This thing actually runs!

We both got to work together yesterday on the car.  Got the ignition switch back together, the new keys work great.  Were able to get oil pressure while spinning on the starter motor - read over 40 pounds on dash gauge and on external gauge Vince had - so between the new oil pump and priming the pump with vaseline the oil pressure issue has gone away.  Then did compression check - got about 120 on five cylinders but about 100 on cylinder #2.  This is not bad, and the figures may get closer after running the engine.  Very likely the lower compression on cylinder #2 is some type of junk around the valve seats that will get worn away quickly when engine runs.

Then tried to start the engine, no luck.  The ignition switch won't energize the starter for some reason, so continued to hot wire direct to starter solenoid.  But no firing on the cylinders, despite having voltage to the ignition coil.  Given good oil pressure and compression, we are sure we can get the thing to run, probably some type of electrical gremlins.

Meantime, also bled the rear brakes - all four brakes work now and pedal feels solid.

Today Ray went by shop and on a whim turned the ignition key - now it decides it will energize the starter.  Not only that, the engine started right up!  After Vince heard this, he drove on up to the shop and we took the car out for a ride.  Very low tire pressures and non existent rear shocks made the ride kinda weird, but the important thing is the engine ran well, clutch works well, and all four gears were engaged with no issues.  To prove it, watch this video:

So looks like our gamble on the basics of the car (engine, transmission, and clutch) is turning out OK. The video shows 50 psi oil pressure, this was when the engine was full hot, so excellent oil pressure.   Lots more work to do, but this is a major milestone for sure.

Here's some more pics of items completed on the car.  Steering boots installed:

Still a little puzzled over why one side has almost an inch of threads showing by tie rod while the other side has no threads showing at all.

Adjustable clutch push rod installed and adjusted:

And a pic of the new oil pump in place prior to installation of the oil pan:

Initial Focus - Get it Running

Lots of progress the last few weeks.  Did not find key, so got ignition switch removed and dismantled, took tumbler to local lock shop and had two keys made, ready to reassemble.  Tried to get oil pressure while spinning motor on starter, were not successful in getting oil pump to pick up oil.  Removed pan and oil pump, determined pump was marginal with tip clearance of 0.008" (spec is 0.001" to 0.004").  So ordered new oil pump and pan gasket.  Will use vaseline inside oil pump to help it get primed while spinning with the relatively slow starter motor.  Prefer to ensure oil pressure prior to actually starting engine or even checking compression, ie before putting any load on bearings.

Front brakes bled fine but rear did not, no pressure reaching rear wheel cylinders, so will order two flexible brake lines at rear (notorious for plugging).  Ordered new boots for steering rack, another common failure.  Ordered new clutch push rod with adjustment feature, current rod has been "adjusted" by welding extra nuts on end of rod to increase it's length.

Vince went out of town for a few weeks before parts showed up.  Meantime, Ray has been busy.  Here's pictures of the new rear brake lines in place:

Ray also used fiberglass to reinforce the small area of corrosion on the driver's side floor panel.  He then coated both floors with POR15, great rust inhibitor.  Those floors should not present any problem at all!  Nice pictures:

Vince and Ray will both be able to work on the car this coming week, obviously very curious whether the oil pump resolves the oil pump priming issue and then confirm integrity of engine, transmission, and clutch.