Thursday 26 March 2015

Project Eclipse: March 25 Update

It is after the March Break, and we are back at it in Car Club! Project Eclipse is well under way, and hopefully will have its outer shell painted by a community partner very soon.

Until then, we have assembled the transaxle back onto the engine with the clutch, flexplate, and flywheel.

















The alternator and drive belt were installed, and although it was a tight fit, we were able to install the powertrain back into the Eclipse. After an unsuccessful lowering of the engine and transaxle in from above, we found it easier to install both components from below, then lift it into place.


















With the rebuilt engine now back in, Car Club members were back on the outside of the vehicle as we prep the body to get it ready for paint.
We opted to weld shut three factory holes at the back of the Eclipse. They were originally used by the rear wiper arm, washer fluid reservoir, and broken power antenna.

















Now that they are welded, students mixed up some body filler and began the process of filling and sanding the holes to match the body's contours.
















In car club, we not only work on Project eclipse, but students also work on other small jobs. One senior student diagnosed his exhaust system leak using the hoist and a visual inspection.
















Car Club is also an excellent opportunity for students to get caught up on missed work. Three of our senior automotive students practice the disc brake model before completing the review sheet.
















Back at the Eclipse, senior Car Club members work on the tedious job of removing rust from the inner lip of the doors so they can be painted.
















After the starter motor is installed, the clutch slave cylinder is cleaned up slightly and repainted. It will need a new hydraulic line fabricated to replace the badly corroded one.

















Next, with the transaxle in and secured to its mounts, students remove the suspension yokes to make way for installation of both axle shafts.

















And before this week's session ends, we have a chance to test fit the new header that we were able to get our hands on.  Shiny!!!

















Well, it's time to clean up after another week of hard work. The BR Spirit Car sits quietly, another step closer to its rebirth!
See you next week!!!

Mr. Da Silva

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