Progress...

While we're waiting for engine parts, here's some other stuff:


Battery tray arrived:

Seals arrived. I know it's a sucky picture but it's just a big-ass box o' seals! :-)

Let's start looking at some of the bus' safety and control systems....

While the engine is out, let's replace these flexible brake lines. Sure, they'll probably last another 50 years, but at $10 each, you can't go wrong. (the part in the middle is the rear shift coupler. This will be replaced by an upgraded version that presses into the rear shift rod and thus has ZERO "slop." It will be harder to replace (because of the pressing) next time around but that won't be for another 30 years!

Front flexible brake line, left side. Also see shock absorber. Those new ball joints look pretty!

Same, right side:

Front steering coupler.  This is a flexible part that connects your steering wheel with the tires. If this part ever breaks, you are screwed.
Now, here's another gripe from me about taking your bus to a mechanic. I know that this bus has been to at least 2 mechanics who have done front end work on it (ball joints, steering drag link) and neither of them has bothered to inspect this part to tell the customer that it needs replaced, NOW.  The red arrows point to cracks that are through the whole coupler. Now, the coupler is made of rubber and fibers (no metal) but it is unlikely that this particular one would have broken soon. However, for $14 it should be replaced! Oh I know, the labor to replace it adds on more cost. Whatever, it's your steering and you should never cut costs on any safety system (brakes, steering, etc.). At the very least the customer should have been notified of this:

Here's another view so you can see how it connects to the steering shaft (what the steering wheel mounts to):

The big round semi-rusty thing there is the brake servo/booster. It pulls vaccum off the engine intake and makes the brake pedal easier to press.  This function was not working when I test drove the bus. However, I can not diagnose that it was the fault of the booster because of the non-stock intake. When the engine is reinstalled with the correct intake (fuel injection), we will be able to see if the booster works. It sure does make things nicer!  The steering tie rods are pictured here also. IF the bus has not been aligned recently, I may recommend replacing these.

That's all for now. Enjoy!

Oh, forgot to add this picture of steering damper. It's old and likely not working well. New one will give much better/tighter steering feel