2025-08-17 First Steps

After picking up the '7 and making room in the shop decided to do some initial inspection and some minor items.  Unpacking the first box of Rimmers parts, verifying and laying out the parts.

Some items that got done, mostly minor 

- Engine degreased

- Third brake light installed 

- Checked the interior 

- Trunk light

Engine

The first thing that needed to be done was to wash the engine.  The valve cover is leaking ( new silicone seal coming tomorrow ).  But overall, the engine came out reasonably clean.   As can be seen, this is an unmolested original.  The air pump is still present!  The heater pipe from the exhaust to the intake box is there.

After the degrease and washdown, this was bubbling like crazy when the engine was running :P 

After washing, the engine is running.  I think the air pump is the source of the "squeal."  

Also added a can of Sea Foam and some 91 octane fuel.  The electronic ignition box had a suspect ground wire ( that got fixed ).  It is not running a lot smoother than when I started a couple of hours earlier.  

Third Brake Light 

One of the problems with these cars is that other drivers cannot see them!   The last thing I want is to be rear-ended.  I installed a third brake light on the Spitfire, so it makes sense to have one here.  Once again, got the same one since I liked the Spitfire one

Guoord High Mount 3rd Stop Brake Lights, Compatible with 92-99 Chevy C/K Suburban Blazer Tahoe/GMC Yukon Jimmy/Hummer H2/ Bravada Third Center Cargo Reverse Rear LED Brake Light Bar Taillight (Smoke)

Step 1

Figure out where the light will be mounted. Again, using the experience from the Spitfire as a reference, I decided the boot lid is the best place.   Tape it up!

 

Find the centre line, and then I brought the mounting line from the front of the lid 5".  This cleared the lid bracing will not interfere with the hood, etc, when open.  The wires are easy to route, but a new harness needs to be made to wire into the brake light.  

Step 2 

Drill!  This light needs three holes: one for the wires and two for the mounting screws.   

The wires come with a cone grommet that makes a perfect seal.   Make sure to debur the holes for a clean install.  The light comes with a self-adhesive foam gasket that needs to be installed on the bottom of the light.  Then mount it 

Result 

Installed.   

Conclusion 

I have not made the harness yet; that is the next step to finish it up.  But I like this because it doesn't look out of place.  It does stick up 6" in the air, like I have seen some aftermarket ones.  Does it mean I drilled three holes in the boot lid? Yes, and I am okay with that for safety.  

Interior 

Took a closer look at the interior and made a list of items to address, but there are some items of note

- The clock works! Yes, more than being correct twice a day. LOL 

- The radio is the factory-installed AM/FM 

- The odometer is not working, but the speedometer is.  So it is internal to the gauge :(   Probably the spiral gear is stripped. I have seen that before

- The handbrake needs to be tightened up 

And now this ( should be noted that the aerial is broken off at this point ) 

Trunk Light

While installing the third brake light, the trunk was opened and closed many times.  But here was no light!   Took the cover off the bulb was missing.  Hooked an LED panel to test, and the circuit is good.  Looks like some LED panels, again like in the Spitfire, and going to get mounted and hooked in.       

No real critical stuff got started since I am still waiting for parts to come.  Not a bad first day.