[roundl]

After close to two years of off-and-on tinkering in the driveway the '71 Kadett is close to being roadworthy...just in time for winter. A few weeks ago I replaced the original Solex with a new Weber 32/36 DGEV, and improved the engine performance dramatically. I know some people here swear by a well tuned Solex over a Weber, but I deemed mine toast and went with the Weber. It eliminated the small coolant lines from the original water choke and cleaned up the engine bay nicely.

After the install, the engine was a bit lumpy at first but smoothed out once it warmed up. It was slow to warm up though and after pulling the radiator cap found the thermostat was stuck in the open position. I broke a thermostat bolt trying to remove it but a new theomostat, gasket and bolt set are on the way from OGTS.

Last weekend I installed a new Pertronix electronic ignition and Flamethrower coil. I found the original points to be toast and the wire to the condenser was frayed. That was the likely culprit to the lumpy idle and less than optimum performance. The Pertronix install was painless and straightforward and now the engine is amazingly smooth and quiet. I guess i shouldn't be too suprised since it has only 26k original miles. Braking was less than stellar even after replacing the 3 rubber lines so I bled the brakes for a second time using a pressure bleeder from Bavarian Autosport (from by BMW days) and was suprised to see such contaminated fluid come out of each wheel. I guess I didn't do such a good job bleeding the first time. The braking (in a long gravel driveway) was firm and solid.

The final round of work before registration and inspection includes replacing the thermostat, replacing the drive belt, replacing the sealed beam headlights with Hella H4 halogens, getting other lights and bulbs in order and adjusting the kickdown cable. After a few easy shakedown miles i'll bring it back home to replace the oil (that may have been compromised by a rich running Solex) and perhaps the rear end and transmission fluids since, although they're fresh, could stir up contaminants since the car hasn't been on the road in 6 years. Next year I plan to have some minor body work done and repaint it the original Jade Green with Rallye side and hood stripes and halogen driving lamps. Perhaps a 4- or 5-speed tranny and 14" wheels will soon follow.

Sorry for the long post. I plan to create a blog documenting the progress in greater (excruciating) detail.