Car Restoration Process

Jul 7, 2024

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.