73 Monaco wagon

Your wagon is simply lovely. I love seeing this thing come together so correctly. The woodrgrain still blows my mind. Love it!
 
It’s interesting but I need to finish one car at a time. Now, if it was a Polara coupe I might think about it.
 
Just caught up on this thread.... way to go!!!!

great job so far! Keep it up and keep us posted.

Thanks !
 
Water pump started dripping, so you know what that means....now I am in mid-water pump replacement. Got the new thermostat gasketed, RTV’d, and bolted in, now I have to re-assemble the new fan clutch...then install the new water pump. Oh well. Better at home than on the road someplace.
 
Everything re-assembled. Letting RTV cure overnight before filling back up with coolant again tomorrow. I’ll drive up a steep hill and hopefully that will get any air out, top side. Can’t wait to get the car driveable again. I miss the rumble of the big v8.
 
Everything re-assembled. Letting RTV cure overnight before filling back up with coolant again tomorrow. I’ll drive up a steep hill and hopefully that will get any air out, top side. Can’t wait to get the car driveable again. I miss the rumble of the big v8.

I hear ya...fired up the wagon for the first time in almost 2 years last summer and drove it around the block, didn't realize how much I missed the sound and feel of a big block!
 
Went for a short test drive. Lovely evening, Booker T and the MG’s Green Onions on the stereo, all is well watching the sunset as I cruise down the four lane. Get home and park the car.

Pop the hood...and steam rolls out.(?!)

One of the heater hoses was spraying coolant out at the hose clamp where it mates up with an engine fitting(?!). Didn’t even touch that when I did the repair.

So, at least the water pump didn’t leak!
 
You fix one weak link the next one pops up to take it's place!:mad: I'm glad you got to take it out on a cruise.
 
That is impressive! I am speechless on your wagon, that is really a sharp nice looking ride. Always fun to check on your progress, great job man!

Thanks for the encouragement. After replacing the water pump, I am currently dealing with a “cold weather, no time, clicking starter that won’t start, exceeded budget” issue. Like the playwright said, “We have toiled through the mountains, now we must toil through the plains.” Warmer, drier weather will get here, I will figure out the starter issue, I shall find the free time needed and my enthusiasm will return, and my hobby car fund will be replenished.

Patience...
 
Went out and thought I’d try to start the car again. The two wires coming off the positive terminal looked a bit too green-tinted for copper. Disassembled the terminal and scrubbed the copper wires with a small brass wire brush. Re-assembled, and the car started right up. Go figure. Really did not want to deal with a starter job right now.
 
Warmer weather and a window of free time. Re-installing grab handles. I got them re-chromed. When I removed them previously there was some aluminized tape under them, so...I am replacing that. Not exactly sure the purpose it served/serves, possibly squeak noise abatement? If anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me.

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Drivers handle attached. Getting the nuts on these is a pain. It’s not a straight shot with the driver, so you have to go in at an angle and use extensions. I stuck some plumbers putty on the nut so it would not easily come out of the socket until it was threaded on the stud properly. Nut reminds me of a spider down a hole. Ugh.

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