A quick update on happenings with the Eclipse; where it's at, what needs to be done, and goals for the season.
A quick update on happenings with the Eclipse; where it's at, what needs to be done, and goals for the season.
It's been a while since I talked about the Eclipse, but that doesn't mean work hasn't been progressing. In a fit of madness, the entire rear subframe came off recently, and the differential bushings were replaced (as I mentioned in my last update). However, there's been a bit more at work: when the subframe came off, a few bushings didn't come off nicely. Specifically, the rear toe control arm bushings, with their nifty little seized eccentric washers, required a reciprocating saw to remove. So, new bushings are on their way.
And, as long as I was working on suspension stuff...
I ordered the last of the parts for my so-called ultimate off-the-shelf 2G suspension. The shocks, springs, coilover sleeve kits, bearings, helper springs, and front upper control arms are here, and the RRE upper bearing plates are on their way. A friend of mine has a nice little metalworking lathe, and is willing to cut the needed snapring grooves in the shocks. The big unknown right now is a bunch of replacement OEM hardware that I ordered from JNZ; they're always good about getting OEM stuff to me, but it takes a while, especially when you have some weird items in your order. ;-) Once the last bits are here and the grooves are cut, I can get the rear of the car back together.
One other little thing: I finally got the AN fitting welded onto the Sonata oil pan that Mitch sourced for me. Not fun; until I finally doused the welding area with laquer thinner, it kept flaring up and burning through whenever I'd apply the torch to it. Note to self: welding oil-saturated metal sucks.
So, the upcoming plan of attack is:
The plan is to try and have it done by August in time for this year's DSM Shootout in Norwalk, Ohio, and have the car in good enough condition to be able to make the drive there under it's own power. I may not make any passes there; the goal is purely to arrive without the help of a tow truck.