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Working on the 74.....
Started going out to the 74 once again, this time the goal is wheels on the ground during the summer and to fire it up by fall, if not sooner.
Worked on cleaning up the trans and also on the lower control arms. Pressing out all of the bushings tomorrow for both the upper and lower arms. The lowers still need some final prep before paint. Making progress, any progress is good progress!!! Here are some pics.... the trans before and after, just about cleaned.......getting there... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_4553.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...417_141210.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...417_141139.jpg getting the arms cleaned... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_121250.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_134826.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_142252.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
most of the rear suspension back in...
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_142931.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...420_142949.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Lookin' good. Smart Struts great solution on the rear. Is that the original fuel tank? I'm still running on the original, and have to replace the rear bumper cover (for the second time) and debating if I shouldn't go ahead and replace the tank. Seems like the GM urethane covers only have a 20 year life span before they self-destruct. I gladly do that for the advantage of last year of NO CATS. I note the shock piston rod looks larger diameter than stock. Anything trick with those?
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Re: Working on the 74.....
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I have always used the smart struts on any C3 that I have owned. Makes it way easy for the rear alignment. Yes it is the original tank, will post some pics for you. Mine is a very low mileage vehicle, but had a lot of surface rust due to it only being in a 3 sided type garage in CT with very damp flooring. I redid the tank, and it came out decent. Pics below... My rear bumper came apart in pieces....lol I have the Truflex replacements for both front and rear. We got lucky with our 74's, the last year of the true dual exhaust....:) I am trying the QA1 non adjustable shocks, so we shall see how they do. Still undecided on the rear spring, the VBP #340 lb spring that was intended for the 74 has been on my 82 for the last 5 years. I may put the original metal spring back on the 74, or take the glass spring off of the 82 and put it on the 74. Don't know as of yet.....lol the tank....before and after... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_0047.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_0046.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_0057.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...625_135158.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...625_152253.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Tank rehab looks great! I think I may be OK.......I'll know when I pull the rear urethane. I've been lucky to be able to garage since '79. Been tempted on the TruFlex......but if I can get 20 more years out of urethane the bumpers will outlast me lol! The QA1's look stout.....be interested to hear how they perform when you roll again. Figured they were not the garden variety shock. Seeing the top of the tank always reminds me of how people are stunned when they see you can put your fist thru the tank opening........no UL nozzle restrictions necessary. Had Smart Struts since late 90's......they greatly simplify things beyond the old Armstrong alignment method. You're doing great work....keep going!
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Re: Working on the 74.....
Thanks Jim,
Yes the tank opening is huge, last real year that you could still used leaded gas as you know....if it even was still available.....lol Also interested myself to see how it rides with the QA1's. Only time will tell. As mentioned before, doing the bushings tomorrow. And probably going to remove the heater core, it was replaced over 8 years ago before I bought the car, but since it has been sitting for this long I want to get that one and the original core pressure tested. I know the original one had a pin hole leak. Hopefully that can be repaired, I would like to put that one back in. |
Re: Working on the 74.....
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Try white vinegar on rusty parts? |
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In the meantime, got more things accomplished on Friday. The lower control arm bushing were a treat!!! But they did finally come out. Did some blasting on them, came out decent. More prep later today, then prime, paint and install the new bushings. Also on the schedule is removing the heater core to get checked out along with the original unit that I know has a pin hole leak. getting ready for the lowers, I really could have and should have left them in...oh well!!! http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...421_112101.jpg some time in the blasting cabinet....just about ready for prime & paint... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...421_173016.jpg might give it one more pass, or just sand them down, not going for NCRS..... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...421_191235.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Tom.......You can work on my C3 anytime. I think you'll be pleased you went ahead and did the lowers with the other work you're doing. The heater core? A thankless PITA! But not C4 PITA. My first lasted 20 years, and cost me a right front cut pile carpet. So my #2 is due now at 27 years. I noted the heater box had some cracking around the flanges which I patched first time with black RTV so I picked up a heater box rebuild kit from Dr. Rebuild for round 2. Don't know if he's still in business. But since this is not your first dance with C3's, you've done this before. Wish I worked as fast as you.
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Out again on Saturday but not he best results, as we used a press for a little besides other methods to take out the bushings on Friday. Should not have used it at all. But we did and ending up throwing the arm out of spec slightly. Hopefully it won't be a problem to line it up properly. This heater core has been in the car for the last 9 years, and I imagine it might be ok, but it still has antifreeze in it. So I am going to pull it anyway and get it pressure tested as the interior is already out, just have to remove the HVAC ducts and such. I have purchased a lot of parts from Dr. Rebuild over the years, I think he has slowed down quite a bit. Have not seem him at Carlisle for the last few years. Working faster now since retirement.....lol keeps me busy..... Two pics from Saturday.....needs a final re-coat after we get the arm squared away and the new bushings installed... My high school buddy painting one of the arms, in our makeshift outside open booth....lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...422_122715.jpg almost done.....one more coat when we finish... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...422_122704.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Well had a slight complication with the lower control arms, being I did not like the way the new bushings were going in. The top arms are a breeze, the bottoms have to go through two holes on each end. If not lined up correctly, it could present a problem. I sent them out and all is well. They are on the shelf ready for installation.
Completed another job today and that was removal of the heater box w/core. Although this job was performed by a "Vette" shop before I purchased the car, the bolts were not torqued down completely. Just some real sloppy work. Now to get the core pressure tested along with the original unit, which did have a small pin size leak. Hopefully the original can be repaired... Job completed... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...510_162415.jpg Loaded and ready to come home for repairs and a real good cleaning.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...510_162438.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
making progress with cleaning the HVAC ducts for the 74...
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...120322_001.jpg before... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_120233.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_120245.jpg some of the dirt build up inside the ducts... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_120743.jpg after... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_122356.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_122434.jpg |
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http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_122750.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_125004.jpg this is the original Harrison core from the 74, which was changed out before I purchased...it was leaking. Took this core and the replacement core to the radiator shop for a flush and pressure test. Glad I did because the replacement core also had leaks, and was re soldered to fix them. It was not leaking from the core itself like the original. Saving me tons of time in the future if I had left it unchecked.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_125215.jpg the replacement with new solder.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...518_125244.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Did some driveshaft work today, preliminary cleaning, still have to replace the u-joints and clean the flanges...
the start... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_121814.jpg really didn't notice the part # when I disassembled many years ago... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_122746.jpg cleaning up nicely.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_132236.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_142817.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_142905.jpg just have to figure out if I can save these numbers in anyway, or may have to re stencil... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...607_142837.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Tom,
Re-stencil. I have never seen successful attempts at saving. Why change your shirt, and put the tie on that has a huge stain? Measure; take pictures; re-finish as you did elsewhere, then re-stencil. Keep it going, looking good!!!! Marty |
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Thanks for your thoughts. Never did a re-stencil before, so it will be a new learning experience. :cheers: Did more today changing out the u-joints on the driveshaft. Although I had a neat tool to do the job, it doesn't always go as planned. Removed the u-joint at the rear of the shaft in a few minutes, wow going great today....lol Then I snapped a retainer ring on the joint. My remover tool did not grab the front flange like it did the back. Had to hammer that joint out. That was fun. Also in the pics you will see that the inside of the caps still had plenty of grease there. These are the original joints from 1974, 43 years ago, and only 10,254 original miles. I was just surprised how well lubed they were on the inside. I have seen other joints that were completely dried out when taken apart. Although having some difficulties, everything worked out in the end. Sometimes it doesn't play out like in the videos.....lol Don't mind the garage in disarray, my buddy Chris has a lot going on in his garage........:) tools for the job... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_175949.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_115707.jpg notice the cap coming out the bottom....neat tool... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_121715.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_124124.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
the hammer job...tapping out the cap...some serious hammering here....lol
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_124953.jpg the original joints.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_155203.jpg new joints in and "locked" in place... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_180726.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_180734.jpg took the 82 out to the 74 today to visit his older brother. but he was sleeping the whole time, must be the age......lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...608_162153.jpg |
Re: Working on the 74.....
Another day out at the 74, also did some cleaning on the LT5 TB for the Z.
There are days when you make a decision and it can or does come back to bite you in the a**. Part of today turned out that way....lol In the process of getting the heater core installed in the heater box. We thought we should seal the heater core assembly bracket to the heater box. A good thought, only we used the weather stripping adhesive supplied in the kit. While it is for the foam pieces to hold in place, it was a big mistake to use it on the box itself. Got it all assembled and the heater core bracket assembly was not sitting right. Tried clamping in different spots, but no go. It was just too thick. Ended up taking it all apart and cleaned the entire gasket sealer surface...It goes that way sometimes..... this is what I used to seal the box, big, big mistake. that is some thick stuff... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_150511.jpg you can see where the tube bracket is touching one of the core pipes. couldn't live with that, so a little trimming was in order... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_142308.jpg bracket trimmed, not worries now...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_153035.jpg foam stuffed into the openings...and pipe gasket on the pipes, will be moved for assembly... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_154603.jpg |
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firewall foam test install for a good tight seal once back in the vehicle...
not going for NCRS or anything like that, so just a good clean looking appearance is all that is needed. You could get really crazy with details....lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_175017.jpg where did my wheel go???...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...622_175757.jpg |
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Very nice work and pictures, Tom. These old things sure take a lot of TLC, even with low miles. The paints back then were lousy and put on thin or non-existent - among other things.
I have a '79 L82 4 speed with low miles, and have been refreshing parts, etc. now for 7 years - off and on. Did all new calipers, replaced the rubber hoses and belts, detailed the engine, adjusted a door handle mechanism (so the door wouldn't stick when the handle was depressed), replaced the water pump (went out - rusted from non-use!), replaced the heater core (yep, had the new core pressure tested before hand), overhauled the carb, etc., etc. Gotta say, while I love the Z, it's just a sweet classic corvette look that I enjoy taking my wife in occasionally. If you hadn't seen this video of three C-3s traveling in Ireland, it's pretty motivational. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-pics.html Keep up the great work, sir. |
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Thanks for the kind words G-Sting, they are appreciated.....:)
Watched the video and read the thread, what a trip.....a great time, except for the one health issue. My 74 has been apart going on 9 years this Dec. Should have it on the ground soon, and then the engine work continues. Just want to make sure I check everything twice....lol and install it all correctly. A few more parts to purchase and still more to be refinished. Mostly nuts, bolts and small parts. Post some pics of your 79, I always enjoy looking at all C3's and one with a L82 4spd. I had a chance to purchase a Black 79 4spd years ago, can't remember if it had the L82 or not. And I can't remember why I didn't buy it.....must be the age.....lol Still have work to do on the 82, but it is inspected and drives just fine, even though a lot of the interior is still out of the car....lol The CFI is very reliable and now has about 140,000 + miles on it. Starts up everytime.... I know the feeling about the C3 styling, believe me!!! I have owned more C3's than any other generation. There is just something about them!!! |
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For any C3 owners who would be interested in following the progress of the 74 from the beginning in 2008, here is the link from the thread I have over on CF....my screen name there is..... SSROADSTER
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-of-pics.html And for any 82 C3 owners here, I started the sticky in the Tech section for the CFI in 2013 to help make it easier to troubleshoot any issues that might happen with our engines. Along with info from other 82 owners, there is a lot to read. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...solutions.html |
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Nice that '74 is a big block. Bet you can't wait to get it in and running! At least your '82 is reliable and keeps you enjoying the C-3. I'll post a pic here of the '79. It's stock with only a new Corvette Central dual exhaust system, and then appropriately tuned, 15k original miles. Peppy, torquey and fun. Of course, nothing like the Z. I'll try to add a few more over time... http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/...psgcdgfgay.jpg |
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G, (don't know your first name???) Yes, 9 years is a long time and especially since the 74 is over an hour away from me. It was difficult when I was still working. Being retired now, helps out a lot. I hear you on the books, but I have the assembly manual which does help out when needed. Making some changes to the 454, 68 427 "215" closed chambered heads that are all done with bigger valves which I have probably mentioned before at one time or another...lol Also roller cam and lifters, etc., etc. It will be very exciting to get it fired up for sure......:-D Had the 82 out today for errands, always a pleasure to drive....and since the Z is still down, it's a nice alternative..... Your 79 looks fantastic. Really like the color combo. And the stance looks perfect in the pic. Yes, post more pics whenever you can. Would like to see different angles of the body and of course the interior, motor, suspension....just all of your 79....lol And yes, "nothing like the Z", but then again the C3 is still in a class by itself. And as you mentioned, fun to drive.... |
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Heater box assembled with all new gaskets....ready for the install....
Brought out some Permatex Black Silicone to try out on the large outer seal. Although it holds, I did find that the weatherstripping worked out better on the outside seal... The Silicone was definitely used between the box and core bracket. Just a thin light coat... Attachment 6310Attachment 6311Attachment 6312Attachment 6313Attachment 6314 Sent from my SM-G935P using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app |
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Thanks for the kind words on the '79. I'll try to post a few pics when I can. Seems like most of my pics are at least two years old, since I acquired the Z. Anyway, it looks quite the same as then... This one is behind my son-in-law's '83 911. http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ctam5at.jpg Overhead shot of the interior and engine compartment. I had the valve covers powder coated red to keep a black/red theme. (GoPro attachment is on T bar - makes for nice videos.). That's about it for now. Back to your story... http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/...psyohkgzn5.jpg |
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Two nice looking vehicles, but the 79 does standout....nice pics....:thumbsup:
Yes, the engine should turn out good...just a tad more power.... |
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Got any pics of that 427? |
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You mean the 454..... Dec 2008... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_1974.jpg when we pulled the motor...way back in '09... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...ion2009237.jpg its current position since....lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...IMG_4516-2.jpg |
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A honkin' big engine for the engine bay... with additional torque & hp it sounds like you're building! |
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Today's progress, heater box installed and also lifted the original top on the car. Most of its life has been under the deck lid. Not in bad shape for being original. Some spots need attention and there is on hole that needs to be patched, which may be possible. Back window is very near perfect, especially for the age.
Also made some adjustments on the rear deck lid. Since the top has shrunk over the years, it needs to be stretched out. But everytime we got the top connected, the RR deck lid would pop up and sometimes the LR too. So we determined that the RR mechanism needed adjustment. Had to add two washers to the locking bracket to bring it out to make a good tight secure connection. Problem solved, as now the top is fully attached and the deck lid is in place with no movement at all. you can see the deck lid on the LS raised... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...703_115118.jpg another view... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...703_115138.jpg adjustments made....nice and flush.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...703_135726.jpg you can notice the small hole towards the top on the RS... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...703_135741.jpg |
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Those magic numbers.....lol although years of dust and grime, it still has a meaning....lol
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...64a3af3bbd.jpg one of my partners in crime....old high school buddy from way back when...always had the top down in his Rebel SST no matter what the weather was outside....lol...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...703_140613.jpg |
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For those who have an interest, I started a new FB page recently called...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LS4454/ It is about the BBC's with the Mark IV Engine from 1965-1976. Check out our page and request to join, especially if you have an interest or are already a BBC owner... Thanks....:) |
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Doing more work on the 74 today. Presently in the process of wiping down every wire in the wiring harness that I can get my fingers on. Not too bad to begin with, but years of dust, slight grime and some electrical tape needing repair needed to be addressed.
Glad I marked everything years ago, otherwise I be in a real mess....lol Attachment 6361Attachment 6362Attachment 6363Attachment 6364 Sent from my SM-G935P using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app |
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Continuing on in the day, things going well. Took the heater box out again for the last time....lol Connected vacuum hoses to the proper locations and hooked up some of the duct work. Sometimes you learn as you go along, because maybe you have forgotten what you once new from years ago...lol or maybe the instructions were all not that great, or you didn't take certain pics or make notes when things came apart...lol
But anyway, as I was putting the duct work back together, I couldn't get the center piece back on to the side the heater box. Of course I installed the foam gaskets ahead of time, and in this particular assembly that was not the correct thing to do. So out comes the gasket and I had to peel off all of the adhesive material used to hold the gasket in place. Thankfully it was still very pliable which helped out tremendously....whew.... Got it all cleaned off and proceeded as planned. So far so good. Also dropped the top for more working room and it is starting to stretch, as it took very minimal effort to get it back in place.... top down.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_150935.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_150943.jpg getting the vacuum hoses in their correct locations... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_153939.jpg box back in.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_160731.jpg part that wouldn't fit onto the box until I moved the foam gasket... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_173112.jpg sealant I had to peel off...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_173118.jpg |
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making progress...notice the gap between the center piece and the defroster vent. that will get tape around it to prevent air loss. the quality control wasn't the best back then and we wonder why the HVAC system never worked as intended....lol
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_180644.jpg a close up of the gap... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...712_180651.jpg |
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I stand corrected from the photo above which shows a wide gap. I think that I can close that gap considerably, but will still need to use tape to keep sealed....
Did some minor items on the 74 today, nothing major......took out the center HVAC duct again....lol to reposition the vacuum hoses to go under there....still want to make sure I have them in the correct location...I should have taken more pics...lol and I do have the AIM, but for some reason this job is KIA.... also tried to clean the white top. Tried different cleaners and although there is a slight difference, I am sure there is something out there to get rid of those stains. I am thinking about using straight bleach. If anyone has any suggestions, they will be appreciated.....thx.... view from the RS...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_161123.jpg view from the LS...lol http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_161108.jpg already started cleaning.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_140252.jpg http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_140119.jpg little improvement.... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_140057.jpg there is a slight difference, and notice the difference from under the back window... http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...717_140030.jpg |
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The Group includes BBC's from 1965-1976 Thanks for looking.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/LS4454/ |
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Went out to the 74 yesterday with my oldest grandson. We had a great time and got somethings accomplished. He was anxious to wrench and really enjoyed the outing. I let him get a hands on feel for what and why we were doing what we did. Needless to say, he also really enjoyed working on the car....
Attachment 6413Attachment 6414Attachment 6415 Sent from my SM-G935P using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app |
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Looks like that young man is learning a lot from you. What great memories you are making with him. Keep it up, sir! G P.S. Since Photobucket is now defunct for me, I'm attaching another pic of the '79. It's in front of the Churchill Downs corporate building that I took after driving it this weekend. :-). |
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