Project Eclipse: Feb 11 Update

Car Club is back at it, and we are continuing Project Eclipse with a little more focus on the chassis as well as starting the dismantle of its power plant!

Our senior level Engine Rebuilding course has commenced, and the SHSM students have looked over the little four cylinder engine and are eager to crack it open. Along with some grade 9 and 10 Car Club members, we began to disassemble the 2.0 litre engine's external components to ready it for lifting onto a stand.

The external brackets and pipes are removed and reconditioned. The valve cover is removed and the camshaft components are disassembled and set aside in order.

The engine is now on the hoist and we examine how to remove the racing clutch in order to set the block and head on a stand.

Now off, one of our SHSM engine rebuilding students removes all gaskets from the valve cover in order to clean and sandblast it for a new paint job. Detail and presentation is key!














Another new entrant to our SHSM program uses his skills to clean and recondition cooling system parts...The new finish will add to the great detail of the engine under the hood:

 




















The engine covers are off and soon the timing belt and cams are removed. Smile, engine!






















Meanwhile, back at the Eclipse, some students continue to clean small bolts and other hardware to continue reassembling parts onto the outer body. This is a slow process, but worth the time.

We are trying to move further along the tedious job of reconditioning the car's outer skin, smoothing out dents and cracks so that the final paint job will gleam with minimal defects. This is currently the longest process of the rebuild, but with art and sculpture, patience yields results! So we'll keep at it.

Before the end of car club, some students get the wiper motor, painted wiper cover and hood all set into place. 

By continuing to test fit more pieces, we can see how the Eclipse is piecing together on its rebuild. It is absolutely crucial that all external pieces fit together as seamlessly as possible. 

One recurring issue we are having is the vertical doors. They are VERY sensitive! If they are bounced, or not lowered SLOWLY, they instantly pull out of alignment, and warrant a one hour removal of the fenders for readjustment. We decided to pull the adjusting bolts and find a higher grade steel replacement to minimize crushing of the adjuster when the door is closed too quickly.

The most important part of working as a team towards a goal, is sharing ideas and problem solving when necessary in order to reach that goal. The BR Spirit Car will be one great ride when we are finished! Check back soon for our next update!