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resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 1:40 pm
by jerry
Hello everyone
My name is Jerry, I'm in Minnesota and just recently purchased two 1971 deluxe's. Both needing total restores.
I see parts are the main issue, and I'm glad that this site is here.
I have two extra engines to part out, and would like to maybe do some swamping with other members who might have extra parts also.
I'm retired now so these are my full time hobbies at the moment. I have a couple of questions that if anyone knows? What is the measurement of the standard piston?
What is the deal with the foam under the skid plate? And how can one get the seats reupholstered without breaking the bank, I just had one place quote me $1600.00 just to make covers! Not happening.....lol.

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:46 pm
by subaru360nut
Jerry - welcome to The Club! Your sedans were made in 1970, but
sold and were first licensed in 1971 which is why your titles say 1971 -
but do not argue with the DMV, just know that the parts for your cars
are 1969-70 (some '68 parts are different)

The least expensive way to get your seats upholstered is DIY.
When I bought a '70 sedan (for parts) in 1977 the upholstery was
already in shreds. When I found enough other parts to put it on the
road I went to a fabric store and bought a remnant of genuine
Naugahyde, maroon, for $11. I cut the pieces and took several long
strips to an upholsterer who made welt from them for $3. I got a
big spool of maroon upholstery thread and a set of needles including
curved ones from J C Whitney for $2. It took me a month of spare time
but with zero labor cost I upholstered all the seats for $16. total.

21 years and 125,000 miles later when I sold the sedan completely
restored, the upholstery still looked like it had just been done.

Of course, the parts costs will have gone up in 40 years, but I think
you can probably do both cars for under $100. I still have more than
enough thread and all the needles if Whitney doesn't, and I will never
use them so e-mail me if you are going to do it this way.

See P. 89-90 in the BOOK OF REPRINTS for all the measurements of
stock and oversize pistons, rings, etc.

Goof luck with your restorations, these are really simple vehicles
and much easier to work on than Detroit Dinosaurs. I have
restored 3 sedans, 2 vans, a pickup and a Fastrack II without
incurring any major injuries :D

Ed

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 5:37 pm
by jcimino
Jerry, welcome to the club. This is great place for answers.

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 10:52 pm
by oldone
Welcome aboard. You made a good choice in joining this group of diehard 360 Subie keepers and fans. I'm also retired & am in the slow process of restoring a sedan & have a pretty much original truck.

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 1:37 am
by books1
Hi Jerry, ....... What he said -----^ Except my sedan resto is slower :D :lol: - and not yet retired.

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2019 11:39 am
by kjrcace360fan
Welcome to the club. Some pics would be nice. I have several parts available. Replacement pistons are still available. I'm pretty sure stock size is 61.5 mm

Below is a link to my source since memory isn't what it once was.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2049&hilit=pistons&start=100

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2019 1:16 pm
by subaru360nut
I forgot about the foam under the skid plate -
it appears to serve the function of absorbing the
transaxle oil that seeps out of every 360 power unit :D

Obviously the metal skid plate protects the underside of
the power unit from objects flying up from the road, and
the foam does very little of that. I always replaced the foam
with new (density doesn't matter) whenever I took a power
unit apart.

Ed

Re: resto of 2 deluxes

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2019 5:59 pm
by jerry
Thanks everyone for the replies, very helpful indeed.
If I may add I've found a great place for inexpensive oil seals, except for the diff seals which I'm having trouble with because of the unusual lip that is off set.
www.metricsealsinc.com, use the number on the seal to get the right one, front drum seals, engine oil seals all under 10$.