winter project list - few things need fixing

[n1gzd_plymouth]

Well,

After finally successfully replacing my rear drum/hubs I been driving my D 230 powered 1936 p2 coupe quite a bit in the last few weeks and I have now got a list of winter projects that I will need advice on. Here is an prioritized introduction to what I will be obsessing on this winter:

1) oil leaks everywhere but rear of engine seems to be worst. I am assuming that my rear seal is bad. I was driving with the clutch cover removed (different story) and oil was slung all over the place. I am assuming that if I had the cover installed, the oil would have collected in that clutch cover pan and leaked out of a drain oil (oil leak would have been concentrated in one place and oil would not have been slung up onto bottom of the car).

How hard is it to replace the rear main seal? I am assuming that the oil pan and flywheel/ring gear has to be removed (what has to be removed in order to remove that - clutch?). Is there anything else that I should do if I have it removed? I see that there is another thread about this and i am reading.

2) I am having a lot of vibration (engine shakes but it does not misfire - I don't think that there are any ignition or induction problems but I am still looking). I am pretty sure that this engine should run very smoothly. I don't know if the cam is stock (I was assuming that it was). It almost seems like it could be due to some kind of problem with other parts of the drive train further back. I am still investigating. I am going to double check the timing but I think that it is fine. Could a throwout bearing that does not have enough lube cause vibration?

3) Some parts of my steering need rebuilding (drag link). I will work on that this winter. I did just replace the ty-rod ends.

4) horrendous squeak (metal on metal noise) in front end when going over bumps. I am thinking that the grease did not get into the front spring shackles. I will try again with new grease fittings. the noise is horrendous.

5) shocks

6) new exhaust that fits right.

LOWER PRIORITY:

7) fix trunk (can't open the trunk because latch is loose on inside - need to crawl in from the inside and fix it).

8) remove house carpet on floor and install rug. should there be a pad under the rug or can the rubber just sit on the painted metal. I was worried about moisture under it. Also, I am missing some rubber grommets around stuff that goes through the floor and firewall.

9) rebuild wiper motors and install new vacuum lines.

10) wire rear brake lights for two filament bulbs and install signal switch (brake lights will blink for signal).

11) install "brake lighter" third brake light in back window. link it up with brake lights. I have seen them used as signals too (left or right half). I might do that too.

12) seat belts - at least lap belt but possibly harness.

13) find a second set of wheels and get black wall tires - I like the way black walls look on this car.