wheels, tires, and brakes all look great on the car. Will need to track down a leak down in the brakes and rebleed the system in the morning but so far so good.



The alignment went well enough but I still seem to have some minor tracking issues and a bit too much play in the steering for my like. Will get a much closer look at the the tierods and see if any need replaced or if it might be a worn rack and pinion.

I can now hear that the only clicking is now from the doors and not the rear suspension. Guess it is time to order new door pins and bushings.

Also had the drivers side inner dew wipe come flying off into my lap shutting the door.... Guess it is time to order new ones....

Lots more little stuff and some electrical to sort but she sure is getting there.

[Fierofool]

How did the inner dew wipe come off?  It's captured underneath the door panel.  I believe I have a good used set out in the garage if you need them. 

[NoMad]

It actually broke in half. The fold in the bottom looks to have weathered and called it quits.

[Fierofool]

You are speaking of just the rubber part, then? 

I have a tach filter that I'll bring to the meeting tomorrow.  Anything else you need? 

[NoMad]

Ya, just the rubber portion of the dew wipe broke.

Thank you! Wish I wasn't stuck at work.

[Fierofool]

I can't tell which side is which, so I'll leave them with Mike.  Take the one you need and leave the other with him. 

[NoMad]

Thank you! I feel like I surely owe you some parts money at some point here.

Now that the suspension and brakes are fairly settled it is clear there is still something wrong in either the steering or a bend in some suspension member as I still have some "hunting" in the steering and a pull despite a good alignment.

Will probably order front upper ball joints and inner and outer front tie rods. Figure everything else is new at this point, might be worth just finishing the job.... And if that isn't it only the rack and pinion or a bent suspension member are left.

Also kicked the heat on tonight and got the sweet whiff of a failing heater core or a leak..... Guess that just moved up the to do list with the AC system retrofit before summer.

On the plus side the tank vacume issue is now fixed, though I still can't fill at speed so ai will have to figure that issue out in time.

Still loving the old girl and enjoying the transformation totally.