Dad's 1969 510 Build

[Balleristic31]

Big update for everyone! As of a couple weeks ago, the car runs and drives under its own power! The car basically fired right up after plumbing the remainder of the fuel system and buttoning up a few small items. No video of the first start right now, but we have something better: a flyby! Listen to that induction noise!

 

 

The 18RG runs very strong even with a slight lean condition at the moment. There is a bit of oil burning, and the transmission is a bit noisier than we were hoping it would be, but its quick! The torque of the 2.0L is lovely. Keep in mind this car hasn’t moved under its own power in over 20 years!

 

Beyond getting it running, additional miscellaneous progress has been made across the entire car. The front end was assembled including the front valence, airdam/lip, bumper and the grill assembly.

 

 

A few BRE touches/decals were added. Definitely fits the character of the car in my opinion!

 

 

At some point before the gas tank went back in, the trunk was also painted body color to match the rest of car.

 

The valve cover was pulled for its coating in VHT wrinkle black. Some strategic masking/sanding afterwards led to a stealthy look that aids in hiding the true identity of the powerplant.

 

 

 

And installed. These photos really illustrate how far this engine bay has come. Below I posted some of the engine bay shots when the car was first purchased for comparison. Dad did an absolutely fantastic job on this build and it really shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ll leave it here for now. Roll bar/interior updates to come shortly!

[Draker]

Killer build and love the color!! I call it masking tape tan. Put a piece of masking tape on the car and you’ll never find it again.

[wiscodato]

ive never really been a fan of the 510. could always appreciate the car for being an icon, but never really wanted one.......... until now!! this thing is gorgeous. awesome build, looking forward to updates as things progress.

[Balleristic31]

Another big update today! First, we picked up a roll bar a few months back from a gentleman who builds them out here in LA. It still needs a harness/cross bar welded in, but Dad fitted/painted/installed it for now. Below you can see a few pictures of the mock up/test fit.

 

 

 

 

Then the bar was painted body color and installed! Also here you can see the rear side windows installed and the b-pillars all painted up with SEM trim paint to match the window frames.

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite photos of the car thus far. Here you can also see the rockers painted black as well.

 

 

Door panels were installed. Interior is really coming together now!

 

 

Mirrors holes were carefully mocked up and drilled. Sorry everyone, no JDM mirrors on this 510!

 

 

 

Unfortunately, when the car was pulled out of the garage the wind picked up and tossed the rear window off the roof completely destroying it.

 

 

 

Luckily, the 510 community is awesome and we had a new window (thanks Seth!) within a day or so!

 

 

And the brand new windshield installed!

 

 

With all the glass installed, it was time to finally take the car on its first real trip to the gas station. Please enjoy the photos below, as they are a culmination of over a year’s hard work by Dad!

 

 

 

And one final shot this morning. Looks fantastic in the sun!

 

[BrothersGarage]

What a great build! 

[Draker]

Stunning!!

 

great build!

[rosso]

Tell you r Dad he did a fabulous job - car looks wonderful

 

Curious about the SEM paint, was it Trim Black, Trim Black Ultra? Doesn't look like Trim Black Gloss Black.

 

I keep looking for a good black for stuff on my wagon.

[Tedman]

Really looking good!  Just realized the engine setback into the fire wall. Cool. Rad build.