Car Restoration Process
Initial Steps
- Initial State: The car had previously crashed into a lamp post.
- First Steps: Fixed the damage by buying a complete new chassis to use as a reference and cut sections to weld.
- Engine Work: Fixed various engine parts, reinstalled it, and started it for the first time.
- Current State: Car parts only loosely connected, not ready to drive yet.
Dismantling Parts
Suspension
- Front Right and Left Suspension: Removed the suspension assembly and shock absorbers from both sides.
- Damaged Frame: The frame that holds radiators and headlights is bolted off from the chassis for repair.
Additional Components
- Power Steering Cooler: Removed non-functional power steering cooler and lines.
- Steering Rack: Removed loosely placed steering rack.
- Miscellaneous: Removed wiring, battery, and coolant hoses to clear the front end for painting.
Reassembly and Repairs
Frame and Components
- Frame Painting: Painted the front frame to cover repairs and protect it.
- Frame Sections from Poland: Received non-genuine parts for a fraction of Lamborghini's cost but had to adjust and bend them.
- ABS Pump: Installed ABS pump, which stops brake pressure on a wheel if it skids.
- Brake Servo: Fitted brake servo and explained its function in assisting brake pressure.
- Vacuum Pump: Car has a vacuum pump for brake assistance instead of drawing from the engine.
Additional Components
- Nose Lift Pump: Installed pump to lift front suspension for speed bump clearance.
- Radiators and Coolant Lines: Installed and connected coolant lines and radiators.
- Heater Blower: Installed heater blower for interior heating.
- Washer Bottle: Installed washer bottle and filler neck.
- Power Steering Cooler & Horn: Installed power steering cooler and horn at the front.
- Bonnet Lock: Installed a bonnet lock that can be adapted for left or right-hand drive.
- Aircon Pipes: Installed aircon pipes from a 2009 model despite differences with the 2012 model.
- Aftermarket Radiator: Installed an aftermarket radiator for turbo charge cooler.
Suspension and Steering
Front and Rear Suspension
- Anti-Roll Bar: Installed anti-roll bar with rubber bushings.
- Steering Rack: Installed steering rack beneath anti-roll bar.
- Wishbones: Installed lower and upper wishbones.
- ABS Sensor: Installed ABS/wheel speed sensor.
- Heat Shields: Fitted heat shields properly.
- Magic Powers Discussion: Light-hearted discussion about hypothetical superpowers.
- Rear Suspension: Installed rear suspension components including lower arms, drive shaft, brake discs, and nitron suspension.
- Handbrake Cable: Installed handbrake cable.
Final Touches and Issues
Brake and Coolant System
- Bleeding Brakes: Used Mr. Push tool to bleed air from the brake system.
- Coolant Filling: Vacuum filled coolant to avoid air lock.
Problems and Solutions
- Coolant Hose Issue: Pinched hose fixed with a valve from another car.
- Air Filters and Heat Blankets: Installed air filters and heat blankets for the turbos.
Test Drive
- First Test Drive: Initial smoke and coolant leakage due to routing issue with the hose.
- Final Test Drive: Successfully managed a short drive, indicating progress despite initial setbacks.
Conclusion: Step-by-step restoration of the car from its prior damaged state to a functional state, ready for further work and fine-tuning.