Project Thread - 1966 Amazon 121
 

I guess it's time I start logging some of the work I'm putting in to my Amazon.

I'm pretty bad for forgetting to take any pics before I start things, but hopefully I'll get better.

The specs of my car are:

1966 Amazon 121 - 4 door, B18A single carb with M40 box.

Here she is:
http://i.imgur.com/eBxPQfF.jpg?1

Lovely picture of some bins
http://i.imgur.com/DwUqbUM.jpg?1

My first job was to replace the seat belts. Didn't like the fixed length ones & they didn't meet the WAF so they definitely had to go.

Not too keen on the anchor point bracket, but it is secure enough. Will change it to a better looking bracket in future.
http://i.imgur.com/ly3mjkL.jpg?1

I also fixed the horn which wasn't working (but forgot to take any photos). Problem was completely blackened rings, separated by a bit of foam which wasn't up to much. A polish up of the rings & some new foam got it up & running, although I think I might take Ron Kwas's suggestion of putting a relay in there once I've got the electrics in a better state.

Read online about polishing up chrome using water & some aluminium foil & there were a few wee bits which just annoyed me so gave it a try.

Right hand side before:
http://i.imgur.com/wBjXl4a.jpg?1

And after:
http://i.imgur.com/QMqLAtb.jpg?1

Quite a difference! Will give the bumpers a shine up tomorrow I think!

Until my mechanic mate gets his garage finished or I can get one rented in my area I'm not going to be able tackle anything too major mechanically. Got an order through from Brookhouse today with my next couple of projects though. 1st off I need to sort this situation:

http://i.imgur.com/dkjXXEP.jpg?1
Some grotty wood!

http://i.imgur.com/JQcoRwB.jpg?1
So that's what it was hiding!

Started to put the new webbing on, but have decided that the seat frame could do with a respray 1st, so wood went back on for now.

I've also been playing about with a spare instrument panel I have. As the grey paint on it was flaking off, I thought it would be nice to strip it back & paint it up.
It's turned in to one of these jobs you wish you didnt start.

http://i.imgur.com/6gRpYld.jpg?1
Yesterday after picking off the worst of the flaky bits & a brief go at with a dremmel.

http://i.imgur.com/skBUPoV.jpg?1
About another hour of solid dremmeling. I think breathing the paint dust started to make me go a bit loopy.

Once I get it finished I'm going to spray paint it & will put it in later when I take the dash apart.


Well, this post turned in to a monster so will save my adventures in electrics for another day

Nice looking car. It's very satisfying getting these jobs done. You'll like the new webbing and you may like to consider just how tight you do it, maybe even different for driver and passenger side depending on how heavy each is. If it turns out too soft you can always pull it in a few inches but not the other way round.
If you reverse the bolts on the seatbelt mounts you can slip a piece of split rubber hose over them. Cheap, crude but neat and tidy if done right. Would be good to see what the reels look like fitted. Securon kit number #500/15?
Carefully prise the indicator lenses out of the speedo frame, cut the heat pressed bits off with a scalpel, and then use paint stripper.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...=wrinkle+paint

Hi Dave,

The offer is open if you need a bit of workshop space to do a few jobs let me know, I have a pretty well set up workshop now as well.

Derek-
Hose idea sounds like it would look much neater! I'll stick up some pics of the reels later on. The belts were from Amazon cars- cant remember the name off the top of my head.

Thanks for the link for the instrument re-furb.. that way sounds way easier than what I've done. Might just do that to finish off.


Mitch,

I'll definitely give you a shout soon.. I really want to see your Estate for some inspiration! Got a few busy weekends coming up but if an evening suits you will pop round. Will PM for your details.

I thought the new replacement kits were a bit dear and surprisingly short so went off to the scrappies and got MK2 Sierra seatbelts, did some mods to the brackets and they fit the original lower bolts cut the stitched bit at the end, threaded the amazon catch on so i could retain the original chromed one between the seats then got the belt restitched by a local auto upholsterer who did it for nothing as it took all of 30 seconds and they have been excellent so far and cost just £20 to do.

That aluminum trick is pretty cool! I've no need on my Volvo, but that reminds me - I've got a very visible bit on my truck that might respond well to that.

Ditto & cheers for the reminder about this method - I can think of quite a few uses for it.

Re the aluminium trick: How long do the results last?

Very nice looking amazon,love the colour as well.
Keep the updates and photos coming mate

Not as long as doing the job with a good chrome cleaner. Will be quicker, easier and much less messy too. No contest................