Out with the old

The next step int the process was to deconstruct the car down to a bare chassis.  This will get it ready it ready for media blasting the process to build it back up from the ground.  It also makes it easier to get on a rotisserie.

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The first place to start was removal of the engine.  In these early Celicas I've always done it by removing the hood (typical), then the entire front of the car.  Once this is done, the engine and transmission can all come out in one piece.  This method allows it to be pulled almost straight out of the car. You just move it high enough to clear the front cross member.  No welds were broken in this process, the car simply breaks down this far.

right out the front

During this entire project, every piece and part is being labeled.  All of the fasteners are going into labeled bags.  Various sections of the vehicle (interior, electrical, body trim, etc.) are then all being put into separate marked totes for easy storage and access.

Pictures are being taken as I move through it to mark where certain things connect, or how various pieces go together.  For example, when pulling the front headlights out they are stacked with the hood hinges and the grill.  So during reassembly, they have to be put back together with the right pieces overlapping the others.  There are more pictures in the gallery of these pieces.

don't forget your layers

Unfortunately since this car is a little older, broken bolts are just going to happen.  A lot of penetrating oil is being used, but sometimes it still happens.  Finding replacement fasteners is going to be a fun undertaking!

broken bolts can happen

After the front of the car was removed, the electrical was disconnected.  From that point, it was a matter of hooking a hoist to it so the transmission support and engine mounts could be unbolted.

A little pulling, and out it came!

out!