Just reached a milestone on Sunday in my quest to get my car back on the road.
I wrecked it one year ago June 6. After many hours of the hardest, but most
rewarding work of my life I am very close to being back on the road.
Sunday I heard the engine run for the first time in 10 months. I ran some fuel
through the tank and fuel lines to try to wash out any solid particles that
might have accumulated. Installed a new fuel filter and new fuel lines to the
carbs and poured in 5 gallons of new gas. After topping off the radiator, I
installed the plugs, pulled the choke and gave her a spin. She turned over for
about 10 seconds before the float bowls were full. As soon as the fuel was
there, she fired up and idled as smooth as the day I shut her down. I was
shocked that after 10 months, she came back to life running that well.
I have about another 2 to 3 weeks of small detail items, including
re-installing the interior, before she will be road worthy. I have made myself
a promise that I will not take her out on the road until I have everything done
to ensure that I don't enjoy driving so much that I prolong getting the details
finished. It has been a long, frustrating and very satisfying journey.
John Shewmake
'74 TR6
Chattanooga, TN
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