Decrepit's 75 Hardtop

[Decrepit]

I was feeling bored and was browsing the site and realised that I have never posted a pick of my ride, so here it is;


The picture was taken the day I picked it up.
It still looks the same except for some minor detailing.
It has only done 2000Klm since I picked it up and it has spent most of the past year in my garage where I tinker when I get the time.
The VR4 turbo engine was removed and now lives in my son Chris' GH sigma.
I have replaced the rear axle, rear springs (3 leaves), engine (G32B), gearbox (Jap 5 speed), driveshaft, all the steering, "A" arms, etc, etc.
I have restored the tail lights, rustproofed inside bumpers, rebuilt the heater tap (horrid job) and have generally fixed things that needed fixing.
I still need to reassemble the interior and give it a wheel alignment before it goes for a blue slip.
I have also managed to acquire 5 other engines that will fit it in place of the G32B and am in the process of rebuilding a G62B (1.8lt) which I have decided to fit as it should not require engineering and because it came from a 1983 model vehicle I hopefully won't be hassled with too many pollution requirements.
I'll post more current pics when I get it out of the shed.
Randolph.

[ddt]

that is one nice hardtop.
Why did you take out the VR4 engine?

[A112H]

Thats is a very nice hardtop. I too am curious why you have done the swap?

[Decrepit]

The VR4 came out because;

1 It was fitted approximately 50mm too far forward on custom mounts so that the themostat could clear the firewall.
2 Because the engine was forward, the track rod fouled the bell housing so this was cut away so that the steering could work.
3 Because the engine was mounted forward and the bell housing had been cut away, the track rod hit the ring gear when turning.
4 To stop the track rod hitting the ring gear, the steering and "A" arms had been modified to increase the turning circle.
5 The firewall had been bashed in to clear the thermostat housing and this had damaged the heater unit.

After straightening the firewall, I did fit Starion mounts to the engine and dropped it back in without the thermostat housing. It fitted perfectly but because I wanted a car that my family could drive and could be registered without any hassles, I opted to replace it.

Anyone installing this engine in a Galant, I would recommend relocating the thermostat housing to the front of the engine (Jay Racing Kit) and also fitting a crank trigger ignition system.

Since 1976, I have had about eight galants (Wagons, sedans, auto and manual). The manuals definitely need a 5 speed, the autos were gutless but cruised OK, and really for driveability a little extra power would be nice.

Now that I have the hardtop, I have decided to power it with a 1800 G62B carby and a jap 5 speed. Later on if I think it needs more power, I may fit the DOHC and EFI that I have in the shed (but I don't think so).

I am looking for driveability and reliability with the car not extreme performance.

Randolph

[Nath76LA]

That is a great looking hardtop you have. I remember seeing it for sale and last year and wishing I had the money for it at the time.

Are you sticking with the original carbie from the 4G62?

Nath

[75wagon]

I am looking for driveability and reliability with the car not extreme performance.

I know where you are coming from there Randolph.
Well done on the purchase of this coupe (hardtop).

I hope to see this on a cruise one day, h'mmm that reminds me, we are just about ready for another one of those

How long do you think it will be until it is registered?

Dave...

[Tj.]

Very very tidy.
I'm glad to hear youve gone a more original route with the car. Having said that, the N/A 4G63 DOHC I'm running is perfect performance wise. Nice and driveable, quick but far from a handful.

And yeah, they really need a 5 speed. I'm hoping to find one soon.

Hope I get to see this car in the flesh soon.

[Decrepit]

My intention is to use the original carb with the G62B as it was purchased as a running engine (low compression in No 3).
The bottom end has been recoed recently (still has crosshatching in the bores). It has new 1mm oversize pistons fitted. I am replacing the bearings, seals and belts. The head had a burnt valve and worn valve guides so I am swapping the head for one off a starion 4G63.

If I got my finger out I could have it ready for a blue slip with the G32B engine in a couple of days. At the rate of current progress it will probably take a couple of months. If a cruise or something comes up it may give me the incentive to hurry up.

Randolph.

[Nath76LA]

If a cruise or something comes up it may give me the incentive to hurry up.

What about the All Jap Day at Silverwater Park in Sydney on the 13th of November?

[Decrepit]

Not likely, the next four months are traditionally my busiest period with work.
I am hoping to grab a couple of hours on the long weekend to work on it but I may hold off on the blue slip till I have the new engine in as this will save a return trip to the inspection station to have engine details updated.
I am afraid that I am past the do it quick stage.
Randolph