Its finally in etch prime! Woohoo

[wbute]

I would upload some photos but it’s just too painful on a phone now. They reckon that use sealant where at the ends where the gasket and block meet, and to use sealant at the ends instead of the cork gasket. Plus gasket sealant under the gasket itself. Also you can use of cuts of spark plug lead to locate the gasket while you fit it ( in the mounting holes).
Others may have more experience and ideas though.

[damienengland]

Thanks wbute. I will goo up the ends and throw the cork away. Nice note regarding the spark plug lead off cuts.

[wbute]

Thanks wbute. I will goo up the ends and throw the cork away. Nice note regarding the spark plug lead off cuts.

Just remember I am quoting a book. Others may have better/ different methods.

[damienengland]

Thanks wbute. I got a number of inputs today so confident on the direction taken. End of the day, its a cruiser van not destined for race track, so confident with cutting this corner. Anyway, here's where i got to by the end of the day. Just need to buy a new water pump and should have the front end together this coming week.

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[damienengland]

Had an interesting day today. A brake line man came around and did my brake lines and fuel lines for me. Obviously couldn't go all the way, so just did the back half of the van for now. Was very happy with his work and liked that he turned up in a classic car as well. Got him to bend the EFI fuel cross over pipe on the engine as well, which was something i didn't want to do myself. As usual, pics below.

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[damienengland]

So i jumped into the battery/electronic box today. Got one half of the 'battery tank' fitted in place. Next step is to fit up 2 x batteries inside the 'tank' so they can be accessed from underneath for maintenance at some stage.

Pic as usual

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[damienengland]

Well, some action today on the van project. Got the engine married up to the gearbox and mounted into the chassis. Very satisfying arvo in the garage. Now i can fit up front springs and shocks and get a new cross member and tail shaft.

Pics below as usual

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[Robbo]

Great progress, well done.

[axistr]

That little huffer siting up on top of that engine looks the business Damian.

[damienengland]

Thanks guys.

Yeah the progress is good, this car got bogged down for a couple of years but its ticking along again. I've put a deadline on this van with the panel shop (and myself) and it needs to be ready for Summernats 2019! I'm pushing the mechanical work along as fast as possible now, so hopefully more updates soon.

Cheers